Recent Water Damage Posts
Steps to protect your home from water damage
11/11/2022 (Permalink)
- Make sure the caulking around the tub and shower is water tight. If there are cracks in the caulk, replace it. The cost of caulking is less cheap than the potential water damage that could be caused from water leaks down the road.
- Check the hoses that lead to the dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machine annually to be sure there are no cracks or water leaks. Hoses should be replaced every 5-7 years.
Shower/tubs, toilets, sinks, water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers are the common causes of water leaks that could lead to water damage. Checking these often can prevent potential disaster.
If you have a water problem in your home or business then call SERVPRO of North Elkhart County for all your restoration needs!
574-343-1397
How to Prevent Water Damage
11/11/2022 (Permalink)
Water damage is the #1 thing that weakens your homes foundation. When water damage hits the core of your home, it eventually causes serious structural damage. By repairing water leaks such as dripping pipes, cracked caulking, loose, missing, or damaged shingles, you can prevent water damage. Nature outside of the home can also be a culprit for water damage. Certain plants, trees, shrubs, and leaves can contribute to water damage. When the water is not draining properly the dirt around the foundation can separate and pool around the home. Downspouts should be at least 5-10’ away from the house.
If you have a water problem in your home or business then call SERVPRO of North Elkhart County for all your restoration needs!
574-343-1397
Your Elkhart Home IS Your Most Important Investment
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
Owning a home is a rewarding part of life. For most homeowners, it is the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime. It is also a large responsibility when things don't go as planned SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is #HERETOHELP. Many problems can arise without warning, from plumbing issues, faulty appliances, septic problems to storm damage. If you find your Elkhart home affected by water damage SERVPRO of North Elkhart County provides 24-hour emergency services:
- Mitigation and water removal
- Highly trained and certified technicians
- Dehumidification and drying equipment to dry a multitude of materials
- Experience working with a wide variety of insurance companies
- Contents cleaning, drying and deodorizing
- Full-service cleaning
- Repair and reconstruction services available
- Knowledgeable and friendly employees to handle all aspects of you and your homes need and concerns
Damage to your home can be a very stressful event. The team at SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is here to elevate that stress and return your house to the home you love.
574-343-1397
Trust In SERVPRO of North Elkhart County For Your 24 Emergency Services
6/13/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today-
(574) 343-1397
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of North Elkhart County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of North Elkhart County
SERVPRO of North Elkhart specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Don't Let The Winter Cold Weather Scare You!
1/7/2022 (Permalink)
Take precautions ahead of cold winter weather, but should you need SERVPRO we are here 24/7/365!
The Weather Outside Is Frightful
There are many precautions you can take to help you avoid the expense and inconvenience of frozen pipes during an extended cold spell.
1. Leave the heat on at least 55 degrees and open cupboard doors under sinks, especially where plumbing is in outside walls, to let interior heat warm the pipes.
2. Temporarily, keep a steady drip of cold water at an inside faucet farthest from the meter. This keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.
3. If you are away for any length of time, you may consider shutting off your home’s water to reduce the chances of frozen or broken pipes. Contact your water provider for more information on how to do this.
4. Have your plumber and water provider’s telephone number handy. During an extended cold spell, your pipes might freeze despite the best precautions.
If Your Pipes Freeze
1. Determine which pipe(s) are frozen. If some faucets work but others don’t, that means pipes inside your home are likely frozen. If none of your faucets work, there may be a problem at the street - contact your water provider.
2. Find the frozen pipe(s) and attempt to thaw them with a hair dryer using a low setting. Wave the hair dryer back and forth along the frozen area. NEVER thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame.
3. Shut off water and power (or gas) to the water heater if you have a leak or a broken pipe. Contact your water provider if you are unable to find the shut-off valve or the valve doesn’t work.
If You Think It Could Be Water Damage - Here Is What To Look For!
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
Your Problem, Our Solution!
