Sewage in Your Home

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Post cleanup of a bad sewage backup

Sewage Backup- 

Dealing with water damage is difficult alone, but when it is coming up from your toilet and flooding your home this is an issue you don't want to deal with. No matter how it occurred, once the sewage backup happens, there are precautionary steps to take immediately. This include:

• Evacuating children, pets, and the elderly from the premises.
• Contacting the utility company to shut off electricity, gas, and water to the home.
• Removing any dry, uncontaminated items from the house.
• Adding chlorine bleach to any standing water to disinfect and prevent bacteria from spreading.
• Opening all windows to ventilate the area.
• Wearing PPE such as face masks and gloves if near the area. 
• Notifying your insurance company of the situation.
• Documenting the damage as it begins
• Calling a local restoration company for sewage removal and cleanup services.

Call in the Experts-

We do not recommend dealing with sewage yourself, regardless of how little the damage may seem. Contaminants present in the water can be harmful without proper PPE and handling. If you find you have a sewage leak in your home don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of  Freeport, Roosevelt to complete the cleanup and restoration process. When we are done, it will seem “Like it never even happened.” 

 Call us up at (516) 206-8661 for 24/7 365 day service! We are there for you day or night. 

Leave Water Damages to the Professionals

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Why It is Important to Deal With Water Damages Correctly

Water damage can create huge problems for homeowners/business owners and is sometimes immediately seen, but occasionally it can be more slow forming. Sometimes the evidence of burst or leaky pipes is even discovered after returning from a trip, in which case the damage will have set in much more. Regardless of where the water damage stemmed from, it is important to immediately contact a specialist when water damage is first discovered. 

We recommend you contact a company equipped and available to help with water emergencies at any time of day or night such as SERVPRO. Time is of the essence when it comes to preventing further damages, and making a phone call will help to organize your thoughts and information as you move forward. Professionals like us at SERVPRO have a wealth of experience, certifications, affiliations, and resources you can trust. We assist our clients by quickly assessing the level of damage and contamination to any home. We inspect carpet and know how to extract and dry water and moisture out from more than the visible areas, but also from hidden areas. For example, we use the best quality pumps, dehumidifiers, infrared cameras, cleaning and sanitizing products. 

If you need water damage assistance in Freeport or Roosevelt New York, our caring and qualified team at SERVPRO is available 24/7. In addition to assessing damage, extracting water, and drying areas, we also assist with cleaning belongings and restoring the area back to new. We can help eradicate the unmistakable odor associated with water damage and even work with the insurance company to properly get rid of damaged materials and handle other parts of the process. While water damages are understandably overwhelming, remember that you are not alone and there is a team of professionals ready and to help with every step.

Winter Weather is Here!

12/25/2021 (Permalink)

The risk cold weather brings-

The cold winter season is usually characterized by snow, ice, and low temperatures. Besides this, the cold weather can also create many problems in your home such as frozen pipes and even become a home for small animals escaping from the harsh climate. The damaged pipes can also cause structural damage, provide the perfect conditions for mold to grow and cause flooding. All of these are things you really don't want to deal with.

Research shows that a pipe does not break due to the formation of ice inside it or the expansion of ice against its wall. The actual cause is the continuous freezing and expansion that takes place inside the pipe after a complete ice blockage. This results in pressure increasing between the ice blockage and the closed faucet. In fact, pipes break where there has been barely any ice formation.

The pipes that mostly freeze are swimming pool lines, sprinkler lines, outdoor faucet, water supply line in places like the basement, garages, crawl places and attics. Therefore, homeowners should take certain precautions to prevent this from happening.

To prevent pipes from breaking, you will need to do the following;

• Leave the cabinet doors under sinks open
• Insulate pipes with plastic, newspaper or insulation
• Make your home winter-ready by covering the windows using plastic or installing storm windows, weather stripping and caulking windows and doors, and insulating walls and attics
• Ensure that your thermostat reads the same temperature during the day and night
• Avoid closing the faucets tightly during winter; leave them dripping to prevent freezing

If your pipes freeze after taking all these precautions, do not panic. Seek the assistance of a professional. If you live in the Freeport/Roosevelt area, call us and let us fix and restore the damage. We offer reliable restoration and cleaning service to our community; we are a local company hence you can be sure that we know the area well and will arrive promptly to address the problem. At SERVPRO, we believe in professionalism and in providing quality services to our customers. Contact us anytime you have a water related emergency at your home or business.

Broken Pipes 101

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

Broken Pipes 101

Extensive water damage can be caused by faulty water pipes: cracked, broken, or frozen pipes are likely to burst which can cause serious destruction. The timing is extremely important to responding to a broken pipe. Also knowing how to best respond will give you the best chance to save your items and to reduce the amount of money spent by restoring your property instead of replacing all surfaces touched by the water.

It's is important to take care of your water damage as fast as possible. It can be hard to determine what to do in a these stressful situations like this, but being prepared by knowing the below steps can save you time and money in the case of an emergency.

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

As soon as a pipe breaks and begins to flood your home, you need to call your insurance company. Be sure to have your local agent's office and national hotline on deck. The sooner you can get your claim started, the sooner you will receive the money necessary to pay for the broken pipes and begin repairs. Do not risk your claim being denied, make sure to contact your Insurance Company ASAP.

2. Take Note and Pictures of ALL Damage

During an insurance claim, an adjuster will come to your home to audit the extent of the damage done to your home. Before they arrive, it's helpful to create a list of damaged items through notes and pictures. The adjuster will be able to use this list as valuable information when processing your claim.

3. Keep All Damaged Items

Even if it is destroyed beyond recognition, do not throw away affected items. These items act as proof of damage to the Insurance Company and can help prove the extent of your claim, so you can receive the resources you need to pay for repairing and replacing your items.

4. Have Mitigation Done

When a pipe bursts, it results in flooding to your home. You would be surprised at how quickly a burst pipe can fill your home with water. As soon as moisture hits your walls and floors, it is only a short period of time until the surfaces are structurally compromised or susceptible to mold growth.

Mold can begin to grow in as little as a day and can easily spread to large areas. Excessive water can quickly absorb into your home, which means that the materials will then need to be replaced.

Call us at SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt if your Long Island home has been damaged as a result of a broken pipe. You can trust us to cleanup and restore service your home to its original quickly as possible to minimize any further damage. Our team will also make every attempt to save items and restore all materials that have been affected by the water damage. You can be confident that we will have your home looking as good as new!

Call SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt at (516) 774-2200 for the quickest local service.

Watching For Mold

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is a fungi growth that occurs and thrives in the presence of moisture. Although mold has existed for millions of years and is literally everywhere in the atmosphere, they can cause some health and financial damage in many numbers. Some people are sensitive and allergic to molds and its presence.

Molds can enter into households through open doorways, windows, vents and even air conditioning systems. Humans can also carry molds on them through clothes, shoes, pets, bags etc. The mold would then attach itself on moist surfaces, paper and wood based surfaces and on walls too. This means it can stick around in places you really do not suspect it to be.

Mold growth can create surface decay and can cause breakage or complete and total destruction in your home as it is left alone. They can cause collapse of surfaces and this can be dangerous especially in places where there are children. The growth may look likes spots of different colors. 

Thankfully keeping the mold under control is easy, especially in situations where it is caught early.

• Control the humidity levels in your household to prevent growth and spread of the mold
• Fixing all leaky surfaces in the house.
  • The windows, basement, pipes and walls where the pipes run through
• In case of flooding, it is very crucial that a the building be cleaned thoroughly and correctly to order to prevent the mold.
• Having proper ventilation in any living space, showers, cooking areas like the kitchen to prevent stuffiness that might lead to molding is crucial.

In cases where the mold is uncontrollable there will be need for professional help, call us at SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt. Calling mold inspectors is often the smart move to ensure complete removal of mold. Continuous mold inspections and testing is important for everyones safety.

Burst Pipes, Now What?

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

Burst Pipes:

It happens more often than you would think. A burst pipe can cause your home or business to flood rapidly, encompassing an entire property in a matter of minutes. Many property owners are overwhelmed when the water damage hits and he outcome looks hopeless..

How Did My Pipes Break?

There are a variety of issues that can cause your pipes to break or burst, but with the cold weather appreaoching you should be most worried about below freezing temperatures. Here are some of the common causes of problems below:

• Rusted or damaged pipes 
• Old plumbing systems
• Cold temperatures below 29 degrees F
• Poorly installed piping
• A sudden increase in your pipes’ water pressure

Types of Damage

A burst pipe can have serious repercussions. One of them is mold growth. The growth of mold is a common issue in homes that have had pipe breaks. Why? Whenever there is moisture, there is the ability for mold growth. When a building undergoes pipe bursts, water damage is everywhere; building materials often deteriorate after a pipe break. Surfaces such as drywall, subloors and laminte almost always need to be replaced after a water damage

The first thing a homeowner should do is call up a water restoration professional like SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt and let our technicians perform their magic to remove water and cleanup any signs of damage. The sooner our technicians are able to come in, the more confident you can be that your home is safe to come back to and no additional repair costs will accrue down the line.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Broken and Leaking Pipes?

Though insurance coverage may vary with individual policies, the majority of home insurance policies will generally cover the costs of broken or leaking pipes. If your apartment floods due to another tenant, it's important to get in touch with your insurance agency right away. It's important to connect with the other tenant to see if their policy will cover your property as well.

Some policies may not cover the costs of damage if it is not addressed right away. If broken pipes or other water damage occurs slowly over time, insurance companies will try to deny your claim.

It's important to report right away, as most insurance companies will cover sudden breaks or leaks. To ensure you are fairly compensated, it can be helpful to provide your insurance company with documentation of the damage.

The Home Appliances to Watch for Water Damage

12/5/2021 (Permalink)

The Home Appliances to Watch for Water Damage

A common cause of water damage is leaks, spills, or flooding from household appliances. To ensure that your appliances are in good working condition, we suggest that you get all of your appliances checked at a minimum of once a year. Below are the biggest culprits to watch out for. 

Washing Machines 

When a home washing machine happens to have a small leak, it can appear to be a small issue. Although a small leak seems to be a minor, it should not be ignored. We have experienced small pinhole leaks in a water supply line that have broken out into an all-out basement flood. For best safety practices to prevent water damage, it is best to check the connecting hoses leading to your washing machine a couple of times per year.

Refrigerators

We all appreciate the convenience of an ice maker in our kitchens. But did you know it can also be the culprit of household floods? Our SERVPRO crews have had to clean water damages caused by the water line that supplies an ice maker. When the water lines get damaged, they can leak or, worse yet, become completely unattached. We know it might be a hassle to get behind your home's refrigerator, but it is essential to waterline periodically for crimps and make sure the valve connection is secure. We recommend our customers leave a four-inch gap between the refrigerator and the wall for safety from water damage. This will allow easy access to pull out the fridge and prevent future crimping in your water line.

Dishwashers

This household appliance has a water supply line just like refrigerators and washing machines. If a dishwasher water supply line was to burst, you could guarantee that your kitchen will be filled with water after a wash and rinse cycle. In some of our more severe water damages caused by dishwashers, we have seen a dishwasher back up. Backup typically occurs when debris has clogged the drain, and the water has nowhere to go but inside your home. 

SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt highly recommends annual, routine inspection of the hoses and connections for your appliances that use water. Doing so can save homeowners significant repair costs instead of handling a water loss claim.

If your home falls victim to a water emergency, time is of the essence. Contact SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt for immediate water restoration assistance. 

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes In Your Long Island Home

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

As temperatures dip this week in Long Island, be sure to take preventative measures to protect your home from frozen / burst pipes

As the weather dips into colder temperatures this week, it is crucial to protect your home’s water pipes against freezing. Non-insulated/unprotected pipes in your basement and crawlspaces are susceptible to freezing, leading to incidents that can lead to the pipes bursting and flooding your home.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

Water expands as it freezes.  When it does, the pipe expands and 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. This includes 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. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

For example, 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. By taking the time to treat the issue, you will be able to prevent these pipes from freezing/bursting in the future.

What causes frozen pipes?

There are three common causes of frozen pipes:

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

Here are a number of proactive steps you can take to protect your pipes from freezing:

• Check the insulation of pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing, so make sure you go to your local hardware store and buy insulation sleeves.

• 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.

What to do if your pipes 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 call SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt at (516) 774-2200 to schedule right away.

• 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.

• 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 (516) 774-2200. 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.

We hope these tips are able to help you prevent any water damage in your home this winter. If you do experience damage, we are able to assist at a moment's notice. Just call your local SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt. We have trained technicians who are able to service any Long Island Home. Call (516) 774-2200 for quick scheduling.

How to Prevent Water Damage

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to prevent water damage in your home

If you're careful about what goes down your drains, you can help prevent cracks and damage to your pipes that might otherwise lead to leaks and water problems.  Be careful what goes down our toilet. It's a good idea to flush only human waste and toilet paper.  Note: even "flushable" wipes can clog toilet drains, especially in bulk.  Make sure not to pour grease or coffee grounds down drains as these can clog pipes and sewer lines.  If you have a drain clog, try using a drain snake rather than a chemical cleaner as a snake is typically both ore effective and less potentially hazardous.Clean your gutters regularly once a year and be sure to check them after heavy storms to make sure water is flowing properly.  Once a year, make sure to visually inspect your plumbing, including any toilets, sinks, tubs, washing machines, or dishwashers and look for any signs of damage or leaking.  Flush your sinks with baking soda and vinegar to help prevent clogs.  You can use lemon juice to eliminate odors.  Consider investing in a sump pump in case of flooding and be sure to check it regularly to make sure it is in good working order.  Pay attention to your water bill each month.  An unexpected increase may indicate that water is leaking somewhere.  water Damage Prevention when traveling:  As the holidays are approaching us these are helpful steps you can take before you leave to help prevent any water problems while you're away. 1) Adjust your HVAC settings to a low setting or turn them off completely if possible. 2) Consider turning off your water supply and draining your pipes. 3) Ask a neighbor to check on your house or business every few days to make sure there aren't any developing problems. While it's not always possible to prevent water damage, these tips can help minimize your chances of having to deal with a major water related emergency. Dealing with a water loss? Give us a call at (516) 774-2200 for quick and easy scheduling.

Danger of Storms

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy storms can lead to water damage. Don't let your property fall victim, call us today!

Severe storms and winds are dangerous conditions that can lead to the flooding of your home. SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt is here to help mitigate any water damage that occurs as a direct result of storms. If heavy rains tear through Nassau County, our SERVPRO branch is ready to help get local businesses and home get back to business. After all, SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt can handle any size disaster.

At our franchise, we enlist a storm team that can be called in to help efforts to mitigate with any size disaster. Worried about a large loss? Our team is especially equipped to handle any size loss that might come your way! From malls, warehouses, apartment buildings, universities, and larger, we are able to quickly set up a task force and start quickly.

Do you have any questions or concerns? Let us know by calling (516) 774-2200. Don't hesitate to call us, whether its from a small or storm or when a natural disaster strikes. We are always #HereToHelp at SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt!  

SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of property after a water damage event. We are able to help residential and commercial properties. From the very first phone call, you can expect a seamless experience. Our office staff and technicians are highly trained in property damage restoration. From continuous, ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to our regularly scheduled IICRC-industry certification, you can rest assured that our staff is experienced and able to quickly service your needs and get the job done right.

For more information on the SERVPRO mobile app and the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program, please visit www.ready.SERVPRO.com.

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO^® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO^® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.