Recent Water Damage Posts

Protect Your Home from Water Damage

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

You can protect your home from water damage in order to avoid costly insurance claims and ruined belongings. Follow these five steps to keep your house well-maintained in preparation for any event.

Locate Your Water Main

The best way to avoid water damage in your home is to locate your water main. If you can't locate the source of the water damage, turning off the water supply to your house will at least prevent more water from leaking in the meantime. 

Check Your Water Pressure

If the water going through your pipes is too highly pressured, it may cause the pipes or hoses to buckle under all of that weight. Contact a local plumber for a checkup of your residential water system to ensure it is holding the pressure it was designed for. You can also get a damage assessment from SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler if the water leak has already begun and you need additional assistance locating the source or repairing the damage. 

Maintain All Appliances

Broken appliances and poorly-maintained HVAC units are common reasons why there is water damage in your home. Invest in regular maintenance schedules so you can stay on top of your appliances. Make sure they still function properly. If you see the signs of disrepair, you can get in touch with a SERVPRO representative and schedule a water damage assessment.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters should be cleaned 1-2 times per year to avoid too much blockage. Leaves, dirt, and other debris gather in the gutters over time and can create cavities for water buildup after a downpour. It’s also important to double-check that your downspouts are facing away from the home so the water can freely escape outside of your house.

Watch Your Water Bill

Some water damage is subtle, and you may not realize that you have damage at all. This can happen when the location of the damage is somewhere such as a crawlspace or your backyard. Keep an eye on your water bill to see if your usage charges skyrocket from one month to the next for no reason. This can be a good indicator that water is leaking somewhere in your home. 

Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144 at the first sign of water damage in your home. Our technicians offer full damage assessment and restorative solutions for issues big and small.

A Sump Pump Can Help Avoid a Flooded Basement

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

A sump pump can help remove any water that collects in your home’s basement. The sump pump will collect any water that makes its way inside from heavy rains or extra ground water. If the pump fails for whatever reason, any water that collects in the sump basin can eventually overflow into the basement and cause water damage.

Below are 6 tips to ensure that your sump pump is working properly.

  1. Confirm the pump is working before a storm. Pour a bucket of water into your sump pump to activate the pump.
  1. Clean the inside of your sump out. Some pumps that are not used regularly are more prone to developing sediment. If the lid of your sump pump does not cover the basin some objects may end up in some pump and cause a clog.
  1. Install a battery backup system. Install a secondary pump that is battery operated. This is important in the instance of a power outage. The battery backup pump is going to drain the battery when the primary pump does not have electricity, also in the situation where your primary pump is not keeping up with the extra inflow of water.
  1. Know what type of sump pump equipment you have. If your sump pump breaks or malfunction you know your model and serial number to quickly purchase any parts to fix your pump.
  1. Know how your sump pump operates. Knowing the workings of the system and how it operates will help you troubleshoot and determine any malfunctions allowing you to save money. Also, knowing how it operates will prevent you from being taken advantage of by professionals.
  1. Install an alarm system – Installing an alarm will let you know when your sump pump has stopped working.

It is important to either install a battery back-up or an alarm to your sump pump to prevent basement flooding. It will save you money in the long run.

If you experience basement flooding from your sump pump, call the professional team at SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144.

What is Water Damage Restoration?

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler, our goal is to restore instead of replace whenever possible. Following are the steps we undertake in order to restore your property after a water damage incident.

Water damage restoration entails:

  • It is putting someone’s home or business back together after a water damage incident. 
  • It is the extra things, like re-laying the carpet, repairing the subfloors, and re-setting the contents. 
  • It is restoring items to a preloss (normal) condition, whenever possible. 

Once the structure and contents are dry, our technicians can perform the restoration services. Restoration services are all of the tasks needed to return the site to its normal, preloss condition. During restoration:

  • All repairs to structure and contents are completed. 
  • Final cleaning is performed. 
  • Final inspections are made. 
  • All equipment is removed from the job site. 
  • All of the customer’s contents are put back in place. 

