Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Baby, It's Cold Outside
11/7/2018 (Permalink)
BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
As the calendar turns to Fall, and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to prepare your water pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Most of these problems happen in basements that are poorly insulated and unfinished. The good news is there’s a simple tip to prevent pipes from freezing – space heaters.
By placing one or more space heaters you’ll help to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. The heat generated acts as an insulation barrier. You’ll also save money in the long term. As for attics, wrap the pipes with heat trace tape.
Don’t be a penny wise and a pound foolish when it comes to your thermostat temperature setting. Keep it set at a minimum of 65 degrees throughout the day.
It’s also a very good idea to have your HVAC system checked and inspected by a professional before it gets too late. By practicing common sense maintenance you may prevent a disaster.
Make sure to know where the main water valve is located in case your pipes do freeze so you can turn it off. Turn on all faucets to drain the pipes.
Be proactive. Take preventative steps. By acting now you can save money and lots of headaches.
A Renter's Guide to Flood Insurance
7/23/2018 (Permalink)
With the Atlantic hurricane season in session, renters who live on the fifth floor of their apartment complex are not worried about flooding. However, renters are more likely than they think to be a flood victim. SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson encourages all renters to check their area on a flood map to see if they are at risk of flooding. If to your unpleasant surprise you find yourself in an at-risk area do your research and get flood insurance.
"According to a ValuePenguin analysis, there are 1,274 counties in the U.S. in which at least one in four residents rent their homes. In about a quarter of those counties, floods have caused at least $5 million in property damages over the past 20 years--reflecting modest but not insubstantial losses. However, more than 5% of counties--78 in all--have suffered more than $50 million in damage over the years, and in more than one in five of those, the losses totaled $500 million or more" (Forbes, 2015).
Even more surprising is that basic insurance does not cover flood damages. Insurance agencies will not cover water damage if the water has hit the ground before entering your home. The aftermath for flooding can range from $10,000 to $50,000 in out of pocket expenses. Not to worry, flood insurance for renters costs much less than for homeowners since the renter will not have to pay for structural damages, which is often the most expensive part of the restoration process.
Understanding your insurance policies and being prepared this hurricane season is essential for keeping you, your family, and your home safe. If you or your family are having a flood, call SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson's 24/7 call center so we can help you start the renovation process.
How to Prepare You, Your Family, and Your Home for a Flood
7/18/2018 (Permalink)
For those of us that live on the coast, or on a low part of the neighborhood, flooding is all too familiar. However, flooding can also happen from a clogged storm drain or a pipe bursting in the apartment above you. Depending on the severity of the flooding in your areas, there are some ways to help prepare your home and your family for a flood.
1. Have a checklist for Gas, Water, and Electric. This includes:
-disconnecting all appliances,
-turning off electrical power at the main breaker boxes,
-turn off all gas at the main line,
and most importantly,
-Turn off all water at the main line! During flooding, pipes inside the house can burst and create further damage.
2. Have a flood kit prepared for emergency situations. This list should include:
-A gallon of water per person per day
-A 3 day supply of nonperishable foods that are easy to make
-Flashlight
-Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio (NOAA Weather radio if possible)
-Extra batteries
-first aid kit
-Sanitation and personal hygiene items
-Cell phone and cell phone portable chargers
-Family emergency contact information
-Maps of the area
-Emergency blanket
-Extra set of car keys and house keys
-Extra clothing and sturdy shoes
-Rain gear
-Camera for photos of damage
There are also other checklist items to consider if you or someone you live with is elderly, has a pet, or has a child:
-Baby food and formula
-Diapers
-Hearing aids and prescription medications
-Extra food and water for all pets
This checklist is provided to you by the American Red Cross. Click the link for more information.
3. Evacuate or head to higher ground. When evacuating, keep children out of the water and never tread through flowing water that is six inches deep. If you find yourself in a situation where the water is rising above six inches, turn around and go another way. Always try to find high ground for you and anyone else you are with.
4. Install backflow valves or plugs
"During a flood sewer and storm drains can back up and force sewage into your washing machines, bathtubs, sinks, and dishwashers, which can then overflow onto your floors" (Homes.com, 2018).
5. Have a backup water supply and unperishable foods for after the flooding has receded. After a flood, do not drink well water or the city water until it has been tested and verified by the local health department. Buying bottled water for a "just in case" flood comes in handy. All food that has been contaminated by the water has to be disposed of accordingly.