Water damage is not always visible on the surface. You might be able to see a flooded basement or a busted pipe in your bathroom, however, you might not see a slow leak inside your wall that can lead to big problems later on. In order to avoid these big problems with water damage in the future, you will need to watch for signs of issues as soon as they come up. Here are some important indicators of water damage in your home:
High Water Bills--If you notice that your water bills are unusually high, that might be due to a leak in your piping that you cannot see at this time. The water is slowly seeping out through your pipes, and you have to pay for every drop that you’re not using. It might be wise to get a plumbing inspection at this time to identify where the leak might be coming from and what you can do to fix it.
Decreased Water Pressure--If the pressure coming from your faucet and your shower head doesn’t feel as powerful as it used to be, you again might have a leak in your system. This is the water is escaping through the leak and not shooting through the pipe as powerfully as it normally would. Other factors to consider are a change in your faucet or showerhead itself, as that may result in less water trickling through to you. If you haven’t made any changes in your home, find a professional that can help you identify the problem.
Difficulty Breathing--If you or someone in your home is having a hard time breathing, that may be the result of mold built up on the inside of your walls. It’s always a good idea to have your house regularly checked for mold because it is a problem that can grow rapidly and be very difficult to control.
Mold Spores--If you notice mold on your walls, that is most likely a sign of excess moisture underneath the drywall or somewhere in the room. This mold might not penetrate far and it might not be an indication of an inner problem, but if you cut into the drywall and see that it is spread all along the back, chances are you have a leak in your piping that you don’t know about yet. If the mold has traveled from the back of your drywall to the front, the problem is pretty large needs to be dealt with right away.
**Keep a close eye on everything that happened in your home, and you will be able to prevent extensive water damage before it happens.
You Can Count On SERVPRO To Be Fastest From Water Damage!
11/27/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of North Elkhart County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of North Elkhart County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of North Elkhart County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (574) 343-1397
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
- Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
- Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to swell and break down.
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Furniture begins to swell and crack.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
- Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
- Metal begins to rust and corrode.
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
- Paint begins to blister.
- Wood flooring swells and warps.
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
About SERVPRO of North Elkhart County
SERVPRO of North Elkhart County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Don't Let Water Put A Damper On Your Day!
11/27/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is here 24/7 to help people in the North Elkhart area return to "Like it never even happened."
Heavy rainfalls and sudden downpours often overwhelm sump pumps. Cracks in the walls or foundation allow the water to seep in. But even a seemingly "watertight" home can have problems when the water that has seeped into the ground in the area surrounding the home becomes saturated.
The pressure of this water on the concrete walls and floors of the basement become too much, and the water begins to seep into the basement through these barriers. Water that gets into the basement or any other area of a home can often be traced back to clogged gutters.
But water has a way of discreetly finding its way into the tiniest cracks and oftentimes, goes completely unnoticed. Small leaks also tend to be inconspicuous. These small but steady water intrusions can cause serious damage.
No one wants to have to deal with a wet basement or water leaking into any area of a home.
Do You Understand The Impact Of Water Loss? If Not, Keep Reading!
11/27/2021 (Permalink)
Our SERVPRO professionals have access to some of the most powerful tools and equipment in the industry.
When our team first arrives at any water loss incident, we must first assess the spread and impact of these conditions on the residence. We have moisture and dampness detection devices that can help us to determine the status of wall cavities and other inaccessible areas of your home. In the early stages of water loss, even substantial risks like broken pipes can get resolved and cleaned up before they become devastating situations.
Our SERVPRO of North Elkhart County professionals have a deep inventory of recovery tools that can help with both extraction and drying of water damage in homes. Depending on the situation, we do not need to use all of the resources at our disposal. This determination gets made by our project management and crew chief performing the initial thorough inspection of the property. In some situations, we can perform the full extraction that your house needs using only our portable sump pumps and light wands.
Extraction is one of the most vital steps that our restoration technicians can take when we first arrive at your water damaged home. Our SERVPRO professionals have access to some of the most powerful tools and equipment in the industry. In some scenarios, electric submersible pumps can help to overcome the standing water present in a specific area of your house. The continual discharge of this device can quickly work through several inches of damage to ensure that drying efforts can begin shortly after.
