Don't Drink the Water

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

basement water damage

Water Damage can happen any day of the week, anytime of day. Knowing what type of water has invaded your home or business is essential to a safe and speedy clean-up and restoration process. 

There are three types of water: Clean water, Grey water, and Black water. Clean water comes from a water pipe or even rain water. Grey water is slightly contaminated. It happens when clean water is left untreated allowing bacteria to grow. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria and chemicals and is often sewage water. It is extremely important to avoid all contact with Black water. Do not walk through contaminated areas. Do not turn on HVAC system or fans when Black water is present, to avoid spreading contaminants through the air. 

SERVPRO of Dover/Middletown has the knowledge and experience to deal with any type of water damage. SERVPRO will determine what type of water damage has taken place and safely extract excess water before beginning the drying process. 

Leaky Leaks

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

water damage in basement

Leaks from piping, roofs and appliances can cause water damage that can go unnoticed for weeks, even months. Undiscovered leaks and moisture build-up can cause damage to floors, walls and ceilings of your home. Leaks and moisture can lead to soft dry wall, warped floors and ceilings as well as potential growth. When the damaged goes undetected for an extended period of time, it is imperative that proper cleanup and restoration is performed.  

Homeowners should inspect water lines and water supply connectors for dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators for potential kinks, bends or leaks. Completing these inspections annually can reduce potential water and moisture damage. 

SERVPRO of Dover/Middletown uses Thermal Imaging equipment to detect even the smallest amount of moisture in a home. When water damage is located, we provide water extraction and drying services to return the property to it's preloss condition.

Water and the Damage it Leaves Behind

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Utility Closet

Water Damage can be the result of a leaky pipe, a broken washing machine or a rain storm. Most people's first reaction is to just grab some towels or a mop to attack the water. However, water loss and damage happen quickly. Water gets into places that you can't always see or reach to clean it up. It is important to react fast and choose a professional that has the knowledge and equipment to provide a quick resolution.

SERVPRO of Dover/Middletown has the resources and equipment to properly identify potential loss and damage as well as dry the effected area. Our team will inspect the extent of the water damage. We will extract the water and remove any damaged walls, ceilings or flooring. We will utilize professional drying equipment to properly dry the effected area.  Our team will repair effected walls, ceilings and flooring and restore the area to how it was before the water.

Water Quick Tips

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage in a basement Dover

Water can be damaging to your home or your business. It is extremely important to act quickly when water disrupts your daily life. 

Here are some emergency quick tips related to coping with water and the damage it can create:

• Locate the source of the water and shut-off the water source.
• Turn-off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when the access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock
• Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. 
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or if the ceiling is sagging from retained water. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. 
• Do not use your household vacuum to remove water since this could cause electrical shock. 

Are you winter weather ready?

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Ice damming is preventable!

Are you prepared for the upcoming cold weather?  Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home if you are not ready for it.  From heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow.  To help prevent costly water damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before the cold weather hits.

* Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to help ensure they are in proper order.  Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your home.  Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall.  Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.

*Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing.  If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet door open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes.  If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting the water off at the main valve in the basement or crawlspace.  Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.

*If you will be traveling this holiday season, leave the heat on in the home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees.

If you end up with a broken frozen pipe this winter call SERVPRO of Dover/Middletown to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

What is a Sump Pump and What Happens When it Doesn't Work?

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Sump Pump Illustration

What is a Sump Pump and What Happens When it Doesn't Work?

At SERVPRO of Dover/Middletown we have seen a lot of basement flooding that could have been avoided if our clients had maintained their sump pumps.

A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basements of homes. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the basin or because of rain or natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level.

The Most Common Causes of Sump Pump Failure:

Stuck Switch:

The most common problem that can cause a sump pump to fail is when a switch gets “stuck”. If the float switch becomes stuck it is ineffective. This can happen very easily if the sump pit becomes dirty. Keeping it clean and regularly running fresh water through the pit can decrease the likelihood of a switch getting stuck.

Power Failure:

Big storms often cause power outages. A power outage in your neighborhood combined with a storm that causes flooding can be a not-so-fun combination for homeowners. Installing a battery powered backup pump can help to mitigate the risk of a sump pump failure due to lack of power.

