Regular hot water heater maintenance can help avoid disaster

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

When a hot water heater malfunctions like this one did, SERVPRO of Carbondale-Marion can remediate the water damage.

In nearly every home in Southern Illinois, you'll find a water heater tucked away, ready to provide warm water at a moment's notice. But, without notice, that convenient water heater can malfunction, spilling gallons of water in your home, creating a disaster.

When that happens, call the experts at SERVPRO of Carbondale-Marion and trust them to restore your property to preloss condition.

It's important to note that avoiding a water disaster can be as simple as monitoring your water heater and ensuring regular maintenance is performed.

When you notice water pooling around your hot water heater, do not delay repairs. Call a plumber to get the appliance repaired quickly and professionally. SERVPRO of Carbondale-Marion can remediate any water damage from the leak.

It's important not to ignore your water heater. Not only is it vital to your lifestyle, but it's a major source of energy consumption. Taking care of your hot water heater can save you time and money in the long run.

If you have problems with your hot water heater, you can trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Carbondale-Marion to provide an accurate inspection of the water damage, and if necessary, our team can provide services to resolve the water damage.

When Water Damage Occurs, Call the Experts at SERVPRO!

6/26/2024 (Permalink)

Our team on-site for an emergency water damage.

Water is one of the most destructive causes when it comes to home damage. In some cases, it can be going on for months or years before you even notice it.  Water damage can cause structural issues to your home or business, as well as severe mold and air quality issues, along with other unwanted problems.

SERVPRO® carries the best equipment to help remove standing water as well as water trapped inside of walls. Calling SERVPRO immediately after noticing water damage can also help save hardwood floors from becoming too saturated with water for too long and warping.

Having essential equipment that can dry hardwood floors is one of many ways SERVPRO can help save on an insurance claim and help you to get your life back on track quickly!

If you have questions or concerns regarding water damage to your home or business, give the experts at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion a call at 618-998-8828! 

Recovering From Flood Damage | SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion

5/23/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion is here to help your home or business recover from flood damage

Floods can be devastating, leaving behind significant damage to homes and properties. In the aftermath of a flood, it's essential to prioritize safety and take appropriate steps to clean up and restore your property. As experts in flood damage restoration, we at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion understand the challenges homeowners and businesses face during this difficult time. In this comprehensive guide, we'll share valuable tips and insights on how to safely clean up after a flood, drawing from our experience and expertise in the field.

Safety should always be the top priority when dealing with flood cleanup efforts. Before you begin, it's crucial to assess potential hazards and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Assess the Risk: Before entering the flooded area, assess the risk of electrical hazards, structural damage, and contamination. If there's a risk of electric shock, turn off the power supply to the affected area before entering.
2. Wear Protective Gear: Remember to wear appropriate protective gear, including rubber gloves, rubber boots, and safety goggles, to protect yourself from exposure to contaminated water and debris.
3. Avoid Contaminated Water: Floodwater can be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, and other hazardous substances. Avoid direct contact with floodwater and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water if you come into contact with it.
4. Use Caution Around Debris: Be cautious when navigating through the flooded area, as debris and other objects may be submerged and pose tripping hazards.
5. Seek Professional Help: If the damage is extensive or if you're unsure about how to safely proceed, seek professional assistance from a qualified flood damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion

Assessing the Damage

Once you've ensured your safety, the next step is to assess the extent of the damage caused by the flood. A thorough assessment will help you develop a plan for cleanup and restoration. Here's how to assess the damage effectively:

1. Inspect the Structure: Carefully inspect the structure of your home, including walls, floors, ceilings, and foundation, for signs of damage such as cracks, warping, or shifting.
2. Check Utilities: Inspect electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems for damage. If you suspect any damage to these utilities, refrain from using them until they've been inspected and repaired by a qualified professional.
3. Document the Damage: Take photographs and videos of the damage to document the extent of the flood damage for insurance purposes. Make a detailed inventory of damaged items and belongings.

Removing Water and Debris

Once you've assessed the damage, the next step is water damage restoration. Prompt removal of standing water is essential to prevent further damage and minimize the risk of mold growth. Here's how to safely remove water and debris:

1. Use Pumps and Wet/Dry Vacuums: Use pumps, wet/dry vacuums, or buckets to remove standing water from the flooded area. Start by removing as much water as possible to speed up the drying process.
2. Dispose of Debris: Remove debris, mud, and silt from the flooded area using shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows. Dispose of debris properly according to local regulations.
3. Clean and Sanitize: Thoroughly clean and sanitize the affected area to remove any remaining dirt, bacteria, and contaminants. Use disinfectants and cleaning solutions recommended for flood cleanup.
4. Dry Thoroughly: Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to facilitate drying and ventilation. Ensure that the affected area is completely dry to prevent mold growth and further damage.