Light wands are another highly mobile option for addressing water loss effects under two inches in depth. These tools can perform powerful extraction in small areas, often collected by a wet-vac tank. The portability of these options makes them ideal for small spaces and confined areas of the property.
Not all extraction tools are necessary for every water loss incident that our SERVPRO team encounters. Knowing what your home needs is the job of our qualified assessment team. We can get to work quickly on making water losses “Like it never even happened.” We are faster to any disaster and are ready and waiting to put our experience, expertise and equipment to work for you!
SERVPRO Specializes In Flooded Basement Cleanup & Restoration!
6/28/2021 (Permalink)
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Elkhart County basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- And many more
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - 574-343-1397]
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of North Elkhart County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
- Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
- We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 574-343-1397
Ask The Experts: How To Eliminate Dishwasher Leaking
12/14/2020 (Permalink)
Many homes and apartments have not only the mandatory stove and refrigerator in the kitchen but also a dishwasher. Using one requires special detergents, knowledge of how to correctly load the racks and caddy, and removing the food from dishes and plates before loading them.
If your kitchen in your residence has a dishwasher, misuse can lead to leaks which rapidly create water damage. The manual that explains proper use might seem overly detailed but not following the instructions can damage your machine, and your home, too.
The reason why dishwashers should never have regular dishwashing liquid used in them is that the suds can increase the pressure enough to break the door's seal. Once broken, water can easily pour out. Hot soapy water quickly drenches the floor and finds its way deep into openings in your flooring. Small spills on a tile floor when quickly mopped up cause not significant water damage.
Incorrectly loading the dishes into racks and the flatware caddy can let things dislodge and cause problems. Items too small to safely go into the dishwasher can end up forced into the drain lines and clog them. Knives can break the interior shell of older models and cause leaks that way. These leaks might happen during or after the cycle completes and become a source of water damage. Always inspect your water supply line, drainage hose for cracks and connection to the plumbing to prevent pressurized, high volumes of water from soaking the kitchen base cabinets and more.
Using a dishwasher means rinsing plates adequately after scraping any food left on them. Two problems happen that you can easily prevent. One is using dish soap when rinsing. This is entirely unnecessary and also a waste of resources. Not rinsing off all of the soap can lead to the overproduction of suds already mentioned above. The other problem is not rinsing enough or at all. Removing liquid or semi-liquid food like salsa or mashed potatoes is not as important as eliminating peas or bits of meat. A drain line that becomes clogged with food can send water all over your floor only a few minutes after you start the next cycle.
As always, a bit of prevention that might seem inconsequential or even a bother can help protect your home from water damage. When damage already exists, SERVPRO is ready to take your call and answer your questions. We can help get things cleared up and dry again, "Like it never even happened." We are faster to any disaster and are ready to put our expertise to work for you!
Why SERVPRO? Water In The Crawlspace
11/16/2020 (Permalink)
As a homeowner, finding water in your crawl space can be unsettling; it could be an ominous sign that there are bigger issues that have gone unnoticed. Now you have at least two challenges on your hands: getting rid of the water in your crawl space and finding the source of that water. A wet crawl space can cause your home a variety of problems and must be dealt with immediately.
What Are the Causes?
There are a number of reasons why water may collect under your house. Furthermore, it’s usually a sign that something else is going on. It’s recommended that dehumidification professionals are hired to assess the situation. They’ll check for the following:
- Cracks in the foundation or walls
- Improper grading or slope of the property
- Failing or improperly installed gutters or downspouts
- Broken water lines
These are only a few common causes of a wet crawl space. The problem can range from a noticeable increase in humidity resulting in condensation to a full-blown flood. Either way, there’s no time to waste, as things can quickly get out of control.
What Are the Risks?
As minor as a little water in your crawl space may seem, major problems can develop that can affect your whole house, one of the worst being mold. There’s a good possibility that your HVAC system and ductwork are located in your crawl space. Once mold develops down there, the spores can travel into the air ducts and throughout your home, growing mold in places where you’re likely to not even notice.
