Creating a Plan to Prepare for a Burst Pipe | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, contact us right away. SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona is available 24/

Any type of water damage is something you hope you won’t experience, but one of the most complicated types to occur is a burst pipe in the home. Because pipes can pump a large volume of water into a room, it can quickly cause significant amounts of damage in a brief period.

Many people assume that water damage is a rare occurrence, but it impacts one in 50 houses each year in the United States. Fortunately, for those who have planned ahead, it tends to be much less severe.

Planning in Advance for a Burst Pipe

Shut off your water main. Water rushing into the impacted area should be stopped as quickly as possible, which can be done by finding and shutting off the water main in your home if it is safe to do so.

Shut off your electricity. If it is safe to access your main electricity breaker, shutting off your home’s power is a great way to prevent secondary issues such as injury or fire from arising due to the water damage.

Contact your restoration company. Taking care of water damage quickly is the best way to prevent further issues from arising, which is why we recommend choosing a restoration company you can get in touch with at any hour to report your damages.

Take a record of the damages. Recording what has been damaged throughout your home is helpful for you, and will come in handy if you are able to file an insurance claim, too. Pictures, videos and lists can help make sure that nothing falls through the cracks as you begin to recover.

Contact your insurance company. Because each insurance policy is different, contacting your provider as soon as you can will help you determine if you are eligible to file a claim and how to go about it if you are.

Open windows and doors if possible. After calling your restoration company, you can aid drying time as you wait for them to arrive by opening doors and windows if it is safe to do so. This will encourage the water to quickly evaporate so drying will not take as long.

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

How to Find a Water Leak in Your Bathroom | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Have you seen any signs of a water leak in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona, we will help guide you through the restoration proce

Do you know the signs of a water leak at home? There are more signs of possible issues than you might think—and some of them show up long before you might notice water pouring from your sink or appliance.

While sometimes an issue with a leak is obvious and can cause major problems, it’s easier to miss some of the other signs. But if you know what you should be looking for, they’re much easier to find.

Leak claims are among the millions of water damage claims that are filed every year. On average, about one out of 50 American homeowners every year file a water damage claim.

Spotting a Hidden Leak

Here’s what to look for when searching for a water leak in your bathroom:

Water spots on your wall. These can be damp spots or stains.

Several spots with low water pressure. If you think your showers or sinks are showing lower water pressure than normal, you may have a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

Unusual odors or smells. In particular, musty smells can be a sign of mold in your home. Mold and mildew can start to damage your home within just a few days. Many people notice the smell before they find other issues.

Slow-draining showers, sinks or tubs. If it’s taking too long for the water to drain, that’s a sign there could be a leak somewhere in your pipes. It’s always worth checking out.

Higher than normal water bills. Before you smell or see anything, you might notice your water bills going up if you leak. A good way to watch that is to notice your average monthly water bill and take note of anything that deviates from that.

If you have water damage and/or mold in your bathroom or other rooms in your home, we have the restoration and remediation services you need. Contact us at any time to learn more.

Do an Inspection to Catch Water Damage Early | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have any water damage to your home? Contact SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona, we are your local water restoration experts.

Knowing what to look for in regards to water damage in your home is so important. Water damage can not only cause visual issues in the way of discoloration and mold growth throughout your home, but it can also severely damage your home’s structure if it is not taken care of quickly.

While you should always call in the professionals for any confirmed water damage, doing regular inspections around your home is something you can do yourself to be certain that there is no damage sneaking up on you. Finding the damage early on is key for not only lessening the overall damage the water can cause but also to prevent requiring you to file a large insurance claim.

How to Do a Water Damage Inspection Yourself

Inspect your walls and ceilings. Damage will often manifest itself on drywall, as drywall shows water spots quite easily. Check your walls and ceilings for spotting, discoloration or paint issues regularly, as these are typically indicative that a water damage issue is manifesting somewhere behind the walls.

