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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

IICRC: Why and What

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Well this is what IICRC has to say  "Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required."

I hear this a lot from consumers...I got the water mopped up, I think it have it under control. More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to preloss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold and other health issues can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

Flood Damage from Within the Home

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Many flooding issues caused within your home are actually caused by appliances. Anything from a failed dishwasher to a broken hose connected to a washing machine. A failure of either of these machines can drop five gallons of water, every hour, onto your floor. If this does happen while you are gone, it means an entire home can be under an inch of water before you come back.
How we help to remediate the issue:
1. Stop the flow of water. If you haven’t been able to for any reason we will do it immediately upon arriving on the property.
2. We start removing any standing water. Depending on the amount of water we bring various pieces of equipment. We bring extractors for multiple surfaces and inspect the floors, carpets and walls.
3. We draw out any remaining water trapped on carpets and floors as long as there is no permanent damage.
4. We lower the moisture readings in the air after the water has been removed. To do this we use dehumidifiers to draw moisture out of the air. It’s also used as a preventative of rot and possible mold growth in walls and on the floors.

Water Heater Upkeep

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

As a homeowner there is always something to do. Maintaining your water heater is a very important task. Flushing the system is a great way to ensure your water heater stays in the best health. 

Benefits of Flushing the System

By doing a regular water heater flush can help you extend the life of your appliance. A flush drains out sediment buildup. Sediment buildup can lead to interior damage to your heater that may result in the need for costly repairs or a replacement.

How to Flush - The task is fairly simple, but by hiring a residential cleaning service can make the process even easier.

  1. Turn off the water heater. Either turn off the gas or electricity, depending on what type of heater you have.
  2. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Run the other end to a designated drainage area that can handle warm water with sediment.
  3. Open the drain valve to drain the tank. After several minutes, you can turn on the hot water faucet in a kitchen to help speed up the draining process.
  4. Close the drain valve after all of the contents have been drained. You'll know the water is empty when the flow out of the hose slows and then stops.
  5. Resupply water by turning the water supply back on. Watch the open water faucet in the kitchen for a smooth stream of water to know when the tank is full.
  6. Turn the power back on. Once the tank is full again, you can return power to the unit.

A professional crew can help you make sure you get a thorough cleaning of your water heater. They may also be able to help you determine where you can drain the water and sediments. 

Preventing Water Damages in Your Kitchen

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in the kitchen is something that homeowners often forget to consider as they tend to associate water damage with bathrooms and laundry rooms. Unfortunately, water damage in your kitchen is typically hard to recognize due to the various smells already in that area. From the kitchen sink to the dishwasher and from the refrigerator to the freezer, there are many potential water leaking hazards inside of the kitchen. Since detecting moisture in the kitchen is difficult, but it is important to understand the most effective ways to prevent water damage in the kitchen.

Water damage can arise at any moment in your home. In the kitchen, water damage is most often found due to the following:

  1. Dishwashers
  2. Refrigerators
  3. Countertops and Sinks

Dishwashers will sometimes malfunction, causing blockage of the main filter and thus causing a leak and eventual water damage. To prevent this, make sure that you are regularly checking the base of the dishwasher and looking for any collection of excess water. Also, look out for any leaks in the dishwasher which might be caused by an improperly sealed hose. Refrigerators often cause water damage because they are rarely moved. To prevent a potential water problem, be sure to occasionally check behind your refrigerator for any water. Finally, countertops and sinks are obviously exposed to water each and every day. To prevent water damage in these areas, check under your sink for any pooling water and make sure that the grout on your countertops is intact, as this is a sign of water damage.

Kitchen repairs for water damage can be costly and annoying. Not only will you have to pay to fix the problem, but it will disrupt your day-to-day routine since the kitchen is the focal point of most homes. In addition, mold growth is a threat when kitchen water damage goes undetected. As such, be sure to keep the above tips in mind to prevent water damage in your kitchen.