Restoration may include:

  • Cleaning, repairing, or reinstalling floors and floor coverings, such as carpets, carpet pads, hardwood floors, resilient, and non-resilient floors. 
  • Removing and resetting contents to install or repair floor coverings. 
  • Installing tack strips. 
  • Seaming carpet. 
  • Repairing or replacing subfloors. 
  • Cleaning, replacing, or refinishing structural materials, including walls, plates behind baseboards, ceilings, insulation, framing, and vapor barriers. 
  • Cleaning or repairing items in non living areas, including basements, crawl spaces, attics, and storage areas. 
  • Cleaning, repairing, or replacing ductwork or other portions of the HVAC system. 
  • Inspecting, cleaning, or replacing components of the electrical system, including outlets, switches, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. 
  • Cleaning, deodorizing, or replacing window coverings, including blinds and draperies. 
  • Cleaning and deodorizing contents. 

If you are in need of water restoration at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144!

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup & Restoration

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your San Mateo County Home's 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 - 650-794-1000

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 South San Francisco City/ San Bruno and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

How to Locate Water Leaks in Your Home

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

Water leaks are more than just a nuisance. Undetected leaks — or those that are simply ignored — can eventually lead to costly repair and further water damage due to rot, mold growth from extra moisture, and other extensive damage. Finding and fixing a water leak early on & before it gets out of hand can save you money and avert potential disaster.

The first sign of a hidden leak can be a higher than normal water bill. Once you’ve ruled out that the cause isn’t due to extra water use by house guests or from watering your lawn and garden during the warm-weather months, an undetected leak is the likely culprit.

Did you know that fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills? 

There are a few different ways to check for hidden water leaks. The first tool is your water meter.

In addition to telling the utility company how much water you’ve used, your home’s water meter can also be used to your advantage to find hidden water leaks.

Follow these simple steps to uncover your water leak:

  1. Stop using all water inside and outside the house. This includes all the indoor faucets, outdoor faucets, water-using appliances, ice makers, and automatic backflow cleaning in whole-house water filters. Don’t flush the toilet during the test.
  2. Locate your water meter. If your meter has a water flow indicator, watch the indicator for movement. This is a small rotating wheel on the meter that can detect even small amounts of water flow. If it moves when you know no one’s using any water, then there’s a leak somewhere in your house.
  3. If you don’t have a water flow indicator, record the numbers that appear on the meter. Wait a few hours (remember not to use any water during this time).
  4. Check the meter. If the meter reading goes up, it’s an indication of a hidden water leak.

Now that you know you have a leak, the next step is pinpointing its exact location. The following are the most common places for a home water leak to occur.

What is Secondary Water Damage?

6/5/2021 (Permalink)

Here Are A Few Things You Should Know About Secondary Damage

Any time you have water damage in your home, there’s a chance that secondary damage could also pose a risk. From what this damage is to types of damage, including black mold, here are a few things you should know.

  1. What It Is

A secondary type of damage is any damage that occurs as a result of damage related to the initial problem. For example, if a pipe breaks the carpet could get soaked. This is a primary damage. However if the soaked carpet is not dried and the sub-floor warps, the damage to the sub-floor would be considered secondary. Secondary damage usually occurs if the initial damage is extremely severe, incorrectly cleaned up, or damage that is not cleaned up in a timely manner.

  1. Types of Damage

There are a few types of damage that often fall into the secondary category. These include warped wood, cracking in sheet-rock or plaster, peeling vinyl, cracked tile, water stains, black mold, and high humidity problems as excess water evaporates. If the water damage has created a weakness in the exterior of the home, such as the roof, you may also experience problems from high winds or additional weather.

  1. What To Do

If your home has suffered any type of water damage it’s best to contact a water damage restoration service for help with cleanup and repairs. These professionals can act quickly, are trained in the proper cleanup procedures, and have the tools necessary to safely do the job. Correctly handling the situation can help you prevent additional secondary damages.

It’s important to remember that Secondary damage happens as a result of water damage. It can include things such as warped flooring or black mold. If you have water damage it’s important to call a restoration service, and make repairs as quickly as possible. Doing so can help you mitigate additional damages to your home.

Heavy Rains Can Lead to Water Damage

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

It does not take a large flood or severe weather to cause water damage to buildings—in fact, any amount of moisture can cause damage.

Heavy rains, defined as a rainfall rate greater than 0.3 inches per hour, are a big culprit of water damage, as they can suss out leaky spots in your home that lighter rain may not affect.

