Water Damage Restoration: A SERVPRO® Short Story

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a SERVPRO® technician looks like? Read Emily's story below to get a sneak peek!

Water Damage Restoration Short Story

In the heart of a rain-soaked town, a SERVPRO technician named Emily was a silent hero working to undo the havoc wreaked by a sudden and merciless storm. As dawn broke, the phone rang, summoning her to a home that had become a victim of relentless flooding.

Arriving at the scene, Emily stepped into ankle-deep water, her SERVPRO uniform ready to bear witness to the challenging task ahead. With a determined nod, she began her meticulous dance with the water's chaos.

First, Emily assessed the extent of the water damage, a critical step that would shape her plan of action. She meticulously cataloged the affected areas, from drenched carpets to soggy walls, ensuring no detail escaped her watchful eye.

Equipped with an arsenal of specialized tools, Emily initiated the water extraction process. Her nimble fingers worked deftly as she wielded industrial-grade pumps, swiftly draining the stagnant water that had invaded the home's sanctity. Her movements were deliberate, each action inching the house closer to its former glory.

As the last of the water vanished, Emily's focus shifted to drying and dehumidifying the space. She strategically placed high-powered air movers and dehumidifiers, orchestrating a symphony of airflow that whisked away moisture, one molecule at a time. It was a delicate ballet of science and technique, executed flawlessly by Emily's experienced hands.

With the environment primed, Emily turned her attention to the aftermath of the flood: damaged furniture, warping wood, and the musty scent that clung to the air. Her skilled touch brought these elements back to life. She meticulously cleaned and sanitized surfaces, her meticulous efforts erasing any traces of the disaster.

Emily's dedication was more than just a job; it was an act of restoring normalcy to a family's life. The gratitude in their eyes as they surveyed their rejuvenated home was the ultimate reward for her hard work.

In the end, Emily stood amidst a scene of triumph. The water damage had been tamed, the chaos quelled. Her role as a SERVPRO technician had not only salvaged a house but also rekindled hope. And as Emily left the once-flooded home, her steps were light with the knowledge that she had made a difference – one that would resonate long after the floodwaters had receded.

Water Damage Repair Timeline

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

The annoyance and ruination of water damage happens to U.S. homeowners a troubling 14,000 times a day. Statistically speaking, it’s happening at least once somewhere in America while you read this paragraph. And there it goes again.

Obviously, we hope your home stays bone dry as long as you live there, but should the day arise when you need emergency assistance from SERVPRO, here’s how all that will go.

Emergency Contact. When you reach out in a panic, we’ll reassure you and walk you though some guiding questions to help us understand the situation and start putting a plan together. Then we’ll set a time to meet in person. All of this will happen quickly.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once we arrive on the scene, we can flesh out the plan and stop any water that may still be flowing. We’ll make sure you know if the encroaching water has created any hazards on your property, and we’ll also give you an idea of the items or materials that will likely need replacement.

Water Removal. You’ll never get all that water out with a bucket or a regular water vacuum. That’s why we bring our pumps to make quick work of it.

Damaged Material Removal. The items that are unable to be restored can now be hauled away, expediting the process of restoration for the items and materials that remain.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. Water damage can leave a yucky mess. We’ll use our tools and some old-fashioned elbow grease to rid your home of unwanted stains, smells and depending on the nature of your emergency, harmful contaminants.

Drying. It’s only a short while after water invades that mold begins to grow. Even after the water is pumped out, your home will need some dehumidifying and drying out.

Monitoring. We’ll be carefully watching the entire process, making sure every box is ticked and every surface is cleaned and dried. Don’t you worry about a thing.

Repairs and Construction. Now that everything is dry and in order, we can go about the finishing touches, which may range from replacing carpet to reconstructing entire rooms. Large or small, we’ll be there to oversee every aspect of your water damage restoration.

Preventing Spring Water Damage

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

We all know the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers." With springtime comes melting snow and heavy downpours, which can bring unwanted surprises to light on your property like roof leaks or water that comes through in your basement's foundation. Soggy carpet and dripping ceilings often lead to water damage. Have no fear! Taking the following steps can help prevent water damage in the spring.