Understanding the Equipment We Use

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

The Right Equipment

SERVPRO understands that using the proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. We at SERVPRO will answer your call with fast action, exceptional equipment, and trained, uniformed professionals. Certainly, the right tool for the job is vital to timely mitigation, but perhaps more important, we are water damage professionals that thoroughly understand how to dry a structure and personal property effectively.

Detection Equipment

Scoping involves locating the areas of the structure affected by water and defining the extent to which the structure and contents have absorbed moisture. Moisture detection devices are also used to verify that an environment has been dried thoroughly.

  • Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls.
  • Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials.
  • Thermohygrometers measure both temperature and relative humidity.

Extraction Equipment

The most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction. This is why it is critical to respond quickly to a water damage and to provide emergency mitigation services. When the water is extracted quickly, the environment can usually be dried much faster.

Air Moving Equipment

Air movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level, thereby reducing drying time. As airflow at the surface level increases, the moisture in the air increases. The moisture is then eliminated via the use of dehumidification equipment.

Dehumidification Equipment

By extracting water vapor from the air, dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity, which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. In a water damaged structure, dehumidifiers pull in moist, humid air and then discharge dry, warm air. The dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from wet materials.

How to Prevent Clogged Gutters from draining water into your home

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Gutters on brick home SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands, SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville want to help you keep your home in the best condition possible - Call us today.

Water Damage is a Possibility with Misaligned Gutters

Watching the rain hit a window as it cascades downward might entertain children, but homeowners should see such activity as a sign of impending problems involving their home. Gutters clogged with leaves, twisted sections, or broken, disconnected areas can cause water to hit your home instead of flowing correctly.
Once your gutters receive the required repairs, SERVPRO can mitigate any water damage in your home's living space. When water damages a home because of misdirected rainfall, it can also affect window frames, particularly those made of wood. Interior walls made of drywall can break away in sections or crumble at the slightest touch.

When SERVPRO technicians perform mitigation of water damage, we always check the moisture content of surrounding materials to ensure that they remain undamaged. Materials can seem uncompromised even after water seeped into them. Early detection of this situation means we can get the affected area dried out quickly and prevent any permanent damage. Helping our customers save money is always important to us at SERVPRO.

Water can also occur at the floor level after entering a house. Once there, it can begin warping trim and floorboards. We carry highly effective equipment that handles drying out the moisture inside walls and other structures inside a house. After removing the baseboards and drilling two small holes, we can place the flexible tubing attached to our injectidry system. Once ready, we can begin moving warm, dry air through the wall's cavity and get it dry again.
When moisture invades a floor, we can use mats that work similarly. Air movers also work to increase evaporation, and desiccant machines extract water vapor from the air as it circulates. Wherever materials show water damage, we only remove what is necessary and as neatly as possible.

Avoid Water Damage During Construction

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

There is nothing quite like erecting a new building to house your business. Ushering in a new era comes with a lot of planning and work. While it can be easy to get wrapped up in the design, it's important to consider what can happen during construction. Items stored in a flooded area or a broken pipe can bring unwanted moisture that may have long-lasting repercussions. Ensuring a water pipe repair is done quickly and other small steps can help ensure a smooth project.

The Main Culprits

If you’ve done your research, you have confidence in the contractor you are using to be on top of preventing damage. It’s still important to stick to the plan and inspect the site frequently to ensure things are being done right. While hopefully the unexpected doesn’t happen, below are ways that water can become a problem.

If pipe connections or drain fittings aren’t properly installed, calling a professional for a water pipe repair may become something you need to do more than you want. A proper test of the system should be done before letting it run on its own.
Mother Nature often does not cooperate. If areas are exposed to the elements, it could mean dealing with water damage. This is especially true for elevator shafts, mechanical opening, unsecured doors, and unfinished roofs.
While most construction materials are designed to withstand the elements for extended periods of time, others may not be. Regardless of the material, proper storage is key to reducing downtime, losses and ongoing issues.