It is important to know where these vulnerabilities lie so that you are able to prevent them and know what to look out for.

How Household Water Damage Can Be a Result of Heavy Rain

Backup of clogged gutters. When gutters are filled with debris and do not allow water to drain effectively, heavy rain can quickly lead to serious pooling of water against your roof. This water can begin to seep into the areas it comes into contact with and cause damages.

Leaks around windows and doors. Any external opening of a home will be sealed when it is constructed, but with age, these storm-proofing measures can grow weaker. Steady rain can work its way into microscopic vulnerabilities in this sealant and lead to leaks.

Poor drainage around the foundation. When water is not able to drain away from the foundation and there is a lot of it, it can begin to seep into even the most resilient of materials such as cinder blocks. Landscaping and proper drainage are great ways to defend against this.

Leaks in and around the roof. Roof leaks are some of the leading causes of water damage to the home, and they can be quite sneaky. Broken shingles or general disrepair can lead to vulnerabilities that steady rainfall can quickly exploit and seep into.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system. For houses that have a sump pump installed, regular care is important to ensure it is working properly. If it is unable to drain water out of your home, you can wind up with a serious flooding issue.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights. Seals on the roof around chimneys and skylights should be checked often and well-maintained to prevent leaks. As these seals age, they can begin to let in water especially if they become overwhelmed with rain.

If you experience water damage due to heavy rain, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144!

Facts About Sewer Backups

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Facts About Sewer Backups

When storms bring heavy rain water you may find your business is in danger of sewer backup. Cleaning up the mess can be a tricky process so there are several things you should know.

  1. Sewer Water is Classified as Black Water

It’s important to note that all sewer water is classified as black water. This is because any water that may have been highly contaminated by fecal matter, bacteria, fertilizer, and other substances unsafe for human consumption falls into this category. Flood water is categorized in this way as well because it is difficult to determine where the water flow has been.

  1. Safety Standards Should Be Followed During Cleanup

Due to its contaminated nature, there are many safety recommendations for dealing with sewer backup. A local flood damage restoration service will already know these regulations and have the appropriate safety gear and cleaners required for the job. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to contact a restoration service if your company has experienced sewage flooding of any type. Appropriate safety gear may include waders, coveralls, masks, gloves, and shoe covers.

  1. The Area Will Need To Be Sanitized

One of the main things to be remembered after removing sewer waste from an area is that the space will need to be sanitized. Doing so can help prevent the spread of bacteria or other contaminants that could lead to further problems in the long term if left untreated. Fortunately, your restoration tech will have the appropriate cleaners and equipment to clean the space before repairs begin.

When dealing with sewer backup it’s important to contact a professional who can follow all the safety standards as Sewer water is considered to be black water. It’s also important to remember that after the material has been removed and the area dries, the space will also need to be sanitized before repairs can begin.

If you have a sewage backup at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144.

A Rusty Water Heater Can Cause Problems

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a problem. If you are having a problem with your water heater, contact a qualified plumbing contractor right away. Once you have called a plumbing contractor, contact SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler to provide an inspection utilizing advanced technical equipment.

Upon inspection if damages are determined, SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler will address the water damage and provide a full repair service estimate. SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler has a 24 hour emergency service team that is highly trained and ready to help you at your home or business.


Contact SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144 to help save your home or business.

Things You Shouldn't Do If You Have Flooding In Your Basement

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

When a broken pipe or appliance causes flooding in your basement, it is important to have it taken care of right away since the excess water can cause a lot of damage to your home. If it remains there for an extended period of time, it can ruin your belongings and weaken the structure of the building. Wood will begin to warp and rot, and mold will grow and spread. The following steps should be taken in this situation.

  1. Start Filing a Claim

Because water damage from flooding can be costly, you should begin filing your insurance claim immediately. Call your agent to inform them of the damage so that they can start the process. Waiting too long to call can result in your claim being denied and you may be stuck paying for repairs on your own. Contacting the company right away will prevent this and will allow you to complete the claim sooner.

  1. Call a Restoration Service

The next call you should make is to a clean up and restoration service. It is important to have the water removed as soon as possible, so don’t put it off. A professional company will be able to perform pipe repair on the source of the water and start work on salvaging your home and belongings.

