Preventing Costly Water Damage

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

Are you tired of dealing with the headaches and expenses of water damage in your home or business? Look no further than SERVPRO of Midland.

Our team of experts is here to help you prevent costly water damage and protect your property. With our proactive measures and top-notch restoration services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property is in good hands.

Don't let water damage dampen your spirits. Trust SERVPRO of Midland for all your water damage prevention needs.

Understanding the Causes of Water Damage

To prevent water damage, you need to understand its causes. Water damage can be a costly and stressful experience, but by understanding what leads to it, you can take proactive steps to protect your home and belongings.

One of the leading causes of water damage is plumbing issues. Leaky pipes, burst pipes, and faulty plumbing fixtures can all result in significant water damage if left unattended. It's crucial to look for any signs of water leakage, such as dampness, discoloration, or mold growth, and address them promptly.

Another common cause of water damage is weather-related incidents. Heavy rainstorms, hurricanes, and flooding can all lead to water infiltrating your home. Ensuring that your roof is in good condition and that your gutters are clear of debris can help prevent water from seeping into your house during these events.

Additionally, improper drainage around your property can cause water to accumulate, leading to water damage. Checking that your yard slopes away from your home and that your downspouts are directed away from the foundation can help prevent water from pooling near your home.

Lastly, household appliances can also be a source of water damage. Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters can all malfunction and cause leaks or flooding. Regular maintenance and inspections of these appliances can help identify potential issues before they become costly water damage incidents.

Proactive Measures for Water Damage Prevention

Take proactive measures to prevent water damage and safeguard your home and belongings.

As a homeowner who desires a sense of belonging and security, it's crucial to implement preventive measures to avoid costly water damage. By being proactive, you can save yourself from the stress, inconvenience, and financial burden of water damage restoration.

Start by regularly inspecting your home for any signs of water leaks or damage. Check your pipes, faucets, and water supply lines for any leaks or drips. Promptly repair any issues you find to prevent them from worsening and causing water damage.

Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clean and in good working condition. Clear them of any debris, such as leaves and twigs, to prevent clogging and water overflow. Properly functioning gutters and downspouts will direct rainwater away from your home's foundation, reducing the risk of water seeping into your basement or crawl space.

Install a sump pump in your basement if you haven't already. A sump pump helps to prevent water accumulation in your basement by automatically pumping out excess water. It's beneficial during heavy rains or in areas prone to flooding.

Consider installing a water leak detection system. These systems use sensors to detect leaks and can send alerts to your smartphone or notify a monitoring service. Early detection of leaks can help you take immediate action and avoid extensive water damage.

Lastly, ensure that your home's exterior is properly sealed. Check for any cracks or gaps in your walls, windows, and doors, and seal them to prevent water infiltration.

Restoring and Repairing Water Damaged Properties

Once water damage has occurred, you can rely on SERVPRO of Midland's expertise to efficiently restore and repair your damaged property. We understand the distress and frustration that comes with water damage, and our team is committed to providing you with the highest level of service to help you regain a sense of belonging in your home or business.

Our highly skilled technicians will assess the extent of the damage and develop a comprehensive plan to restore your property to its pre-damaged condition. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to remove excess water, dry the affected areas, and prevent further damage. We aim to minimize disruption to your daily life and get you back to normal as quickly as possible.

We understand that your property isn't just a physical structure but also a place where memories are made and cherished. Our team will treat your property with the utmost care and respect, working diligently to salvage and restore your belongings whenever possible. We'll also work closely with your insurance company to ensure a smooth and hassle-free claims process.

At SERVPRO of Midland, we believe in the power of community and understand the importance of feeling like you belong. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, going above and beyond to exceed your expectations. We take pride in our ability to restore and repair water-damaged properties, helping you create a safe and comfortable space to call home or conduct business.

Don't let water damage disrupt your sense of belonging. Contact SERVPRO of Midland today and let our experts restore and repair your property efficiently and efficiently.

Summary

Remember to take proactive measures to prevent water damage to your property.

Understanding the causes and implementing preventative measures can save you from the costly and stressful process of restoring and repairing water-damaged properties.

Trust the expertise of SERVPRO of Midland to help protect your property and keep it safe from water damage.

