Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Why SERVPRO of Society Hill for Water Damage Restoration
9/16/2022 (Permalink)
Property damage doesn’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Society Hill provides emergency cleanup and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. No damage is too big or small for our team!
Why is immediate response time crucial?
The short answer: to keep a bad situation from getting worse. In many cases an immediate response will help contain and minimize damage, thus reducing cleaning and restoration costs. The sooner the cleanup process starts, the better.
Here are a few immediate steps you can take to help speed up the process:
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Once you have filed a claim with your insurance company, SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem can take it from there to determine next steps.
- Call SERVPRO of Society Hill, who provides 24 hour, 7 days a week emergency service by having a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
- Document the damage by taking pictures or videos for the insurance claim.
- Shut off the water source so no further damage is created.
- Turn off circuit breakers.
- Don’t enter affected areas!
Use technology such as alarms and/or smart home monitoring systems that can be managed and monitored even when you aren’t home!
What Your Homeowner and Renter's Insurance Covers
9/12/2022 (Permalink)
Do you live in Philadelphia with renter’s insurance or homeowners insurance? Do you know what your insurance covers if you are hit with water damage?
No worries, SERVPRO of Society Hill has your back. Our partnership with State Farm has allowed our professionals to understand the ins and outs of insurance. Here is what renter’s insurance covers - in short, it covers all the things you own.
1. Accidents - this includes objects damaging your property
2. Weather impacts - any damage resulting from a natural
3. Malicious mischief - this includes vandalism, theft, riots, & vehicle damage
4. Loss of use - if your home or property is damaged and uninhabitable after a covered loss, living accommodations and expenses that accrue will be covered by this type of insurance.
According to Forbes and the Insurance Information Institution, every year about one in 50 homeowners file water damage claims, accounting for 29% of all homeowners insurance claims. It is important to be aware of what your insurance covers and the steps to take in the event of water damage.
SERVPRO of Society Hill takes pride in relieving stress from our customers and clients. Our professionals are equipped with the knowledge and resources to be the middle person between our business and their insurance claims.
What To Do Before, During and After Water Damage
9/9/2022 (Permalink)
We cannot control Mother Nature; when she hits Philadelphia, we need to make sure we are ready to go for whatever damage she leaves behind. We can’t control the weather but we can control what we do to prepare for the before, during and after water damage.
Here are the things you should do before, during and after water damage to make the remediation process easy for you.
BEFORE:
- Make a list of all the things you own; furniture, clothing, valuables
- Fill out a Family Emergency Plan (list of all emergency contacts), or if you are a business owner/property owner - fill out our Emergency Ready Plan
- Have a To-Go Bag that you can grab if you are rushing out in a hurry
- Be aware of what your insurance company covers when damage unexpectedly hits your home or business.
DURING:
- Turn off water valves and electricity circuits
- Call you insurance company to file a claim
- Stay away from any flood water whether it’s from a storm or a leaking pipe. You’re unfamiliar with where the water came from.
- Call SERVPRO of Society Hill, give them the insurance claim number. After communicating with the insurance company, our crews will be dispatched out to your home to assess the situation and discuss next steps.
AFTER:
- Depending on the damage will determine what happens after the damage is assessed by our professionals. We take pride in making sure the water damage remediation process is as smooth as possible for our customers.
Flooding is the most common U.S. natural disaster, and Pennsylvania has the highest flooding rate of any state.
If your home or business is suffering from water damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Society Hill now at 215-772-1203.
4 Tips To Finding Household Water Leaks
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
Did you know that the average household leak can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water waste every year, and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more a day? MIND BLOWN!
Consider these 4 tips for finding household leaks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency:
1. Have you taken a look at your water bill recently? If not, it’s time to see how much water you and your family are using per month. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons, there is a serious leak somewhere.
2. Check your water meter first, then one or two hours later after not using any water. If the number has moved then you have a leak somewhere.
3. Dye test in your toilet! Drop food coloring into your toilet tank and if any color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. Immediately flush to avoid staining the tank.
4. Call the water restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill to help!
Our team recently got a call of a water leak from the top floor to the lower level. Once our crew got in there, they quickly realized the caulking around the shower was deteriorating, which caused water to leak onto the floor when used.
If you are experiencing leaking in your home or property, call us today for an estimate!
How Fast Can Mold Grow After Water Damage?
5/25/2022 (Permalink)
The rate at which mold grows depends on several factors.
Mold is a natural and essential aspect of our biological environment. However, it can also present a hazard when spores attach to a damp surface and begin to colonize.