  1. Document the Damage and Begin Cleaning Up

You don’t need to sit around doing nothing while you wait for the insurance adjuster or restoration company to arrive. Instead, you can begin making a list of damaged areas and belongings and taking pictures of the basement flood. The adjuster can use these to help process your claim. You should begin cleaning the area as well if it is safe to do so.

Because flooding in your home can cause a significant amount of damage, it is important that you handle the situation properly to reduce the time needed for repairs as well as the cost. Following these steps can make the situation go more smoothly. Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144. 

Living In Your Home During A Water Damage

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Any time you experience water damage in your home it can be distressing. Coming home to or waking up and discovering water damage can throw off your entire day. Once the damage is discovered, you begin the process of making phone calls and going through the steps to repair the damage. 

Often times when water damage occurs the customer has to live in their home throughout the process. In severe cases they may find other temporary arrangements. When we come into your home during your frustrating time, it is our goal to make sure that the process of getting your home back in order is as stress free as possible. We will set up our drying equipment in the affected areas and perform any necessary demolition to wet materials. We always strive to have the home dry and have equipment removed within 4 days. At that point the customer can choose to complete the necessary repairs.

 In the case that you ever experience water damage, rest assured that we can take care of you! Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144.

How to Flush a Water Heater

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

5 Steps To Flush a Water Heater

Flushing a water heater can maintain its functionality. The tank in this appliance can fill up with minerals and sediment, depending on the water quality at your residence. These five steps walk a homeowner through the water heater flush procedure.

  1. Turn Off the Heater

Switch off the power to an electric heater at a circuit breaker. For a gas unit, turn off the valve and extinguish the pilot light.

  1. Connect a Hose

Attach a garden hose of sufficient length to the drain valve on the heater and run the other end to a floor drain or outside. Make sure that the destination will not suffer as a result of exposure to mineral deposits.

  1. Drain the Tank

Open the water heater drain valve and allow water to flow for several minutes. Turn on a sink hot water spigot to drain remaining water. Turn the water supply valve on and off to flush the tank.

  1. Close the Valves

Close the drain valve and turn the cold water supply back on. Then, turn on the hot water spigot at a sink or tub. The water will be cold, but this will push air out of the system. Turn the spigot off once the flow becomes consistent.

  1. Turn the Heater Back On

Restore the power to an electric heater from a circuit panel or turn on the flow of gas and relight the pilot. It may take up to 20 minutes to produce hot water.

Perform a water heater flush at least once a year. Follow these steps every eight months in a household of three to five residents, or every six months in a household with more than six residents.

If a water heater leak results in damage to your home or business, contact an appliance repair professional and a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144. 

Why Do Pipes Burst in the Summer?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

When you hear about pipes bursting it is assumed it’s because of freezing temperatures, well that is the case most of the time but pipes can be faulty in the summer months as well.  Yes, its highly unlikely extreme temperatures and increased usage can lead the pipes to burst. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler wants our customers to be able to have tips and knowledge to help prevent it from happening!

Extreme Temperatures

With summertime comes less rainfall and harsh heat which can make the land and soil extraordinarily dry.  This makes the soil looser and makes the pipes more susceptible to movement which can lead to breakage. The breakage is more likely to happen on the route of the pipes from the road to your home, rather than inside your home. While you can’t control the weather, you can decrease the amount of water usage during extreme temperatures to alleviate the pressure on your system.

Increased Consumption

Who wants a pipe burst to put a damper on their summer? No one, right?  We know that during the summer months you may have a sprinkler, a garden, hanging flowers, all of which require water.  We are just as big of fans for summertime festivities as our customers and community members, with the increase of consumption can lead to failing pipes if your system hasn’t been updated or recently checked recently.  Another way to minimize the chance of a pipe bursting is to make sure that there isn’t any warping due to the cold weather in winter, to ensure your system can keep up with summer demands.

If any loss is to occur no matter the time of year, SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is here to help and will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call us at 334-287-1144!

Negative Effects of Pipe Cleaning Products

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Virtually anyone who has ever owned a home has dealt with the annoyance of backed-up pipes and a clogged drain. These issues can cause water to go down slowly or not at all. For many people, the first thought is to run to the store and pick up a drain-cleaning product. While these may seem effective, you should exercise caution and be aware of the long-term challenges they can create.