Another risk of the humidity under your house is moist wood. This is an ideal situation for termites, as well as other pests such as rodents, roaches and spiders.
Depending on the cause of your wet crawl space, there are a variety of options for remedying the situation. These solutions include installing a sump pump if the area is prone to flooding, installing a crawl space dehumidifier or installing a vapor barrier on the floor and walls. Take action immediately to get your home assessed before any more damage develops.
Why SERVPRO? Because Inclement Weather in Elkhart County Is No Joke!
11/16/2020 (Permalink)
While the inclement and frigid weather of Elkhart County, is predictable and leads many homeowners to have emergency restoration services on speed dial, a home doesn’t have to be a victim to any looming winter storm. There are at least four practical steps homeowners can take to help ensure they quite literally maintain the roof over their heads.
1. Clear and Maintain Your Gutters
Cleaning out your gutters is not just a springtime gig. Maintaining clean gutters year-round helps to ensure that your roof remains structurally sound. In the winter, clogged gutters can lead to ice buildup, which eventually accumulates under your shingles and can lead to roof rot.
2. Trim Your Trees
The last thing you want to experience during a winter storm is the thunderous boom of a maple plummeting through your living room ceiling. Maintaining and trimming your trees at the change of every season can help you avoid the chaos and property loss from loose branches or rotted out trunks.
3. Replace Missing or Damaged Flashing
An essential aspect of roof health is to keep water out. Missing or damaged flashing can allow the ice and snow of a blizzard to seep into your attic space. Once moisture enters in, it can lead to the development and spread of mold, mildew and rot. Before the winter settles in, you may want to perform a visual inspection of your roofline to ensure everything is hunky-dory.
4. Repair and Inspect Your Chimney
In addition to inspecting your roof for cosmetic damage, like missing shingles, you should also examine your chimney. A leaning chimney or a chimney with old and cracking mortar can cause significant roof damage if not dealt with before the cold sets in. Frigid temperatures and exposure to ice can cause old or already cracking mortar to separate and fail. Additionally, if your chimney is already leaning, then the added weight of snow and ice can cause it to collapse.
Before any winter storm has time to pummel your roof, take the time to inspect it and the surrounding area. Stay safe and keep your roof over your head. If winter does mess up your plans, give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and will make things "Like it never even happened."
Ask The Experts: What Should I Do When My Water Heater Is Leaking?
11/11/2020 (Permalink)
As a homeowner, you may have to deal with a wide range of home maintenance problems. A leaking water heater, for example, could plague your house. What should you do when this type of issue arises?
1. Get Help
Like other flooding situations, it is often best to allow professionals to handle the cleanup process. Working with a team familiar with residential flooding ensures your cleanup will go quickly and smoothly.
2. Stop the Water
Cutting off the water supply to a leaking water heater can help you reduce the amount of water that fills your home. Most units have a water supply valve, but you may need to turn off the water to your entire house to stem the surge.
3. Turn Off the Power
Before your professional can start repairing a failed water heater, you need to make sure it is safe for him or her to get to work. You can do this by turning off the power to the heater. Depending on your unit, you may need to turn off a circuit breaker or turn a dial on the water heater itself.
4. Prepare for Repairs
Next, the broken water heater has to be drained. This has to be done before it can get repaired because your expert has to have access to the source of the leak. Not only should the water be drained, but the valves on the system should be opened to ensure a vacuum does not form during the cleanup process.
5. Address the Water Damage
Once your water heater has been repaired, you need to turn your attention to the damage caused by the leaking. Drying out your space and replacing damaged building materials can help return your home to its original state.
If you are ever faced with a leaking water heater, you need to know how to address the problem. Quick action can save you from future issues.
If you are facing a disaster, give us a call! Let us make it "Like it never even happened."
Ask The Experts: What Things Should I Do To Prepare My Northern Indiana Home For The Winter?
11/11/2020 (Permalink)
Winter weather brings icy winds and dipping temperatures which can do a lot of damage to your home by freezing pipes and leaving you without flowing water.