Mold “colonies” can grow on just about any organic material once it has been saturated, including many materials commonly found inside the home. Commonly affected surfaces include wood, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, cardboard, carpets, drywall, fabric, and insulation.
Typically, mold will thrive in any area that is damp, dark, and warm. The rate at which it grows depends on several factors, including surface, temperature, humidity, and mold species. According to the EPA and the CDC, a general rule of thumb is that mold can start to develop on surfaces within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure.
Even minor water damage can quickly turn into an aggressive mold infestation if left untreated. You should contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill immediately if you suspect your property may be at risk.
Dos and Don'ts | Sewage Damage
5/16/2022 (Permalink)
Sewage should be carefully cleanup up by an expert cleaning company.
Water contaminated by sewage contains a variety of bacteria, viruses, and germs. Contact with sewage or surfaces contaminated by sewage should be avoided.
SERVPRO has more than 50 years of experience in safe sewage cleanup. With that in mind, here are the Dos and Don’ts of responding to sewage damage:
Do:
Shut off the electricity or gas. If you don't have access to shut off the gas line, call your utility company and explain the situation. They can guide you on how to turn off the gas, or may do it for you. If the sewage or water is standing between you and your shut-offs, wait for a professional to step in.
Contact a septic company or plumber. It is critical to identify the source of the backup quickly. A plumber should begin repairing the issue as soon as possible.
Contact your insurance company. Professional cleanup & restoration companies work closely with insurance providers. You’ll want to contact your provider immediately to file a claim. Take down your claim number so you can provide it to a SERVPRO team member later.
Contact the professionals at SERVPRO. Call 1-800-SERVPRO to get connected with your nearest locally-operated SERVPRO. With more than 1,900 locations across the United States, there's sure to be a SERVPRO in your neighborhood!
Ventilate the area. If possible, open windows to encourage air to flow through your home. This may help slow mold growth by drying the area as much as possible before a SERVPRO team arrives.
Go to a safe area. Evacuate people and pets away from the home. Keep everyone away until the area has been restored.
Take pictures of the damaged area and contents. You can do this by yourself or with your insurance claim agent after the area has been deemed safe to enter. Pictures should include the damaged area, the source of the sewage backup, any damaged personal possessions, and structural damage.
Don’t
Don’t touch anything. Avoid skin contact with any sewage or sewer water. Remember, get everyone out of your home as quickly as possible.
Don’t eat or drink anything exposed to the sewer water. No one in your home should use toilets or sinks connected to the sewage lines. Don’t drink any water from your sink or filtered water hookups that are connected to the backed-up line.
Don’t remove items from the area. You should not touch anything that has been exposed to sewage. SERVPRO will keep a record of all items removed from the damaged area, including those deemed unsalvageable.
Don’t try to clean it up. You may be destroying evidence that could impact your insurance claim. Leaving the area as is after you call the plumber and insurance company is the best thing you can do. Allow the experts at SERVPRO to return your home to safety.
Call 1-800-SERVPRO for 24/7 emergency service.
Debunking Mold Misconceptions
4/7/2022 (Permalink)
The professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill are well-equipped and experienced with mold remediation and removal.
There are many common misconceptions regarding mold. Let's debunk them!
#1: Any & All Mold Is Bad
Mold is an essential part of our biological environment because it digests organic material. Without it, leaves would not decay, and soil enrichment could not occur. In reality, mold spores are all around us in the air we breathe. The issue with mold isn't its presence but its concentration.
Mold only becomes a threat to our health at concentrated levels. For example, when spores attach to a damp surface and begin to reproduce inside your home.
#2: A Little Bit of Mold Isn't An Issue
Mold is like an iceberg. If you see a little bit of mold growth, there is likely more growing under the surface out of sight. If mold is visibly growing on surfaces in your home, you have a problem.
# 3: Cleaning Mold Isn't Hard; you Should Do It Yourself
Many people believe that they can solve a mold issue with Bleach. While Bleach may kill certain kinds of mold on non-porous surfaces, it will not kill mold on porous surfaces such as wood. Additionally, using Bleach on mold may pose health risks and is not recommended by the EPA.
While you may be able to clean up certain kinds of mold in small quantities, most people are ill-equipped to handle a mold infestation. To correctly resolve the issue, you must identify the cause, isolate the area to keep spores from spreading, and clean and remove the affected surfaces entirely.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill are well-equipped and experienced with mold remediation and removal. If you suspect an infestation in your home, contact us at 215-772-1203 for immediate assistance!