Tips to Prevent Springtime Water Damage

• Groom your gutters. Keep the flow flowing! By cleaning your gutters and keeping them damage free, water will be directed away from your house with downspout extensions.
• Cover up! Using plastic covers around window wells can keep rain from seeping in.
• Show your roof some love. Give your roof some much needed TLC by replacing missing singles, any damage from storms or weather, and keep flashing sealed. We promise it's worth the effort!
• Be an Einstein landscaper. When putting decoration or landscaping around your home, make sure to slope the ground away from your foundation. This will help prevent water from pooling and causing future water damage issues.
• It's all about the foundation. By repairing cracks and holes in your home's foundation as soon as they are found, you can keep the water away and minimize your odds of water damage!

Here at SERVPRO of Shakopee / Savage / Prior Lake, we know that water damage can be a hassle. If you follow the above tips, you might just save yourself from seeing our bright green vans. Whether you use our tips or not, water damage can still happen. That's where we come in!

Give us a call at 952-403-1050 at any hour of the day! We've got technicians at the ready to help you in your time of need.

Preventing Household Winter Water Damage

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

With our vast commercial and residential water damage restoration capabilities, you'll never have to ask yourself who to call again!

No matter the season somehow water can always find a way to damage properties. During the cold season, uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst, ice dams can cause roofing issues, and thawed snow can enter basements. Read the blog below to see what you can do as a property manager to prevent winter water damage.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Insulate all water pipes in unheated areas whether its a crawl space, under the kitchen, in the basement, or behind bathroom cabinets.
• Ensure that you leave your home at an adequate temperature if you leave for an extended period of time. If you're nervous about the functionality of your heating system, a trusted person should check on your home once a week.
• Running a trickle of water through pipes will help prevent them from freezing. Although this is not a long-term solution, it can help save your pipes from bursting in a pinch.

Preventing Ice Dams

• Keep the snow on your roof under 15 centimeters. To remove snow from the roof, use a roof rake or long-handled brush to avoid using a ladder.
• Insulate your attic to prevent warm air from melting snow on your roof. If water is melting and then freezing, it can cause ice dams to form at the edge of your roof.
• Install a water membrane underneath the roof shingles to help prevent water from seeping in.

General Winter Water Damage Safety Tips

• Place a water leak detector near high risk areas such as on sump pumps, near water-bearing fixtures, and around pipes.
• Check your water supply lines annually for leaks. Appliances such as the hot water heater, washing machine, and refrigerator will have these supply lines.
• Disconnect your outdoor hoses. This will prevent water from getting into the line and creating a blockage which in turn can cause backflow.

Preventing Winter Water Damage

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

In Minnesota, winter is cold, uncomfortable, and unfortunately brings with it the scary possibility that your home will suffer winter water damage. When temperatures dip below freezing, there are several things that can cause dramatic water damage in your property. See the water damage prevention tips below to see how regular maintenance and inspection can lower your risks for water damage.

Here are the top causes of water damage in the winter:

Burst Pipes

Extremely low temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes. Many people think that pipes burst because of the freezing and expanding, however, it is more from the increasing water pressure when there is blockage. By ensuring that your pipes have proper insulation, you can reduce the risk of having a burst pipe during the winter months. Any pipes that lead to the outdoors or are outdoors, including anything in a weakly heated area (some basements and garages) should be properly insulated. A trick to make sure that your pipes don't freezing is to leave your faucets with a small drip so that water is constantly flowing in the pipe, making it unable to freeze.

Blocked Gutters

Gutters are made to bring water to a safe place away from your home so that water damage does not occur. Many people, unfortunately, take their utters for granted. If your gutters are clogged with materials like ice or debris, it may lead to a serious issue. When water freezes within your gutters, this water can seep into your home and cause damage when it begins melting. Make sure to keep your gutters clean at all times so that water does not have a chance to build up and freeze, creating a blockage and problems down the line.

Exterior Water Sources

Water sources from the outdoors can become even more dangerous in freezing temperatures even more so than in the summer. Make sure to drain any garden hoses and store them somewhere safe for the winter. Shut off your outdoor water valves so that in the event of a pipe burst, water will not rush back into your home. 

