Tips for Managing Electronics During Water Cleanup

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Electronic devices are available to assist and entertain the residents of Abilene in nearly every room of a home. Desktops, laptops, sound systems, televisions, projectors, appliances, mobile devices, and more are at risk of damage when your house experiences a water loss. Avoid the expense and inconvenience of replacing most of your electronics by adhering to the protocol that follows.

Protect Against Electrical Shocks and Shorts

The first step during during water cleanup in Abilene involving electronics is to unplug or shut off the power to all devices, including modern “smart” appliances. Disconnect backup batteries as well. Managing current flow ensures that you and your family, as well as members of our team, have protection from potential electrical shocks, which can result in severe injury or worse. It also minimizes the chances that the electronics might suffer a short in their wiring or systems that can permanently damage the unit.

Remove Devices from Water-Affected Environment

When possible, move electronics from the spaces in your home that contain excess water. If affected items are too large or heavy to move, the SERVPRO team recommends covering devices with heavy-duty plastic. Raising them on non-conductive blocks like wood or plastic is also a way to mitigate further harm from the water crisis.

Proceed with Water Extraction 

The spaces containing the electronics should receive water cleanup services from trained SERVPRO technicians. If the power must remain off, our truck-mounted equipment can extract moisture without delay. Blot excess water from the outside surfaces of the electronics with clean absorbent material such as towels.

Dry Out the Space with Caution -- Monitor Temperatures

During a water cleanup, maintain ambient temperatures above the dew point. Failure to do so can cause condensation and corrosion inside electronic equipment. SERVPRO sets up a dehumidification perimeter to stabilize space until arrangements can be made to have the various devices evaluated by appropriate electronics technicians. 

Be proactive with water damaged electronics by partnering with SERVPRO of Abilene to protect and dry out items appropriately. Communicate your concerns about your “smart” technology when you call (325)672-5661 to set up an assessment.

What Not to Do After a Toilet Overflow

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a toilet overflow contact SERVPRO of Abilene!

Toilets work around-the-clock removing waste from your home, and they’re bound to hit a bump in the road. When that hiccup is an overflow, things can get dangerous quickly. When potentially contaminated water is coming at you fast, it’s easy to make mistakes. Don’t make things worse. Learn what not to do when a toilet in your Abilene Texas, home overflows due to sewer damage, clogs or other complications.

Toilets aren’t complicated, but all the mechanisms must work together properly for them to function correctly. When that doesn’t happen, it’s often due to a blockage or damage. Other causes can include:

• Drainpipe blockages
• Blocked sewer lines
• Stopped up toilet traps

However. it happens, your flooded toilet is a major source of contaminated gray water that has to be controlled fast.

Don’t Let It Run 

The sooner you can stop the liquid, the sooner you can reduce sewer damage water and potential pathogen exposure. Locate the water shut off valve behind your toilet and stop the flow. Or, if you can’t find the valve, pry off the tank and block the float that lets water in.

Don’t Delay Clean Up

The water from a toilet is likely exposed to bacteria, and other pathogens so don’t waste time before cleaning up. Put on rubber gloves and use towels to absorb the water. Be sure to wash the towels thoroughly afterward.

Don’t Play Plumber

Sometimes it’s easy to see that something is blocking the toilet. But if you can’t see and remove it, call a plumber. That’s because gray water if left to sit, can become bacteria-laden black water quickly. Get a plumber in there to clean it up before this is a real hazard.

From sewer damage to old-fashioned clogs, there are lots of things that can cause toilet overflows. Tackle modest flooding yourself, but leave the tougher jobs to plumbers, a sewage company or your local water removal specialist.

Call SERVPRO of Abilene, (325)672-5661. 

Floodplains What They Are and How to Protect Your Property

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

A floodplain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river which stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls, and which experiences flooding during periods of high discharge.  The soils usually consist of levees, silts and sands deposited during floods.  

Historically, many towns have been built on floodplains where they are highly susceptible to flooding for a number of reasons

• access to fresh water
• the fertility of floodplain land for farming
• cheap transportation, via rivers and railroads which often followed rivers
• ease of development of flat land

The extent of floodplain inundation depends in part on the flood magnitude.  What should you do to reduce the potential amount of damage to your home if you live in a floodplain?