Ghosting or Mold? (Part 3)
11/18/2021 (Permalink)
Mold has a textured appearance.
In parts one and two of our Ghosting series, we covered causes and cleaning techniques. Now let’s discuss identification.
Ghosting is often confused with another common household issue: mold growth. Both appear as dark discoloration on ceilings and walls. These tips can help you tell the difference.
Consider texture, smell, and location:
Texture: If the discoloration is caused by mold, the affected area will appear more textured. You may also notice fungal growth. Over time, mold can take on different colors, like white, green, purple, or orange.
Smell: Mold has a distinctly unpleasant, wet, and musty smell. Soot smells dry and smokey. If the area wreaks of rotten wood or wet socks, you likely have a mold issue.
Location: Mold grows in dark, moist areas. If the discoloration in question is in a dry, sunny area, it's probably not mold.
If you’re unable to determine the source of the discoloration, SERVPRO of Society Hill can help. We offer surface and air mold testing. Call 215-772-1203 for more information.
Playing In Flood Water Is A Terrible Idea. Here's Why.
9/27/2021 (Permalink)
Floodwater presents many hidden dangers.
As hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on Philadelphia, some residents decided to take the destruction in stride.
Images of people playing in the flooded Vine Street Expressway went viral. One man was seen floating in a tube, cold beer in hand. Another dove in headfirst from an overpass. Across social media, many found the images amusing in light of an unfortunate situation.
As experts in flood cleanup and water removal, we’re here to tell you why playing in floodwater is a terrible idea.
Water damages are classified by threat level. Floodwater falls under Category 3 - the most dangerous- as it presents a serious risk to health. For this reason, we refer to it as “black water” and advise homeowners to avoid contact with it at all costs. Why?
Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous waste, especially in urban areas.
Philadelphia has underground sewers. Any water floating above them is bound to contain raw sewage. The micro-organisms present in sewage-tainted water are known to cause E Coli, Giardia, Hepatitis A, Cholera, and more.
Aside from human waste, many other toxins are present. Consider that anything lining the streets and sidewalks has been washed up into the water. This includes vehicle fluids, chemicals, decaying animals, and garbage.
Put simply, contact with floodwater can result in diarrhea, parasites, skin infections, respiratory illnesses, and potentially death.
In addition to biological threats, floodwater contains dangerous hidden objects.
Rushing water snatches up anything in its path. It is impossible to know what items are surrounding you in the murky water. Floodwater frequently includes broken glass, metal fragments, wires, branches, and more. Contact with these items can cause tetanus, staph infection, and serious injuries.
Don't get it confused- swimming in floodwater is not the same as swimming in a lake or ocean. It is unsanitary and dangerous. Always avoid contact with floodwater and urge family members and friends to do the same.
The Water Damage Culprit In Your Home
9/21/2021 (Permalink)
Did you know? Washing machines are a leading cause of residential water damages.
The vast majority of homeowners insurance claims stem from the failure of everyday household appliances. When it comes to water damage, washing machines are a common and unsuspected culprit.
More than half of all washing machine-related water damages are caused by hose failure. Each washing machine has three hoses: two that supply hot and cold water, and one that drains water away.
What causes hoses to leak and how can you prevent it from happening?
A poor connection to either the machine or wall. Constant vibration during the washing cycle can loosen a hose’s connection.
The solution: If you detect a minor leak, simply tighten the hose where it connects to the wall and/or machine.
Aging hoses. Over time, high-flow hoses wear down and become brittle. This makes them more likely to suffer a complete break, flooding your home with gallons of water.
The solution: Replace your hoses at least every 5 years. A new set can be purchased for under $30 and easily installed without a plumber.
During installation or replacement, the hose is pinched or cracked. Slow, gradual leaking leads to sustained moisture and eventual mold growth.
The solution: Invest in a sturdy hose. Braided stainless steel with a rubber or PVC core is more durable and resistant to external damage.
A little preventative maintenance can go a long way in preventing water damage. If your home is impacted by washing machine-related damage, the experts at SERVPRO of Society Hill can help!
Water Damage Prevention: 3 Tips
5/21/2021 (Permalink)
Aged and brittle washing machine hoses are a leading cause of water damage.
Water damage is a costly event that most homeowners are desperate to avoid. While not all water damages are preventable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of encountering one.
Three preventative tips:
Know where your water main is located.
If you experience a plumbing emergency inside your home, knowing where your water main shutoff is located will make it easier to turn off the water right away, and hopefully minimize any damage.
Maintain appliances.
Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to manufacturer’s directions. Pay special attention to the state of your washing machine and refrigerator hoses. When these become old and brittle, they often become leaky and are among most frequent causes of water damage for homeowners. A hose typically has a life expectancy of about five years. Replace yours regularly to avoid a mighty mess and expensive damage.
Investigate and repair leaks promptly.
If you discover evidence of a leak in your home, investigate it right away. A small crack can quickly escalate to a full blown pipe burst.
If you opt to ignore moisture damage or postpone necessary repairs, be prepared to experience mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home.
Keep in mind that homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for damage that is sudden and accidental. Damage that results from lack of maintenance is not covered on a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Large Loss Specialists: SERVPRO Franchises Join Forces!
4/26/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO's large-loss specialists can tackle any size disaster.
Last week, SERVPROs of Society Hill, Overbrook and Blue Bell joined forces to tackle a large commercial water loss in Center City, Philadelphia.
A pipe burst in a high rise building resulted in five floors of saturated walls, ceilings, carpets and office furniture. A team of more than thirty crew members quickly arrived on the scene to perform extraction and cleanup. The drying process took several days to complete and required more than 220 air movers and 60 dehumidifiers.
High-rise buildings tend to have more water damage exposure. Thankfully, the elite large-loss specialists at SERVPRO are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.
The Power of Drying Mats!
3/30/2021 (Permalink)
A moist wood floor is salvaged using a drying mat.
In the aftermath of a water damage, SERVPRO professionals use specialized equipment, including industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, to completely dry up residual moisture. However, flooring constructed from porous material often calls for additional drying procedures. In particular, wood floors tend to soak up substantial amounts of moisture when flooded. If left untreated, this will cause the flooring to warp, swell and break down over time. Subfloor mold growth is common in these situations.
So, how do we salvage wood floors? At SERVPRO of Society Hill, we bring in the drying mats! When attached to an air mover, a drying mat traps moving air, which gently circulates over the floor. This mechanism evaporates all traces of trapped moisture and leaves wood flooring completely dried. During this process, our team members carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the flooring reaches an acceptable level of dryness.
Prevent Frozen Pipe Bursts
11/13/2020 (Permalink)
Winter weather is rapidly approaching here in Philadelphia. As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes surges. In fact, frozen pipe bursts are a common cause of property damage during winter months. These damages can cost several thousands to repair. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to lower the risk of a frozen pipe burst in your home.
Before temperatures fall, identify which of your pipes may be at risk. Those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics and garages are most likely to freeze. But subzero temperatures can also freeze pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls. Inspect these pipes closely for visible damage such as rust, cracks or leaks. Even slight damage raises the risk of a burst exponentially.
Once cold weather sets in, follow these steps:
Promote warm air circulation around your plumbing. Keep garage doors closed. Leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open. This is especially important if your sinks are located on an exterior wall.
Insulate water line pipes. Adequate insulation in attics, basements and crawl spaces will maintain warmth and slow the onset of freezing temperatures. Prevent drafts by sealing cracks around windows and doors.
Think ahead. If you plan to be away during cold weather, set the heat in your home to no lower than 55 degrees. This is especially important if forecasts predict sustained temperatures below 20 degrees.
Thawing frozen pipes:
If you suspect a pipe has frozen, take caution. If the pipe has cracked or burst, water will come flowing out and flood your home once it has thawed. Turn off your water at the main shutoff valve.
If the water is still running and no pipes have burst, take the following steps:
Turn on the faucet. Running water through the pipe, as cold as it may be, will help to melt ice in the pipe.
Carefully apply heat to the pipe. Wrap an electric heating pad or towels soaked in hot water around the pipe. Introduce warm air using a hair dryer or portable space heater, but keep these as devices far away from water and flammable materials. Never use an open flame to heat frozen pipes, as this may damage them or even start a fire.
If you are unable to locate or access the frozen pipe, call a licensed plumber.
In the event one of your pipes has frozen and burst, contact SERVPRO of Society Hill. We provide 24/7 emergency response. Our expert employees can swiftly repair the damage and restore your home.