Even if you take all of the precautionary measures listed in this blog, you may still experience water damage. If you are unequipped to restore water damage within your home, call our certified technicians at 952-403-1050. SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake will make sure your water damage restoration is done right.

Choose Us for Your Local Water Damage Restoration Company

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Here is an instance where we had to remove drywall and flooring that was damaged by intruding water.

Water Damage Restoration

When you have a water damage event on your property, SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake will respond quickly to prevent further damage and begin the water repair and restoration process.

Water damage is caused by intruding water that attacks materials, creating rotting wood, microbial growth, bacterial growth, rusting of steel, swelling of wood, and de-lamination of materials like carpet and plywood. 

Originating from a wide variety of sources like a dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, broken and leaking pipes, flooding, and building envelope failures, 13.7% of all water used in a home today can be attributed to plumbing leaks.

Small Hole, Massive Problem

On average, each home in the United States will waste approximately 10,000 gallons of water. per year For example, a tiny 1/8th inch hole in a pipe can release almost 250 gallons of water per day. This scary statistic alone should be enough reasoning as to why you should replace any worn pipe fittings and hose connections to all household appliances that use water at least once per year.

Following Procedure

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is one of the main certifying bodies that regulates and educates our technicians on water damage restoration procedures. Although every water damage event is different, the water damage restoration steps are often the same. To review how we handle water damage restoration, check out our process here.

Why choose SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake?

First, our customer-focused professionals will assess the water damage to your property. Afterwards, our top-notch people will help ensure that you understand the severity of the damage so that you are able to make the best decisions for the restoration of your home.

Whatever size the water damage is to your property, we have the equipment to deal with it. Call SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake at 952-403-1050 for our 24/7 services.

Slow Down Water Damage

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Whether you live near Lake Minnetonka, in the urban areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul, or in surrounding communities, we can help!

Traveling Water Damage

When your property faces water damage, it can be an eye-opening experience. The effects of water damage can be extremely daunting as the building's materials and your personal contents are being soaked from the water. In this blog, you will discover that three are steps that you can take in order to minimize the amount of water damage that will occur.

Follow these water damage cleanup steps:

Eradicate the source of the water.

• Although this is seemingly obvious, many people will panic when they see flooding water on their property. Before you move on to any of the next steps, you need to complete this one first, without a doubt. Sometimes the source of the water isn't obvious and you will have to search around your property for a burst pipe, a broken water heater, or even a blocked gutter.

Remove as much water as possible.

• Make sure that the water is not contaminated before trying to extract the water! If the water is dirty (sewage, flood water, or has been sitting for a long period of time) you should always wait for a water restoration professional to avoid illness. If there are only a few inches on the floor, you can use whatever tools you have available to clean it up. 

Separate all personal items from the affected areas.

• To prevent your personal belongings from suffering water damage, remove all materials that not are not attached to the floors or the walls. Make certain that you are grabbing any porous materials like wood, fabrics, and paper because they pose the highest risk for permanent damage.

Get those fans movin'!

• One of the most important parts of the drying process is to remove as much moisture from the air as possible. You can use any dehumidifiers or large fans in addition to opening windows as long as the outside conditions will allow for proper drying. By keeping the air circulating, you will prevent bacterial growth and promote drying.

If you are unable to perform any of these functions yourself, give us a call! We're professionally trained and always ready for anything!

Tips for Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Here is a daily departure photo of rooms with fans after water damage has occurred,

Water damage is one of the most common structural damage problems home and business owners have to deal with. Unlike other types of damage, which tend to be sudden and easy to notice, water damage usually happens slowly over time and is not noticeable until it's too late. However, some types of water damage, such as those from hurricanes and thunderstorms, can occur very quickly with disastrous results.

If you want to make sure that you never have to call for a water damage restoration company near you, it's best to prepare your property for water damage before disaster strikes.

The easiest way to avoid having to call an excellent water damage restoration company such as ours is to try to avoid water damage altogether. Although this can be a tall order, especially within storm season, that gives you all the more reason to be prepared.