• Elevate and reinforce your home to make damage less likely during a flood.
• Check with a professional to:
  • Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel to floors that are less likely to be flooded. An undamaged water heater may be your best source of fresh water after a flood.
  • Install check valves in plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home. (As a last resort, when floods threaten, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.)
  • Construct barriers such as levees, berms, and flood walls to stop floodwater from entering the building (if permitted by local building codes).
  • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks.
• Use sand bags when flooding is expected:
  • It takes two people about one hour to fill and place 100 sandbags, creating a wall one foot high and 20 feet long.
  • Make sure you have enough sand, burlap or plastic bags, shovels, strong helpers, and time to place them properly.
  • If a flood is expected, some communities will offer free sandbags to residents. Be sure to watch or listen to the news so you can access these resources.

Professional Waterr Removal In Abilene

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

For any water damage in your home or business call us at (325)672-5661

Abilene is not exactly a flood-prone town.  When water begins spreading across floors or filling basements, it is usually from a failed water heater shut-off valve or a split line on a washing machine.

No matter where it came from, water removal for Abilene homes needs to be started, and finished, as soon as possible. It is why SERVPRO maintains a support office 24/7, so our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) can begin work within minutes after receiving a call.

If the water level is over two inches, each team of WRTs starts removal with a commercial grade, submersible pump. All water we remove goes directly in a drain, and not across the backyard to cause a problem for neighbors or the residents one street over. If possible, technicians direct it into sewer access if one is available.

For water levels under two inches, SERVPRO WRTs utilize extraction wands and other, smaller devices. Each one has three components, but technicians start by using only the pump option to draw water off of floors. Once they begin drawing water out of carpets, upholstery, and other items, they use the other two, a heater and vacuum to carefully draw water out of carpets and from between floorboards.

That is particularly important for carpets. After they become soaked, the glue holding the layers together weakens significantly, and delamination, or separation of the layers, can occur. WRTs know to carefully monitor all three components to prevent tearing carpets apart, as well as overheating the already damaged wood floorboards, cracking and splintering them.

After completing water removal, technicians then lift the carpets, remove the carpet pad, and dry the floor using air movers and fans to force warm air over and under the carpet while also drawing out the damp air and sending it outside the nearest window or another exit.

At SERVPRO of Abilene, we want to return each home to its original condition, safe for occupation once more, as quickly as possible. For any water intrusion into your home, call us 24/7 at (325)672-5661 to begin work. We are here for you.

Surviving Water Damage in Your Home

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a pipe that breaks don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Abilene.

Water damage in your Abilene Texas home is a frustrating and time-consuming problem. No one anticipates the issue; therefore, it’s always a major inconvenience and added expense. Particularly with broken pipes, there are several steps you need to take to start the water cleanup process.

1. Stop the Water Flow and Clear the Area

When a pipe breaks or bursts, you first need to stop the water flow. Always know how to shut off the water in your house and turn it off immediately when you notice water leaking. If there is a large amount of water, it’s a good idea to turn off electricity in the room as well. Also clear the area of any decor items, furniture and especially electronics. If there are removable rugs or floor pads, take them out of the room.

2. Call the Professionals

As tempting as it may be to handle this problem alone, it’s always a good idea to call water damage specialists. They will remove the water and assess the damage to your home. It will give you peace of mind to have professionals dry out the area, as well as items within it. One of the frustrations of having broken pipes is not just the initial water, but also the threat of mold. Professionals will check unseen places, like below flooring and within walls for moisture in order to dry them and prevent mold.

3. Check with Your Insurance Company

The next call should be to your insurance company. If you have flood insurance, that will be very useful. If not, ask for details of your homeowner’s insurance policy and what exactly it covers. Once you know this information, you can prepare your budget and work with the water removal company on payment.

Water damage from broken pipes is a problem you need to deal with immediately. You should make sure to turn off the water and electricity, call a company specializing in water removal and restoration and check your insurance policies. Following these steps will make a hectic process a little more manageable and have you on your way to a restored home.

Call SERVPRO of Abilene (325)672-5661

Water Damage in Abilene

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Immediate Water Removal Can Save Drywall in Your Abilene Home

With the fast spread of water loss incidents that occur in your Abilene home, it can be challenging to understand the full effects to your construction materials and exposed areas of the property. With advanced detection, extraction, and drying equipment available to our technicians, we have a team that can respond quickly to water emergencies and makes a difference.

To protect exposed materials and structural elements in your home in an emergency like this, you need fast water removal services to begin immediately. Our 24/7 response to water loss incidents can provide the fast response you need to protect your home and your investment in the property. Drywall is often one of the most susceptible materials to both standing water and moisture damages, making it essential to get drying efforts started as promptly as possible to limit the necessary tear out to restore these areas of your home.