The Rising Waters: Toilet Overflow and What To Do About It

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Sewer damage in Midland, TX  can be incredibly problematic, and quickly getting the situation under control is often imperative. You should know what can cause a flooded toilet and what you should do after it occurs to quickly clean up and restore your home to its natural state.

Understanding Why Toilet Overflow Occurs

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon issue in homes. However, when you know what the potential causes are, it puts you in a position to take better preventative measures. The following may cause toilet overflow in your home:

• A drain line becomes clogged.
• The septic field is not percolating.
• Sewer damage occurs somewhere in the system’s lines due to issues such as tree roots or foreign objects causing a clog.
• A low flow toilet is not able to handle the demands of your household.
• The trap between the drain line and the toilet bowl becomes blocked.

Cleaning Up Toilet Overflow

The first step is to get rid of any water that may have accumulated in the affected space. Once this is gone, use low-suds soap and warm water to thoroughly clean all elements of the space. Once this is done, use a disinfectant and go over all of the surfaces you have cleaned to reduce any lingering contaminants and impurities.

Once you complete the cleanup process, make sure that you are taking steps to prevent this problem from recurring. Be mindful of how much toilet paper you are using, never flush feminine hygiene products and make sure that small objects do not accidentally get into your toilet and flushed down.

With this information about toilet overflow, you can be better prepared to deal with this type of situation. Should you experience sewer damage, it is generally a good idea to reach out to a sewage company to ensure that the restoration process is done safely and correctly.

5 Tips To Prevent Water Damage From Drain Clogs

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

More water damage insurance claims are filed for pipe breaks and plumbing or appliance issues than weather-related causes. Most plumbing failures in the kitchen and the bathroom are easily prevented. If a clog causes a backup and it is not caught right away, the resulting water damage can lead to warped hardwood floors, popping tiles, and wet moldy building materials. Prevent clogs, backups, and pipe breaks by following these easy tips to keep things flowing!

• Cooking grease can wreak havoc on your pipes. Dispose of grease properly- never down the drain. Line a bowl with aluminum foil, and when the grease hardens you can just ball it up and throw it away! Another option is to use an old coffee can to dispose of the grease or re-purpose the leftover grease.
• Chemical clog removal products can corrode your pipes over time. It's best to use natural clog removal methods such as baking soda or vinegar.
• Keep the toilet drains clear by avoiding flushing products like feminine hygiene products and moist "flush-able" wipes.
• Use a drain guard or screen in the shower to catch hair. Avoid using oily or greasy body care products that can gum up the pipes.
• Always run cold water in a garbage disposal before adding food. Avoid tossing stringy or high fiber foods that are difficult to break down. Examples are carrots, potato peels, corn on the cob and celery. 

Hopefully, these tips will help make your kitchen and bathroom maintenance easier.

Following these simple tips are the first defense in preventing water damage from a clogged or broken pipe. If your home or business encounters water damage, call SERVPRO of Midland immediately at 432-620-0086. Our professionals have the expertise to reverse and prevent the effects of flooding and water damage.

Flood Damage in Your Home

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

With this flood damage check list you can begin to restore your home

Finding flood damage in your home can create quite a bit of stress; after all, no one likes discovering that their living room has been turned into a water recreation facility. As a result, many homeowners are likely to panic and make poor choices in the hours that follow. You can avoid these mistakes by following the flood damage checklist below:

Ensure your safety

Once you see a flood of water in your basement, it may be tempting to go charging right in, but this is generally a bad idea. First, you need to ensure that you're safe. If the power is still on, you could be electrocuted. Additionally, sewage will make you ill, and the water from flood damage can conceal sharp objects to cut yourself on.

Shut off the water source

Now that you know you’re safe, next you need to ensure that the source of the water has been taken care of. Sometimes, this is as simple as turning off a water supply valve. However, more complex problems, like a flooded sewer line, could actually take a few hours. It's a good idea to call the appropriate professional, like a plumber, right away to give them time to start driving out to your flood damaged property.

Call your insurance

Sure, it's tempting to have your first call be to a flood damage clean-up professional, but there's a chance that your insurance doesn't contract out with them. Instead, it's better to have your insurance's claim number programmed into your phone. Call them, report the flood damage, and then call a professional they contract out with.

Call a clean-up crew

Most flood damage clean-up  projects are just too large for you to tackle by yourself. Besides, depending on where you live, you'll likely have mold to clean up afterwards as well. Any money spent on a flood damage clean-up crew will likely be well worth it.