6. Learn how to use sandbags and plastic sheets effectively. While these tools, even if installed correctly, will not keep out all of the water, they will reduce the amount of flooding inside your home causing less damage to your property.
7. Whereas if you live in an apartment, #4 on our list will not do you much good. However, having a backup plan when a pipe does burst will help with keeping everyone calm and organized in the face of the emergency. Call your leasing office to see if they have a plan in place for when such an incident might occur.
These are just a few of the safety and preparation tips for flooding. Help keep you, your family, and your home safe by staying educated and alert about possible flooding situations. If you or anyone you know needs emergency service for flooding call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson for their 1-4-8 emergency services. In 1-hour SERVPRO professionals will address your call, in 4-hours we will send in a group of trained professionals to help with the situation, and in 8-hours we will have your claims sent to your insurance agency.
5.8.18 Hurricane Prep
5/7/2018 (Permalink)
May 6 -12 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Do you know what to do? Are you Prepared?
If a hurricane strikes, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy recovery period that could follow. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. You’ll also need a portable crank or solar powered USB charger to charge your cellphone. For more information on how to be hurricane ready go to following website https://www.ready.gov/kit
Check it out today! #hurricane ready
5.7.18 Hurricane Prep
5/7/2018 (Permalink)
The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative who doesn’t live in a zone or unsafe home, and work it out with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about. Check out https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness for more information!
Frozen Pipes
2/13/2018 (Permalink)
Freezing air and fluctuating temperatures make your property prone to a water damage resulting from frozen pipes.
When water is exposed to freezing temperatures, it begins to expand resulting in increased water pressure and a possible pipe burst. Water damages incurred from pipe bursts often result in a fairly significant amount of damage in both residential and commercial properties. By following a few simple steps you can help prevent such a disaster.
- Use insulated pipes. They will retain the heat and will not allow temperatures to drop too low. If insulated pipes are not an option, you can cover your pipes using sleeves to maintain safe temperatures during winter.
- Outdoor water pipes are typically unable to maintain a safe temperature to prevent freezing. It is important that you drain these pipes and shut off the water valve.
Should you discover a frozen pipe, it is important to take immediate action to help prevent any damage from occurring. There are several ways that you can heat and thaw frozen pipes. First you should conduct a thorough check to ensure the pipe has not burst and is not leaking, you also want to ensure the water is turned off. Then, you want to simply heat up the pipe by using a space heater, heat lamp or hair dryer. Wrapping a frozen pipe in thermostatically controlled heat tape may also help.
SERVPRO of Port Jefferson have been providing damage restoration service all over Long Island for over 30 years. Our highly trained and certified staff understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business.
Our teams are on standby and are ready to respond 24/7/365. No matter how big or small, commercial or residential SERVPRO of Port Jefferson is ready to respond and make it "Like it never even happened."
Prepare your home
12/12/2017 (Permalink)
Some tips to brace your home for a winter storm:
- Clean out the gutters, disconnect and drain all outside hoses. If possible, shut off outside water valves.
- Insulate walls and attics, and caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
- Repair roof leaks and remove tree branches that could get weighed down with ice or snow and fall on your house – or your neighbor's. (Avoid liability for the latter.)
- Wrap water pipes in your basement or crawl spaces with insulation sleeves to slow heat transfer.
- Consider an insulated blanket for your hot water heater.
- If you have a fireplace, keep the flue closed when you're not using it.
- Have a contractor check your roof to see if it would sustain the weight of a heavy snowfall.
- Make sure your furniture isn't blocking your home’s heating vents.
- During cold spells, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, particularly those in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces.
- If your house will be unattended during cold periods, consider draining the water system.
- Avoid ice dams – where water from melted snow refreezes in the gutters and seeps in under the roof, soaking interior walls. Here’s how:
- Ventilate your attic.
- Insulate the attic floor well to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.
- Consider having a water-repellent membrane installed under your roof covering.
Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet
11/16/2017 (Permalink)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is created when common fuels such as natural gas, oil, wood or coal burn incompletely. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is often called the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without the use of detection technology like a CO alarm.
Reducing the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
- Have your chimney inspected by a professional every year.
- Be sure to open the damper for proper ventilation when using your fireplace.
- Make sure appliances are installed and operated according the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable local codes.
- Fuel-burning heating appliances should be inspected and serviced by a certified, licensed professional every year.
- Never use your oven, range, stovetop or clothes dryer to provide heat for your home.