Preventing Water Damage During the Fall & Winter Seasons
9/11/2020 (Permalink)
Imagine leaves falling, or the first beautiful snowfall of the season. While these may be some wonderful sights of nature, they could also become problems for your home. First off when the weather gets cooler we will all see the leaves begin to fall from the trees, most of which make it to the ground. While some get trapped in the gutters of homes, left unattended, gutters and drains will become clogged. This leaves nowhere for water to flow, and could potentially leak into the house. The same of which can go for snow and ice. If snow is melting, and then refreezing it could be causing ice dams to build up, and doing further damage to the gutter. Ice dams put weight stress on gutters this then could also pop up shingles, which leads to water damage to the roof, and ceilings in the home. Water damages, left untreated, can then bring the risk of mold growth and health effects. So it's always important to have your gutters properly cleaned, and secured before the leaves begin to fall. Especially before the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Just know that if any of these problems do occur, SERVPRO of Society Hill is ready no matter the damage or weather!
One Team One Goal When it Comes to Water Damages
9/11/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Society Hill has dealt with our fair share of storms over the years. We all know how devastating something such as a hurricane can be especially when you may live by the water. Flooding and then mold occur and can completely ruin your home, building, or business. SERVPRO of Society Hill takes pride in how we come together across the country to help those in need. We have traveled far and wide for the largest of damages. We understand how important it is to get your life back together so with all the franchises across the country we band together to get towns, cities, states back up and running. With our tractor trailers of equipment and vehicles filled with employees ready to repair everything as soon as possible. We understand your property hold value to you in more ways than one and we want you to have that comfort knowing we care and we go the extra mile to handle a disaster recovery. Just know that you can call SERVPRO of Society Hill for any job no matter how big or how small. We can handle it!
Sewage Back Up
5/20/2020 (Permalink)
If you have any type of property such as a residential home, commercial warehouse, building small or large you are bound to run into type of sewage problem. For smaller buildings and homes the actual damage may not be so large, but it can leave behind some not so pleasant smells. For the larger buildings that may be located in the city damages can come in all sizes. Especially when you are dealing with a main city sewage line. These can cause not only terrible odors, but huge cleanups as well. Whether a small or large scale backup, SERVPRO of Society Hill is ready to dive in to get the waste out! Extracting whatever kind of waste is present is the first line of duty. Followed by extreme power washing to make sure no residue is left behind. If any is missed the smell with return and linger around. Finally after everything is washed and wiped down its time to get rid of that smell. Using special chemicals that are made to rid the area of the smell and keep it that way! When stuck in a sticky and smelly situation call on SERVPRO of Society Hill to do the dirty work!
Water Damage Experts
4/22/2020 (Permalink)
Equipment Set Up
Here at SERVPRO, we deal with all types of water losses. Whether it is a residential home water leak or an indoor pool flooding multiple floors in a building. This particular photo is showing the drying process of a luxury high rise condo. Fans were set up the length of the hallway in order to get a full circulation of air running. The venting hose is hooked up to a desiccant that is filtering the air the runs through it. To ensure that everything is completely dry this process usually takes up to 3 days to fully complete. We come back every day after the loss to ensure everything is drying properly and take moisture readings and check the humidity because we want you up and running as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Society Hill responded to this call in no time at all and had equipment set up immediately after we pulled up all the water off the floor from a burst pipe before the hard wood could start buckling. We are always ready to go 24 hours a day 7 days a week so whatever the damage may be SERVPRO is waiting for the call and ready to go.
Water Damage Tips
3/27/2020 (Permalink)
If your home has suffered water damage, you’re not alone. SERVPRO of Society Hill is with you when it comes to water damage repair, there are some tips you should know. Read on to learn all about what you should do if you have water damage.
Whatever the cause of your water damage the important thing is to act quickly. Water damage can begin to have permanent serious consequences for you, your family and your home within 24 hours. As well as the damage to your property, there are also health risks.
Assuming the water source is no longer a threat and you have shut down any electricity supply, now is the time to act to prevent further damage and start repairs. Save any valuables and undamaged belongings.
It’s as well to check your insurance. If you have cover for the repair of water damage you may have terms in your insurance that you must follow in order to be able to claim from your insurance. Make sure that you don’t invalidate your insurance simply by not following their instructions.
Take photographs of the damage. They may be useful later.
Water damage can be from three main types of water. Each type requires a different response.
Clean water, from leaking pipes, rain or condensation is the easiest water damage to clean up. Once you have identified the source and prevented any further damage, you may be able to mop it up and remove any damaged materials yourself. You probably won’t need specialized help unless there has been a lot of water.
Grey water is slightly dirty water. It comes from appliances such as a washing machine or dishwasher. Again, you can probably clean small spills up yourself if it is recent but if this has backed up.
Sewage or flood water from rivers is known as black water. This contains bacteria and other waste products that can be hazardous to health. Specialized personal protective equipment and methods are needed to handle black water damage.