Take pictures and document damage

Your insurance policy will need proof of flood damage if they are going to write you a check. When you're on the phone with your insurance company and the clean-up crew, take photos of the flood damage. Make sure to get detailed photos of valuable items.

If you've planned well, you'll also have pictures of your home in an undamaged state. This lets you prove the state that your house and items were in before the disaster.

Remove what can be saved

Once you've ensured that the area is safe, you have help on the way, and you've thoroughly documented the flood damage, you can begin to remove items out of the area. A word of caution: water is extremely heavy. Any water soaked items will weigh a lot more than you expect. Please, be careful not to injure yourself.

Begin the remediation process

This is where professionals will come in handy. During the remediation process, all excess water will need to be removed, the humidity will need to be brought down to an appropriate level, mold prevention steps will need to be taken, and damaged drywall or flooring will need to be replaced. All of this is a lot of work for one person, so please get professional help.

SERVPRO of Midland is locally owned and operated and serves the surrounding areas.

SERVPRO of Midland is fully certified. The water removal staff can perform a complete flood damage assessment to your home of office, and then recommend and follow the industries standards to get your water removal restoration repaired properly available 24 hours a day.

SERVPRO of Midland is a 24/7 emergency water removal & flood damage clean up repair service company. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with every flood damage situation from sewage damage clean up, mold removal, smoke damage repair, fire damage repair, flooded basement, wet carpet, wet walls, carpet water damage. Give us a call 432-620-0086 and we can check on any loss you may have. 

Equipment for water damage

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO'S well-equipped equipment

SERVPRO knows that staying on the cutting edge of technology in our industry will help our customers the most. That's why we add new equipment to our inventory on a regular basis. We are proud to be able to offer the best to our customers.

Many homeowners feel that if the water is removed, the work of water damage cleanup is done. This is because it is difficult to see or feel the extent of the saturation of water in building materials without moisture detection equipment used in the water damage industry. What follows is that either the homeowner will attempt to remove the water and simply place household fans around, with or without removing drywall; or they will tell the water damage restoration contractor to leave when the water is extracted and before equipment is placed. The paradox here is that these decisions are made to save time and money. In some cases, they may have done just that. However, in most cases, the resulting long term water damage is both costly and time consuming in addition to being inconvenient and stressful. Added to that is the fact that the cost of mold remediation consequent of an improperly dried flood damage will likely not be covered by insurance policies because the water damage or sewage damage was not dried properly to begin with.

You have probably noticed by now that it is not the water removal service that is the important part of taking care of water damage. It is actually the drying part that makes your home safe from long term mold or building material damage. In fact, there is no time to waste when it comes to drying a water damaged home. Mold begins to start growing within 24 hours and continues “growing like a weed” damaging building materials as it spreads.

Water damage restoration companies spend a tremendous amount of money on drying equipment for a very good reason. They dry quickly, effectively, and safely. After all, think about it, if we could just use household fans and a couple of blowers, we would save a tremendous amount of money on equipment. If I thought those types of equipment did an effective job, I would be all over saving money by purchasing those at less than $50 each rather than a $300-400 blower and $3000 dehumidifiers. However, I know the importance of having industrial equipment to keep your home safe and dry. Further, all of the equipment works together to both dry the structural materials (blowers), remove the moisture from the air as the wet materials dry and the water from them turns to vapor (dehumidifiers), and clean the air to prevent allergens that permeate through the air during drying (air scrubbers).

Flooded Home

12/1/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Home

Once a flood or fire has damaged your Midland home, it's important for you to obtain water damage restoration services. Restoration services are multi-faceted in so much as they involve both cleaning, removing excess water from your home and repairing regions of the house that have been subjected to substantive water damage. As the water damage specialists know from SERVPRO, it is important to start the cleanup and repair process right after the flood or fire to ensure that the water damage is minimized and that mold and mildew do not begin to accumulate on the property. Learn more about the helpful services that this water damage restoration company can offer by reading the following short reference guide:

A Water Damage Restoration Company Remediates Your Property Quickly

One of the benefits that results from employing a water damage restoration company is that they complete the cleanup, repair, and restoration processes quickly. A water damage restoration company like SERVPRO employs a large staff who can work with expedience and excellence. This group effort ensures that they can tackle a large number of problems that have resulted in the accumulated water damage in your Denver home. The end result is the rapid restoration of your home, a reality which can greatly reduce the onset of secondary water damage and offer you peace of mind.