What Happens in the Pipes?

The hydrochloric acid in a drain cleaner can eat away at debris inside pipes. The liquid is designed to loosen the blockage, freeing the pipe or drain of the obstacle so water can go down. However, the chemicals can also affect the pipes and drains in the following ways:

  • The chemical can sit in the pipes too long.
  • The chemical can erode the pipes.
  • The chemical can harm the finishes in your bathroom or kitchen.

Effects on Older Plumbing Systems

If you use these products on older pipes for a clogged drain, the consequences can be even more severe. While the cleaning agents may appear to work effectively, they can also harm the pipes through oxidation.

Effects on Plastic Pipes

If you have plastic pipes in your home, a cleaning product could be even more detrimental. The chemicals can create heat, warping, or damaging the pipes. If you continue to use the products on these pipes, they could break down and require replacement.

Other Outcomes

Drain cleaners can also be harmful to the environment and your septic system. Be aware that breathing in the fumes of these cleaners and touching the liquid can irritate your respiratory system and skin.

The Alternatives

For continual issues with a clogged drain, contact a plumber to inspect your lines. You can also get in touch with a professional sewage cleaning company to safely clear out your system.

Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144!

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Services

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home or business can happen at any time. From a small leak in your roof to a bathtub or toilet overflow to a broken water heater to major flooding from a storm, water can damage your home or business quickly when you least expect it.

When water damage occurs, there are many factors that you must consider to tackle the issue including how much water you are dealing with, the potential for deterioration, and the rate the materials affected will soak up the water.

If water and moisture are left in items such as furniture, carpet, or building materials such as drywall or plaster, mold will begin to develop within a day or so. While metals will rust and corrode, drywall will begin to crumble and wood will begin to swell, split, and eventually rot. The main objective is to get the area affected by the water dry as soon as possible.

For minor water damage, you may be able to take care of the issue yourself. An example of a minor issue would be if your kids decide to get water all over the bathroom floor and you immediately mop it up. Since the potential for mold and structural damage is minimal, you can handle it yourself.

When there is major flooding in your home or business and walls, flooring, and even insulation is saturated, it is time to call upon a professional water damage restoration company. The technicians are experienced at water eradication and will be able to dry out the affected areas much quicker, decreasing the chance for dangerous mold to form and the possibility of damage occurring. The technicians are also aware of electrical hazards, health risks, and other safety hazards so they can remove the water in a safe manner. They also have the specialized equipment such as HEPA air scrubbers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture and odor in the air, leaving your home or business fresh, clean, and dry.

Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144!

Buckled Floors? Call SERVPRO ASAP!

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

What Causes Hardwood Floors to Buckle?

Floor buckling is the most extreme reaction to moisture in a hardwood floor. Buckling occurs when the wood flooring pulls up from the subfloor, lifting several inches in one or more places. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence.

If caught early, spot repair and replacement may be possible. Once the standing water is removed, several boards can be taken up from the floor so that the air can circulate across and below the floor. When the floor has dried to a more stable moisture level, repairs can usually be made.

What can SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler do?

  • Set up floor protection, drying mats and drying equipment
  • Wear PPE
  • Clean all affected areas
  • Content Manipulation, full Pack out and Storage
  • Removal of buckled floorboards

Additionally, our Reconstruction Division will be able to replace the flooring for you, professionally. Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144!

Check the Drip Pan on Your HVAC

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

If your home or business has central air conditioning you are probably prone to want to stay inside and stay cool during these hot summer days. And why not! Air conditioning has revolutionized the way we live and the places we can inhabit. But one hazard with a central air handling unit that most home and business owners are not aware of is the overflow of the drip pan, especially when the unit is working in overdrive! Your drip pan is designed to drain out of the building but this small drain line (normally 1" PVC) can easily be clogged just enough to slow down the drain pan and to cause the overflow. The result of this issue is water damage that could go undetected for weeks while causing thousands of dollars in damage. If you experience water damage from an air handler overflow, call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144! We can help with all phases of restoration.