- Never use barbecue grills (gas or charcoal) inside your home or garage.
- Only use portable generators outside in well-ventilated areas away from windows and doors. Never use a portable generator in any part of your home.
- If you will be using a portable generator outside your home, be sure to install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with a battery backup inside the home.
- Only use battery powered lights in tents and recreational vehicles like trailers, motor homes and boats.
- Never use fuel-burning camping equipment inside an enclosed space.
- Keep dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace vents clear of snow during and after snowstorms.
- Check to make sure that your vehicle tailpipe is not blocked by snow or ice.
- Never run a vehicle inside a garage, even if the garage doors are open. Remove the vehicle immediately after starting it.
Water Intrusion in one room can mean Water Damage in other rooms
6/12/2017 (Permalink)
Removing surface water can help prevent more extensive damage . However, water intrusions invade floors, ceiling and walls to find the lowest point in your home. Standing water from an overflowing bathtub or other water incident will search for pin hole crevices and crack in your floors and walls looking for a way to travel downward. Surfaces such as wood, drywall and carpet pull water away from plain sight and into the interiors of your home.
Should a water incident occur in your home, remove excess water with mopping or blotting, remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs. These tips may prevent further damage to your home and personal belongings.
SERVPRO of Port Jefferson's Professionals offer:
- 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines helps you regain control and peace of mind.
- 1: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange for service.
- Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO professional will be on-site to start mitigation services.
- Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.
- Our Trained Uniformed Professionals arrive with clean trucks and the latest equipment to locate the source of the damage, detect moisture levels and dry all affected areas.
- Proper and immediate handling of even a small water damage may retain the resale value of your home.
- Quality service through documentation and continued communication helps ensure your are satisfied.
SERVPRO Professionals are available 24-Hours a day, 365 days a year to help get your life back.
Contact SERVPRO of Port Jefferson at any time
(631) 237-5505
When a water damage occurs in your Port Jefferson Home.
2/17/2017 (Permalink)
When dealing with a water damage timing is crucial. Basement flooding or storm damage doesn't wait for regular business hours and neither do we.
SERVPRO of Port Jefferson professionals respond immediately and efficiently to your residential or commercial water removal or clean-up needs.
Our professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to begin the mitigation procession and remove the water quickly. Our fast response time and advanced drying methods help prevent secondary damage and mold. SERVPRO of Port Jefferson's professionals closely monitor and verify our customers property is dried thoroughly and properly. Our professionals are trained to know how to use are equipment from dehumidifying, deodorizing and disinfecting. Our professionals restore your business or home with minimal disruption to your life and quickly make it Like it never even happened.
When a water damage take control of your life, nobody helps take it back like SERVPRO of Port Jefferson. We provide 24/7 Emergency Service.
Call Today! (631) 237-5505
SERVPRO of Port Jefferson - Specializes in flooded basement cleanup & restoration
6/17/2016 (Permalink)
One of SERVPRO of Port Jefferson specialties
This SERVPRO of Port Jefferson 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
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today -SERVPRO of Port Jefferson
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 Port Jefferson and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the tust 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 SERVPRO Of Port Jefferson
Call Today: (631) 237-5505
With any leak, It's the water you don't see that causes the most damage
3/17/2016 (Permalink)
Happy Saint Patrick's Day From Your SERVPRO Professionals
Any water damage in your home is bad.
But trying to clean it up yourself can be a disaster. Especially when the water you don't see contains bacteria-or cause mold, rot and other unseen damage that can affect the value of your home. So before you risk your health or the valve of your home by cleaning it up yourself.
Your local SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook is highly trained to safely clean and RESTORE your building, utilizing the following procedures:
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.
We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.
We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.So, before you risk further damaging the value of your home or facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook water damage cleanup and restoration specialist at (631) 237-5505. We look forward to restoring your property "Like It Never Even Happened"
Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes
1/21/2016 (Permalink)
The American Red Cross provides information and suggestions around how to prevent water pipes from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze.
Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Before the onset of Cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by the following these recommendations:
Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is the environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supply outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes, Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes- even 1/4" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action
Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe-even at a trickle-helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55°F
To Thaw Frozen Pipes
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area, running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe
Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do NOT use a blow torch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
Apply Heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed professional.
Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes. others may freeze too.
Future Protection
Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing. Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
SERVPRO of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook are the Disaster Recovery Experts and are here to help!
Article by: American Red Cross
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