Cleaning and Disinfecting 

After removing water and debris, it's essential to clean and disinfect the affected area to eliminate bacteria, mold, and other contaminants. Here are some tips for cleaning and disinfecting after a flood:

1. Clean Surfaces: Clean and scrub all surfaces, including walls, floors, and furniture, with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Use brushes, mops, and sponges to scrub stubborn stains and residues.
2. Disinfect: Use disinfectants and antimicrobial solutions to kill bacteria, mold, and other pathogens. Pay special attention to areas that came into contact with floodwater, such as floors, walls, and appliances.
3. Launder Fabrics: Wash and disinfect clothing, bedding, and other fabric items that have been exposed to floodwater. Use hot water and laundry detergent to kill bacteria and remove contaminants.
4. Clean HVAC Systems: Clean and disinfect HVAC systems, including air ducts, vents, and filters, to prevent the spread of mold and contaminants throughout the home.
5. Clean and Sanitize Belongings: Clean and sanitize belongings, furniture, and household items that have been affected by floodwater. Use appropriate cleaning products and techniques for different materials.

Restoring and Repairing

Once the cleanup and disinfection process is complete, the next step is to restore and repair the damage caused by the flood. Depending on the extent of the damage, restoration may involve structural repairs, electrical work, and mold remediation. Here's how to restore and repair your home after a flood:

1. Structural Repairs: Assess the structural integrity of your home and address any damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and foundation. Hire a qualified contractor to perform structural repairs as needed.
2. Electrical Work: Have electrical systems inspected and repaired by a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance with building codes. Replace damaged wiring, outlets, and electrical appliances as needed.
3. Mold Remediation: If mold is present in your home, hire a professional mold remediation company to safely remove and remediate mold growth. Mold can pose serious health risks and should be addressed promptly and thoroughly.
4. Replace Damaged Items: Replace or repair damaged items and belongings that cannot be salvaged or restored. This may include furniture, appliances, flooring, and personal belongings.

Preventative Measures

After completing the cleanup and restoration process, it's important to take proactive measures to prevent future flooding and water damage. Here are some preventative measures you can take to protect your home:

1. Install Flood Barriers: Consider installing flood barriers or flood gates to prevent water from entering your home during heavy rain or flooding events.
2. Elevate Utilities: Elevate electrical panels, HVAC systems, and other utilities above potential flood levels to minimize damage in the event of a flood.
3. Seal Cracks and Openings: Seal cracks and openings in your home's foundation, walls, and windows to prevent water infiltration during storms.
4. Maintain Gutters and Drains: Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris to ensure proper drainage away from your home. Maintain and clean storm drains to prevent backups and flooding.
5. Invest in Flood Insurance: Consider purchasing flood insurance to protect your home and belongings in the event of a flood. Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage.

Conclusion

Cleaning up after a flood can be a daunting and challenging task, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can safely restore your home and protect your family's health and safety. By prioritizing safety, assessing the damage, removing water and debris, cleaning and disinfecting, restoring and repairing, and taking preventative measures, you can navigate the cleanup process effectively and minimize the risk of further damage. Remember, if you're unsure about how to safely proceed or if the damage is extensive, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance from a qualified flood damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion. We are here to help restore your home or business from flood damage. 

How to Deal With Commercial Water Damage to Your Business | SERVPRO® of Carbondale/Marion

8/11/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion is your local commercial water restoration company. We will always be here to help clean up and get you back in business.

When commercial water damage affects your building, the impact on business can be severe.

Many sources of flooding come from internal sources. Burst pipes or a badly leaking roof can shut you down or ruin interiors and destroy inventory. Damage might also come from a bathroom flooded with sewage backup. Or it could even be an entire floor of offices soaked by a broken sprinkler system.

However, water damage can also affect businesses through natural causes. In Marion, we see a higher annual rainfall than most other places in the United States. 

Knowing what to do before disaster strikes make recovering quickly and returning to business easier. Regardless of what source left the water behind, these helpful tips can guide you through handling the problem quickly and as stress-free as possible.