From the time that our professionals first arrive at your property, we address the standing water throughout the affected areas of the house. With effective equipment like our extractor trucks, portable submersible pumps, and even wet vacs with extraction wands, we have a wide array of equipment to make short work of the pooling water. Once the excess water has gotten removed, we can work to identify the full spread of the damage and how it has affected elements like the drywall.

Wicking is a common effect with drywall in which the material begins to absorb moisture and allows it to spread much higher than its direct exposure line with the pooling water. To address this concern our SERVPRO professionals can mark off the moisture line at the height where the drywall returns to an unaffected state and cut off the damaged material beneath this point. Not only does this provide effective access for drying of wall cavities, but it makes reconstruction efforts to come more efficient and cost-effective than removing entire panels.

Protecting your drywall requires a fast response from skilled professionals like our SERVPRO of Abilene team. If you want to make water damage “Like it never even happened.” give our rapid response team a call today at (325)672-5661.

Flooding Damage Tips

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

What to Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
• Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Water Damage Can Take Many Different Forms

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Abilene Help Prevent Any Secondary Damage After Water Has Affected Your Home.

There are several different ways that water damage can exist in a home. The differences depend on the source, the time exposed, and the amount. Categories of water can also change the level of damage, as well. Black water is always the worst, although clean water can cause enough problems by itself. Clean water can also become contaminated, even in your own home.
 
Abilene residents who have had a water line spring a leak, a window left open during a heavy storm, or an overflowing appliance or tub should clean up as much water as possible. This is to prevent additional water damage from happening. Water damage can begin almost immediately if water comes in contact with porous materials. This can include, but is not limited to, wood floors, carpeting, cabinetry doors, or drywall. The more water that is absorbed, the higher the chances that the material will need to be replaced.
 
Other materials in a home can be damaged but show this much more slowly. Metal fittings and hardware on furniture can rust and corrode. Wallpaper can end up with bubbles underneath, eventually causing unsightly peeling. Linoleum floors that were waterlogged can curl at the edges and where bubbles and gaps are created, the raised areas can become more prone to damage from even normally benign activities such as walking.
 
Secondary water damage includes mold growth. Mold is not confined to any particular area in a home, including the area where water damage is located at. This is because both the humidity from the original water damage (as water never disappears completely without some human interference – it just circulates throughout a home) and mold spores often accumulate in the same area. Other microbial contamination can begin when water damage occurs. Fungi, viruses, and bacteria can congregate in areas that provide dark and cool environments, as humidity is lost more slowly in these types of locations than in others.
 
When water is posing a risk of water damage in a home, SERVPRO technicians work together with the latest in technology and equipment to ensure that all of the excess water is removed. From portable water extractors to vacuum-producing floor mats to high-velocity air movers, we have your situation covered. Resolving it will be conducted in an efficient and professional manner. Our goal is to restore everything to its previous state, so it is “Like it never even happened.”
 
To prevent water damage from spreading in your home, or to restore what has already been damaged, call us. We are SERVPRO of Abilene at (325)672-5661, and we are there to take your call 2/7.

Monitoring Job Site Conditions

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO For Professional Monitoring of the Drying Process!

The success of water damage restoration projects is based on patience, vigilance, and precision. It might be relatively straightforward to bring high-powered drying machines onto a site and set them up but regulating their progress can be trickier. Fortunately, the experts at SERVPRO have years of experience in the water damage repair industry.

We know that successful drying requires a careful balance of equipment, time frames, intensities, and temperature control measures. When we repair water damages in Abilene homes, we make scores of mathematical calculations to ensure that dehumidification and circulation tools are working in perfect harmony.

At SERVPRO, we do not ask you to trust in promises, because we deliver demonstrable, verifiable results. Keep reading to find out why we think progress targets are such a big deal.

Why a Dynamic Approach is Effective

The greater the size of the affected area, the more challenges it presents for remediation experts because there is likely more than one type of water damage. For example, in a sitting room or den, there may be soft furnishings, wallpaper, drywall, plaster, electronics, and books and other paper documents to save. Each of these items requires a slightly different drying and cleaning technique.  Dehumidifiers are ideal for all round drying, in large rooms, but they have to be used in moderation if there is a lot of wooden furniture around. Similarly, both wet and dry fogging can be applied to get rid of damp, musty smells, but wet fogging isn’t suitable for use around electronics. Then, there’s the question of whether water has intruded into the walls and ceilings or under cabinets.

The Value of On-Site Monitoring

While the experts at SERVPRO have spent many years working with the effects of water damage, even they cannot guarantee that a particular drying approach will be successful until they see the results for themselves. For this reason, consistent, persistent monitoring of progress and the achievement of key drying goals is essential.