Water damage repair can be as simple as drying out a carpet after a burst pipe or as complex as recovering from a major flood. Assess the task and if necessary consult experts. Above all, act now.
Do not let water damage go unattended!!
2/14/2020 (Permalink)
This is wood flooring after a water damage. The home owners did not take care of the problem right away, so now the whole floor must be removed.
Did you know it only takes 1 to 2 inches of water to begin damaging your property? Any type of water leak no matter the size can turn into a much lager damage if not treated when discovered. Unseen water can soak through carpets, walls, and pool on sub-floors causing big problems over time. The faster water is removed, the less chance of possible serious damage. That's why SERVPRO of Society Hill is ready to spring into action anytime or day to prevent these damages. With the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, the effected area is quickly and thoroughly dried. This is important to prevent secondary water damage from occurring. Water that is hidden can also contain bacteria and causes mold growth. This can cause rotting along with a big health hazard. A mop and common box fan will not fully take care of water damage issues. That's why it is very important to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill for any water damage recovery. The faster you act upon a damage the easier and less stressful the cleanup will be.
5 Steps You Can Take On Your Own After a Burst Pipe!
1/7/2020 (Permalink)
This pipe was frozen and once it thawed out it burst.
You can never expect when a pipe will burst and wreak havoc on your home. The water damage clean up can be a headache so you always want to be prepared. Here are 5 tips to help you recover quickly when a broken pipe leaks water all over your property.
1. Find the source of the water damage. It's easy to find a faucet left running or sewer backup. However, if water is coming from a hidden pipe in the walls you need to shut off water to the house as quickly as possible.
2. After the panic has settled down, access the level of damage to your home. There are limited things you can do yourself to remove the water from your house but if carpeting, drywall, rugs or the ceiling below have become saturated, call a professional water restoration company like SERVPRO of Society Hill immediately.
3. Move Quickly! You need to start mitigating the damage before more damage piles up. Bacteria and hazardous mold spores can begin to grow within hours of the catastrophe. Open windows and turn on as many fans as possible to move air throughout the area. Run a dehumidifier; it will pull moisture out of the air and prevent odors in the future.
4. Use a shop-vac to remove as much water as possible until the professionals show up. The longer the water sits on the floor, the more damage it will create. Move quickly to remove as much water as possible.
5. Take photos for your insurance claim. Your insurance company will probably send out someone to investigate the damage but if you have pictures that show everything how it was the day the damage happened, you will have more evidence and it could smooth out the process. After the damage is cleaned up, continue to move fresh air throughout the affected area and continue running the dehumidifier for several days after. If your damage was caused by a broken pipe, have it fixed by a professional so that you won't be faced with the same situation again. We all hope to never have to deal with something like this, but if you ever do, the professionals at SERVPRO of Society Hill are there to help 24/7 to clean up and restore your home.
Frozen Pipes Can Be A Big Issue In The Winter!
11/15/2019 (Permalink)
This pipe is a big bursting hazard and if not handled quickly could break.
With the cold weather bearing down our necks. It raises concern about pipes freezing in homes and businesses. When pipes freeze it leaves a huge mess of water damage to your homes and businesses. That is when you call SERVPRO of Society Hill to help you clean up the mess and fix the areas that were damaged from the water damage. Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we make it our job to make sure that the customer is happy with the outcome of the job.
Here are a couple things that will help to prevent this disaster from happening:
Keep your home or apartment thermostat temperature set to at least 55 degrees.
Do not block heat to areas of your residence that contain plumbing or water fixtures. Keep doors open to bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and cabinets that contain pipes, especially those located on the north side of the dwelling, to expose the plumbing to warmer air inside the house.
Prevent drafts of cold winter air by keeping windows and storm windows closed. Repair cracks or holes around doors and windows to keep cold air from blowing in.
Cover pipes in unheated areas with heat tape or pipe insulation. Make sure heat tapes are properly installed and working safely.
If you plan to be away from your residence for an extended period of time, ask someone to check your house or apartment periodically. Show them what to do if water pipes freeze and where to locate your water shut-off valve in case of an emergency.
What to expect from SERVPRO when dealing with a water damage.
10/1/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Society Hill 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 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 Society Hill 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. 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.
Water Damage in a Philadelphia High Rise Condominium Complex
10/1/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Society Hill was called out to a job in a high rise condominium complex last week for a unit that was affected by a pipe burst a few floors above. The new owner was in the process of moving in and need the situation looked at right away. The damage was located in a closet, and affected the walls and carpeted floor. After the readings were taken it showed that the wall still had moisture and the carpet was stained. The light fixture in the closet also had some noticeable water the had leaked into it. Although there was still some moisture our SERVPRO of Society Hill professionals determined that it would cost the owner less to do the drying and carpet cleaning himself. He was pleased with our honesty and knowledge that we shared with him.