Know Your Building’s Layout

Familiarize yourself with different water cutoff points throughout your property, and ensure you know how to turn off the fire sprinkler system. Locate the main water cutoff valve, and be ready to shut off the entire building’s supply when necessary.

Several people should know this information, including members of the leadership team. This can help you reduce the amount of water that gets inside your business by cutting it off at the source.

Know the Types of Water Involved

When water damage happens, the type of water involved will determine how dangerous the situation is. Knowing what you’re dealing with makes a big difference in the safety of everyone in the building:

White water: This type of water most commonly results from plumbing problems. It’s not considered contaminated and is safe to handle yourself in small amounts.

Gray water: Sink drains and toilet tank overflows produce this type of flooding. The water is contaminated but not considered dangerous.

Black water: Sewage backups and storm flooding are common sources of highly contaminated black water. Always call in a professional to deal with this type of toxic water damage.

Take Action Quickly

Always attempt to identify and shut down the water source as soon as possible. Try to get fresh air circulating by opening windows and doors to expedite the drying and evaporation process. Then alert everyone in the building and outline the affected areas so that no one comes into contact with the water.

After taking these steps, be sure to thoroughly document any visible damage. This will help you speed through the insurance claim process and will be useful when deciding what parts of your building need the most reinforcement.

Remember to Be Patient

The visible water damage in your building is only part of the overall problem. Soaked wall studs, moldy framing and buckled flooring materials are only a few signs of hidden water damage. Any of these indicators should be red flags of potential damage.

If your business experiences water damage, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion for a quick response and a shoulder to lean on. Our restoration professionals have extensive training and will work with industry-leading equipment that can dry your building out and get you back into action fast.

The cleanup and drying process can take up to a week, depending on the extent of the moisture, so be patient as our restoration team works through the cleanup and sanitation before beginning repairs. We’ll have your business back to preloss condition before you know it.

When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion today at (618) 998-8828. 

How to Deal With Flood Damage | SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion

6/29/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bloomington is here to help with flood damage

Floods can be devastating natural disasters, wreaking havoc on homes and properties. Recovering from flood damage requires a well-structured and organized approach to minimize further loss and restore your property to its pre-flood condition. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to handle flood damage effectively. By following these steps, you can navigate the restoration process more efficiently and ensure the safety and well-being of your home and family.

Step 1: Ensure Safety

Before entering your home or property after a flood, prioritize safety. Ensure that the floodwaters have fully receded and it is safe to return. Be cautious of structural damage and potential electrical hazards. Wear appropriate protective gear such as rubber gloves, boots, and face masks to avoid exposure to contaminants in the water.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Once it is safe to enter your property, thoroughly document the flood damage. Take photographs or videos of all affected areas, including structural damage, personal belongings, and appliances. This documentation will be invaluable for insurance claims and aid in the restoration process.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the flood damage as soon as possible. Provide them with all necessary details, including the extent of the damage, photographs, and videos. Understand your insurance policy and coverage to ensure you are aware of what is eligible for compensation.

Step 4: Disconnect Utilities

For safety reasons, turn off the main power supply to your property. Additionally, shut off the gas and water supplies to prevent further damage and potential hazards. Contact the appropriate utility companies if you require assistance with these procedures.

Step 5: Remove Standing Water

Begin by removing any standing water from your property. Use pumps, wet/dry vacuums, or hire professional water extraction services if necessary. Properly dispose of the water to prevent contamination and further damage.

Step 6: Dry and Ventilate the Property

After removing the standing water, it is crucial to dry out your home or property thoroughly. Open windows and doors to promote air circulation, and use dehumidifiers, fans, and heaters to expedite the drying process. Remove wet carpets, furniture, and other items that can harbor moisture.

Step 7: Clean and Disinfect

Floodwaters can introduce harmful contaminants and pathogens to your home. Clean and disinfect all affected surfaces, including walls, floors, and furniture. Use appropriate cleaning agents, wear protective gear, and follow manufacturer instructions for effective disinfection.

Step 8: Remove Damaged Materials

Inspect your property for damaged materials that need to be removed. This may include drywall, insulation, flooring, and furniture. Discard damaged items properly, following local regulations, and keep a detailed inventory of all disposed of belongings for insurance purposes.

Step 9: Repair and Restore

With the damaged materials removed, assess the structural integrity of your property. Repair any structural damage, including walls, floors, and roofs, with the help of professionals if necessary. Ensure that repairs comply with building codes and regulations.