4 Essential Water Damage Prevention Practices:

Fix and renovate your plumbing.

Most people associate water damage with thunderstorms and hurricanes, when in reality, the real problem is bad plumbing. Whether it's a new but poorly constructed building or an older building that has had no plumbing renovation in decades - a water pipe burst in a house can wreak havoc either way. Updating your plumbing can be as simple as starting with the hoses and faucets and then you can move on to the seals and pipes.

Take care of your building's exterior structure.

Storms and other disastrous weather conditions are a primary task for water restoration companies. To avoid having to deal with the consequences of a weather disaster, it is crucial to renovate your building's exterior by:

• Caulking and sealing windows
• Installing impact windows
• Replace missing or damage shingles on your roof
• Clean downspouts and install gutter guards
• Repair outside walls if they are not fully sealed

Prevent water seepage by resealing your basement.

Basement water damage restoration is extremely common for our business. It is an extremely common area or water seepage to occur. Routinely check for cracks in the building's foundation and floor slabs - make it an effort to reseal them. Be sure to install backwater valves to your sewage system to help avoid sewer backup.

Keep your eyes peeled for mold growth.

Mold is not only caused by water damage, but it also causes further water damage by eroding your building's foundation. Check for mold growth in your basement, crawlspace, and roof to make sure that your structure is in superior condition.

If you are unsure whether or not you have water damage or mold damage, we are a water damage restoration resource for you. Give us a call at 952-403-1050 with any of your needs.

How To Tell If Water Damage Is Old

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

As water damage restoration experts, we understand the issues that water damage presents, especially when it isn't in your sight. When discovered, water spots are clues that indicate a leaky pipe or condensation that is generating the problem.

Even though it impossible to know exactly how long your water damage issues have lingered, there are steps you can take to tell if your water damage is old or new.

Steps to Determining if your Water Damage is Old

1. Review the history of the house. As soon as water spots are discovered, take note of when you found them. IT's important to recognize and understand what is new and what is old because smaller leaks can take months to appear.
2. Touch the water spot. Water damage drywall or a water damage ceiling spot will be mushy and squishy since the material will have soaked up a fair amount of water. A newer spot will be wet, but the drywall and ceiling will remain strong.
3. Examine the materials. It's important to know what materials your walls and ceilings are composed of because thick paint or tiles can trap water. If this is the circumstance, even a small spot where there is water damage can indicate that it has been around for awhile. 

Are you still unsure how to tell if water damage is old or new? Give us a call today!

As your local water damage repair company, we can fix drywall water damage! For all of your water damage restoration needs, get in touch with us. When there's a lea that you cannot detect, it is crucial to contact an expert like us! Call 952-403-1050 now!

Home Water Damage Prevention: Essential Practices

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Our advanced equipment helps to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and thoroughly clean and dry your home and belongings.

Many people lack the proactive approach of protecting their home with preventative care. In 2017, 19.5% of property damage claims were water and freezing incidents. You're obviously reading this for a reason -- don't be one of those people!

Don't Delay Preventative Care, Take Action Now!

The Plumbing Process

If you don't know how your indoor plumbing system works, you need to get educated before water damage does occur. You'll want to put yourself on a schedule and check your hoses to the dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, and water heater at least once a year. If any hose begins to leak you'll need to replace it, otherwise replace these hoses once every five to seven years. You are also able to purchase a moisture detection system that will tell you when a leak occurs. 

Prevent Water Seepage

A lot of basements are wholly underground which leaves room for water to seep through the foundation if it has shifted, or leave it susceptible to water moving through cracks which causes erosion. If it has been awhile, you may want to invest in resealing your basement before any water damage occurs. If you're unsure if there are any issues, keep an eye on your basement during a heavy storm. If you notice any spots that are becoming wet you should paint it with a water sealant. You may also call the experts at SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake for an estimate.

Repair Your Home's Exterior

Although lots of obvious damage is seen on the inside, it's important to look from the outside in. Ensure that your windows are sealed by using caulk. If you are worried about leaks in the roof, check to make sure all of your shingles are in good condition and not missing or damaged. Also, check your irrigation systems and sprinklers. It's important that they don't face directly towards the house because they have potential to cause foundation and wall damage. 