Frozen or Clogged Discharge Lines:

When the sump pumps discharge line is frozen or clogged with debris, any water in the discharge line will flow back down the pipe and can flood your basement. Although you can’t completely prevent pipes from freezing, testing your pump on a weekly basis will alert you to a problem more quickly and allow you to find a solution prior to a flooding incident. 

Old Age

Wear and tear after a period of years can decrease the effectiveness of a sump pump. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your sump pump every 7-10 years in order to ensure it is properly working.  

Improper Installation

This does not happen often, but another reason why sump pumps can fail is an improper installation. If you have checked for the above reasons and are still perplexed, you may want to have your sump pump installation looked over to make sure it was installed correctly in the first place.

If Your Sump Pump Has Failed Call SERVPRO of Dover/Middletown (302) 697-9776

Water Damage Restoration Steps

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Extracting water is the most important step in the restoration process.

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of receiving a loss notification, a SERVPRO professional will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing the following steps.

INSPECTION SERVPRO® professionals will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning the work.

EMERGENCY SERVICES SERVPRO® professionals will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal property and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step.

MONITORING to help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO® professional will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated with you.

RESTORATION SERVICES SERVPRO® professionals will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and contents. A final walkthrough of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to its pre loss condition.

For more information on recovering from a water damage please call our office.  At SERVPRO of Dover/Middletown we are here to help.

Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage is consistently one of the leading types of insurance claims for homeowners, and can also be one of the most costly. Standing water in your home can come from the effects of a bad storm, a burst pipe, or a broken sump pump. At SERVPRO of Dover/ Middletown, we want you to be mindful of what to do and what not to do if you encounter stagnant water. Take a look at some of these tips to stay safe if you experience standing water.

DO: Turn off electricity! Water and electricity are a dangerous combination for you and your family. If you can, shut off all electrical sources to prevent electrifying the water. If possible, stop the water at the source. This can be difficult during a bad storm where your house is taking on water, but in situations like a burst pipe or a broken pump, turning off the water altogether can stop it from accumulating and causing further water damage to your home. If your home is taking on water damage from an outside source and you can locate the entry point, do what you can to safely stop or slow the amount of water coming into your home.

Don't: Wait to address standing water. Standing water can also pose substantial health risks to you and your family. It can be a breeding ground for thousands of types of bacteria that can cause pneumonia or other infections. In addition, leaving standing water in your home will ultimately result in the growth of mold, which can begin to form in as little as 48 hours.

Do: Consult a Professional
Removing stagnant water home and water damage restoration can be a complex process that requires the consultation and assistance of professionals. You need to ensure that the problem is being fully addressed to remove the potential of long-term damage such as mold or mildew. SERVPRO understands the gravity of your situation, and the urgency to address the water damage in your home. Should you need our water damage restoration services, you can reach out to our team of experts to learn exactly how we can help you and your home.

Never Leave Water Damage for Later

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

"I'll get to it later." It's easy to just notice water spots in your home and say that you'll take care of the issue later. We at SERVPRO of Dover/ Middletown know that life happens, schedules changes and then we forget. However, with water damage, this can be an issue in a home and it's effects will eventually surface in various forms.  

1. Floors and walls are weakened by water damage. Although wood is a leading material in home production, it doesn’t respond well to water damage. Over time, water can seep into floorboards and baseboards, causing them to crumble and weaken. Damp wood becomes vulnerable to mold. Not only does mold pose a risk to people living in the home, but it weakens the wood further, causing a safety risk. 
2. Water damage threatens electrical systems. Any electrical wiring, outlets, or fuse boxes exposed to wet or damp conditions pose a major risk to homeowners. 
3. Water damage weakens drywall. Since homes are framed by drywall, water damage weakens the entire home. Drywall exposed to water will become discolored, brittle, and fragile. Even under generous paint layers, it will warp and bubble. The best solution for this is to replace the drywall completely, which can be both expensive and exhausting. 

If you’ve discovered water damage in your home, give SERVPRO of Dover/ Middletown a call at 302-697-9776.