A Water Damage Restoration Company Limits Mold and Mildew Proliferation

Another great service provided by this water damage restoration company is the treatment of mold and mildew growth in your private living space. Restoration specialists accomplish this objective by removing excess water quickly so that the fungi do not have an opportunity to form and proliferate. If mold has already begun to grow in your home, this will commence in 48-72 hours after the initial water intrusion, the restoration specialists can eliminate it through the use of cleaners and industrial-grade disinfectants. These cleaners will not put you and your family at risk. It's important to let a team of trained professionals handle your water damage issues rather than attempting to solve the problem on your own. In recognizing that a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO can restore your home to its original condition, you may wish to ask your insurance agent for recommendation and advice.

Let's Get Started Now

Homes that have been subjected to water damage are in need of high quality remediation services. Once you start looking for a professional water damage company to assist you in restoring your home, you should look no further than SERVPRO. Our company is committed to consistently offering cutting edge, expedient restoration services that get your home back in great condition with lightning speed. For water damage restoration services that work, contact us today and let's get started.

Locally Owned and Operated

We live and work in Midland, TX too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Midland, TX is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Midland community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. SERVPRO of Midland Texas 432-620-0086

Unseen water

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Midland Texas has the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the water damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of Midland Texas will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment.

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls.

• Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of Midland Texas to monitor the drying process.

• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity.

When armed with this information, SERVPRO of Midland Texas Professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.

• Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate, This device can also be sued to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.

• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to an neutralize odor-causing problems.

Frozen Pipes

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

When the pipes freeze

Pipes can freeze and eventually burst in below freezing temperatures. Water has a unique property of expanding as it freezes causing pipes to crack and then burst. The ensuing rush of water can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.  SERVPRO of Midland TX is faster to any size disaster, bringing the latest equipment and training to help make your water damage "Like it never even happened."
 
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Take a few simple steps now to prevent suffering and grief down the road.

• Inspect outdoor faucets. Now.  Find the indoor shut off valve for the outdoor faucet in basement or crawl space and shut it off. Then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it relieves pressure and drains completely.
• Second, make sure that your heating system is checked regularly. Also, inspect the insulation on all of your plumbing as well as your cold water tank. Units located in the attic and other vulnerable locations should be protected with insulated sleeves. 
• During severe cold snaps, open cabinets where pipes are located so warm air can circulate.
• Third, keep your heat on throughout the winter months. During harsh, cold months, the chances of your pipes freezing get greater as the temperature plummets. 
• Clean your gutters so melting snow and ice can flow freely
• Turn on your faucets and allow them to drip slowly. Moving water will prevent freezing.
• Open cabinet doors below sinks. It will help allow warm air to circulate.
• Drain your water system if you’re away for an extended time.
• Disconnect all gardening hoses and install covers on all outside faucets.
• Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape.
• Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.
• Heat your basement and consider weather sealing your windows.
• Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.
• Identify the location of the main water valve. SERVPRO of Midland TEXAS can

Monitor Freezing Pipe Conditions

• Allow a faucet to drip slightly (lukewarm water) in order to minimize freezing.
• The first sign of freezing is reduced water flow from a faucet.
• Check your faucets for water flow and pressure before you go to sleep and again when you wake up.
• Check pipes around your water meter, in unheated areas, near exterior walls and in crawl spaces.
• Identify cold air drafts coming in from a flute or chimney chase and caulk gaps that are near pipes.

If a Pipe Freezes

• If a faucet or pipe inside your house freezes, you can thaw it using a good hair dryer. (For safety purposes, avoid operating a hair dryer around standing water.)
• To thaw a frozen pipe, heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water and wrap them around cold sections of the pipes.

Piles up SNOW

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Snow Melting

The image of snow piled up against a house, or a gutter blocked with ice is not a common warning sign for homeowners. However if you have a basement or a crawlspace you are at serious risk for water damage when the temperature rises rapidly after a big storm.

These tips can help you keep melting snow from damaging your home.

