How Do We Dry a Water Heater Leak?

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cuts allow us to completely dry areas affected by water damage.

Many of our customers have little to no experience when it comes to mitigation.  We get many questions everyday about how we do what we do.  In an effort to pull back the curtain on our process, we’re going to detail one of our recent jobs in this blog post.

In this particular case, a water heater on the first level of a house had a major leak that pretty much affected the entire floor.  Luckily, the owners had installed water resistant floor tiles, so the floor didn’t retain any of the water.  The drywall, however, was not so lucky.  Using our moisture meters, our Production Technicians found substantial moisture readings behind the walls.  The readings were high enough to require us to make a two-foot flood cut in almost every wall. 

A flood cut removes the bottom two feet of drywall, not just to remove irreparable damage, but also to allow us to aim our air movers and dehumidifiers directly behind the wall.  When done right, this ensures all potential moisture is removed and no pesky mold forms.  Once we were able to completely dry all the walls, our Construction Team went in and replaced all the cut-out drywall and baseboards.  Then we matched the paint job, so all of the rooms looked just as they did before the leak.

Hopefully, this helps you understand some of the steps we take to mitigate your water damage.  It’s one of the many ways we make any disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Introducing the New Phoenix DryMAX BLE Dehumidifier!

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

This machine is a serious upgrade to our water mitigation services!

Always looking to leverage the latest and greatest technologies, we here at SERVPRO are proud to upgrade our water mitigation services with the new Phoenix DryMAX BLE Dehumidifier! This large category dehu weighs a mere 63 pounds, uses only 5.7 amps of power, and comes equipped with a heavy-duty condensate pump, epoxy-coated coils, superior MERV-10 filtration, and Bluetooth functionality. 

But what do all these numbers and acronyms mean for our customers?  Its light weight relative to its size allows us to set up more dehus more quickly when on-site.  Its superior energy efficiency allows us to plug in multiple units at the same time as well as reducing the noise it makes.  Last but not least, the integrated Bluetooth technology allows us to seamlessly document drying reports.

And these are just the highlights of what this machine can do.  It is a significant upgrade from the older model and we’re super excited to start utilizing it!

How We Use Thermal Imaging

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

The Flir C2 Thermal Camera helps us detect unseen moisture!

We here at SERVPRPO are always leveraging the latest, state-of-the-art technologies to improve our water mitigation process.  It’s just one of the many ways we strive to offer the very best service to our customers.  One such example is how we utilize the newest thermal imaging cameras like the Flir C2. 

By using the powerful Flir C2 Thermal Camera, we can detect unseen moisture behind walls and ceilings without having to cut out any drywall.  We can even track that moisture to its source, giving us the most accurate information on your water loss before the mitigation process even begins.  This saves time and money on unnecessary demo and ensures the precision of our work.  Rest assured, we will continue seeking out and using the industry’s top tools to enhance our customer’s experience.

Introducing The New Phoenix Focus II Air Mover!

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Our new weapon against water damage!

We here at SERVPRO are continually researching new tools and techniques to upgrade our water mitigation process.  Constantly pushing our craft further allows us to offer our customers the very best service.  That is why we’re proud to introduce the newest addition to our water mitigation arsenal: the Phoenix Focus II Air Mover!

Using only 1.1 amps and weighing just 15 pounds, this little guy actually packs a quite a punch with 1015 CFM.  Those are just numbers though.  The bottom line is that this machine’s small footprint allows us to more efficiently dry hard to reach areas like crawlspaces, attics, and small bathrooms.  The Focus II is also stackable and easy to set up, helping us to start working on your water loss even faster without sacrificing drying power.

We are extremely excited to start utilizing the flexibility and power the Focus II offers.  And rest assured, we will continue to seek out the most innovative and state-of-the-art technology to help bring our customers the premiere service they deserve.

Rose Hill/Fort Hunt's Premiere Water Damage Restoration Company

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Our team is committed to restoring our customer's water damage!

We at SERVPRO of Rose Hill / Fort Hunt pride ourselves in being the premiere water mitigation company in the area.  With 24-hour emergency service, we can respond day or night to water disasters big or small.  Every second counts when it comes to water damage, so you can trust us to be the fastest professionals on-site.  Once there, our highly trained team of IIRC certified technicians will clean up any remaining water, remove unsalvageable property, and ensure the affected area is completely dry.  Our talented Construction Team can then fully restore that damaged property, making it “Like it never even happened.”  