Dealing with Damage

If water does become a problem, addressing it quickly is vital. A water remediation expert will have the know-how and tools to ensure your new building doesn’t have any lingering problems. From preventing mold to ensure areas are secure from water coming in when it shouldn’t, a professional can help get your construction back on track.
Smooth construction is always preferred, but that doesn’t always happen. Staying on top of the things, such as completing a water pipe repair or keeping materials in a dry place, will help keep things worry-free.

How Does SERVPRO Dry Structures?

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

green air movers in warehouse Air movers and dehumidifiers help SERVPRO properly restore any water loss.

SERVPRO is the leading fire & water restoration and cleanup crew in the nation.  In 2021 we are celebrating our 21st year in business with over 1,700 locations stretching from coast to coast.  With that being said we have the entrepreneurial spirit built into our daily operations as each office is an independently owned and operated franchise location.

With so many moving parts of a $2 BN company we take pride in having standardized operating procedures that ensure all SERVPRO customers receive the best service and quality restoration work across the country.

As part of our green system we leverage cutting edge technology that properly measures, moisture maps and scopes all losses to ensure we have the correct amount of equipment placed at each loss to ensure we meet our drying goals.

The drying process consists of two main types of equipment:

  • Air Movers: air movers are used to vaporize water from surrounding material.  This device creates high-velocity airflow for faster drying.  

  • Dehumidifiers: once vaporized, water evaporates or is collected by a dehumidifier.  The result is the environment is restored to it's original humidity level.

These two powerful machines help to extract hidden moisture from building materials including drywall, wood, concrete and other organic materials.

Water Damage? What Now?!

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs, do you know what to do and what not to do?

Water damage can happen at any point for anyone, home or business, resulting in damaged property. These do's are only for clean water and do not’s pertain to sewage water. Sewage water is treated differently since it causes different damage and requires a different cleanup process. With the right tools and pieces of equipment, our professionals can safely dry out your home or business and the contents within it. Here are some things to always keep in mind.

  • To minimize the damage, make sure to shut off the source of water and turn off the electricity. It is essential to remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and soaking up with towels. This is especially important for wood furniture. 
  • To ensure that more damage isn't sustained by the furniture make sure to try and move it, if safe to do so. 
  • Make sure to NOT enter a room with standing water since there could be a risk of electrical shock 
  • Make sure to disconnect all power first. 
  • It is recommended to NOT leave rugs and furniture upholstery wet against one another because the fabrics have the potential to bleed between each other. 
  • It is important to note that you should not be utilizing your household vacuum to try and suck up any water. 

If these tips are followed, then damage can be minimized and you will be better prepared for help to arrive. Remember to stay safe and get excess water cleaned up professionally to minimize the chance of mold growth. Our Team at SERVPRO of NEDL is ready to assist at a moment's notice with any of your water mitigation emergencies. Give our team a call at 662.289.7473. 

Hidden Appliance Leaks Can Cause Water Damages

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Think about the last time your appliances were moved or inspected

Many of us don’t think about the household appliances that we use every single day. For most, they probably become a passing thought about how much wear and tear they are receiving. Most of the appliances we use to make our everyday lives easier to utilize water. This means they are prone to leaks at some point if they are not caught early on.  Water damage can sit for ages before you as a homeowner realize. This is why regular inspections are important for prevention.