Before the warm weather comes –

• Keep the perimeter of your house clear of snow and ice. This snow sitting against the foundation will slowly get into the concrete and expand when cold weather comes again. Slowly creating little pathways that may lead to the inside of your house.
• Shovel out window wells and vents. Water will find a way into any opening or crack; these are natural spots for a leak to occur. If you have covers over egress windows, clear them off as snow will start to get very heavy as it melts.

When the weather gets warm

• Clear out ice jams in gutters.  When water overflows out of the gutter it can run down the side of your house and into any penetration or seam that isn’t sealed.  Keeping the water in the gutter is a safer bet. If the jam is at the top of the downspout, be sure you can safely reach the gutters to clear them out.
• Keep walkways clear of ice. As the snow melts, it will likely move onto areas you have previously cleared off. As it freezes again, it will create a sheet of ice almost as well as a Zamboni machine. You can use a number of tools including salt, sand, de-icer or even just a shovel or ice scraper. Keep in mind salts and de-icers can damage your concrete if left to melt on the surface, and they may contain chemicals that may be harmful to grass, plants, or pets.
• Keep a close eye. Be sure you are watching for signs in areas that could be damaged. These signs can include a damp smell, wet carpet, walls that are peeling or bowing, or a dripping sound in exterior walls.

After the weather warms up

• Pay attention to what your house tells you. After the snow has cleared and you are getting ready for spring projects, you can still be at risk for water damage. The freezing and thawing may cause breaks to your water or sprinkler lines. If you have any loss in pressure you should get it looked at.
• Look for signs of problems that can be fixed. Water damage can take a while to become visible, so watch for signs that will help you prepare for next winter.
  • Do you need to add a downspout where the gutter overflows?
  • Should you add extensions to your downspouts to get water away from the house?
  • Is there siding damage next to an area where the water drips?

When water damage happens

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

When water happens who to call

When fire and water damage put the things that matter most on the line, you need the best help on the line, as well. That’s why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO® is so important. Just go to SERVPRO.com on your mobile phone or call 1-800-SERVPRO to get the team that’s faster to any-size disaster. Or you can contact your local Midland TX office at (432)6200086 or contact us through our webpage at:  http://www.SERVPROmidlandtx.com/  We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water and fire. Whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – be ready for the worst, with the best. Your trusted, local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional team can help. Again give us  a call for all your water restoration needs.

The Equipment to get you dried out

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

Dehumidifiers and Air Movers

After the water removal step, your floors and walls may look dry at first glance, but they are still wet to the touch. Most building materials, like drywall and wood, are porous and will retain significant water. The retained water will cause these materials to warp, swell, or break down and can also cause mold damage.

Drying / Dehumidification

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will manipulate temperature and relative humidity to remove the remaining moisture. They use specialized equipment, including industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, to remove water retained by building materials and other hard-to-access moisture. They’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.

• Use Dehumidification Equipment
• Use Monitoring Equipment to Track Progress

Monitor Floor and Walls

They check the moisture levels to monitor the drying process.

• Monitor Floors
• Monitor Walls

Drying Equipment

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

Water Extraction

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

Extracting Carpets with the right Equipment

Emergency Water Removal

Highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, they may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. This step helps to reduce drying time and helps to prevent mold and secondary water damage.

• Remove Excess Water
• Use Submersible Pumps and Industrial Wet/Dry Vacuums

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals inspect the carpet and pad and determine if it should be removed to protect the subfloor.

• Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove If Needed
• Inspect Carpet and Remove If Needed

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Water that you don't See

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

It starts out as innocent bath time playfulness, an accidental spill or small leak. Suddenly, water is on the floor, moving towards walls, crevices, and other access points to reach the lowest level of your home. You may feel panic, shock or devastation. You reach for the towels, wet vacuum, mops and fans to clean up the water. The surface water is now dry and the problem is solved. Or, is it? What happened to the water that traveled into the floor, subfloors and walls? Was all the moisture caused by the incident removed? Water intrusion in a home can linger leaving subtle, yet lasting effects if not completely removed from the structure. Homeowners can remove standing water with appropriate precautions to help prevent further damage. But, how do you remove water and moisture in flooring and walls? You are not alone. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained in the cleanup and care of your home following a water intrusion. Whether the intrusion occurred from a small incident or a major water event, removing excess moisture can prevent more serious damage such as microbial growth.