Call Today – (703) 739-2800

We understand how stressful, and frankly scary, experiencing a water loss can be.  Whether a basement flood or a burst pipe, we are trained to guide you through this difficult time and explain every step along the way.  To help you prepare for the first step, here’s what to expect when you call our office. 

Our Dispatcher will ask you for some information such as, your name and contact information, the address of the affected home or business, the type of material affected (wood or tile flooring, etc.), any insurance you have, approximately when did the water damage occur, what caused it and if there is electricity available on-site.  These questions help us ascertain the severity of the damage, what equipment will be needed to start the mitigation process, and how many personnel are required. 
Please keep this information in mind when you call, as it will help us to dispatch to your location and start work even faster.

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

This home's basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your 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

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 calling us and letting 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 (703)-739-2800

Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt 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 - (703) 665-7420

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 Rose Hill/Fort Hunt 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 Rose Hill/Fort Hunt

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt 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.

Faster to your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Water Damage Event

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt 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 Rose Hill/Fort Hunt 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 – (703) 665-7420

About SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt

SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt 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.

What Happens If Water Damage Remains Unattended to in the Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

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.

As you can see, time is of the essence when dealing with water damage restoration so you can't afford to delay. If you've experienced water damage in your home or commercial building give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420.

Rose Hill/Fort Hunt Area Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Rose Hill/Fort Hunt 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 - (703) 665-7420

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 [[Franchise Name]] 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 (703) 665-7420

Dealing with a Leaky Dishwasher

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Dishwashers are one of the "hotspots" for mold and water damage. If you have a dishwasher that's leaking, you may need to call a water damage restoration specialist, like the ones at SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt, especially if the leak has been going on for some while.

Because dishwasher leaking is such a prevalent and common problem, AND because it can lead to some serious water damage, we've compiled a short list of the common causes of dishwasher leaking.

Cause #1: Broken Dishwasher Door

If there's water accumulating directly underneath your dishwasher’s door, the leak is probably being caused by a broken dishwasher door.

Cause #2: Using the Wrong Detergent

Using the wrong type of dishwasher detergent can also lead to leaking. For instance, if you use regular dishwashing soap there may be some excess suds created that can push against the dishwasher door causing a leak while the dish washer is operating.

Cause #3 Blocked Drainage

Your dishwasher may be overfilling with water, causing the leak. Occasionally, a dishwasher unit can take in a greater amount of water than it should, which prevents the unit from being able to drain properly. When this occurs, water can be forced out of the dishwasher and pushed onto the floor.

Hopefully, by understanding what causes dishwater leaking, you can take steps to prevent it from happening and prevent future water damage. However, if you've already experienced some water damage in your home or commercial building, give SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt a call at (703) 665-7420.

What Causes Pipes to Leak In Rose Hill/Fort Hunt?

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is often caused by Leaky pipes, which results in flooding and often times some substantial water damage. There are a few primary causes of pipe leaking you should know in order to identify warning signs and prevent water damage due to leaky pipes in your home.

Cause #1: Corrosion/Rusting

Corrosion can eat away at pipes until they begin to leak. Be sure to keep your eyes out for any discoloration of the water or warping, as these can be early signs of corrosion.

The corrosion generally happens as a result of slightly more acidic water running through the pipes. Have your water levels pH levels tested if you suspect your pipes are rusting.

Cause #2: Deteriorating Sealants

When pipes are installed, seals are secured in order to attach water connectors. These seals can break over time and result in flooding.

You can tell that seals are breaking  if there is condensation on your pipes or if there are any puddles of water accumulating on the ground beneath the seal.

Cause #3: Dry Pipes

If you fail to run water through your pipes for some time they can become extremely dry and cause seals to crack, leading to leaking and flooding. 

Cause #4: Drastic Changes in Weather

Rapid and drastic changes in temperature can force pipes to expand and contract, which can cause the pipes to crack under pressure and leak.

Run water through pipes on cold days to prevent pipes from freezing in cold temperatures and keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature.

Knowing some of the causes of pipe leakage should help put you in a position to prevent water damage due to leaky pipes, however, if your home or commercial building has already sustained water damage you should call SERVPRO of Rose Hill/Fort Hunt (703) 665-7420.