Don’t forget to look down. Floors are another spot where you can often spot water damage due to the pull of gravity. Even if your surface floor appears okay, your subfloor could be absorbing water causing it to swell and soften. If you notice buckling, waviness or soft spots on your floor, there might be a chance of water damage below.

Inspect your roof. A house’s roof is its biggest defense against rain and weather conditions, so keeping it in good shape is one of the best things you can do for your home. Stand on the ground and check up on the roof with binoculars to get an idea of its condition—missing shingles or loose flashing is generally an early sign that a leak might be developing.

Pay close attention to the basement. A damp basement should not be a fact of life, and if you notice moisture down there, it is important to get the professionals in right away. Look for water seeping down the walls, stains on the floor or a general, musty odor which can all indicate that there is too much moisture at play.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with a water damage restoration expert.

Do an Inspection to Catch Water Damage Early | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have any water damage to your home? Contact SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona, we are your local water restoration experts.

Knowing what to look for in regards to water damage in your home is so important. Water damage can not only cause visual issues in the way of discoloration and mold growth throughout your home, but it can also severely damage your home’s structure if it is not taken care of quickly.

While you should always call in the professionals for any confirmed water damage, doing regular inspections around your home is something you can do yourself to be certain that there is no damage sneaking up on you. Finding the damage early on is key for not only lessening the overall damage the water can cause but also to prevent requiring you to file a large insurance claim.

How to Do a Water Damage Inspection Yourself

Inspect your walls and ceilings. Damage will often manifest itself on drywall, as drywall shows water spots quite easily. Check your walls and ceilings for spotting, discoloration or paint issues regularly, as these are typically indicative that a water damage issue is manifesting somewhere behind the walls.

Don’t forget to look down. Floors are another spot where you can often spot water damage due to the pull of gravity. Even if your surface floor appears okay, your subfloor could be absorbing water causing it to swell and soften. If you notice buckling, waviness or soft spots on your floor, there might be a chance of water damage below.

Inspect your roof. A house’s roof is its biggest defense against rain and weather conditions, so keeping it in good shape is one of the best things you can do for your home. Stand on the ground and check up on the roof with binoculars to get an idea of its condition—missing shingles or loose flashing is generally an early sign that a leak might be developing.

Pay close attention to the basement. A damp basement should not be a fact of life, and if you notice moisture down there, it is important to get the professionals in right away. Look for water seeping down the walls, stains on the floor or a general, musty odor which can all indicate that there is too much moisture at play.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with a water damage restoration expert.

Our 6-Step Procedure for Water Damage Restoration | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

When dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Contact SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona for prompt & dependable service.

Having water damage to your home is an alarming experience, and one that requires quick action to be resolved.

That is why we are here at any hour to set our water damage procedure into motion, so you can deal with the aftermath and let our highly trained technicians help you recover.

6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration

1. Initial Emergency Contact
You can discover water damage at any time, which is why we are here every day and night to help you get the restoration process started. When you call us, we will gather as much information as possible about the damage over the phone to create a strong response plan.

2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
When our technicians arrive on the scene, they will immediately get to work addressing any safety hazards and preventing further damages from occurring. We will do a full assessment of your impacted areas and create a custom, comprehensive plan to proceed with the restoration.

3. Moisture Extraction
Extracting moisture from the impacted area quickly is one of the most effective ways to treat water damage, which is why we have invested in equipment that can move gallons of water out by the hundreds. There is no job too large for us to handle.

4. Dehumidifying and Drying
After the majority of standing water has been removed, we can bring in our dehumidifiers and dryers to further speed the process along. These will help remove moisture absorbed by your home’s porous surfaces and stop mold from causing even more damage to your belongings and home.

5. Cleaning Belongings
The thorough cleaning of items that are water-damaged is key to keeping them safe for your family to utilize every day. Because items can absorb water, we fully sanitize and deodorize everything that has come into contact with it so you have no lingering issues due to the damage.

6. Restoration and Repair
When you choose us for restoration, you can be certain that you receive a complete service before we leave. We will handle any necessary repairs or cosmetic elements that need to be addressed so that your home or office is completely restored to its pre-damaged condition.

