Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Are You Worried About Pipes Freezing?
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Water pipes burst because the water inside them expands as is it gets close to freezing and this causes an increase in pressure inside the pipe. When the pressure gets too high for the pipe to contain it ruptures.
A burst pipe can mean anything from a sink valve blowout to a water main fracture and anything in between. The most critical aspect of dealing with a burst pipe is turning off the water supply and stopping the flow of water. If the pipe is in a crawl space or a basement the water is fairly well contained. But if the pipe that burst is in a household setting, such as a toilet feed or an under-sink supply line, drying out the area becomes a bit more complex depending upon how much water has inundated the house.
As with any water damage, time is of the essence. Mold can start to develop in as little as 24 hours after an incident. The more time that passes without treatment, the more likely those materials will continue to deteriorate and may not be salvageable, especially with carpet.
If a water leak has affected multiple rooms, traveled from an upper level to a lower level of the home, or has been left unnoticed for more than 8 hours, professional water mitigation and specialized drying equipment is necessary. If you see that water has seeped into the sub flooring or the drywall, the safest step would be to contact a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Delaware, OH. We can help remove or restore items that would otherwise develop mold. Another thing to keep in mind is the amount of time in which porous materials in your home have been exposed to water saturation.
When in doubt, give SERVPRO of Delaware, OH a call at 740-369-5020.
Water Damage Information For Delaware and Union Counties
4/26/2023 (Permalink)
Whether it's from a busted water pipe, sewage backup or flooding, water damage can wreak havoc on your property if not addressed immediately. While you likely already know the importance of proper water mitigation following a water loss, there's still a lot that may surprise you about water damage situations. Here are some essentials you should know about water damage restoration:
The more polluted the water, the worse your situation. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classifies water into three categories in its S500 Standard:
- Category 1: Generally sanitary water
- Category 2: Significantly contaminated water
- Category 3: Grossly contaminated water
The category of water on any loss will dictate how it's restored and how much can be salvaged.
Mold can be debilitating to your home's structure and to your health. And, it doesn't take long to begin to grow. Mold needs only five perfect conditions to grow in 48-72 hours:
- Moisture
- Food source
- Prime temperature
- No/minimal air movement
- No/minimal light
Fast action is crucial. In order to begin processing an insurance claim, your agent needs to know about a water damage situation immediately, what happened, how it happened, the source of the water, etc. The longer you wait, the worse the situation gets -- not to mention, your chances of having a "sudden damage" claim approved begin to dwindle.
Spring Rain For The Next 2 Weeks
5/12/2022 (Permalink)
We just took a sneak peak at the forecast for Delaware, Ohio and noticed that out of the next 15 days, 10 of them have precipitation. This is a key sign that Spring is coming very quickly and that means Spring storms and Summer storms are coming as well. Make sure you are prepared for this weather and know who to call in the event that you have flooding. During storm season we don't just see sump pump failures that flood basements but we also see rivers and lakes flooding into homes. If you're home is near a river and lake be sure to prepare by:
- Raise your home on stilts or piers, if possible.
- Install foundation vents or a sump pump.
- Apply coatings and sealants.
- Raise your electrical outlets and switches.
- Install check valves on your pipes.
- Grade your lawn away from the house.
We hope these tips help prevent flooding but if you happen to have flooding, you can call us 24/7 at 740-815-3808.
Worried about your basement flooding?
5/9/2022 (Permalink)
With all the rain lately, we have been receiving a lot of calls about storm damage. When it is raining make sure to check on your basement and make sure there’s no flooding. If you haven’t had your sump pump replaced in a while have it checked on and replaced if needed. If you are able to do a back up system to your sump pump, this will help prevent storm water getting into your basement. The sooner you recognize that you have had a water loss the better because we can possibly save different items in your home if they have been damaged within a certain timeframe. once you realize you’ve had a water damage try to turn off the source whether that be a pipe or getting your sump pump working again. We always suggest calling a plumber as well. We also are available 24/7 at 740-369-5020.
Spring Showers and Flooding
5/5/2022 (Permalink)
Many things will cause a home to flood. Making sure you find the cause of the flood and fix it before cleaning up and drying everything is important to making sure your house remains dry in the future. Here are some things that can cause a home to flood:
- 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
Be prepared by checking your home regularly for any damage or things that can cause flooding, especially making sure the sump pump is working properly. If a storm comes and you do get flooding, give us a call at (740) 369-5020 to help get you dry again!