Step 10: Seek Professional Assistance

Depending on the severity of the flood damage, you may need to engage professional restoration services. Experienced flood damage restoration companies, like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion, can provide expertise and specialized equipment to expedite the restoration process and mitigate further damage. 

Step 11: Evaluate and Enhance Future Protection

As you restore your property, take the opportunity to evaluate your flood protection measures. Consider implementing strategies such as installing flood barriers, elevating electrical systems, sealing foundation cracks, and landscaping changes to divert water away from your property. Consult with experts or local authorities for guidance on flood mitigation.

Protect Your Carbondale/Marion Home From Water Damage

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

Protect your Carbondale/Marion home from water damage.

There are many ways to help protect your Carbondale/Marion home from water damages. Water losses occur when water finds its way outside of the appliances you rely on to run your household’s daily needs. When we think about the causes of severe water damage to our homes, we usually think about extreme weather like a hurricane or torrential rains. But the unfortunate reality is that extensive damage is often the result of ordinary household plumbing systems and appliances that fail – and these can be just as destructive to your home as an extreme weather event.

Preventative Measures

Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to help prevent water damage from plumbing problem in your St. Charles home. It is helpful to understand some of the common causes of water damage.

These may include:

• Heating and air-conditioning systems

• Water heaters

• Valves

• Appliances

• Pipes and plumbing fixtures

How to Detect Water Damages

Water damage can often go undetected, even if the telltale signs are there. Plumbing that is housed inside the walls of your home, in less-trafficked areas like a basement or attic, or behind a cabinet or appliance, can easily go unnoticed. That’s why it’s important to check your appliances and plumbing from time to time.

• Know where the main water supply enters your home, locate the main shut-off valve and make sure it’s functioning properly.
• If you will be away from home for an extended period, consider shutting off the water supply, but consult with a heating professional first to understand if doing so will compromise any other systems in your home. Maintain a temperature of at least 55 degrees in your home. Also, if your home is protected by a fire sprinkler system, do not turn off the water to this system, and maintain sufficient heat to prevent a freeze-up.
• Consider having your air-conditioning system inspected regularly by a professional. Check around the unit for indications of leaks. Check the drain lines annually and clean them if they are clogged. Change the air filter annually at a minimum.
• Inspect water heaters, showers, tubs, toilets, sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines annually, and have them repaired if there are signs of leaks or corrosion. Be sure to include supply lines, hoses, connections and fittings in the inspection.
• Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases, and make repairs as needed.
• If your refrigerator has an ice machine or water dispenser, check the hose between the wall and the refrigerator to determine if it is pinched or stressed. Also look for signs of leaking or wear and tear.
• Check exposed plumbing (pipes, valves, etc.) for signs of leaking or corrosion. Have any pipe damage fixed immediately to prevent more costly repairs in the future.

For any questions or concerns about water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion at (618) 998-8828. 

Water damage due to a plumbing issue in your home can be life-changing. But there are some common signs that homeowners can look for, and steps they can take, to help avoid a major water issue at home.

Consider this example:

A homeowner and his family head off for a three-week vacation. While they’re away, a minor toilet leak grows, until it reaches a pace of three gallons of water per minute. By the time the homeowners returned from their three-week vacation, the unaddressed leak had poured more than 30,000 gallons of water into their home. The water ruined furniture, fixtures and irreplaceable family valuables, and rendered the property virtually uninhabitable for an extended period of time.

But this is just a cautionary tale. The following guidance is meant to help you learn about the potential water issues from common plumbing problems and how you can take steps to help prevent disaster.

Causes For Plumbing Problems

Plumbing issues can occur anywhere in your home. Frequently, lack of maintenance is the root cause of these problems. However, other causes can include:

• Manufacturing and design defects.
• Installation errors.
• Exposure to cleaning products (for example, by storing chemicals under the sink or by cleaning surfaces of plumbing components).

If caught early, many plumbing problems can be addressed before serious damage occurs. For this reason, regular inspection of your home’s visible plumbing parts can be critical. Knowing the lifespan of parts and appliances is also important, as is properly maintaining the other parts of your home and its features and systems.

Signs to Look For

Want to help prevent plumbing complications from damaging your home and potentially resulting in expensive property damage or loss? Start by visually inspecting your plumbing on a regular basis. Look for drips and slow leaks. Be sure to check the areas surrounding your pipes as well. If you see water damage on cabinetry or other nearby materials, there may be an active leak that you’ll want to locate.

