Act Fast: The Importance of Water Mitigation When Damage is Discovered

3/26/2024 (Permalink)

Hire an experienced, equipped water mitigation company to restore your home or business.

Water damage can strike unexpectedly, wreaking havoc on your home or business and causing extensive structural and property damage.

Whether from burst pipes, leaking appliances, or severe weather events, swift and effective mitigation is key to minimizing the impact of water damage.

Here's why acting fast is crucial when water damage is discovered:

Preventing Further Damage

Water has a knack for spreading quickly and seeping into every nook and cranny of your property. The longer water sits untreated, the greater the potential for further damage. Moisture can weaken building materials, compromise structural integrity, and promote mold growth, leading to costly repairs and health hazards down the line.

Preserving Belongings and Valuables

Water damage doesn't discriminate - it can damage everything from furniture and electronics to personal belongings. Acting fast with water mitigation efforts can help salvage and preserve your belongings, minimizing losses and reducing the emotional toll of water damage. Professional mitigation techniques such as water extraction, drying, and content restoration can help salvage items that water may otherwise irreparably damage.

Mitigating Health Risks

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other harmful pathogens that pose serious health risks to you and your loved ones. Exposure to mold spores and contaminated water can lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems.

Preventing Mold Growth

Mold can begin to grow within as little as 24-48 hours after water damage occurs. Once mold takes hold, it can spread rapidly and become a persistent problem if not addressed promptly. You can reduce the risk of mold infestation, associated health concerns, and property damage by tackling water damage early.

Restoring Peace of Mind

Professional mitigation teams have the expertise, equipment, and resources to quickly and effectively address water damage, allowing you to focus on restoring and restoring your life.

If you discover water damage in your home or business, don't wait - contact SERVPRO's professional water mitigation service immediately to protect your property and well-being. 

Preventing Winter Woes: How to Winterize Your Home

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

Winter brings enchanting landscapes and cozy moments by the fireplace, but it also brings the potential for property damage due to harsh weather conditions.

One of the most common and costly issues during the colder months is cracked pipes caused by freezing water. To avoid this and other cold-weather complications, it's crucial to winterize your home. Here's how:

1. Insulate Pipes: Ensure that pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces are well-insulated. Use pipe sleeves or heat tape to keep them warm and prevent freezing.

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Seal gaps and cracks in your home's exterior to prevent cold air from entering. Check for drafts around doors, windows, and electrical outlets, and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them.

3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them thoroughly. Shut off the water supply to these faucets and consider using faucet covers to insulate them.

4. Service Your Heating System: Have your heating system professionally serviced to ensure it's in optimal working condition. A well-maintained system keeps your home warm and prevents frozen pipes.

5. Adjust Thermostat Settings: While lowering the thermostat when you're not at home is tempting, try to maintain a consistent temperature to prevent pipes from freezing. A programmable thermostat can help you manage temperature adjustments efficiently.

6. Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate pipes in kitchen and bathroom cabinets by leaving cabinet doors open. This can help prevent them from getting too cold.

7. Let Faucets Drip: On freezing nights, let faucets drip a little to keep water moving. Running water is less likely to freeze.

8. Maintain Attic Insulation: Ensure your attic is well-insulated to prevent warm air from escaping through the roof. Proper insulation also helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

9. Clean Gutters: Keep your gutters free of debris to prevent ice dams from forming. Ice dams can damage your roof and lead to water leaks.

10. Plan for Vacation: If you're going on vacation during the winter, leave your heating system on and set it to a temperature that prevents freezing.

11. Install Storm Windows: If you have storm windows, install them to add an extra layer of insulation to your home.

12. Close Crawl Space Vents: If you have crawl spaces with vents, close them for the winter to prevent cold air from entering.

13. Consider Pipe Heating Cables: For particularly vulnerable pipes, consider using pipe heating cables to keep them warm during cold spells.

14. Be Prepared: Always know the location of your main water shut-off valve. Turning off the water supply can minimize damage in case of a burst pipe.