Inspect These Appliances for Leaks Often

  • Hot Water Heater
    • The lifetime of a hot water heater will typically span 10 to 15 years, but leaks can start much earlier than this. The seals and pipes connected to the hot water heater can often break down, so keeping an eye out for any accumulation both during and after use is a smart move.
  • Refrigerator
    • The rarity with which refrigerators are moved can lead to secret water damage that festers for ages before it is brought to light. A refrigerator’s water lines are typically made from a soft plastic that can easily fail, so checking for leaks behind and under the fridge as part of your annual home maintenance is wise.
  • Dishwasher
    • A dishwasher’s tubing is just as problematic as a refrigerator, but is even more isolated and utilizes far more water. Additionally, homeowner’s insurance often does not cover water damage caused by older models of dishwashers, so regular checks are extremely important to keep up with.
  • Washing Machine
    • Washing machine hoses are some of the most common sources of leaks. Because they are notorious for this, it is recommended that they are inspected at least once a month by homeowners so you can be sure no issues have arisen. In addition to these regular checks, they should be fully replaced every five years in order to prevent hidden deterioration.
  • Air Conditioner
    • The drain in your HVAC unit is designed to keep condensation from pooling in and around the unit, but if this drain malfunctions, water damage can quickly be caused. Reference your manufacturer’s manual to determine how often your unit should be inspected and serviced—having a professional technician evaluate your machine is the best defense against HVAC-created water damage.

Have You Checked on Your Toilet Lately?

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

plunger in toilet SERVPRO is always here to help for you water damage needs, no matter the time of day or day of year! Call us today at 662-289-7473.

Many times the toilet in your home can be the last thing you think about causing water damage. As they age, however, the components that allow it to function properly can jam or malfunction, causing several potential problems. While some of these might be a drawn-out refilling process that can affect your monthly water bill, more severe consequences might include overflowing of the reservoir when the float mechanism does not engage.

Overflowing reservoirs might not affect your  home but it does often require professional water removal and recovery. Even with noticing the problem shortly after it begins, an instance like this can quickly cover the bathroom floor and affect cabinetry and the vanity as well. Our SERVPRO® professionals can understand the importance of reacting quickly to this situation.

The tile or laminate flooring likely installed in your bathroom can resist penetration from the pooling water, but saturation can still occur with these materials if the problem does not get addressed quickly enough. While each plank or tile itself works to resist absorbing the moisture, seams and grout joints are more penetrable. To protect your flooring from extensive damage, extraction must begin shortly after the situation gets discovered.

Our SERVPRO® professionals can arrive with high-powered extraction equipment for severe damages like our gas-powered units. For smaller pools, we can also bring in our portable sump pumps and extraction wands. Once the excess has gotten removed from the flooring, we can set up our advanced drying equipment to protect and preserve exposed cabinetry, fixtures, and flooring. We can double check our drying efforts with our thermal imagery cameras to detect lingering moisture pockets that require added attention.

As traumatic as an overflowing reservoir might seem, the right professional assistance can make this water damage “Like it never even happened.”

What is in your water?

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that the water either coming into your home or from your home due to busted pipes or leaks has what we call a “category”? When it comes to handling mitigation in your home it is better to allow the professionals at SERVPRO of NEDL to deal with the emergency because you have to treat the water correctly to be safe. You never know what is either in your water or what the water has passed through to create contamination.

The information below explains the main types of water damage and could help you identify the problem quickly if it ever happens to you.

Category One: Clear Water

This water is the cleanest, most non-toxic form of water damage. It is potable water, perhaps directly from the tap. It is unlikely to cause you any harm, even if you are exposed for some time. Nevertheless, even clean flooding can lead to electrical and structural faults, so it is safer for you to call in the experts for repairs. Clean water comes from things like a broken water supply line, tub or sinks overflow with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines to name a few. However, once clean water leaves the exit point, it might not remain clean after contacting other surfaces or materials. Although it is considered the "safest" of the categories, it can degrade to category 2 or 3 if left untreated.

Category Two: Gray Water 

Gray water damage is a little bit more serious and requires a speedier removal process. This is because it may contain potentially unsafe levels of chemicals, microorganisms, or dirt. Examples of Cat 2 water include, but are not limited to: overflow from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls with urine; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure and broken aquariums.
If left untreated, it can quickly degrade into category 3.

Category Three: Black Water

Cat 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Cat 3 water can include, but are not limited to: sewage; toilet backflows from beyond the trap; flooding from seawater, rivers or streams, ground surface water, or other contaminated water entering the indoor environment.

The team at SERVPRO of NEDL is skilled in the safe handling of the different categories through training and protective clothing to eliminate the risk of sickness.

