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.

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.

Containment Importance

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

There are two different definitions of containment, one being "the action of keeping something harmful under control" and the other being "the action or policy of preventing the expansion of a hostile influence." 

At SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties, we set up containment during any mitigation or remediation job for both of these reasons, depending on the cause of loss. Sometimes, containment is set in order to protect the contents from the work taking place around it. Other times, containment is set in order to protect the rest of the home or business from either the work being done or the cause of loss. 

Either way, our production crew know how important it is to keep the structure and its contents safe from any potential toxins, pollution, or debris done from the mitigation and remediation process. 

Our number one goal on any job, is to leave the home or business in as close to pre loss condition as possible. 

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists Can Restore Your Greenwood County Home

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick Counties is an IICRC firm.The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms Must

• Present accurate information to consumers 
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick Counties

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.