Winterizing your home involves avoiding costly repairs and ensuring comfort during the colder months. By taking these precautions, you can protect your home from the perils of winter and enjoy the season worry-free.

How to Find Water You Can't See

1/29/2023 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property.

SERVPRO has the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology, and equipment must be counted on to perform. We can answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by our franchise.

-Moisture sensors detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls.

-Moisture meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings allowing us to monitor the drying process.

-Thermo hygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is important to dry the structure, but it must also be disinfected and often deodorized. 

Melting Snow Creates Water Damage

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Being in the Midwest, we can all agree that it can be snowstorms one day, and the next, it will be direct sunlight. People often won’t associate snow melting with flooding issues as it isn’t as expected when the ice freezes near the structure, creating tiny cracks in the foundation. When the temperature rises in one of our weather mood swings, water can seep through these cracks. 

Water Damage to the Carpets

Water the comes through these cracks can become problematic when the water into the drywall, hardwood floors, or carpets. It becomes dangerous when the water gets the carpet wet and when you combine that with the usually warm temperatures of the home, it can promote mold growth. The growth will thrive as many homeowners don’t allow ventilation outwards, but if you follow these tips, you can’t enjoy the snow with comfort. 

Tip 1: Be Strategic with Shoveling

If your home is on a hill, you might want to be strategic when it comes to the flow of water that will be created when the snow melts. You will want to create a path that will allow the water to flow away from home. 

Tip 2: Clear Excessive Snow off of the Roof

By not clearing the snow off of the roof, you are allowing the possibility of a room collapse that could create a more significant accident if the top were to cave in. When you are up on the roof, you might want to check the drains and clear out any frozen blockage. If you let the backup continue, you might put yourself into a situation of creating an ice dam. 

Tip 3: Check Sump Pump

Testing the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water can show you that it is currently working. You must check the pump because it will help prevent flooding of the crawlspaces, around the foundation, and in the basement. 

Don’t let the winter season bring you stress, so follow these tips and ensure that flooding won’t be in your holiday forecast. 

You Have To Watch Out For Those Ice Dams

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

As you can see from the SERVPRO diagram that the snow/ice melts and freezes on the slope of the roof creating ice dams.

An Ice What?

If you have never heard of an ice dam before, a roof has nonuniform roof surface temperatures that cause the snow and ice to melt. This becomes problematic because it refreezes on the areas of the roof that is frozen. This causes pools of water to sit on the roof with nowhere to go. The water will find cracks and come in through the exterior roof coverings, which seep into the attic. I wish it stopped there, but there is the chance that it can flow into the exterior walls or through the ceiling insulation, which will stain the ceiling finish. 

Nonuniform Rood Surface Temperatures

The primary source that causes ice dams is the source of heat/energy that melts certain frozen areas on the roof. When certain spots on the sloped roof melt, there is a heat source on the inner side. There are three ways that the ice on the slope can melt:

Conduction is when the heat/energy travels through a solid, insulation, and roof structure.

Convection is when heat/energy is transferred from rising air to your hand, roof.

Finally, heat/energy can be transmitted by electromagnetic waves known as radiation. 

To avoid a heating source from being created, you should ensure that all access points to the attic are well-sealed so no heat escapes through the ceiling. These are just a few ways to be proactive in preventing ice dams from forming. 

Limiting the Heating Source by Adding Insulation 

One way to eliminate the possibility of having access to heat/energy from escaping your home is by installing more insulation. When installing insulation, you should find one with a high R-value per inch to ensure all heat stays in the house.

Purchasing A Roof Rake

If you cannot install more insulation, you could always hire SERVPRO but purchase a roof rake. This tool can help pull down access snow to help minimize the source of the water damage. 

If you find yourself in a winter wonderland of a mess, please reach out by CALLING US at 888.886.5195; you can call the local Lincoln & Warren Counties number 636.456.3422 

Categories of Contaminated Water

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Widespread flooding can create contamination problems which bring harmful conditions.