Before Freezing Weather:
- Disconnect and drain hoses from outside faucets. If your home has a separate shut-off valve for outside faucets, then use it to shut the water off to your outside faucets. Then go outside and turn on the faucets to drain water from the line. If your home does not have a separate shut-off valve for outside faucets, then wrap each outside faucets with insulation or newspaper.
-Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas such as the garage, crawl space, or/and attic. Check with your local home improvement store for which materials to use to insulate your pipes.
-Turn off and drain irrigation systems and backflow devices. Wrap backflow devices with insulating material.
-Cover foundation vents with foam blocks, thickly folded newspaper, or cardboard.
-Show household members how to turn off the water to the house in case of emergencies. The main shut-off valve is often located near the water heater or washing machine. If a pipe bursts anywhere in the house - kitchen, bath, basement, or crawl space - this valve turns it off.
So get a jump on the winter weather! It will be here before you know it. If disaster does strike, give us a call and let us make it "Like it never even happened."
IICRC Certified: Check!
7/7/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of North Elkhart
SERVPRO of North Elkhart County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Click the link below to meet our crew!
http://www.SERVPROnorthelkhartcounty.com/restoration-training-certifications
SERVPRO of North Elkhart County
572-343-1397
SERVPRO Tips: Don't be fooled by the summer, water damage can still be a problem!
7/1/2020 (Permalink)
Don't let the warm weather fool you!
Many people assume that during the summer months water damage is not an issue that they need to think about but don’t let the high temperatures fool you. Water damage can happen at any time in the year and you need to be ready to deal with it.
It is unlikely that you will experience water damage due to the weather during the summer months but water damage doesn’t always happen because of outside conditions. If something goes wrong with your plumbing system you could have a large problem on your hands. Often even small problems can become big ones if you’re on vacation and your home is left empty for a few days, weeks, or months.
Turning off your water main when leaving your home for long periods of time will help avoid water pressure from building up in your pipes. By doing this you remove a lot of the chance of a leak since usually, leaks happen when there is a stoppage in the pipes.
Once your water main is turned off you can turn on all the faucets in your home to let any built-up water out. This will ensure that the pipes are relieved from pressure and if you have a leaky fitting or faucet it will not cause problems.
Turning off your water heater while on vacation will not only save energy but it prevents the chance of the water heater having a problem. Admittedly the odds that your water heater will cause problems are low, especially if it is a newer model and is well taken care of it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Also, it is always a good thing to save energy.
One of the easiest steps that you can take is asking a friend or family member to check on your home every once in a while if you are planning to be gone for a long time. These are just a few tips to help make sure that your home survives the summer season. If you do experience any kind of water damage be sure that it is properly taken care of by experts.
Saving Water In The Winter
12/4/2018 (Permalink)
We all would like to be good stewards of our resources; but the question is asked, "How can we remember to save water?" Let's break it down:
1. Let it thaw, let it thaw, let it thaw! Save water and the energy used by the hot water heater, by thawing foods in the microwave or overnight in the fridge, instead of running hot water over them.
2. Never lighten the load! Holiday fun means party attire, snow gear, and a whole bunch of laundry. Save water and make that pile disappear faster by only washing and drying full loads every time. By using cold water whenever possible, it can reduce the energy needed to wash your clothes, as well help you save on your energy bill.
3. Keep the tap tight! If you are pulling out the fine china this holiday season chances are you will have to hand wash those beauties. When you are ready to roll up your sleeves, do not let the tap constantly run; plug the drain, fill the sink with soapy water and scrub away.
4. Give the gift of rain. The rain barrel is not a new concept. However, improvements over time have produced models capable of offering maximum effectiveness and durability. Having a barrel specifically designed for rain water collection means you may be able to collect a greater volume of water.
Top 3 Things You Should Know About Water Damage
7/3/2018 (Permalink)
Water damage can be a huge hassle if not handled correctly. A surprise flood or leak can cause major issues with your walls, flooring, and furniture. When you are faced with excess water in your home, here are three things to keep in mind when facing water damage:
- Don’t wait to get help. It is important to get help as quickly as possible from a professional service to prevent major water damage in your home. The sooner you call a reliable team experienced in water damage restoration, the better. Getting the situation taken care of as soon as possible will prevent mold growth and other serious problems in your home.