Water Damages are More Damaging by the Minute!

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Living Room flooded with water Call us at SERVPRO of NEDL immediately if you have water damage at your home or business. Every second counts!

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (662) 289-7473

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands:

SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands 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. 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.

Science of Drying

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

The knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. Your initial reaction will be to grab towels and a mop to clean up the water, maybe even a fan or two. Our professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands will inspect to detect everything that is wet, measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly and also speed up the process by using professional drying equipment. 

We use the latest technology and tools; The SERVPRO DryBook allows us to capture and track the steps of a restoration project according to industry best practices and standards. This will ensure that your restoration is done properly and efficiently as well as improving results and restoring your property faster! 

Water Damage? What to do

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Overflowing bathroom sink Call SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands - 662-289-7473

If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO arrives.

  • Shut off the source of the water.

  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.

  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting

  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items

  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying

  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting

  • Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

  • Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors

  • Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

Professional Damage Restoration

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

According to the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) there are a couple of reasons to choose a professional over doing it your self. Below are a few reasons:

  • The process of fire and water restoration is very involved when it is performed properly.
  • With quick reaction time and the appropriate skill set, a technician can help to prevent further damage and repair that which has already been done
  • The process and equipment used during fire and water restoration will vary from case to case, since different materials require their own unique care
  • For fire damage, general cleaning is done to remove ash and soot from ceiling to floor
  • The quick remediation of the problem is important for more than repairs, it is also a health consideration
  • Choose a company for fire and water restoration with the appropriate licenses and proof that they have the proper insurance.
  • Whether the work to be done is in a commercial or residential location, technicians with experience and certification should perform the damage recovery.

A Typical Water Cleanup

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

When there is a water spill, it is essential to clean the affected area thoroughly, a process which involves various steps. Clean is a relative state, so the steps involved depend on the level of cleanliness that you need to achieve. The three levels of cleanliness are sterile, disinfected and sanitary. For a residential property reaching sanitary condition is usually sufficient because it eliminates any health risks. We have IICRC certified technicians that can clean your property after water loss to achieve the sanitary level of cleanliness. 


Removing any water left standing after the spill is a crucial step during water cleanup. If the water originates from a dirty source such as a faulty appliance, it might contain wastes that might soil, or even stain the contents in the house, if left unaddressed for long. Our SERVPRO technicians handle this by extracting the water within the shortest time possible. We have different types of equipment to match the type of extraction needed. We can use submersible pumps if the pool is over two feet deep or truck-mounted water extractors for lower levels.

After removing the standing water, various soils and debris might be left necessitating various cleaning actions including the use of chemical agents and mechanical processes such as agitating the surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians use pressure washers or brushes where mechanical action is needed. We also have various professional cleaning agents to remove dyes and other stain-causing materials. We evaluate the material involved to ensure we use the right agent. For instance, we do not use chlorine bleach on wool and silk or when removing stains from rust.

Bad smells are likely to develop after a water spill incident. The causes vary depending on the specifics of the incident. If the water spilled contains debris, such debris might reach concealed spaces causing the bad smells. Even clean water might dissolve or push ordinary debris such as pet wastes into hidden crevices resulting in smells that do not go away even after cleaning is done. Our SERVPRO technicians combat this by deodorizing the affected property. If there is a carpet, we treat both sides with an EPA-registered disinfectant then use a fogger to apply a deodorizing agent. On hard surfaces, we use mop application

How Professional Equipment helps to make water cleanup easier

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water cleanup demands the use of appropriate products and equipment to make the job easier and things cleaner. Since we are talking about specialized equipment, it is the role of the technicians to operate the equipment correctly. There are also specific directions that we follow when applying the cleaning products when attending to such situation. All incidents are not the same, so, we select the equipment to use depending on the situation we are facing.