Sometimes we will call about a job that isn’t the most desirable, but we will never turn it down. A job site affected by a sewage leak or flooding can carry harmful bacteria that comes in contact with or is ingested can cause severe discomfort. When going into an area affected by a contaminated source, we will have our crew wear the complete PPE to secure their health and safety. 

Categories of Contaminated Water

Category 1: “Clean Water”

This category is when a leak comes from a clean source from a broken water pipe. A toilet containing no urine or feces is considered a category one since it has no harmful pathogens. Category one floods will escalate to category 2 or 3 if it doesn’t get mitigated.

Category 2: “Gray Water”

In this category, you are looking for the possibility of contamination from a water source containing some degree of contamination. When gray water gets ingested, it can create some discomfort due to the ingestion of harmful bacteria. 

Category 3: “Black Water”

Water contaminated by an unclean source will be considered category three because it has been affected by a source that has harmful pathogens. The difference between category 2 is that when category three gets ingested, it can create severe pain with the possibility of death due to these harmful pathogens. We will never suggest that our clients should put themselves in contact with this category for that reason. Flood water is an excellent example of this category because you cannot know where the source came from, such as a pipe, river, or sewage from an unclean source. 

Frozen Pipe Awareness

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

The most common place we see frozen pipes occur is the outside faucet. These faucets are designed to drain which prevents them from freezing, however for them to drain properly the hose must be disconnected. If the hose is left attached the faucet will not drain which can cause it to freeze. If this occurs it will likely not leak until the faucet is turned on. Pay close attention to these faucets the first use after cold weather to make sure water is not leaking inside the house. The second most common place for pipes to freeze is where the pipes are running in the exterior wall of the home, particularly on the north and west sides, as those sides have less sun and more wind exposure. If you have pipes running in the exterior walls the best way to prevent them from freezing is to expose them to the heat from the interior of the home. Sometimes all it takes is leaving the cabinet or vanity doors open to allow heat to get into the cabinet. If you can't expose the pipes to the heat from the home you can let the faucet drip which will keep the water moving through the pipes making it less likely they will freeze. 

If you turn on a faucet and water does not come out you may have a frozen pipe. If this occurs turn off the water supply. These frozen pipes will not leak until the pipe thaws. When the pipes have thawed turn the water back on and check for leaks. If you can catch a broken pipe at this point you have greatly reduced the damage that the water would have caused. You may still have to open up a wall to repair the pipe but you have saved yourself from the hassle of mitigating the water damage.

The Science of Drying

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the drying process? Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers water damage, SERVPRO will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment  

What exactly does it mean to help "Speed up Mother Nature"? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material--but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. 

SERVPRO uses equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough to reach spaces inside your walls and much more. We also use state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific drying process to help speed the drying of your home or business. 

Pay attention to your appliances!

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Many household appliances utilize water to operate. Dishwashers, refrigerator ice machines and washing machines just to name a few can wreck havoc if not examined and serviced on a regular basis. Let's discuss refrigerators as an example since this appliance runs continually 24/7, 365 days a year. It can start leaking at the most inconvenient time, resulting in water damage throughout your kitchen. It is important to remain mindful of situations that can cause your refrigerator to leak and catch water damage as soon as it forms.

Most Water Damage Begins Unnoticed behind the appliance.

When you are around your refrigerator, you are probably not looking for leaks. Refrigerator leaks tend to start small and gradually grow to become a bigger problem. You might experience a leak coming from the ice maker, a leaky hose, or the water hookup. 

Generally, any leaks coming from an ice maker are the result of built-up condensation and/or a faulty hookup. This can block the draining system and end up leaking through the inside of your fridge and the seals. In addition, a leaky hose can be the result of having the refrigerator pushed up too close against the wall, bending the hose and causing a break and subsequent leak. When connecting water lines to your refrigerator, make sure not to push it as far back as possible to avoid damaging the hose or line. The water hookup can sometimes spring a leak or may drip, which can go unseen for months and eventually cause  major problems including a very nasty mold situation.