Your entire home plumbing system may not be visible, but there are certain places in your home where you can readily inspect plumbing components:

• Under sinks and washtubs.
• Inside access panels near showers, sinks or appliances.
• Attachments to toilets, water heaters and appliances.
• Basements and crawl spaces.

You will want to look at any piping, valves and fittings in the areas listed above. Leaks are most common at connection points, so pay close attention to the plumbing connections on faucets, washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, water filtration systems, shut-off valves and toilets. Your home’s piping system may also have multiple connections between various sections of pipe. Appliances and fixtures themselves can cause problems, so be sure to inspect those as well, and keep up with any regular maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.

The signs of a problem will vary by component. For example, problems in copper piping may look very different from problems in PEX, a common type of plastic piping. In general, you want to look for signs of corrosion, cracking, hazing, discoloration and mineral deposits from a water leak.

For any questions or concerns about water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion at (618) 998-8828.

We are your leader in commercial and residential water damage restoration. We make fire and water cleanup and restoration, "Like it never even happened."

Small Leaks Can Cause Big Damage in your Carbondale/Marion Home

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to water in the home, some leaks are small and are easily cleaned up and fixed by the homeowner or a local handyman.  But, what do you do when the project at hand is too much to handle on your own?  

Give SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion a call at 618-998-8828 to let their water mitigation experts get your place back to its pre-damaged condition faster.

You may be asking if your insurance will cover a claim like this.  Let one of our skilled project managers help walk you through the claims process and give you a better peace of mind.  Not to mention our skilled team members use the most advanced equipment to extract and dry out all affected areas in the home.

The equipment found in box stores won't dry out spaces like our professional grade equipment will. Find out why we are the best in Restoration Services and be the connection you need get you back into your home or business quicker. 

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion your leader in commercial and residential water damage restoration. We make fire and water cleanup and restoration, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion Provides Tips on How To Deal With Water Damage

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

As many of you know, the Earth is approximately 71% water.  However, most of us would like to keep our homes and business at a much smaller percentage.  Unless you have an aquarium or own an aquatic zoo.  

Know the steps for when water unexpectedly comes into your house or business.

1. Stop the water at its source.
2. Turn off the electricity. 
3. Evacuate the premises.
4. Call for help.  (This is where we come in!)

You may also try to move any furniture to dry ground or lift the furniture onto blocks to keep the feet from getting wet and causing even more damage.  In some instances where solid hardwood floors are damaged, calling SERVPRO quickly can help prevent damage to those floors. Utilizing cutting edge technology, we have the equipment to dry them in place saving precious time and money. 

Once our team members are on site they will begin the water remediation process and get you back to normal  For help with water damages give us a call at 618-998-8828.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion your leader in commercial and residential water damage restoration. We make fire and water cleanup and restoration, "Like it never even happened."

Business Suffers Water Loss in Marion, IL

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to your small business is never something you hope to plan for, but when it does happen know that SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion has you covered. 

During these hectic times the last thing you want is for you business to be closed for a long period of time due to damage caused by water. From pipes busting, heavy rains or water heater breaks, these can halt your business growth. 

SERVPRO has all of the necessary equipment and experience to get the structure dried out as quickly as possible to get back to normal. From large dehumidification equipment, fans and extracting equipment. 

Water damage can be tricky and trying to do it yourself can create more damage than what originally occurred.

Your local SERVPRO office is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We service Franklin, Jefferson, Perry, Jackson and Williamson counties in southern Illinois. We also offer a free service to help you be prepared before disaster strikes! Call us today to find out more at 618-998-8828.

Flooded Basement in Carterville, IL

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

We've received several calls during the recent heavy rains for flooded basements. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion is there to help get your home or business back in the dry.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion is equipped with the best in water extraction units to ensure standing water is taken out of your home. That is followed up by industrial strength fans and dehumidification units to eliminate the remainder of the moisture in the structure. 

Our team is IICRC, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, trained and certified as well as continually trained through SERVPRO systems to ensure each job is handled perfectly. Its the standard set forth by IICRC that helps to maintain a level of inspection and cleanliness to ensure your home or business is cleaned to perfection after any type of disaster. 

Have water damage from rains or plumbing breaks and unsure what to do next? Call SERVPRO today for a free estimate at 618-998-8828

Water Damage in Metropolis, IL

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion, we know that floods, pipe bursts or leaky faucets can happen at any time of the day. It's nice to know that SERVPRO is available around the clock, ready to help take care of any disaster. With professionally trained and certified staff through IICRC as well as SERVPRO, we are ready and able at any time. 