Those are three simple tips to help you begin taking precautionary measures to help prevent water damage in your home. If you suspect any water damage or discover any mold, give SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake a call at 952-403-1050. 

Water Damage By Class: What's the Difference?

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers damage from water, fire or smoke, call our team today- our team is always ready to help!

According to the IICRC there are a total of 4 classes that distinguish the types of water intrusions in regards to the amount of water that has affected the property. Even though water damage is separated into classes, we know it's not a very classy act to deal with. 

IICRC Class One:

The restoration work required for class one damage is the smallest amount of the four classes. An example would be a water tank that leaks onto a concrete floor or a sink overflowing in a kitchen. Although the least work, it is crucial to have a timely reaction in order to stop the water from spreading.

IICRC Class Two:

Class Two goes a step farther than one, of course, and involves a much larger area and greater absorption of water. If there are porous items in the area they are susceptible to absorbing a significant amount of water, which often correlates to a much larger amount of remediation time.

IICRC Class Three:

Class Three means that the largest amount of water has spread across an entire room, often coming into contact with poor porous materials such as carpets, furniture, and even ceilings. Structural damage can occur rather quickly after a Class Three water damage event meaning the intrusion of water needs to be addressed appropriately by a professional. Events such as a natural disaster often fall into class 3 as well as a vastly flooded basement.

IICRC Class Four:

Often requiring high-powered equipment to get the job done, a class four water intrusion event means that water gets stuck in tightly confined areas. Removing water from this type of event can be extremely difficult, even for professionals. Class Four describes situations where water gets trapped after an initial phase of the water damage restoration process has already occurred.

It is paramount to identify the correct category and class of water damage in order to determine the correct course of action.

SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake is Faster to Any Size Disaster and when it comes to a water damage event, it is essential to react quickly to avoid structural damage, secondary hazards, and mold growth. Each category and class will require different equipment and various skills to be completely remediated. Give us a call at 952-403-1050 and let our experts handle the fine details.

Sewer Backing Up? Call SERVPRO!

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

At the end of our clean up process our technicians will sanitize all affected materials using an EPA approved disinfectant.

Fire and water damage is awful of course, but sewage is a whole other beast. It's disgusting and is many homeowners fear! The only thing worse than having your bathroom tub, toilet, or sink flood with water would be to have it back up with human excrement. Yuck! 

What do yo do when you experience a sewage backup and your home is being flooded with liquid fecal matter? Call SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake, no doubt! Companies like ours are highly experienced in these situations. When facing a sewage backup and damage to your property, call 952-403-1050 first!

How do you know when you have a serious sewage problem? 

The most obvious signs you'll receive from your home that tells you you're about to experience a serious problem involve sewage coming out of alternative outputs when you flush the toilet or run the washing machine. 

Consequences of Ignoring the Signs

Is this even a question? If you don't address the issues when they occur on a small scale you're just asking for a large issue down the road. Before issues get out of hand, contact your local professionals at SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake.

Common Causes of Sewage Backups

If you live in a town, clogged lines within the cities sewer system can wreak havoc on homes. A sewage backup may be caused by flooding or soil settlement causing the lines to collapse which would result in the nasty sewage backup we all fear.

Worried about a sewage backup? Give the experts at SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake a call at 952-403-1050

How to Handle Intruding Water

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

We are happy to answer questions and based on the severity of the damage immediately get a team of our certified, full time employees dispatched.

Once a water damage event occurs on your property, the first 24 hours are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake is on-call 24/7 and has the capabilities to get to your property within the first hour of the phone call. Our technicians will be on-site to help ensure that your water damage is handled properly.

Inspection

The expert technicians at SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake will first inspect the property and damages. This will help determine the extent of the water damage and will allow them to create a plan to review with you. Our customers rave about how informative and helpful our professionals are when it comes to their concerns.

Emergency Services

Once the plan has been created, our expert technicians will place our industrial-grade equipment in precise locations so that the drying process is done properly and efficiently. If any questions come up during the process, the experts will have no problem explaining the needed emergency services to you step-by-step.