Being prepared if your water heater or pipes break!
9/13/2019 (Permalink)
The winter months are approaching and with extreme cold weather it can lead to water freezing in pipes and causing them to expand and break. When a water heater goes or a pipe bursts it doesn't take long for water damage to settle in and become a problem.Water damage can lead to ruined furniture, damaged walls and the possibility of mold to develop if not treated properly. At SERVPRO of Society Hill we want you to be ready for when disaster strikes. The picture below is from a water damage job where a basement was flooded due to a water heater breaking which resulted in the basement floors being flooded affecting the floors, walls and surrounding items. At SERVPRO of Society Hill we are here to help you get your mess cleaned up fast and get your basement back.
Flood Safety Tips
10/3/2018 (Permalink)
Floods can happen at anytime, and be caused from a variety of circumstances. Whether it's from rain, or from an inside source in the building. Here we will provide a list of safety tips for before, during, and after a flood.
Before
- Make sure any cracks or openings to the building are sealed securely.
- Clean out all gutters, drains, and downspouts.
- If there is a sump pump in the building, make sure to have an automatic secondary backup.
- Create an emergency plan with a designated meeting place
During
- Move any valuables or items that you don't want damaged to a higher area.
- Shut off electrical, furnace, gas and water, and disconnect appliances if safe.
- If serious enough not only move items to raised area, but move yourself to higher ground.
- Always remain calm and listen for any updates if the flooding is serious enough
After
- Clean, disinfect and dry every flood-contaminated room.
- Look for signs of mold contamination.
- Keep fans running to dry affected areas
- Remove pooled water and damaged materials
- Report the damage to your insurance provider and local municipality.
Hopefully these tips will help you stay safe when floods do occur. Don't forget that SERVPRO of Society Hill is always on duty to help clean up when flood's try to wash you out!
Burst or Leaking Pipes
10/1/2018 (Permalink)
Leaking Pipe in a Basement.
Bursting or leaking pipes is one of the most common ways that houses get water damage. Drains and toilets that get backed up and blocked can cause undue pressure in the pipe, which then causes it to burst or leak. Garbage disposals that aren’t working properly are another common reason for pipes to burst, as are roots that grow in the yard into the sewer lines. Old or rusty pipes are also more prone to leaking. If your pipes do burst and cause water damage call SERVPRO Society Hill. They will come and fix the damage fast and efficiently, so everyone can get back to there regular lives. SERVPRO Society Hill will make sure that the room looks like it did before the water damage happened.
Here are some ways to prevent any of these situation from happening in your home.
- Ensure that any outside taps and piping including drain pipes for heating or overflow pipes are insulated. You can use insulating lagging or foam to do this but make sure you do not leave any joints, bends or taps exposed. For outside taps fitted covers are available.
- Any piping that are in unheated areas such as lofts, basements and garages all need to be lagged with good quality pipe lagging.
- Any pipes buried in the ground outside such as pipes to garages or sheds need to be buried deep enough and/or lagged.
- Insulate your cold water tank, this is so often forgotten and can be the major cause of Burst Pipes.
- Leave your heating on at least 12 degrees centigrade at all times throughout cold spells. This will keep the system warm enough not to Burst Pipes and the water flowing.
- Fix any dripping taps or existing leaks before the cold spell. Many Burst Pipes happen because of leaks.
Frozen Pipes
9/11/2018 (Permalink)
Frozen Pipe Leak
With the cold weather right around the corner. It raises concern about pipes freezing in homes and businesses. When pipes freeze it leaves a huge mess of water damage to your homes and businesses. That is when you call SERVPRO to help you clean up the mess and fix the areas that were damaged from the water damage. Here at SERVPRO we make it our job to make sure that the customer is happy with the outcome of the job.
Here are a couple things that will help to prevent this disaster from happening:
Keep your home or apartment thermostat temperature set to at least 55 degrees.
Do not block heat to areas of your residence that contain plumbing or water fixtures. Keep doors open to bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and cabinets that contain pipes, especially those located on the north side of the dwelling, to expose the plumbing to warmer air inside the house.
Prevent drafts of cold winter air by keeping windows and storm windows closed. Repair cracks or holes around doors and windows to keep cold air from blowing in.