How a $0.13 Part Became a $3,100 Problem

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

The rubber washer in the house outlet for the washing machine caused a great deal of damage.

We recently had a home owner call us because he noticed a small water spot on his ceiling in his living room. He did state that he noticed it start about two months ago but didn't think much of it because of how small it was. When one of our employees went out to check it out- there was more damage than the home owner noticed.

What caused the water damage was a simple rubber washer in his hose outlet for his washing machine. Because the owner let the problem go on for so long, he never noticed the amount of water than had seeped through the walls and in to other areas of the home (four other rooms). The total damages turned out to be over $3,100.  All from a $0.13 part.

Water and the damage that it can create.

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

If the water is dealt with during the first 24-48 hours, the harmful effects can be drastically reduced.  Even though the damage may look severe, cleanup and restoration can produce amazing results. 

Some of the places that water damage can occur are:

• Partition walls
• Flooring
• Internal walls
• Masonry
• Balcony
• Suspended ceiling
• Foundation/ground slab
• Foundation walls

Most of the time its the water that you cannot see that causes the biggest amount of damage to a structure. 

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition. Our process includes documentation of the drying process to validate your property is dry..

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Dover Middletown is locally owned and operated—so we are part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

We are proud to serve our local communities, so give us a call and let us prove our worth to you.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Prepare now for a future flood!

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

How You Can Prepare for a Flood?

Build an emergency kit

This type of kit may come in handy in a variety of emergency situations, including a flood. Store the contents of your emergency kit together, somewhere you can easily grab it in a hurry if you must evacuate on short notice. A basic kit includes the following:

• Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. Try to have at least three days’ worth in your emergency kit.
• Food: Shoot for at least a three-day supply of non-perishable items.
• Manual can opener: You must be able to open canned non-perishable food without electricity.
• Radios: A hand-crank or battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio.
• Flashlight: Don’t forget the extra batteries.
• First aid kit: Complete with bandages, cloth tape, antibiotic ointment, medicine, cold compresses, gauze pads, scissors, and tweezers.
• Whistle: Signaling for help is easier when you can make noise.
• Emergency shelter kit: A tarp or plastic sheeting and duct tape are perfect for a makeshift shelter if you need one.
• Personal sanitation items: Pack moist towelettes, garbage bags, and twist ties in your emergency kit.
• Local map: GPS is all the rage, but don’t underestimate a trusty paper map.
• Extra cell phone charger: You might not have time to grab the one you normally use, so keep a spare in your emergency kit.

Make a family communications plan

Discuss certain points with your family so everyone can think with a level head if a flood occurs:

• Create a meeting spot if the flood strikes while the adults are at work and/or the children are at school.
• Parents, talk with your children’s schools to learn their flood evacuation policies.
• Talk about what to do with your pet in case of an evacuation. You may decide to leave your furry companion with a family member or friend outside the immediate danger area. Whatever you do, don’t leave your pet behind.

Take precautionary measures at home

• Don’t build or buy a home in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce it.
• Lift the furnace off the ground by setting it on bricks to protect it if the basement floods.
• Install check valves to ensure flood water doesn’t back up the drains.
• Seal the basement walls with waterproofing compounds.
• Construct barriers around your home to stop flood waters from getting in.

Once the flood passes and the danger subsides, your home might not be the same as it was. That’s where storm damage cleanup and restoration services come in. The goal of recovering from any disaster is to restore your home to its original condition. Contact SERVPRO of Dover Middletown today to learn more.

Prevent Water Damages

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

Properly maintaining a home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage.  

Prevent basement water seepage

*Reseal your basement.  Water in the basement is often caused by cracks in floor slabs and foundations.

*Make sure water drains away from the building.

*Make sure French Drain and Sump Pump hole are free of debris.

Check and understand your plumbing

*When away on vacation, shut off the water

*Know the location of the main water shut-off valve.

*Inspect hoses to appliances 

*Check faucets for leaking in kitchen and bathrooms.