Overtime, water leaks can lead to  very costly repairs. Depending on the type of leak, you can experience rotting floorboards, mold build up, or a flooded basement. A strong indicator of water damage is wood flooring that separates and warps, or tiles that become loose. It is important to repair or replace the floor quickly to prevent mold from growing in the area.

Pipes freezing and bursting during falling temperatures

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

• Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious property damage. While you can’t control the weather, you can take the steps to be prepared, and help take the sting out of winter weather. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions before winter weather hits (again…)

• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. ( Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinets doors open allowing warm air inside o circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucet, consider shutting the water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing the pipe.)

When water damage strikes

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know what to do when water damage strikes your residential or commercial property? SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties does! We are Here to Help you and your family in your time of need.

Did you know the first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage? It’s true! Here at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties, we stand behind our 1-4-8 philosophy. 

One hour

Within one hour from notice of loss, one of our team members will contact you to arrange for service. You’ll know help is on the way!

Four hours

Within four hours of loss notification, one of our professionals will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

Eight hours 

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.

It’s critical you know what to do if -- or when -- water damage strikes. We’ll provide you with three tips. 

Tips: 

1. Shut off the water source, if possible, or contact a qualified professional to stop the water source.
2. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
3. Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

Immediate action needs to be taken if you’re experiencing a water or storm event. Fast response time is vital to help prevent further damage. The heroes here at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties are Ready for Whatever Happens.

When water damage strikes your home or business, contact the leader in the cleanup and restoration industry: SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties. We’re Here to Help you 24/7, 365 for all your emergency service needs. Just call 636-456-3422.

We are Ready To Help with your water damage.

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing our extensive service plan. SERVPRO will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work. SERVPRO will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step. MONITORING To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards. SERVPRO will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you. SERVPRO will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walk-through of the jobsite will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition.

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Place aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place.
• Don’t enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water.
• Always avoid electrical shock hazards. Don’t use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Its the water you don't see.

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. We can answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by our franchise.

-Moisture sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.

-Moisture meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings allowing us to monitor the drying process.

-Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized. 

What type of water?

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage event, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three Categories of water. Category 1 or clean water is water from a broken pipe, or  other drinkable water source; Category 2 or grey water is water that is significantly contaminated. Category 2 water would be from a washing machine or dishwasher overflow. A toilet overflow can be  category 2 or 3 depending on what is in the bowl when it overflows. Category 3 or black water is grossly contaminated and is typically caused by a sewage backup, or flood water. Category 3 water should always be handled by trained professionals. As you can see not all water is the same, and the process for cleaning it up will differ depending on the category of water you are dealing with. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive. 

Damage from Clean Water: 

-Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so. 

-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist. 

-Remove as much excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 

-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying. 

-Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place. 

-Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining. Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electric shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner. 

-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Damage from Contaminated Water: 

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items. 

-Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas. 

-Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 

-Do not use household fans to dry the structure; airflow could spread contaminants. 

-Discard any food and or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

When you have water damage don't' leave your property to chance. CALL SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties. We are READY FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS! 

We Can Help With Your Water Damage

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing our extensive service plan. SERVPRO will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work. SERVPRO will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. We will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step. MONITORING To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards. SERVPRO will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you. SERVPRO will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walk-through of the jobsite will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition.

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Place aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place.
• Don’t enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water.
• Always avoid electrical shock hazards. Don’t use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Frozen Pipe Awareness

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

This is what a pipe looks like after it has frozen and broken

The most common place we see frozen pipes occur is the outside faucet. These faucets are designed to drain which prevents them from freezing, however for them to drain properly the hose must be disconnected. If the hose is left attached the faucet will not drain which can cause it to freeze. If this occurs it will likely not leak until the faucet is turned on. Pay close attention to these faucets the first use after cold weather to make sure water is not leaking inside the house. The second most common place for pipes to freeze is where the pipes are running in the exterior wall of the home, particularly on the north and west sides, as those sides have less sun and more wind exposure. If you have pipes running in the exterior walls the best way to prevent them from freezing is to expose them to the heat from the interior of the home. Sometimes all it takes is leaving the cabinet or vanity doors open to allow heat to get into the cabinet. If you can't expose the pipes to the heat from the home you can let the faucet drip which will keep the water moving through the pipes making it less likely they will freeze. 