Our SERVPRO technicians may leave fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers running overnight (or for several days in the case of severe water damage), but they are onsite regularly to make sure that everything is going smoothly. If moisture levels are dropping and relative humidity is falling too, the drying approach is working.

To find out more about how we guarantee the quality of our repairs and remediation work, get in touch with the experts at SERVPRO of Abilene. Our business is water damage cleanup and repairs and there’s no crisis that we cannot solve. Call us 24/7 at (325)672-5661.

Classifications of Water

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to damage, all water is not created equal. From a burst pipe or a flood, it’s important to understand how each type of water must be treated differently.  SERVPRO of Abilene can identify the differences for you.

Classifications of Water

Water is typically classified into three groups—clean, gray, and black.

• Clean Water:Clean water includes rainwater and water from broken pipes. You may also hear clean water referred to as white water. This water is safe to touch. Clean water can become gray water after around 48 hours.
• Gray Water:Gray water refers to slightly contaminated water that needs to be thoroughly treated before it is safe to consume. Sources of gray water include dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc. It does not contain bacteria that are as harmful as those found in black water. Gray water usually progresses into black water after about 48 hours if it is not treated.
• Black Water:Black water is highly contaminated and contains harmful chemicals and biological matter. Sewage waters are considered black water. When it comes to floods, it should be assumed that all water is black water since a flood picks up contaminants along its path. Contact with black water can lead to serious illness.

Storm Damage Causing Water Damage

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

We were awoken recently to significant rain falling outside of our houses today and know that especially in Abilene rain can quickly lead to flooding.  This rain may showcase, in the worst possible way, a leak you were unaware of in your roof.  You do not want to ignore the small leaks, as they have a tendency to quickly become larger.  We have crews available to tarp roofs, when safe, as well as perform water remediation to dry your home properly to help prevent secondary damage. 

If the rain continues as predicted, you may face rising flood waters if you live in a flood zone and sometimes, unfortunately, even when you don't. Flood waters are highly contaminated and require an expert to remediate.  Call us at the first sign of water intrusion and for some tips while you wait visit our website for water damage tips, SERVPROOfAbilene.com

SERVPRO of Abilene is here for any of your weather related remediation needs.

Water Damage Tips in Abilene

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur in Abilene for many reasons and is an unpleasant experience.  Most homeowners have never experienced a water damage and therefore do not know where to start when a pipe burst, a toilet overflows, a washing machine malfunctions, or a flood occurs.  If you wake up or come home to water in your house that was not there before, there are several steps you can take to help stop further damage.

What To Do After Water Damage

• Contact your local SERVPRO of Abilene professionals at (325)672-5661
• Ensure the home is safe to enter and be aware of the potential for fall hazards
• Turn off the water either at the site of the water damage or at the main if you cannot determine where the water is coming from
• Gather any sentimental items or important documents that you do not want to get wet if they are still dry and move them away from the water damage

SERVPRO of Abilene will be there quickly to begin the remediation process and allow you to relax while we do the necessary steps in the water restoration process.

Homeowners: Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Below-Freezing Weather

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage from a frozen pipe that burst.

As the weather dips into colder temperatures, it is crucial to protect your home’s water pipes against freezing. Untreated pipes in your basement and crawlspaces can be an expensive and scaryscenario for any homeowner.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

Water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts extreme pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor water faucets, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold.

In the U.S., frozen pipes cause significant damage every year, but they often can be prevented. Taking a few simple steps, even now, may save you a lot of aggravation and expense.

Prevention

There are three common causes of frozen pipes:

1. Quick drops in temperature
2. Poor insulation
3. Thermostats set too low

Luckily, there are a number of preventative steps you can take to keep your pipes from freezing:

• Check the insulation of pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.

• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

If Your Pipes Do Freeze ...

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.

• If your house or basement is flooding, turn off the water valve and callSERVPRO of Abilene - (325)672-5661.

• Do not touch or use electrical appliances in areas of standing water due to electrocution concerns.

• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Every year, many building fires are caused by people trying to thaw frozen pipes. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.

• Again, if your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on and call (325)672-5661. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Likely places for the water turn-off valve include internal pipes running against exterior walls or where water service enters a home through the foundation.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat set to a temperature no lower than 55°F.

Restoring Your Big Country Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Big Country commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Abilene

SERVPRO of Abilene specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

Abilene 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 325-672-5661

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 Abilene 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 Abilene

SERVPRO of Abilene 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.