To determine if the structure is dry or not during water cleanup in your home, we use detection devices. In this step, we use moisture sensors, moisture meters, and thermo-hygrometers. Thermo-hygrometers help us to measure the temperature and the relative humidity of the site. The role of moisture sensors is to determine whether there is moisture in materials during the initial stages of the inspection. On the other hand, moisture meters are helpful when we need to determine the exact moisture content in materials.

When our SERVPRO technicians are drying your property using dehumidifiers and air movers, moisture escapes from wet materials and surfaces into the air. As the air absorbs the moisture, it reaches a saturation point where it cannot absorb any additional water vapor. If condensation takes place, then some additional damage is likely to occur. We perform dehumidification to remove the water vapor from the air using dehumidifiers and in the process speed up drying.

We also have appropriate tools to disengage the pad and carpet, separate seams and reinstall the carpet, seams, and pad. The use of safety equipment is equally important since it helps our SERVPRO technicians to avoid injury. For instance, we use gloves, boots, eye protection, and overalls. Our work usually follows the state and local regulations.

It's the water you don't see (Part Two)

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Birmingham Water Damage News And Updates

Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO® of Northeast Delta Lands can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.

Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.

Thermal Foggers dispense solvent based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles to deodorize structures, garments, automobiles and other places where cleaning cannot reach.

The bottom line? SERVPRO® of Northeast Delta Lands has the training and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”

It's the water you don;t see (Part One)

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Birmingham Water Damage News And Updates

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO® of Northeast Delta Lands have the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO® of Northeast Delta Lands will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by SERVPRO® of Northeast Delta Lands:

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.

Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO® of Northeast Delta Lands to monitor the drying process.

Opt for Professional Water Removal

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has equipment available to remove water from your home

When a homeowner experiences a water disaster, the list of tasks necessary to return the property to before loss condition can be long. Prioritizing projects include deciding to hire professional help for some of the jobs. Water removal requires specialized equipment, the operation of which is best managed by certified and seasoned technicians. Partner with our veteran water extraction crews for fast and efficient results. 

When a pipe breaks or an appliance malfunctions, water removal is job one in your dwelling. Vast quantities of water can fill the room where the accident occurred over even a brief period, and migrate to other areas of your house. Ridding your property of the water relies on access to a fleet of powerful high-efficiency water pumps and extractors, rarely owned by or available to the average homeowner. Each of our service vehicles contains submersible pumps and wanded wet vacuums ready for use immediately after our production managers assess your emergency. We can start the removal process even if your power is temporarily unavailable. 

Because excess water by its nature moves throughout your home after a plumbing or appliance fail, effective removal compels a thorough inspection for hidden caches of moisture. The SERVPRO water removal crews we dispatch are familiar with precision moisture measurement tools and advanced scanning technologies that locate water wherever it collected. Finding all the moisture stemming from the accident is crucial as water left to soak into structures and personal possessions leads to secondary damage such as mold growth and permanent ruin to the building materials and contents involved. 

Although in theory you may feel up to the challenge of removing water on your own, the fact is our trained and experienced crews have the advantage of the speed of many hands and the confidence built on repetition and training. After only 24 to 48 hours, lingering moisture can support a burgeoning microbial outbreak. Materials like drywall crumble and hardwood swell and buckle. SERVPRO involvement provides you with the appropriate scaled response to ensure the water exits your home before irreparable damage occurs. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands prepares our water removal crews for speedy and professional outcomes when responding to your emergency. Call us at (662) 289-7473 to schedule an assessment and institution of a comprehensive water removal plan. We answer 24/7, every day of the year.

Fixture Wear Can Lead To Water Damage In Your Home

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

 Properties Often Suffer Water Problems from Failed Plumbing

While there are countless ways that water can negatively impact your home, few people tend to think of something as simple as a broken fixture. Something as fundamental as a broken faucet or connection to the plumbing underneath a sink or leading to a shower could result in damages. These kinds of problems that are out of their line of sight are out of mind until a problem appears.
  