If you turn on a faucet and water does not come out you may have a frozen pipe. If this occurs turn off the water supply. These frozen pipes will not leak until the pipe thaws. When the pipes have thawed turn the water back on and check for leaks. If you can catch a broken pipe at this point you have greatly reduced the damage that the water would have caused. You may still have to open up a wall to repair the pipe but you have saved yourself from the hassle of mitigating the water damage.

Septic Backups

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Sewer backup in Troy

Have you ever had water damage from a sewage backup at your home or business? It can cause your emotions to “overflow” and present a big problem, but it doesn’t have to. SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties can clean up that nasty job to make it “Like it never even happened.”  

Water damage can come from a myriad of sources: toilet, dishwasher, bursting or leaking pipes, HVAC system, and more. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly contaminated and may contain bacteria and viruses, which could lead to serious illness. Special training and equipment are a necessity to safely clean this type of contamination. And that’s where the heroes of SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties come into play.

Our team is well-equipped, experienced and trained to handle any size water damage and any category.

Here are three categories of water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, Category 1 water can quickly progress into Category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, it can degrade into Category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness if you are not properly protected, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for Category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

If your Lincoln, Warren, Montgomery, or Gasconade County residential or commercial property experiences water damage from a sewage backup, go with the sewage cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. For easier and faster access, program our number in your phone: 636-456-3422

How can water damage affect my business

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

This warehouse had a fire sprinkler line break underground.

Ever wonder how water damage affects your business? If you’re a business owner, that’s a question you should ponder. Because, sooner or later, you may experience a water damage at your commercial property. And in order to quickly get back in business, so it doesn’t result in lost sales, it’s important you know what actions you should take. If you have water damage, the first thing we encourage you to do is call the water damage restoration professionals here at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties, because we can get your business back up and running ASAP. 

Commercial water damage restoration presents unique challenges. But, you can feel rest assured the team at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties is highly qualified to handle it effectively and quickly. We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

Here are 4 ways that water damage affects your business:

1. Health and safety risks
2. Emotional hardship
3. Property damage
4. Economic loss

Here at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties, it’s always our #1 goal to create happy customers. So, anytime a customer has water damage, or any type of damage, we do everything in our super”hero” powers to make it right, to make them happy, to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

There's never a convenient time for water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we'll be there fast with the help you need. We’re always Ready for whatever happens.  Get in touch with SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties today: 636-456-3422

Science of Drying

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the drying process? Having the knowledge of The Science of Drying or psychrometrics, is essential to restoring water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help prevent potential mold growth and lower the chances of any secondary damage. If your home or business suffers water damage, SERVPRO will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment  

What exactly does it mean to help "Speed up Mother Nature"? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material--but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. 

SERVPRO uses equipment to speed up the process. Dehumidifiers are placed to reduce the humidity in the affected area to the point that the materials will give up the moisture they are holding, and air movers to speed up the evaporation process. Then special equipment is used to help dry hard wood floors, tough to reach spaces inside your walls and much more. Then  state of the art monitoring equipment is used daily to track the drying process and make adjustments as necessary to get the structure back to preloss condition ASAP.

Understanding Water Type

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

This is a vacant house we worked on in Lincoln County

When your home or business suffers a water damage event, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three Categories of water. Category 1 or clean water is water from a broken pipe, or  other drinkable water source; Category 2 or grey water is water that is significantly contaminated. Category 2 water would be from a washing machine or dishwasher overflow. A toilet overflow can be  category 2 or 3 depending on what is in the bowl when it overflows. Category 3 or black water is grossly contaminated and is typically caused by a sewage backup, or flood water. Category 3 water should always be handled by trained professionals. As you can see not all water is the same, and the process for cleaning it up will differ depending on the category of water you are dealing with. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive. 