- Start drying the area right away. The more you can dry the affected areas, the better. Mopping up extra water with towels and rags will help the area dry faster. When drying the area, don’t use a vacuum to remove water or use other fans or electrical appliances as they can be potentially dangerous.
- The damage can spread deeper than the surface. Even if you clean up all the standing water, it is likely that more water seeped through the floor and baseboards. If this extra water underneath your floor is not taken care of, it can quickly become a bigger problem, leading to mold and damage to the structure of your home.
4 Ways to Save Water During Winter
12/21/2017 (Permalink)
We all would like to be good stewards of our resources; but the question is asked, "How can we remember to save water?" Let's break it down:
1. Let it thaw, let it thaw, let it thaw! Save water and the energy used by the hot water heater, by thawing foods in the microwave or overnight in the fridge, instead of running hot water over them.
2. Never lighten the load! Holiday fun means party attire, snow gear, and a whole bunch of laundry. Save water and make that pile disappear faster by only washing and drying full loads every time. By using cold water whenever possible, it can reduce the energy needed to wash your clothes, as well help you save on your energy bill.
3. Keep the tap tight! If you are pulling out the fine china this holiday season chances are you will have to hand wash those beauties. When you are ready to roll up your sleeves, do not let the tap constantly run; plug the drain, fill the sink with soapy water and scrub away.
4. Give the gift of rain. The rain barrel is not a new concept. However, improvements over time have produced models capable of offering maximum effectiveness and durability. Having a barrel specifically designed for rain water collection means you may be able to collect a greater volume of water.
Winter Water Tips
11/1/2017 (Permalink)
Winter weather brings icy winds and dipping temperatures which can do a lot of damage to your home by freezing pipes and leaving you without flowing water.
Before Freezing Weather:
- Disconnect and drain hoses from outside faucets. If your home has a separate shut-off valve for outside faucets, then use it to shut the water off to your outside faucets. Then go outside and turn on the faucets to drain water from the line. If your home does not have a separate shut-off valve for outside faucets, then wrap each outside faucets with insulation or newspaper.
-Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas such as the garage, crawl space, or/and attic. Check with your local home improvement store for which materials to use to insulate your pipes.
-Turn off and drain irrigation systems and backflow devices. Wrap backflow devices with insulating material.
-Cover foundation vents with foam blocks, thickly folded newspaper or cardboard.
-Show household members how to turn off water to the house in case of emergencies. The main shut-off valve is often located near the water heater or washing machine. If a pip burst anywhere in the house - kitchen, bath, basement, or crawl space - this valve turns it off.
During Freezing Weather
11/1/2017 (Permalink)
There are many precautions you can take to help you avoid the expense and inconvience of frozen pipes during an extended cold spell.
1. Leave the heat on at least 55 degrees and open cupboard doors under sinks, especially where plumbing is in outside walls, to let interior heat warm the pipes.
2. Temporarily, keep a steady drip of cold water at an inside faucet farthest from the meter. This keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.
3. If you are away for any length of time, you may consider shutting off your home’s water to reduce the chances of frozen or broken pipes. Contact your water provider for more information on how to do this.
4. Have your plumber and water provider’s telephone number handy. During an extended cold spell, your pipes might freeze despite the best precautions.
If Your Pipes Freeze
1. Determine which pipe(s) are frozen. If some faucets work but others don’t, that means pipes inside your home are likely frozen. If none of your faucets work, there may be a problem at the street - contact your water provider.
2. Find the frozen pipe(s) and attempt to thaw them with a hair dryer using a low setting. Wave the hair dryer back and forth along the frozen area. NEVER thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame.
3. Shut off water and power (or gas) to the water heater if you have a leak or a broken pipe. Contact your water provider if you are unable to find the shut-off valve or the valve doesn’t work.
24/7 Emergency Service