By the time that these fixtures fail in your home, any number of water damages could result. Even a fast reaction time on your part to cut the water supply could still impact all of the rooms adjacent to the walls housing the plumbing. Even if you are not aware of where exactly the leak has occurred, you can trust that the experienced professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands, can identify the problem as well as how to restore the damage that it caused.  
  
Our SERVPRO technicians arrive at your home get to work immediately on assessing the full scope of the damage and the equipment that we need to fix the problem you face. Extraction is often a large part of this process, especially in areas where substantial water damage has occurred. While hard flooring surfaces are ideal for using our wet-vacs and portable pumps, sometimes specialized equipment like weighted extractors are necessary for carpeted areas that get impacted by the spread of the water.  
  
Drying the area is a critical step for our SERVPRO technicians. While air movers and dehumidification equipment work to remove the moisture from open areas that got affected, our system moves air through the wall cavity where the plumbing problem has gotten repaired to eliminate any lingering dampness or moisture in these areas. This process also helps to prevent dormant mold spores from developing into significant and damaging colonies.
  
There are plenty of ways that water and the resulting damage can affect your home, but no matter the reason, having the right team of professionals can make all the difference in how smoothly the restoration goes. Trust our experienced team at SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands to help you with any water damage effects your home faces. We are available 24/7 by calling (662) 289-7473.

SERVICE RESPONSE GUIDELINES

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

Have you heard of SERVPRO's Response Guidelines?

Within ONE hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for service.

Within FOUR hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services.

Within EIGHT business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to you by a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.

What can SERVPRO Franchise Professionals do for you?

  • Fire smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
  • Water Removal and Dehumidification
  • Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup
  • Mold Mitigation and Remediation
  • Contents Claim Inventory Service
  • Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning
  • Carpet Cleaning
  • Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications
  • Odor Deodorization
  • Upholstery

SERVPRO is faster to any disaster because of these guidelines.

IICRC - Water Damage

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Penetrating moisture meter

Water damage can be deceptive.  Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation.  the detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters.  Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage.  this damage, at a minimum will cause odors.  Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required.

More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to preloss conditions.  Through response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold and other health issues can be prevented.  If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

{Information via IICRC.org}

Why use a professional?

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

I hear this a lot from consumers...I got the water mopped up, I think it have it under control.  Well this is what IICRC has to say  "Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required."

More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to preloss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold and other health issues can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

Don't let a water leak damage your home!

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

There are several things you as a home owner you can do to prevent water damage from happening to you. Here are a few examples of some simple things you can do to reduce your risk.

** Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows and elm trees, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

**  Keep an eye on your water bill

With the majority of your water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere

** Upgrade supply line hoses

Old, brittle or leaky hoses are among the most frequent causes of water loss for home owners. Checking or replacing the supply lines on your sink, toilets and appliances can potentially save you a lot of time, money and headache.  Replace yours every five years or so and you might avoid a mess and very expensive damage to your home.

** Never pour grease down your sink

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Some people use detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain…and that may help sometimes. But there’s no guarantee that it’ll keep the grease from sticking to your pipes, so why take the risk?

The safest thing to do is just to pour your grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it.

What do I do??

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

One of the most common questions during a water damage is “what do I need to do until help arrives?”  Here a few Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to water damage.

Do’s:

  • Contact your local restoration company as soon as possible
  • Remove as much excess water as possible by shop vacuum, mopping or blotting
  • Wipe excess water from around wood furniture after removal of lamps and table top items
  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery items such as cushions for even drying
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet
  • In the summer, turn on HVAC unit to maximize drying
  • Remove colored rugs from wall to wall carpeting areas to minimize staining
  • Pick up loose items, such as toys and clothes,  to allow maximum air to reach the wet areas

Don’ts:

  • Leave fabrics wet in place, dry them as soon as possible
  • Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature
  • Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet floors
  • Use your household vacuum to remove water
  • Use TV’s or other household appliances while standing on wet floors
  • Turn on ceiling fans to help with drying if the ceiling has been wet
  • Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water