Monitoring

To ensure that the process is going smoothly, a professional from SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake will monitor the drying process daily. If there are any changes or updates, our experts will be consistently communicating with you.

Emergency Water Damage Tips

1. If you know where it is, shut off the water source so that the damage does not get worse.
2. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution is unsafe from electrical shock.
3. Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Do not enter rooms where the ceiling has begun to sag from retained water.

For more information on recovering from water damage, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake by giving us a jingle at 952-403-1050.

Water Mitigation Process

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

“To develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness and mutual respect.” - SERVPRO® Mission Statement

When responding to a water damage emergency, SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake uses high quality equipment and industry leading techniques to start the process of restoring your property. We invest heavily in new technology to ensure that our expert technicians have the best equipment to do that job. 

Using a combination of proven processes and strategically placed drying equipment, our technicians will figure out the best method to dry out your property depending on the atmospheric conditions that are present.

What type of techniques do we use at SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake?

We use industrial-strength dehumidifiers to help prevent secondary water damage including the swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. 

Our high-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, furniture, and pads to accelerate the evaporation of moisture.

There are drying mats or floor tinting for a more concentrated style of drying to target specific areas that have a higher moisture level.

SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake technicians continuously monitor the equipment and moisture levels to ensure that the highest of quality drying is taking place in the most efficient time frame.

If your home has suffered a water damage loss, give us a call at 952-403-1050 for support. Serving Shakopee, Savage, and the Prior Lake region - we are Faster to Any Size Disaster. 

Basement Flooding Shakopee

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Reasons Your Basement Might Be Flooding

If you suffer flooding damage in your basement in Shakopee or nearby areas like Savage, Prior Lake or other areas of Minnesota, it's vital to get help. The right professionals can identify the reason for the damage and make sure it doesn't happen again. Let's check out some reasons your basement might be flooding and where you can find help.

Reasons for Water Damage in Basements

Water damage can occur in basements for a number of reasons. Two of the most common include sump pump failure and seepage caused by such issues as a poor foundation or backed-up sewage or floor drains. Let's break these down further.

Failing Sump Pump

People count on their sump pumps to keep their basement dry by getting rid of water that would otherwise flood it. Unfortunately, there are several reasons your pump might fail. When you lose electricity during a storm, an electric pump certainly won't work, for example. Also, old equipment breaks down and gets overworked, which can lead to flooding.

Drain and Sewage Backup

If your basement floor drain gets clogged or backs up with sewage or runoff, it can cause major issues that can even threaten your health. It's vital to get these issues fixed because they can result in major structural damage to your home.

Foundation Problems

Old foundations can become porous and allow water to seep through. They can also develop cracks that let water access your basement. Poor foundation issues can also endanger your home and should be fixed immediately.

SERVPRO Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake Can Help

If you're experiencing flooding or moisture in your basement, call SERVPRO Shakopee for help. We can identify and address the problem to get you dry and safe once more. Call us 24/7 at 952-403-1050 for help.

Water Leaks from Appliances and Pipes

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

As much as we hate to think about it, our appliances can and will occasionally malfunction. Seals on our appliances can break or wear causing water to leak in large or small amounts sometimes going unnoticed for a time. Drastic change in temperatures like we’ve experienced here lately can cause pipes to crack. These are just some of the means in which water leaks can occur in the home or business. It’s important to take care of issues like this as quickly as possible to avoid further damaging your home. If you noticed condensation on your appliances or small amounts of water near them, these are signs of trouble and should be taken care of immediately. We here at SERVPRO of Scott County/Chaska are experts in water damage restoration. If you’ve got or had a water leak give us a call today at (952)-403-1050 and we’ll have your home or business looking “Like it never even happened.”

Freezing Water Pipes

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

As the temperatures drop and fall comes to a close it’s important to make sure that you take steps to insure that your water pipes don’t freeze and burst. Here are a few helpful tips to help prevent any freezing in your pipes.