Need Help with Water Damage?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Extracting Water From Drywall is Not an Easy Task

It is almost inevitable that your home suffers from water damage at some point in time. Homes in the northeast are susceptible to rain, to the routine wear and tear of plumbing and appliances, and even the added stress that a change in temperature can place on the structure of your home. Regardless of the culprit, water can make its way into your home fairly quickly, leaving you in need of water removal services to restore it. When this happens, many homeowners consider forgoing professional advice and applying themselves to the cleanup process. As admirable as this effort is, misinformation can misguide your tactics, compounding the problem and leaving you vulnerable to future complications.

Our  neighbors who need help with water damage can count on SERVPRO for expert advice. Our team holds certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), where they learn about the intricacies of water removal and the restoration of your home. A call to our 24/7 hotline gives you access to our knowledge and expertise, which we put to work as soon as we arrive at your residence.

An essential aspect of what we do at SERVPRO is understanding the materials present in your home. Their use and composition guide our steps in evaluating the restorability and drying plan for your house. For example, drywall is present in many households, but they are not all the same. The drywall in a bathroom is different from one in a living room, and may require additional drying time. By using specialized moisture meters, we can determine just how extensive the water damage is and plan accordingly. This process also informs us as we evaluate restoration versus replacement and the cost-efficiency involved in this decision. When you choose to handle water extraction without expert advice, you run the risk of leaving hidden damage unattended, which can eventually resurface as mold and further complications.

Water removal is one of the areas of expertise for SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler. When you call us at (334) 287-1144, you gain access to a vast amount of technical knowledge that works to protect your home. Our technicians, like you, commit to taking every step toward leaving your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Can Be a Nightmare

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

Research shows that every year 250,000 homes are exposed to water damage from bursting pipes.  Floodwaters rising only 6 inches in a 30 x 30-foot room can destroy everything in that room. Getting rid of water from a home is only the first phase of the cleanup process. Water also has to be carefully removed from drenched frames, drywall, wall panels, carpets, and anything else at risk for other more complicated mold and mildew problems. Water damage from bursting pipes, no matter how small and seemingly contained, is always a huge water damage restoration project that should only be done with professional help.  A small broken pipe in the basement can cause a flood of great proportions. Water does even more damage on the higher levels of a home, where it travels across floors and around frames causing damage to everything in its path until it finally reaches a drain point somewhere.

Bursting pipes can result from malfunctioning dishwashers, leaky washing machines and ice-makers, clogged toilets and sinks, faulty appliance hoses, leaky pipe fittings, frozen pipes and gutters, leaking roofs and ice dams, gaping window sills, foundation cracks and unsealed wooden decks.

The most treacherous water damage from bursting pipes takes place when water seeps into wool carpet fibers, paper, wood, bits of flaked-off skin, pet hair and dirt most commonly found in well-vacuumed carpeting.  It is then that water damage becomes a breeder for various types of toxic molds and decomposition. Depending on temperature and environment, molds will develop within a couple of days. Decomposition usually takes a bit longer, but it will develop. The sturdiest of floors can rot right through from the smallest leaks in refrigerators!

For water damage restoration, don’t take it all upon yourself to make water damage cleanup in your home a do-it-yourself! Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler.

We handle water damage restoration from the largest items in your home right down to the smallest because no project is too big or too small.  Our trained Certified Technician Professionals are well-equipped with state-of -the-art cleaning products and equipment making your worst nightmare of a water damage restoration seem like a breeze! We will also put our best efforts forward in restoring time-sensitive documents and refurbishing irreplaceable items that might have been damaged in your flood.  Money should not be a time-consuming object as we will work directly with your insurance company.

Drying a Water Damage

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its former condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a few fans or two around the damaged area, this can actually lead to secondary damages like mold. Our SERVPRO professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any of these secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, we will:

  • Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
  • Measure how much moisture is in wet material and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
  • Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment. 

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up Mother Nature?" A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed, drier. 

The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. 

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler professionals have the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. We also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. 

It's not only the equipment, but the technology too. SERVPRO has developed DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler professionals have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened." Call us anytime at 334-287-1144!

What to Do When Your Carpet Gets Wet

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes, we as homeowners do not realize that carpeting usually has multiple layers underneath. There is a pad below the carpet fibers that tend to hold any liquid, dirt and odor that it comes into contact with. This is why carpet cleaning will sometimes take two cleans before you are satisfied with the end result. Once a carpet pad has been saturated, whatever the pad underneath is holding on to will soak into the fibers of the carpet causing odor and sometimes more visible stains. Likewise, when that pad is overly saturated, extracting the excess water is vital to the drying process. Many instances it is best to remove the pad completely to save the carpeting since it is fairly inexpensive to replace. Remember, never use a standard vacuum to attempt to extract excess water yourself and call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144 to assist in all water damage needs.