Utilizing the newest equipment from large water extraction units, industrial strength dehumidification units and powerful fans we are able to thoroughly dry out any sized water damage. We also utilize a massive desiccant drying system that is powered by its own on-board power generator, so no matter the size of the water damage or if there's any utilities on site, we will be able to take care of it. 

For more information on how we can help, please call anytime to our office day or night at 618-998-8828

When you're hit with floods, pipe bursts or leaky faucets call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion for fast action to get dry quickly.

Flooded Home In Marion, IL

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water 

Water damage can strike at any time of the day, that's why the Professionals at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion are on call 24-7 for your emergencies. From homes, apartments to commercial structures, no water is too big or too small for SERVPRO to handle.  With state of the art water extraction equipment to industrial strength fans and dehumidification equipment we have the equipment to get you dry in no time.  

We are also able to take care of some water damages depending on the severity without having to remove flooring, cabinets or sheetrock through a unique process. Our trained staff has been thoroughly educated on knowing the signs of water damage as well as the best and least invasive ways possible to remove the water. 

If you have any questions, or have had water damage,  please contact your local office at 618-998-8828.

Commercial Flooding Water Damage

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire sprinkler broke in their commercial building, the owner knew exactly who to call to get things dried out quickly.  SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion was on the scene quickly, utilizing state of the art equipment to handle such a large water loss in a commercial building. Utilizing a large desiccant the nearly 12,000 square foot building was dried quickly and any remaining moisture was taken out of the facility. Anti-microbial was then used to treat the area to ensure future mold growth did not take place following all of the water inside. 

Your local SERVPRO has the ability to handle any sized disaster that it comes across. In addition to fire, water and mold restoration, we also handle laundry as well that has been affected by smoke and soot as well as a full reconstruction division. From start to finish we can take care of any claim, call us today! 618-998-8828.

Water Damage in Herrin, IL

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy rains with failed sump pumps have been a major concern for home owners in the area. There are a few ways to help keep water out of your basement but it's always good to know the water damage experts SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion are here just in case.  

A few things to check before the next big rain include:

• Make sure drainage, gutters and downspouts are cleared of any debris.
• Adding extensions off of downspouts to ensure water is flowing away from your home
• Testing sump pumps at least once a month to make sure they are still working
• Make sure sump pump plumbing is also ejecting water far away from the house

Of course if your home or business takes on any water from flooding from the inside or out, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion is here to help. Got water damage? Call 618-998-8828.

Act Fast!

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage is the most severe type of water loss a homeowner can experience. The faster mitigation begins, lessens the potential loss to both your home and its contents.

Ground water is sometimes referred to as "black water"  and is considered a category three biohazard. This type of water loss event should always have professional mitigation for both health and safety reasons. This is important for the home/business owner to get it taken care of immediately, to prevent many more future problems.  

When SERVPRO technicians work on a site, along with restoring as much of the water loss contents as possible, we try to limit disruptions in the home and dry furnishings in place when possible. 
Our air movers blow high-velocity air that causes water vapor inside objects to rise to the surface. Once that happens, the dehumidifiers capture and port out the moisture. This method enables warm, dry air to bring down the moisture levels in the room and its contents in an expedient manner. Once confirmed dry though moisture readings, we clean and disinfect all surfaces affected by groundwater to ensure they are sanitary. 

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion is available at (618) 998-8828 to mitigate flood damage in your home or business. No matter the time of day or night or how large or small the water loss, we can be onsite within hours and make it "Like it never even happened."

Need a Professional?

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Have you checked under your kitchen or bathroom sink lately? Most people store a variety of cleaners, sponges, and miscellaneous clutter under the sink. It is out of the way, out of sight, but still handy. However, the team at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion knows this can put small problems out of site, leading to huge problems.

Leaks from pipes under the sink are a common cause of water damage. With all the clutter that you hide in that sink cabinet, you may never even notice a water leak. 

The drip might be slow but can accumulate over time to cause major problems. water can cause major damage over time to the floor in your bathroom or kitchen, and the ceiling of the room below. It ruins your possessions and appliances. Unnoticed water leaking will ruin everything it comes in contact with.
 
As soon as you notice a water leak, it is important to get the appropriate help as soon as possible. When calling SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion for your restoration needs, we will assure you it will be done professionally and efficient.
 