•  Make sure to drain the water from the supply lines of your outdoor sprinkler system and swimming pools, also be sure to remove and drain outdoor hoses as well
•  Keep your homes thermostat to the same temp day and night; if you’re planning to be away from your home for a few days be sure to keep the temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit
•  Keep interior doors open to allow heat to better travel throughout the home
•  Adding extra insulation in areas such as unfinished basements, attics and crawl spaces
• On very cold days letting your faucet go on cold with a light drip can help prevent freezing pipes

In the event that the cold weather gets the best of your pipes and they burst be sure to shut off the main water valve to the home then give SERVPRO of Scott County/Chaska a call (952-403-1050)

Sump Pump Disasters

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

This a great example of a damaged sump pump

Sump pumps are designed to remove water from a drain tile system around the foundation of the house. They have a tendency to burn out and it can result in catastrophic water damage including mold, damage to carpets and padding, woodwork, drywall, insulation and personal property.

SERVPRO of Scott County/Chaska has a crew who is trained to tackle damage from sump pump failures. Our goal is to be on site as soon as the homeowner notices the damage, this way we can prevent any further damage from happening.

Our Process

If there's substantial standing water, our crew will start by moving contents and extracting the water from the affected area. Then we take moisture readings of the walls and wood trim to determine where we need to focus on drying. Our next step is to determine whether carpet, if present, is salvageable. Last step is to strategically place air movers and dehumidifiers for thorough and efficient drying.

Neighboring Restaurants Suffer Water Damage in Savage, MN

1/6/2017 (Permalink)

A restaurant owner's nightmare soon became a reality when he found his Malt Shop flooded on a cold December morning.  He called SERVPRO of Scott County/Chaska right away and we were onsite to assess the damage that same morning.  We found that water had seeped into the neighboring restaurant as well.  Our crew worked quickly to extract the water and set up our air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out both spaces as efficiently as possible.

SERVPRO technicians are available whenever you need us. We have twenty-four-hour emergency service and rapid response teams to get to your commercial property fast and perform the repairs that you need. We'll perform a full inspection and assessment and go over everything with you that is required to return your commercial property to its pre-damage condition.

If you experience water damage, call SERVPRO of Scott County/Chaska to make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage from Pipe Burst in Eden Prairie

9/30/2016 (Permalink)

The culprit! The pipes weren't drained before winter causing it to burst.

A broken pipe from a water source that was outside of a home caused major flooding in the basement. SERVPRO of Scott County/Chaska is trained to go through the necessary steps to treat such emergencies.

In this case, the previous owner of this home did not allow the water to drain from the pipes before the winter season came, which caused the pipe to burst. There was a few inches of standing water throughout the majority of the basement. We checked the walls for moisture and sure enough all readings were showing moisture.

Our Process:

- Identify the source and stop leaking water.

- Quickly extract the standing water and strategically place fans around the basement along with a dehumidifier.

- Remove the baseboards.

- Allow the carpet and walls to dry as much as possible using our professional grade fans and dehumidifier.

- Check the readings of the walls.

- Remove any drywall that needs to be replaced in order to begin the rebuilding process.

All these steps are taken in order to prevent further damage such as mold.

Types of Water Damage:

Not all water is the same. We identify three categories when determining the best water restoration method.

Category 1 - This is known as white or clean water. These are typically due to refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, overflowing sinks or bathtubs, or damaged faucets. This type of water is harmless to people, but after 48-hours can turn into category 2.

Category 2 - This is known as gray water. This type of water can be caused by wastewater in bathtubs, showers, or sinks. This includes wastewater that has NOT come into contact with human waste. This can be harmful and can pose as a health risk. If not treated within 1 or 2 days this can become category 3 due to fast-paced mold and bacteria growth.

Category 3 - This is known as black water. This water is caused by sewage and is highly contaminated by chemicals in fertilizer, ground debris, or animal waste. Black water contains toxins or organisms that can pose a serious health risk and should not come into contact with people or animals.

Since every water damage situation is different and involves various safety categories of water, we offer a range of services to cover water damage cleanup projects of any severity or size.

When you experience water damage of any kind, quickly give us a call at SERVPRO of Scott County/Chaska by dialing (952) 403-1050. We will come to your property, assess the damages and create a plan of action for remediation so that we can restore your home "like it never even happened."