Any Water Damage is Bad

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

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.

Here at SERVPRO are highly trained to safely clean and RESTORE your building, utilizing the following procedures

#1: 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.

#2: 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.

#3: 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.

#4: 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.

#5: We clean all of the salvageable 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.

#6: 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 us (251) 809- 1260.

Call The Professionals

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Without question, the most important step a homeowner needs to take when faced with flood or other water damage is to waste no time in drying the area out. The old standby of setting up all your house fans to dry out a flooded area really isn’t very effective in the long run. It may do a satisfactory job on the surface, but deeper water damage to walls, wood, carpet and furniture, along with insufficient drying, can lead to more serious consequences such as mold and mildew growth, the flourishing of harmful bacteria, bugs in rotting wood and in extreme conditions, actual damage to the structural integrity of the home itself. To combat all these harmful possibilities and to prevent further costly damage; the best thing you can do is to call in a licensed water damage restoration specialist to tackle the job, like SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler. We are your flood damage and water damage specialists.

If you find yourself with a flooded basement, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler ASAP! (251) 809-1260

Rain water vs. Flood water Damages

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Rain damage is caused by falling water. A leaky roof or window can cause rain to intrude into your home. Gutters and downspouts can also be a large contributor to rain damage. It is important to clean your gutters and downspouts to keep the rain away from your walls and windows.

Flood damage is caused by rising water. Improper grading, failing drainage, or rising creek water are all examples of how flood damage can occur in your home. Flood damage can also cause cracks to your foundation allowing excess water to intrude into your home.

It is important to professionally dry the structure so as to prevent further damage. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler uses updated technology and professionalism to treat your home as if it is ours. We want to help you restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

Learn more about our water restoration process. If you suffer water damage to your home or business, call us at (251) 809-1260 We offer 24/7 emergency service.

What to do until SERVPRO arrives!

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO arrives:

  • Shut off the source of the water.

  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.

  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting

  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items

  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying

  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting

  • Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

  • Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors

  • Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

Black Water

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Black Water

In the restoration industry, there are three categories of water. As industry professionals, it is our job to determine which category of water each damage has. The most severe category is Category 3 which is also commonly called CAT 3, Black Water or Dirty Water. Category 3 water (Black Water) is highly contaminated water that can cause health effects.

The water is considered category 3 (Black Water) if it meets any of the following criteria. Sources include sewage backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, or stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth. If Category 1 or Category 2 has been left untreated for more than three days, it is likely that it will develop into Category 3 (Black Water). If your damage is deemed as Category 3, it is likely that many pieces of your property will need to be replaced. Anything porous, such as furniture, carpeting and drywall is grossly contaminated. Category 3 water, although referred to as Black Water or Dirty Water, is not always visually black or dirty. In fact, most times it is completely translucent.

If you are ever faced with damage to your home act fast, find your source, and call the professionals at SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler. We will assess the damage and ensure that it is properly mitigated to ensure your safety.

What's the difference?

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Each year, we experience flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

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

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

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

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

Information from http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

What to do AFTER Water Damage Occurs

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical. 

Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source. Rainwater is also considered clean. Gray water is slightly contaminated water; clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, and chemicals. Black water is usually caused by sewage leaks, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should ALWAYS be handled by a trained professional.

Make sure you:

-Shut off the water source if possible or contact someone to do it.

-Turn off circuit breakers if safe from potential electrical shock. DO NOT enter rooms with standing water.

-Remove excess water by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing tabletop items. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions.

-Move any paintings, art, computers, documents, and other items of value to a safe place.

-Do not leave any books, newspapers, or magazines on wet carpet.

-Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to extract water since there is potential for electrical shock. 

-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and do not enter the room if the ceiling is sagging.

SERVPRO is Always Here to Help with Any Water Emergency

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer Your Call Ready to Help!
Call Today - 334-287-1144

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 Livingston/Demopolis/Butler has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler 

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.