Flooding Season in Delaware and Union Counties
5/4/2022 (Permalink)
Flooding is Ohio's number 1 natural disaster, knowing the facts and being prepared is key to keeping your home protected.
FACT: Floods are the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster and cause millions of dollars in damage every year. Floods cost America, on average, $8.2 billion each year. Recovering from just one inch of water inside your building can cost about $27,000. Learn about The BIG Cost of Floods.
FACT: Homeowners and renters insurance do not typically cover flood damage.
FACT: Floods can happen anywhere--More than 20 percent of flood claims come from properties outside the high risk flood zone.
FACT: Flood insurance can pay regardless of whether or not there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
FACT: Most federal disaster assistance comes in the form of low-interest disaster loans from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and you have to pay them back. FEMA offers disaster grants that don't need to be paid back, but this amount is often much less than what is needed to recover. A claim against your flood insurance policy could and often does, provide more funds for recovery than those you could qualify for from FEMA or the SBA--and you don't have to pay the money back.
FACT: You may be required to have flood insurance. Congress has mandated federally regulated or insured lenders to require flood insurance on mortgaged properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. But even if your property is not in a high risk flood area, your mortgage lender may still require you to have flood insurance.
If you have a flood and need help with the clean-up, call SERVPRO at 740-369-5020.
Reducing Flood Damage With All Of This Rain!
1/3/2022 (Permalink)
Flood damages in our homes is something we all experience at some point in our lives. It could be caused from something as simple as an overflowing bathtub or something more serious such as a burst pipe or sewerage pipe rupture. Flood damages to your home can range from minor to severe and dealing with the issue can be tiresome and even dangerous. While some water issues cannot be foreseen, there are a few things you can do to prevent Flood damages to your home from factors you have some control over.
Clean your down-spouts and gutters: Make sure to clean out your gutters at least once every six months or more often if you have a lot of trees in the area. When water collects in the gutters it can cause damage to your roof and the gutters themselves. Down-spouts that aren’t clean and checked to ensure the water is running off properly and is running away from your house, can cause damage to walls and even your foundations.
Remove hoses from taps when not in use: When the water does not drain out of your hose, it could freeze inside of it. This in turn could freeze back into the tap and pipes. The solid ice could cause an ice block, preventing water from moving through the pipe but it could also cause the pipe to burst, which could cause damage to your property.
Switch off the mains: If you are going on vacation or you are going to be away for a length of time, switch the water off at the mains. This will stop any dripping or other water issues while you are away. You wouldn’t want to come home to water rushing out your front door to greet you.
Keep your garden in check: Trees and shrubs can cause damage to your pipes from the roots wrapping around the pipes. Keep your garden maintained and no large plants near piping. In a smaller garden it is often best to avoid trees all together.
Fix the leaks: A small leak can become a big water damage problem if not dealt with as soon as possible. Even tiny drips can cause mildew and mold in your home and even lead to structural damage and dry rot over an extended period of time. If you fix the leaks as they occur, you have less likelihood of the small issue becoming a huge problem later. If you have a sudden spike in your water bill, make sure you investigate for underground water leaks as well.
Check the appliances: Monitor appliances for leaks and replace any cracked and brittle piping. Things like a dishwasher or washing machine can flood your house out quickly if the appliance is not maintained adequately.
If you do all of these things and still have a water damage, give SERVPRO of Delaware, OH a call at 740-369-5020. We would love to help you!
We Are Available 24 hours, 7 Days a week in Delaware and Union Counties
5/20/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Delaware, Ohio 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 - 740-369-5020
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 Delaware, Ohio 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 Delaware, Ohio
SERVPRO of Delaware, Ohio 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.
Delaware County Residents: We Help With Flooding!
5/10/2021 (Permalink)
Basements 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 Delaware 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 -740-369-5020
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 Delaware, Ohio 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 740-369-5020
Flooded Home? We are Fast!
6/2/2020 (Permalink)
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Delaware, Ohio 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 Delaware, Ohio 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 – 740-369-5020
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 Delaware, Ohio
SERVPRO of Delaware, Ohio 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.
Meet Our Crew: http://www.SERVPROdelawareoh.com/employee-photos
Certifications: http://www.SERVPROdelawareoh.com/company-profile