6 Signs of Plumbing Trouble

3/26/2022 (Permalink)

6 Symptoms of Plumbing Issues

If you run a business the last thing you want to deal with is a problem with your plumbing system. If you experience a blocked sewer, toilet overflow or a pipe break, you should contact a commercial restoration service as soon as possible. Before you have to take that step, you can familiarize yourself with these common signs of trouble.

Chronic Drain Clogging

If you experience clogs on a regular basis, it could be a sign of a problem with your cast-iron sewer lines. After 25 years, these lines can deteriorate and fail. A blocked sewer can lead to more damaging and costly issues, so it’s a good idea to address it right away.

Sewer Gas Smell

Your nose may give you another indication of trouble with your sewer lines. If you notice the odor of sewer gas, you should get your sewer system examined for damage or failure.

Continuous Flushing

A toilet overflow is a messy situation for any business. When commercial toilets won’t stop flushing, it is usually a problem with the flushometer. Most commonly, the gasket needs to be cleaned out or replaced.

Bulging Walls and Ceilings

Pipe breaks can occur when clogs or pinhole leaks go unaddressed. If you notice any swelling or protrusions in your walls or ceiling tiles, this may be the reason.

Water Stains

Another noticeable sign that water is building up in the walls is discoloration. By the time you see these stains, the leak or break is already fairly advanced and requires swift attention.

Foundation Cracks

A crack in your building’s foundation can start from root intrusion into a weak point, but once established, can expand to larger cracks. In addition to the structural damage they cause, foundation cracks can wreak havoc on water and sewage systems.
As a business owner, you don’t want to wait for a blocked sewer or pipe break to address problems in your plumbing system. By being familiar with these warning signs, you can deal with plumbing issues before they get serious.

Winter Travel

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Winter Travel

We have all experienced not one but two winter storm events over the past 10 days making us realize that winter is officially here to stay for at least the next couple of months. Hopefully you were prepared at home and if you had to travel during these events. If not, you still have time because winter is far from over. We take the necessary precautions when it comes to our home but what about your vehicle?  Not all of us have the luxury of staying home when the winter weather hits so make sure your vehicle is equipped to handle driving in winter storm events.  Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread to be able to maneuver through snowy and slushy roads. Check your tires often during colder weather. Keep at least a half a tank of fuel in your vehicle during the winter months – being stranded on the highway is bad enough - but running out of gas can be a nightmare in itself!  Keep blankets – snacks, water, and a cell phone charger in your car prior to a winter event. The weather can change quickly – stay informed with local weather alerts and your local Department of Transportation. If you don’t have to travel, then stay home and enjoy the winter wonderland with your family.

How to Use Technology During a Storm

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Technology can cause stress and sometimes is more of a burden than helpful. However, in the case of emergencies such as natural disasters, it can be extremely helpful for keeping you updated and letting friends and family know where you are. You more than likely already have the technology in your home to keep you and your family safe during a disaster, so follow these tips to use it effectively!

Remember, always be sure to keep portable charges ready in your emergency kit so you can always access your technology when you need it most.

Social Media for News

Using social media is a great way to get up-to-date news straight to your smartphone. Almost all local and national government has social media pages that are updated regularly, especially during a natural disaster. 

Mark Yourself Safe

Another way to use social media is to mark yourself safe. Facebook offers a feature called Safety Check that allows you to mark yourself safe if you are in the area of a dangerous situation. Marking yourself safe lets friends and family know that although you are in the area of disaster, you are safe. The Red Cross offers a similar feature called Safe & Well which is both an app and website where you can mark yourself as safe for friends and family. 

Use Online Storage

Services like Google Drive and DropBox are a great way to store personal information online in a safe manner. Keeping copies of identification cards, passports, insurance policies, medical records, and pet information is important if your documents get lost in a disaster or you forget them when you are evacuating. You can also access DropBox and Google drive on any computer or phone, just make sure you remember your password!

Create an Emergency READY Profile

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties offers an Emergency Ready Profile or ERP for free. Creating an ERP will help prepare your property or business in the event of a disaster.  Creating this profile will help prevent interruption by having an immediate plan of action and setting SERVPRO® of Greenwood as your main point of contact in the case of an emergency. We will have all the information on file needed to make sure mitigation and restoration go smoothly. 

SERVPRO of Greenwood should be your first choice for any residential or commercial restoration due to our experience and 24/7/365 service. Contact us today if you are interested in signing up for an ERP or have questions or concerns about a recent property disaster. 

We are here to help our Community!

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers we serve in our community. Our number one goal is returning damaged property and items to preloss condition and helping our customers regain their sense of safety and control in their lives.

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick County is IICRC certified. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification sets the standards for the restoration industry. Our technicians receive IICRC training to help our customers in situations ranging from storm and water damage to mold and fire restoration.

Your insurance provider trusts us, too! In the event of an emergency contacting your insurer is part of our response protocols. Within an hour of calling SERVPRO a certified technician will be in contact with you to get information about the loss to your property. Within four hours a team will arrive, trained and equipped, to handle your situation. Our technicians will be taking photos and notes of every step along the way so that we can provide your insurance adjuster with a verbal briefing within eight hours of the loss you experienced.

When disaster strikes, call our experts at SERVPRO!

Water Lines in the Winter

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Correct way to leave your outside water lines in the winter - no hose attached!

We all experienced a splash of Spring here in the South over the past couple of days – maybe you cleaned up that dirty car you have been driving around.  Did you drain that hose? Our quick trip down Spring lane was short lived as our area is back in the freeze zone.  Make sure you are following proper protocol with your outside hoses – drain and disconnect to avoid the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting.  Even if you have a “frost-free” spigot, you still need to remove the hose. Winters in the South can fluctuate on any given day. If you feel the need to pressure wash your driveway in January when the temperatures are like Spring – do your thing – just remember to drain and disconnect those hoses before the cold spell sneaks up on you again. #SERPVROOFGREENWOODABBEVILLEMCCORMICKCO

How to prepare for the Winter

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

If a tree falls during a winter storm causing a power outage. It could take the electric company hours to get out and repair the broken lines.

Winter is here and the cold temperatures throughout the South have been extremely cold and well below freezing for a few weeks – something most of us are not used too! We all prepare for the necessities like food and water – but being prepared for a power outage should be at the top of your list.

• Have flashlights ready and accessible with batteries on hand.
• Have a battery-operated radio so you can stay in tune with weather updates and alerts.
• Have a good supply of firewood on hand if you have a wood burning fireplace.
• Close off doors to bedrooms and rooms not in use and confine the family to one area of your home – make it fun like a sleepover with your friends when you were younger.
• Keep a full propane tank on hand so you can cook on a gas grill and make sure you have a manual can opener – yes this will come in handy if you have no power.
• Fill your car up with Gas – you may need your vehicle to charge your lifeline to the outside world.
• Having a generator is a plus but remember to use “generator” safety.

Following a few preparedness tips can help you and your family stay safe and warm during a power outage.

Severe Weather

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Knowing the difference between a storm warning and a storm watch can help you prepare for the threat of a severe storm that may impact your area.  A Severe Storm Watch simply means to be prepared that a possible severe storm is probable, and you need to be prepared early.  A Severe Storm Warning simply means take action that a storm has been confirmed and could indicate an imminent danger to life or your property.  Take shelter is a substantial building and if you live in a mobile home do not stay in the dwelling. High winds can overturn the home quickly. Always stay tuned to your local weather outlets for updated weather conditions – Stay safe and know that SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties is here if you need us!