Cover pipes in unheated areas with heat tape or pipe insulation. Make sure heat tapes are properly installed and working safely.
If you plan to be away from your residence for an extended period of time, ask someone to check your house or apartment periodically. Show them what to do if water pipes freeze and where to locate your water shut-off valve in case of an emergency.
Flooded Basement
4/4/2018 (Permalink)
At SERVPRO of Burlington/Mount Holly, we would like to provide some tips to all homeowners when the basement gets flooded
Shut off all electricity to the area
Find the source of water
If its rainwater wait until the rain stops
if its water from a pipe turn off the water shut off valve
Call SERVPRO to remove water and to dry up the basement
Prepare For It
2/19/2018 (Permalink)
Hurricane Preparedness for Drinking Water Utilities from SERVPRO of Society Hill
Drinking water utilities need to take precautions in advance of the arrival of a hurricane. Public water suppliers in the possible path of the storm should prepare for high winds, storm surge, torrential rain, flooding and extended power outages. To help utilities provide continuity of service to its customers before, during and after the storm, the following actions are recommended:
- Water Storage - Fill your storage tanks to help you meet demand during a power outage and to help anchor your tanks during high winds and inundation.
- Back Up Power - Fill fuel tanks for your generators. Exercise each generator under load to be sure it is running properly and power transfer is reliable. Assume a lengthy power outage. Estimate the time that you will be able to meet demand with the back-up power, fuel and water storage you have on hand. Identify several possible locations where fuel can be procured in case your primary supplier becomes unable to deliver.
- Continuity of Operation - Contact all essential employees to place them on alert. Make sure that sufficient staff will be on duty throughout the expected storm duration. Provide enough food and clean water for staff working extended shifts. Have them bring extra dry clothes, and consider providing sleeping arrangements so that extended duty staff do not become overly tired.
- Chemical and Fuel Storage - Check tanks to be sure you have enough essential chemicals (e.g. disinfectant) to get you through the storm. Check tank anchoring to be sure they are protected from wind damage and buoyancy forces (floating or overturning) should they become inundated.
- Water Sources - Identify sources that may become inundated. Prepare to remove sources from service, prior to inundation, that may be susceptible to damage from inundation or intrusion by flood born pathogens or salt water.
- Emergency Communications - Check your emergency communications equipment to be sure it is in good working order. Charge all batteries, or replace with fresh ones. Distribute communication equipment to appropriate staff.
- Public Communications - Be prepared to provide public information as needed. Check contact information with local radio and television stations. If you do not have storage and/or dedicated backup power sufficient for 3 days, consider pre-preparing water conservation advisory notices that can be issued if needed.
- Vehicles - Fill vehicle fuel tanks to be sure they are ready for use in response to the storm. Provide essential equipment (radios, instruments, tools, safety equipment, lights, ropes, etc.).
SERVPRO Goes Pink for October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
10/5/2016 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Breast Cancer Awareness Month PINK October and research
October is breast cancer awareness month. Every year, more than 100,000 volunteers and activists work through more than 120 Affiliates mobilize more than 1.6 million friends and neighbors every year through events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® - the world's largest awareness and fundraising event for breast cancer. Komen advocates for breast self-awareness as a primary method for fighting breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer. We provide critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivorship. In 2016-2017, BCRF will award $57 million in annual grants to more than 250 scientists from top universities and medical institutions around the globe. In addition, BCRF has established the Evelyn H. Lauder Founder’s Fund, a multi-year international program dedicated to metastasis that is the first large-scale global effort to unravel the biology of metastasis, with more than $30 million earmarked to date. It is the largest privately funded project exclusively focused on metastasis in the world. But we still have more to do.
For Immediate Services, Call SERVPRO of Society Hill
6/2/2014 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Society Hill Professionals provide fire and water damage restoration services. SERVPRO of Society Hill proudly serves Philadelphia, Bella Vista Philadelphia, Grays Ferry Philadelphia, Center City Philadelphia, University City Philadelphia, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commerical structure caused by:
- Water Damage
- Fire Damage
- Disaster,storm and flood damage
- Mold Damage
Water Damage
3/18/2014 (Permalink)
Water Damage
When you have a water damage, dont leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO professionals to help make it, Like it never even happened®.
Frozen/Broken Pipes Cleanup in Philadelphia
1/9/2014 (Permalink)
As the temperatures drop this winter, we've already seen many pipes start to break. If this happens to you or your business, keep SERVPRO in mind. Our professionals are standing by ready to help!
24/7 Emergency Service