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification IICRC, which sets industry standards, certifies our SERVPRO team. We receive specialized training in a range of services, including microbial remediation, drying techniques, and water damage restoration. We use state-of-the-art air movers and dehumidifiers, and the most advanced cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing agents. 

Call us today at (618) 998-8828 for any water damage you may find! 

Apartment Flooding

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

While many might believe that water loss incidents can get easily remedied in your Carbondale/Marion apartment; often conventional drying methods are not enough. From the moment that water damage occurs in the property, materials, and contents exposed begin to absorb this moisture. The best solution for apartment owners is to address these concerns with the expertise and advanced technology available to professional restoration specialists like our team.

As a contributor to a large loss recovery team, our professionals have the resources and the experience to handle a need for water removal in Southern Illinois apartment buildings. With how quickly these situations can get out of control and affect more than the initial unit, it is vital to get mitigation and containment processes started right away. The more efficient the response of professional restorers, the better they can protect the building. That is one of the advantages of choosing our SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion's team, as we have a 24/7 response to water emergencies to get personnel and effective equipment on site as promptly as possible.

The most critical concern for restoration technicians responding to a water loss incident in an apartment building is the spread of the effects to different floors and units. During the initial inspection and damage assessment portion of our restoration process, our estimator and project management can utilize sophisticated tools like our moisture readers and thermal imagery cameras to get a better understanding of moisture pockets and dampness levels in areas that can be more challenging to access.

Our SERVPRO team arrives with industry-leading equipment that can quickly work to extract standing water and begin rapid drying solutions for the affected properties. For shared wall cavities and moisture trapped between floors, we have advanced machines like our Inject-Dry unit. This device can force heated air into these spaces to work on drying them out efficiently.

While many steps often come with water loss recovery in an apartment, time is never on the side of the property owner in these emergencies. You can count on the fast response and the expertise of our SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion professionals to make water damage “Like it never even happened.” Give our professionals a call anytime at (618) 998-8828.

Busted Pipes can casue a huge Mess

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Southern Illinois residents barely think about the amount of pressure in their home's pipes except when it seems too low in the shower or kitchen sink. Opening up the valve might solve this problem, but at the same time, it can create a real disaster.

Increasing the pressure can lead to broken pipes in your house, followed by water damage to the area. SERVPRO can send IICRC-certified technicians to your home after such a disaster and get things dry quickly. This can keep water damage from becoming a reality for you. Water damage can affect almost anything in your house, from building materials to personal belongings.

Furniture can also become damaged as well as add to the damage sustained. SERVPRO crew members place non-staining wooden blocks under your furniture, so soaked legs do not stain carpeting. Carpeting can hold much water, so once we remove the majority of the water, we place your furniture in another area of your home so we can continue the drying process. Floating a carpet so we can force air underneath it helps dry it out more evenly. This also helps dry the floor under the carpet.

Water is a liquid, and it has no difficulty seeping into the smallest openings. Our technicians use moisture detection devices to locate this water. Because water readily evaporates into the air, we also measure its presence there. Materials quickly absorb water and then retain it easily. Our technicians use different methods to extract water wherever it occurs, and in whichever form, we find it in your home.

Our equipment ranges from extraction equipment of both liquid water and humidity in the air. Heating the interior of your home in various locations, as needed, helps make water evaporate. Once it is in the air, we can extract it with desiccant machines. Increased air currents perform a similar task of whisking water out of walls and other surfaces. Continually monitoring our progress by comparing more recent readings with our initial ones assures us of the rate your home becomes dry again.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion wants to help you prevent water damage to your residence. Contact our professional team by calling (618) 998-8828 whenever you have a disaster affecting your home. SERVPRO is always ready to respond to your emergency.

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Spring flooding?

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Wow! March and April has brought in the rain with Them! 

As many counties in the Southern Illinois area are under a flash flood watch, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion wants you know know what this means and how this can be a problem for some of you. 

So what are the terms used for flooding and what exactly do they mean?

• "Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared:A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

• Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property."

(definitions were pulled from the National Weather Service and attached is the link : https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-watch-warning if you would like any further details.)

These terms all have different meanings and you are responsible to take action as needed to keep you and your family safe when heavy rain comes your way. 

As always, be aware of the weather coming your way and be prepared for any situation. And remember SERVPRO of Caboodle/Marion is always here to restore any damage that may strike your home or business. So protect yourself and we can take care of any other resulting damage.