Damage from Clean Water: 

-Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so. 

-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist. 

-Remove as much excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 

-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying. 

-Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place. 

-Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining. Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electric shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner. 

-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Damage from Contaminated Water: 

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items. 

-Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas. 

-Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 

-Do not use household fans to dry the structure; airflow could spread contaminants. 

-Discard any food and or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

When you have water damage don't' leave your property to chance. CALL SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties. We are READY FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS! 

Water Damage Hides!

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals. Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls. Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals to monitor the drying process. Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized. Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers (pictured below) will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas. Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor-causing particles to deodorize structures, garments, automobiles and other places where cleaning cannot reach. The bottom line? SERVPRO of Lincoln and Warren Counties have the training and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Is No Match For SERVPRO!

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing our extensive service plan. SERVPRO will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work. SERVPRO will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step. MONITORING To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards. SERVPRO will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you. SERVPRO will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walk-through of the jobsite will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition.

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Place aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place.
• Don’t enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water.
• Always avoid electrical shock hazards. Don’t use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Take Precautions Before Vacation

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

During the summer months families try to take the time and get away for some quality time with each other. It is extremely important to remember the precautions around the home that one should take before leaving for an extended amount of time. It is important to unplug every outlet. This could be as simple as unplugging normal everyday items such as toasters, coffee makers and unused phone chargers. Taking the extra time to turn off water valves could result in a perfect vacation that doesn't end early due to a broken water line. It is also important to make sure you are taking double the precautions during the winter months in case of a frozen pipe. Most homeowners will choose to turn up the air, turn down the heat or turn off the controls completely when gone. These options should only be considered when the weather allows it to be. 

Emergency Water Damage Tips

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. 

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power district to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 

Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. 

Place aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 

Move any paintings, art objects, computers, Documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place. 

Do not enter effected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuits, breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards. 

Do not use household vacuum cleaner  to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner. 

Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

For any more questions or concerns regarding a water damaged home feel free to contact us 24/7 at 636-456-3422

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Services

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lincoln and Warren Counties 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 - 636-456-3422

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 Lincoln and Warren Counties 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 Lincoln and Warren Counties

SERVPRO of Lincoln and Warren Counties 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.

Worries of Winter Weather

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is cause by back flow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take according the American Red Cross. 

-Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses. 

-Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near the plumbing. 

-When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes. 

-keep your heat set to the same temperature both days and night. 

It Takes Science to Dry!

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the drying process? having knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, your local SERVPRO Professionals are trained in the sciences of drying and follow strict industry approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, your local SERVPRO professionals will: 

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening. 
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly
• Speed up mother nature by using professional drying equipment. 

Speeding Up Mother Nature

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the term "Speeding up mother nature" a lot. What exactly does this mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will natural move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while your home or building is drying out.  SERVPRO professionals have the tool and equipment to help mother nature along, including equipment to help help dry hardwood floors, touch to reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO also uses state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. 

Heavy Storms Cause Damage In Troy, MO

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

On Sunday July 23rd, Most of the State of Missouri suffered heavy thunderstorms. This thunderstorm was quite heavy compared to the occasional rain that we have had through out the summer. Around 1:30 am, most residence awoke to heavy and loud winds rebounding off of their homes, mine included. The house shook with every thunder clap causing windows to rattle. As the electric flickered on and off the storm got eerily quiet while the wind picked up. Its moments like this when you wonder if this is the time you need to wake up your family and head to basement. However as I sat in my bed looking at the radar it was just thunderstorms. Waking up in the morning was a whole other story. The neighborhood looked like a tornado had hit it. As calls started coming into our office about water damage from the storm and trees falling on houses, it was not hard to believe that this storm could have been something more than what I had originally thought. When storms like this happen so quickly it is hard for water to dissipate into the ground at the same speed causing back ups into homes and walkout basements to flood. This is where SERVPRO comes in! 

Understanding Water Types

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or  other water sources; rainwater is also considered clean.  The term grey water is used  to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes grey water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive. 