If your home has been water-damaged, you can count on us to help. Call us ²⁴⁄₇ to get the process started.

Why Heavy Rainfall Can Lead to Household Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rains can cause serious water damage. SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona has the trained technicians to fully restore your home.

Sudden gushes of water are often what springs to mind when most people think of water damage, but there are actually more subtle ways it can occur, too. Routine heavy rainfall can cause damage to a home, as it can work its way into anywhere the structure is vulnerable.

There are a few places we often see this happen when we respond to calls, so we wanted to be sure to share.

Places We Often See Leaks Caused by Heavy Rainfall

Backup of clogged gutters. Clearing out your gutters twice per year is recommended, both to increase your drainage flow and prevent water damage. When heavy rains occur, they can overwhelm a backed-up system and encourage water to seep into the structure of your home.

Leaks around windows and doors. The areas that border windows and doors are more vulnerable than the rest of the house, and as such, often develop water damage after heavy rain. Weatherstripping is an extremely useful tool for preventing this problem from starting.

Poor drainage around the foundation. Water that pools around the foundation can begin to seep into the home, even if your base is made of brick or cinder blocks. Landscaping and drainage systems can route the water away from the house and prevent this.

Leaks in and around the roof. Roof leaks have a way of sneaking up on homeowners, so doing work to prevent them is better than waiting until they become evident. Look out for peeling sealants or missing shingles, as heavy rain can quickly exploit these small issues and create a big leak.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system. A sump pump installation is a great way to significantly reduce your chances of having water buildup in the home, but they can be less effective if maintenance is not done properly.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights. When skylights and chimneys are installed, seals are installed around them so they do not create a vulnerable spot in the roof. However, these seals can deteriorate over time, making your roof more likely to develop a leak.

If you’ve experienced water damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us ²⁴⁄₇ to have our trained technicians respond quickly and begin your restoration.

Stop Appliance Water Damage Before It Starts | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage flagstaff

Any appliance that requires water to run will be prone to leaks, and it is important to catch these leaks early in order to avoid extensive water damage from occurring. Appliances are not frequently moved or inspected, but it is wise for homeowners to get into this habit in order to catch any water damage early on.

What To Do If You Suspect Water Damage in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen at any time. Give SERVPRO of Flagstaff/East Sedona a call if you are experiencing any water or flood damage.

Water damage in the home can occur in obvious ways, but there are also many situations where it sneaks up on homeowners unsuspectingly. Hidden water damage can be a much more complicated situation if it is left untreated, and determining if it is covered by your insurance policy can add another layer of difficulty.

For these reasons, if you suspect you have water damage hiding out somewhere in your home, it is best to take care of it as quickly as you are able to. Here is exactly what to do if you are worried you may have water damage to your household:

1. Perform a Thorough Inspection in Suspicious Areas

While water damage can occur in any location, some are more susceptible than others. Basements are one of the most vulnerable areas for water damage, but it is also wise to inspect areas such as crawl spaces and closets, as well as behind any appliances that utilize water for their operation.

When looking for water damage, it is important to know what signs to be on alert for. Common indicators of water damage are:

• Musty or dank odors in the home
• Water stains on walls, ceilings and/or floors
• Buckling of the floors or walls
• Cracks in your paint or drywall
• Sounds of dripping water
• An unprecedented increase in your electric bill

Unfortunately, even if you do not notice these indicators, that does not mean that you are in the clear. If you are still suspicious that you may have water damage, it is advised to move onto step two in order to get a professional opinion on the matter.

2. Call a Trusted Water Restoration Team

Calling a water restoration team is one of the best things you can do if you suspect water damage. Not only will they be able to do a full inspection to determine where the water is located and to what extent it has damaged your home, but they will be able to act quickly to prevent mold from growing, which can begin as soon as 24 hours after water damage begins.

Even if you cannot find water damage on your own, trust your gut instinct if you suspect it and call in the professionals as soon as possible.

Do you suspect your home has sustained water damage? You can call us 24/7 to get an expert inspection and advice about what your next steps should be.

3 Types of Water Damage to Watch for During Spring | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have water damage or flooding? Give SERVPRO of Flagstaff/East Sedona a call if you are experiencing any damage from a storm or heavy rain.

Water damage is something that can impact homeowners at any time of year, but from experience, we know that spring is one of the most common times for it to occur. Spring generally brings a large volume of rain with it, which can increase the likelihood of water damage impacting your home.

The good news is, the most common types of spring water damage can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and vigilance on a homeowner’s behalf. Read on to learn about the types of water damage that are typical during the spring season and how you can work to prevent them from occurring:

The Most Common Types of Spring Water Damage

Damage From Storms and Heavy Rains

Spring rains may be necessary to spur plant growth and bring the beautiful blooms back to life, but they can also cause serious issues for homeowners if their homes become compromised. Because the rain can be so relentless during spring months, seals around doors, windows and ducts can become compromised and allow water to seep into the home. Checking your seals for vulnerability and recaulking where necessary can keep water out even during the heaviest of downpours.

A Leaky Roof

Leaking roofs are one of the leading causes of water damage and can lead to issues all throughout your home. Inspecting your shingles and seals for signs of wear can alert you quickly if you may need a patch or other preventive measure, and keeping your gutters clear can prevent water from pooling against the wood and working its way into your home.

Seepage From Runoff Around Your Foundation

Foundational runoff may not seem like a big problem for the rest of the year, but due to the volume of rain that occurs in the spring, it can become a major issue for your home’s foundation or basement. If the pitch of your property or the path of your downspouts allows water to relentlessly come into contact with the base of your home, it can seep into the foundation or crawl space underneath and cause serious issues. Making updates to landscaping and remapping the path of your lot’s drainage can prevent this from becoming a problem.

If you experience water damage at any time of the year, we’ll be here to help. Our highly trained technicians are leaders in water restoration and we’re here 24/7 to take your call.

Reasons Why Proper Water Damage Restoration Is Key | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

If you have any water damage or flooding? SERVPRO of Flagstaff/East Sedona is on call to guide you through your water-related issues.

Water damage is an extremely common problem that impacts a number of homeowners across the country each year. For this reason, understanding the restoration process—namely, why having it done properly is so important—is wise for homeowners whether they have experienced water damage or are simply hoping to be more prepared.

While mopping and drying on your own are helpful things to do before professional help arrives, they are no substitute for a full restoration completed by a helpful and qualified team. Between health hazards, unresolved issues and cost-effectiveness, there are several reasons why proper water damage restoration is worth investing in:

Mold Growth Can Be Dangerous

While all elements of water damage are complicated and unpleasant to deal with, mold is easily the most dangerous aspect. Mold can begin growing within 24 hours after water comes into contact with a surface, and once it begins, it requires expert remediation to be eradicated.

Because mold spreads through the air, it can also move to other parts of your home, especially if you have a central heating and air system. Thankfully, any reputable water restoration company will be able to handle both the water damage and any subsequent mold issues that arise to make sure your family stays safe.

The Extent of Damage Can Be Sneaky

Though some water damage is clear when it occurs, that is not always the case. Even if there is an element of water damage you are able to see in the impacted area, there might be other issues that are not as apparent, such as damage to the drywall or to your home’s frame. An expert restoration company will be able to do a full inspection to determine the extent of the damage so that nothing goes unnoticed or unrepaired.

Restoration Can Salvage Your Belongings

While restoring your home’s structure is an important aspect of water restoration, being able to also keep your belongings is a big plus of enlisting professional help. Restoring objects is often much more cost-effective than simply replacing them, and for objects with sentimental value, restoration is often the only option. 

After floods and other types of damage, we have been able to restore furniture, art, electronics and many more items for our clients so they can continue to own and utilize the things they love without worrying about hazards or further damages.

If you have questions about water damage, we’re here to give you answers! Contact us today to learn about all the things that set our restoration process apart.