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.

The SERVPRO Way

5/5/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready to answer the call 24/7/365.

Serving others is at the heart of SERVPRO's vision to be the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world. Whether it's a home or business, SERVPRO knows that the most important job is helping each customer put their life back together.

Our number one goal is returning damaged property and items to preloss condition, doing all we can to help you regain control following a disaster. SERVPRO is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers we help...

• Like it was never dirty
• Like it never overflowed
• Like it never caught fire
• Like it never spilled
• Like it never smoldered

Whatever the case, with SERVPRO of Spartanburg County, our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened." 

With every flood comes a flood of emotions. It is not uncommon that we meet our customers on their worst day. We know that you had the choice to choose anyone you wanted to help you with your situation, and we take extreme pride in knowing that you chose us! If your home or business experiences a loss, big or small - call us today at 864-229-6610

Space Heater Safety

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

Space Heater Safety

With the colder temperatures moving into our area over the next few days, some people may be preparing to pull out the space heaters to help keep their homes warm. When the temperature drops well below freezing our main heat sources (heat pumps) cannot keep up -  leaving larger rooms and drafty areas in your home harder to keep warm.

Always keep safety your top priority – and follow these tips to keep you home safe during these cold temperatures!

• Plug your space heater directly into an electrical outlet – never use an extension cord or power strip
• If your heater is an older model, consider purchasing a newer one as they have the most current safety features
• Choose a heater that allows you to adjust the temperature and has an auto timer and shutoff feature
• Place your heaters on a hard surface – clear of any drapes or flammable furniture

Winter is here – following these safety precautions can and will prevent a house fire!

Decorating Safety

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

Decorating your tree

Our houses are beginning to look a lot like Christmas – Decorations are going up and families are getting geared up to decorate for the Christmas Holiday Season. Safety is key – review the below points to keep you and your family safe and festive this holiday season.

• Before you string up a single strand of lights, carefully check them for cracked cords frayed ends or loose connections.
• The combination of shorts in electrical lights and a tinder-dry tree can be deadly. Keep your tree well-watered. Not only will it stay fresh and green, but it will also prevent a house fire
• Ditch old stands of lights – purchase lights with fused plugs
• Remember the 3 light connection strand
• Check your extension plugs – if its hot unplug and replace the cord
• Turn off your lights when you go to bed or leave your home

Following these tips will you and your family safe from a house fire