Damage from Clean Water: 

-Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so. 

-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist. 

-Remove as much excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 

-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying. 

-Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place. 

-Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining. Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electric shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner. 

-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Damage from Contaminated Water: 

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items. 

-Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas. 

-Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 

-Do not use household fans to dry the structure; airflow could spread contaminants. 

-Discard any food and or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

When you have water damage don't' leave your property to chance. CALL SERVPRO TODAY! 

How to Prevent and Thaw Frozen Pipes

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

• Water expands as it freezes, which can place  a great deal of pressure on whatever container it is enclosed in, including pipes, causing them to burst. 
• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold will freeze most frequently, such as those connected to outdoor hoses, swimming pool supply lines, and water supply lines in unheated interior areas such as crawl spaces or attics. 
• There are simple steps that you can take to prevent frozen pipes before the onset of cold weather: 
  • Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines and do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. 
  • Remove, drain and store hoses outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs and open the outside hose bibs so water can drain. Keep this valve open so any water that remains in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break. 
  • Locate water supply lines in and around the outside of your home that are in unheated areas and insulate these pipes. There are specific products designed to insulate pipes such as pipe sleeves or heat tape and even newspaper can provide protection to pipes that are exposed to extreme cold.

Is Your Property Ready For The Winter?

11/28/2016 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact n your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather. 

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits. 

-Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind and heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries. 

-Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, that can lead roof damages and interior water problems. 

-inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for property drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. 

-inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slips surfaces and post caution signs  where water could be present. 

Its The Water You Don't See!

7/21/2016 (Permalink)

Thermo Hygrometer measuring temperature and relative humidity.

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. We can answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by our franchise.

-Moisture sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.

-Moisture meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings allowing us to monitor the drying process.

-Thermo Hygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.  

The Science of Drying

5/31/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the drying process? Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring water damaged structure to its pre-loss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers water damage, SERVPRO will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment  

What exactly does it mean to help "Speed up Mother Nature"? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material--but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. 

SERVPRO uses equipment to help dry hard wood floors, tough to reach spaces inside your walls and much more. We also use state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific drying process to help speed the drying of your home or business. 

Happy Customers

1/15/2015 (Permalink)

We love sharing letters and testimonials from our satisfied customers. Here is one we recieve from a family who suffered a water loss right before the holidays.

"Having suffered a flooding catastrophe the Monday before Thanksgiving 2014, my husband and I were in a panic as to how this was to be fixed by Christmas 2014. Our insurance adjusters have us several companies to contact for estimates and SERVPRO was first on their list. It seems that Jacob Kyonka (Crew Chief) dropped everything he was involved in and made a beeline to our home to assess the damage. He gave us an estimate and time frame of completion, both of these seemed resonable and work started within days. His work crew was a young group of fellows who were very considerate of the customer. They had to maneuver basement steps, MANY MANY times and yet would always close the back door behind them (to avoid mice from entering) even thhough they had their hands full of debris and/or new construction. They stayed on task and asked many questions about how we would like things fixed and they always cleaned up any mess that was incurred during construction. They NEVER played loud music (Or any music at all) which was very refreshing. Any questions/concerns we might have were quickly answered/solved by Jake Kyonka even though we were some distance away from their main location. In conclusion, we would highly reccomend SERVPRO of Lincoln and Warren Counties to anyone who would choose to use their services. The cost was reasonable, the service was outstanding, and the job was well done. 

Thank you Larry and Jill. We appreciate such a wonderful testimony and we are extremely happy to have great customers such as yourselves. 

Pipes freezing and bursting during falling temperatures:

1/8/2014 (Permalink)

• Cold weather can have a huge impact on you home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is freezing temperatures, damaging winds,sleet or snow, all can cause serious property damage. While you can’t control the weather, you can take the steps to be prepared, and help take the sting out of winter weather. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions before winter weather hits (again…)

• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. ( Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinets doors open allowing warm air inside o circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucet, consider shutting the water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing the pipe.)