Repair and protect the exterior of your house

*Caulk and seal windows

*Check your downspouts

*Install gutter guards

Protect your contents

*Store belongings in waterproof bins

*Keep belongings on a shelf instead of on the floor in basements

*Keep an up-to-date home inventory

The Science of Drying

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Hard Wood Flooring

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychometric is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may to be grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
•  Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up Mother Nature"? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is drier. The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional have the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional also use state-of-the-art monitoring process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

Its not only the equipment but the technology too! SERVPRO has developed DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process. 

The bottom line? Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage, Don't Wait.

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

When dealing with a water damage, time is the most important aspect. Immediate action is crucial in order to remove the water effectively, and in a timely manor in order to prevent further damage to your home or business. Water that is left to sit can cause a multitude of different issues in your home including mold growth, growth that is able to spread from area to area. Calling SERVPRO of Dover Middletown out to the affected area would be the best first step you could make upon finding and fixing the water damage itself, we can have our specialized highly trained team out on site in little to no time. We will be able to extract all water, take measurements of affected floors and walls, and remove all necessary affected areas, we will be able to dry the area completely and set up dehumidifiers if necessary, once this is completed we would be able to complete any and all necessary put back, and help with navigating all issues with your insurance company as well. Give us a call at SERVPRO Of Dover Middletown today!

Water Damage Tips

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Here are some water damage tips that can help you and your family or business until the professionals arrive on scene.

First lets start with what you should NOT DO after a major water damage or flooding. 

1. Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
2. Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
3. Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
4. Don't use television or other household appliances.
5. Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Now some quick tips that you SHOULD do: 

1. Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
2. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
3. Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
4. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
5. Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
6. Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
7. Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
8. Gather loose items from floors.

From here you should contact SERVPRO Of Dover Middletown in order to schedule a team of industry leading professionals to come to your home or business to complete extraction, removal, and remediation services before the water damage can get worse, and cause more issues such as growth. 

Water Damage Cleanup

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

What to do?

Whether you’ve had a minor leak from an overflowing hall toilet or you had a pipe burst in the basement, it’s important to know how to clean up water damage properly to reduce the long-term effects. Let the experts help you with your water damage clean-up by giving you a list of do’s and don’ts!

How to Clean Up Water Damage: Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

Call a professional – this is especially important for larger floods since they have the ability to cause serious damage to your home, including mold. At SERVPRO, we have helped your friends and neighbors with all their water damage restoration services since 1967, so you can trust us to get the job done right.

Dry standing water – whenever possible, dry as much standing water as you can by soaking it up with sponges and towels. It’s also smart to use a box fan on the affected area to speed up your drying time—but be sure not to plug in or set the fan on any of the wet areas.

Remove saturated items – you should remove any saturated rugs or carpets, especially on hardwood, to an area where they can dry out thoroughly.

Ventilate the area – if you have a flood during the summer, use your air conditioning to accelerate drying.

Remove sensitive materials – whenever you can, remove any sensitive materials from the area, including computers, artwork, rugs, books, and anything else that can be easily transported and dried in another area.

Call your insurance company – it’s incredibly important to check with your insurance company to see what is covered for your home as soon as possible.

Don’t:

DON’T operate electronics – do not operate TVs, vacuums, or any other electric appliances when standing on wet flooring, especially concrete—it could result in a serious injury.

DON’T use heat to dry – in a closed-off interior space, you shouldn’t use heat to dry any affected areas because it can increase the mildew growth.

DON’T leave wet fabric together – whenever possible, separate wet fabrics and give them space to dry apart as soon as you can.

Since 1967, SERVPRO has been the name your friends and neighbors have trusted when it comes to their water damage cleanup, so you can rest assured that we know how to get your water damage cleaned up quickly and correctly. Call us today to schedule your service! 

Frozen Pipe Prevention

2/12/2016 (Permalink)

Broken Pipe

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage.  A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not address quickly.  SERVPRO of Dover/Middletown professionals are faster to any size disaster, bringing the latest equipment and training to help make your water damage "Like it never even happened."

Tips:

*Keep cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around pipes

*Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets

Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter Weather

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells.  This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Kepp a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets.  Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawlspace and turn it to "off."
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure.  Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.