Remove Water Quickly

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Removing Water from Porous Materials in Carbondale/Marion Homes

The permeance of materials can be a crucial consideration for responding SERVPRO technicians looking to dry and restore damaged Sevierville properties. Understanding what areas are most likely to resist water penetration can help to focus drying machines and other equipment at the most absorption-prone surfaces exposed to the migrating water. Our team has multiple tools and equipment that can help with water removal ambitions when our technicians start mitigation, including:

• Electric submersible pumps
• Gas-powered trash pumps
• Truck-mounted, engine-driven extractors
• Wet vacuums
• Self-propelled and stationary weighted extractors

During the scoping of the job to get accomplished, our professionals can catalog what porous materials are most in need of water removal. While these materials are among the fastest to become damaged by migrating water, in turn, they are also among the most readily extracted and dried. Much like a towel is more likely to absorb standing water than a wood plank, the towel can also be dried more quickly and efficiently than the plank can. This result makes porous materials a focus of both preventative care for your damaged residence, and a solid starting point for effective drying and restoration.

Carpets and Pads

Carpeting has a high permeance rating, as does the padding underneath it. Removing either the material or the moisture from these areas can protect costlier subflooring damage.

Wood Trim 

Baseboards are often not constructed of the highest caliber wood, making it even more prone to saturation than carpeting and drywall. Restoration is not always possible for these materials, and they sometimes require replacement.

Drywall

Much like wood trim, there are many times that saturated drywall can be too severely damaged to protect. Removing water and moisture from gypsum can sometimes be costlier to dry than to remove and replace. Surface moisture meters can indicate the salvageability of wall materials.

These are some of the most commonly damaged materials after a water loss incident and the choices that must get made with them. Our SERVPRO of Carbondale-Marion team can help you to make these emergencies “Like it never even happened,” by calling (618) 998-8828.

Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing!

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

FROZEN PIPE PREVENTION

Short- and Long-term solutions for low temperature plumbing problems include:

• Locate and seal cracks and openings in the walls, attic, basement or crawlspace.
• Weather strip and caulk around crawlspace doors and basement windows.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Pay special attention to areas where pipes are located.
• Insulate unprotected pipes and don't leave gaps. Pipe sleeves simplify the process. Keep the pieces tight against each other and seal the slits and joints with duct tape.
• Install storm windows over basement windows or replace the old windows with energy-efficient alternatives.
• Find your main water shutoff so you can turn off the water quickly if needed. Locations vary — look in the crawlspace or basement where the water supply enters the house, inside a water meter box directly outside the house or near the water heater.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air flow around the supply lines. Move any cleaners or other chemicals out of the reach of children.
• Keep your thermostat at the daytime setting during the night. If you'll be away for several days during subfreezing weather, keep it set above 55° F.

Don't Let it Sit, Call us Fast!

11/24/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that timing is everything when it comes to fire, water, and storm damage. The quicker you can get the problem addressed, the less damage there is going to be. period.

Water leaks within a business can seep into flooring, carpets, baseboards and walls while moving throughout the structure, potentially creating mildew and staining walls. This might seem like a slow damage, but it can cause some of the most expensive damage.

Quick action is critical in avoiding costly repairs and expensive downtime. No business wants to have down time. The faster you call SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin, & Perry Counties the faster we can get there, and the cheaper it will be for you. Which is best for everyone.

Our SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion team understands that a damage event can not only disrupt your facility, but it can also interrupt day-to-day business functions- possible closing the business and ultimately affecting your revenues. Our goal is to get in there and take care of your facilities damage as quickly as we can. 

We are here to make it "Like it never even happened."

Be Prepared this Winter

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Why is a Frozen Pipe a Concern?

• When water begins to freeze, it expands. This can cause both plastic and metal pipes to burst, possibly leading to significant water damage to your home or business.
• Since water expands when it freezes, it puts unwanted pressure on pipes.
• As water freezes, the force exerted from the expansion can cause a pipe to burst, regardless of the strength of the material.
• You may not know you have a burst pipe as the water has turned to ice. Once the temperature starts to warm and thawing begins, leaking and flooding can occur.

FROZEN PIPE WATER DAMAGE TREATMENT AND RESTORATION

The key to avoiding costly secondary damage is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property with proper mitigation. Our SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion team has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. We begin removing the standing water from your property with extraction methods, and rapidly dry your structure and contents with dehumidifiers that lower the indoor humidity levels, so your building dries out quickly. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion professionals will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment.