Freeze Warning - Be Prepared

1/20/2025 (Permalink)

Protect your pipes!

Freeze Warning –

The temperatures in our area will slowly begin to drop – and significantly drop to well in the single digits over the next 7-10 days. The daily high temperatures will not reach over freezing for many days, so the time to prepare is now. Protecting your pipes is the most important action item you should be focused on to protect your home from water damage.

• Let your faucets drip or have a small trickle to keep your water moving through your pipes.
• If you have pipes in non-heated areas – insulate them with heat tape of pipe foam covering.
• Drain your outside spigots and disconnect your water hose – let it them drip and purchase and insulation cover for extra protection.
• Open your cabinets underneath sinks to allow the warmer air and heat to circulate.
• Adjust your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher.

Below freezing temperatures are not normal in the South, but during the winter months the weather is unpredictable – we must be ready to handle it in all situations.

Space Heater Safety

1/20/2025 (Permalink)

When using a space heater to warm areas of your home use safely.

It's time for homes to prepare for the cooler the temperatures that are coming. Temperatures during this time of year can vary from day to day and we tend to experience all seasons in one day here in the South. To avoid turning your heating and cooling unit from cool to heat – some prefer to use a space heater in the cooler mornings and evenings. Using an additional heat source is common but make sure you have the proper safety measures in place.

• Plug Space heaters directly into an electrical outlet (DO NOT use a power strip or electrical cord to power the heater.
• Place your heater away from a high traffic area.
• Never leave your heater unattended
• Place heaters three or more feet away from curtains, bedding and furniture.
• Unplug your heater when not in use to avoid it being turned on accidentally.

Inspect your heater prior to use. Exposed heating coils or elements can spark a fire quickly. Portable space heaters are responsible for over 1,700 fires a year so following these few tips can save you and your family from a potential fire.

Take the Stress Out of Your Distress

1/20/2025 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO®, we know that life can throw unexpected challenges your way. Whether it’s water damage from a burst pipe, fire damage from an electrical malfunction, or the aftermath of a natural disaster, these events can disrupt your life and leave you feeling overwhelmed. That’s where we come in. Our mission is simple: to "take the stress out of your distress" by providing professional, efficient, and compassionate restoration services when you need them most.

Experiencing property damage can be emotionally taxing. In addition to the financial implications, you may face logistical headaches, time constraints, and emotional upheaval. Common stress points include:

• Uncertainty: What do you do first? How do you even begin to recover?
• Time Sensitivity: Damage, particularly water and mold, can worsen if not addressed quickly.
• Insurance Navigation: Dealing with insurance claims can be confusing and time-consuming.
• Finding Trustworthy Help: Choosing a reliable restoration partner is critical for getting your life back on track.

At SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties we understand these concerns, and we’re here to make the restoration process as smooth as possible.

What Sets SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties?

1. Rapid Response, 24/7 Availability

Disasters don’t wait for convenient times, and neither do we. Whether it’s a middle-of-the-night flood or weekend fire damage, our team is on call 24/7 to respond promptly. We arrive ready to assess the situation and begin mitigation immediately.

2. Comprehensive Services

We handle it all, from initial damage assessment to the final stages of reconstruction. Our services include:

• Water and flood damage restoration
• Fire and smoke damage cleanup
• Mold remediation
• Storm damage repair
• Biohazard cleanup

3. Insurance Coordination

Navigating insurance claims can be daunting, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of property damage. We work directly with your insurance provider to streamline the claims process. From providing detailed documentation to working within policy guidelines, we advocate for you every step of the way.

4. Our Approach

We’re more than a service provider—our team approaches every job with empathy, understanding that the damages we restore are more than structural—they’re personal. We prioritize clear communication, so you always know what’s happening and why.

Making Restoration Simple

Our process is designed to take the guesswork out of restoration:

1. Initial Assessment When you call us, we begin with a detailed inspection to evaluate the extent of the damage and develop a tailored plan of action.
2. Mitigation We quickly secure your property to prevent further damage. For example, we extract standing water, tarp roofs, and board up exposed areas.
3. Cleanup and Remediation Using industry-leading techniques and equipment, we remove debris, clean affected areas, and remediate mold or soot.
4. Reconstruction Once cleanup is complete, we restore your property to its preloss condition, handling everything from drywall repair to full-scale renovations.
5. Follow-Up We ensure your satisfaction by following up after the job is done, giving you peace of mind that your property is truly restored.

Let Us Help You Take Back Control

At SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties, we believe that every challenge is an opportunity to prove how much we care about our clients. By choosing us, you’re not just hiring a restoration company—you’re gaining a partner dedicated to making things right.

When disaster strikes, don’t let stress take over. Let SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties take the stress out of your distress. Call us today, and we’ll be there to make it "Like it never even happened."

Christmas is coming!

12/17/2023 (Permalink)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas – family- festivities and fun will fill this month. It’s a special time of the year; our homes are decorated to celebrate the holiday season with lights and candles.  During the holidays there is a greater risk of a fire in your home. Make sure safety is a part of your holiday plans.

• Check all light cords to ensure that they aren’t frayed or broken. Connect only three strands per extension cord.
• When installing outdoor lights make sure they are for outdoor use.
• Trees – if you are using a live tree make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered throughout the season, if you are using an artificial tree make sure the label reads fire- resistant. Always keep your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and all other heat sources.
• Test your smoke detectors on each level of your home.

Enjoy this holiday season and know SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick Counties will be here for you!

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Safe Your Tree

Getting in the Christmas Cheer is all around us as many homes have already started decorating for the Christmas holiday. If you are choosing a live tree for your home, a fresh will stay greener longer – check the needles to make sure they do not fall off if touched and the trunk of the tree should be sticky. Before standing your tree – cut about two inches off the bottom of the trunk so your tree can better absorb water. Check your water levels daily, especially if you have animals in the house. Just remember the scene from Christmas Vacation, you do not want that to happen! If your tree is in a warmer room in your home your tree will dry out quicker and could cause a fire hazard – so turn your thermostat down a few degrees to preserve your tree longer. Never place your tree near fireplaces or other heat sources. These safety tips are the same for an artificial tree – never purchase and artificial tree that is not fire resistant. Practice safety this holiday season.

Cooking Safety

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays

As we embark on the Holiday Season when most are in the kitchen cooking for their families for the Holidays– be sure to remember these top cooking safety tips to avoid a house fire and a trip to your local restaurant for your holiday meal.

• Never leave the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top.
• Do not leave your Turkey or Ham unattended – even if your stove is on low.
• Keep the kids out of the cooking zone.
• If you are deep frying your Turkey – do that outside away from your home.
• Do not wear loose clothing – finish your cooking and change into your festive outfit prior to dinner.
• Test your smoke alarms to assure they are in the proper working condition.
• Turn your pot handles towards the back to avoid a turnover.

Following these tips can and will prevent a house fire. Enjoy your holiday with family and friends and rest assure SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties will be here if you need us! 

Happy Holidays!

How to Deal with Frozen Pipes

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are a common issue that many homeowners face, especially during the cold winter months. As a restoration company, we've encountered numerous cases of water damage resulting from frozen pipes. To provide you with essential information on everything you should know about frozen pipes, we have asked our team of experts to put together all the information you need to be prepared for frozen pipes this winter.

Understanding the Causes

Frozen pipes occur when water in the pipes freezes due to cold temperatures. This can happen in any section of your plumbing, both inside and outside your home. Common factors that contribute to frozen pipes include inadequate insulation, exposure to extreme cold, and cracks or gaps in the building structure.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

Identifying frozen pipes early is crucial to prevent further damage. Look out for warning signs such as reduced water flow or no water at all from faucets, strange odors, or visible frost on exposed pipes. If you notice any of these indicators, it's time to act.

The Risk of Burst Pipes

Frozen pipes pose a risk of bursting. When water freezes, it expands, which can exert tremendous pressure on the pipe walls. When the pressure exceeds the pipe's capacity, it may rupture, leading to a potentially significant water leak.

Immediate Actions to Take

If you suspect frozen pipes, act promptly:

1. Keep faucets open to allow a slow drip of water, as moving water is less likely to freeze.
2. Apply gentle heat to the affected area using a hairdryer or space heater. Avoid using open flames or high-temperature devices.
3. Locate and insulate exposed pipes or those in vulnerable areas of your home.
4. If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water supply to your home and call a restoration company immediately.

Restoration Services

In the event of a burst pipe, SERVPRO can provide immediate assistance. We will assess the extent of the damage, remove the water, and begin the drying and restoration process. Prompt action is vital to prevent mold growth and further structural damage. Call SERVPRO to get back to normal, like it never even happened.

Spring Means Clean

5/5/2023 (Permalink)

Before and After Carpet

Spring is finally here and although Mother Nature has been making other plans for everyone with all seasons in one week – we can only hope warmer temperatures will be here to stay soon! When Spring arrives, you think it’s time to clean and everyone has their own way of cleaning. Whatever method works for you – so here are some tips to get your home in top condition and as clean as Spring!

• Make a schedule of the rooms or areas you want to start.
• Declutter your work or home space. Find a local donation location in your area to donate items you no longer use.
• When working with cleaning products always make sure your area is well ventilated or use Green Products
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures first
• Clean walls and baseboards and always start at the top and work your way down.
• Save the floors for last.

Spring cleaning is a task – one that goes above your general weekly cleaning.  If you’ve decided you just don’t have the time or energy to do a deep clean, give us a call – we’ve got you covered!

The Silent Secrets of Mold

5/5/2023 (Permalink)

Homeowner found their subfloor in this condition after removing old vinyl flooring.

We have had a some wild winter weather here in the south for the past several weeks – one day its summer temperatures and then winter will run around the corner and come out of nowhere.  These temperatures are pretty standard in early Spring  but we have had a very mild winter. Mold can grow at any time of the year – but it can multiply in changing temperatures in and outside your home. Mold grows from moisture – almost anywhere. Controlling mold growth requires maintaining proper humidity levels in your home or business.

It looks like mold but is it really mold? This homeowner was prepping their laundry room floors for new tile. When the homeowner pulled up the vinyl flooring they were shocked and very concerned at what looked like life mold covering their sub floor.  They immediately called SERVPRO and the technicians came out and tested the flooring.  There was no live mold , this was an old water damage that happened prior to the homeowner purchasing the home.  The sub floor was cleaned and prepped for the new tile to be installed.  If you are unsure if you have a problem with mold or not, let SERVPRO ease your mind and check your home prior to any home renovations.

Excessive Rain and your Septic System

5/5/2023 (Permalink)

A sure sign you need your septic pumped

The spring season has definitely not been pleasant to us this year. The rainfall we have experienced in our region has been above the normal and taken its toll on those who have a septic system. The normal schedule for a septic system to be pumped is on average every 3-4 years but if you have been experiencing problems – you may need to call the professional for service earlier.

Common signs that your septic tank is full:

• Standing water over your septic system
• Smelling sewage when you in your yard
• Drains in your household are not draining properly.
• Your pipes are making unusual sounds (gurgle) when you flush the toilet
• You find sewage backup in your tubs and sinks
• You smell sewage when running your washing machine

If you have had your septic pumped and begin to have issues you may have a clogged or broken drainage pipe or your stack pipes on the roof of your home may be clogged. Having this inspected early can help you from having sewer back up into your home.