Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Plumbing components have a Life Expectancy
6/7/2023 (Permalink)
Hot Water Heater
Did you know many common plumbing components have a life span? Many of them have an expectancy much shorter than we might think. Here is a few that we see quite often. The fix is relatively inexpensive; but neglecting it can cause thousands of dollars in mitigation and drying costs.
Water heaters have an expected life span of about 10-12 years. Most of the time these fail because the rubber and metal components in side the tank are in constant contact with water which will naturally break them down over time.
Sump pumps are a vital tool for anyone with a basement or crawl space that takes on ground water after rain storms. Most of these pumps have a life span of about 7 years.
The average sink faucet has a life span of less than 15 years. Because of the flex hose design of the sprayer component, these may fail sooner. Most flex hoses fail after just 10 years. Also, included in the flex hose category are flexible supply lines for sinks, toilets, and washing machines. It is advisable to have these flex hoses replaced every 5 to 10 years. A $10 replacement hose may save you thousands down the road.
Did one of your plumbing components fail you and left you with a huge mess? Call us at (618) 667-8648 for industry leading water damage restoration!
Flooded Basements in Metroeast Illinois
5/12/2022 (Permalink)
Flood Damage? Call SERVPRO.
A basement can flood at any time in the metroeast Illinois region, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Madison & St. Clair County's basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- Sump Pump Failure
- And many more
Have a Basement Flooding Disaster?
Call Today - 618-667-8648
If flood water is not handled quickly it can grow causing additional damage to your basement and home. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
If you have basement flooding its worth making a call to SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
- Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
- We use S500 Industry Standard, IICRC Restoration protocol
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment is used to mitigate the damage
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today: (618) 667-8648
STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE IN THE EVENT OF A PIPE BURST
5/10/2022 (Permalink)
Water Damage have you breaking out the unbrella? Call SERVPRO
What should you do in the event of a pipe burst in your home or business?
Cracked, broken or bursting pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home or business. Because of this, its very important to have the problem taken care of as quickly as possible to minimize secondary damage. It can be difficult to determine what to do in a high-stress situation like this, but the following steps will put you on the right path until SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy arrives.
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
One of the first things you want to do when you've experienced water to your home or business is to call your insurance agent. This will allow you to get the claims process started right away. It can be a lengthy process and the money you receive can help you pay to fix broken pipes and have repairs done. Your claim can also be denied if you take too long to report the damage.
2. Locate and Document Damage
When you make an insurance claim, an adjuster will need to inspect your home to determine the extent of the damage. While you are waiting for the visit, you can start making a list and taking pictures of damaged areas and belongings. The adjuster can use this information when working on your claim. Do not throw away affected items until you have documented and inventoried them, as these can provide proof of damage as well.
3. Have Mitigation Done
A busted water line can result in flooding in your home or business and, if it is not cleaned up quickly, it can lead to a lot of secondary damage. When exposed to moisture, mold can begin to grow in as little as a day and can easily spread to large areas. Excessive water can also absorb into building materials which will then need to be replaced if you delay in mitigating the damage.
If your home or business has been damaged as a result of a busted pipe, a cleanup and restoration service like SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy can perform mitigation quickly to minimize further damage. They can also make any necessary repairs and salvage many of your affected belongings to have your home looking as good as new.
Water damage have you all wet? Call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at (618) 667-8648.
We Solve The Unexpected When It Comes To Water Damage
5/10/2022 (Permalink)
Dealing with a wet situation? Call SERVPRO
A water line bursting, washer overflows, sewer back ups, sump pump failures, toilet problems, and natural floods can wreak havoc to your home or business in the Metro-East Illinois region. You may feel like you have lost all control of your home or business, and it can only get worse by hiring the wrong contractor who rips and tears your walls, furniture, carpet, and other personal belongings out of its place. This process can leave you clutching your chest in agony as well as a draining your finances and your bank account.
Water removal is not an easy task and should be left to the professionals at SERVPRO. Homeowners often try to clean the water problems without consulting the experts, which can cause more damage and problems. There are a lot of components that are involved in water damage restoration and reconstruction. It's not something that a beginner should consider tackling. Hiring SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is a step in the right direction and a wise decision because we have all the tools that are needed to take out extra water to prevent further damage. Plus, a thorough cleaning and drying process is required and SERVPRO has the knowledge and the training to mitigate the damage properly.
SERVPRO has high-tech equipment such as extractors to help remove water from carpets and other flooring materials. Air movers enhance evaporation to reduce drying time. Dehumidifiers extract water vapor from the air. After removing all the water, they use deodorizer equipment such as thermal foggers to produce the fog that has tiny particles of deodorant solutions to neutralize any odor caused by the water damage. We also treat surfaces with anti-microbials to stop mold growth after a water damage. Afterward, these technicians perform a thorough walk-through with you to make sure that everything is done to your satisfaction.
With SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy, you can expect reliable and excellent customer services and a team of professionals to get the job done right. Call us for service at (618) 667-8648.
Do You Think You Have Water Damage?
12/30/2021 (Permalink)
A Protimeter/Moister Detection instrument verifying a wet wall.
Do You Suspect Water Damage?
A broken water line or other types of water damage can wreak enormous damage if undetected in your home or business. Whether it be from a burst line within a wall or a damaged or worn roof leak that has been alowing water to enter in your home running across rafters and pooling into insulation causing extensive water damage and mold. By the time you discover the problem the damage has been done!
Water Damage left unresolved can cause secondary damage to building materials and create the need for mold remediation in your attic, basement, interior walls and crawl spaces.
At SERVPRO, we seek out moisture utizing special devices in our arsenal to combat moister:
- Moisture Sensors - alert us that water is present.
- Moisture meters - generate data on the level of how wet the materials are through data.
- Thermo-hygrometers - measures temperature and relative humidity to monitor drying efforts once remediation has been started.
- Thermal imaging/Thermal Cameras - detect cached water for removal behind structures and substraits that the visual eye cannot detect.
CALL SERVPRO:
If you detect that you may have a water damage issue call the cleanup team here at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at (618) 667-8648. Our trained Water Damage technicians will seek out the cause and implement a plan of action to rectify the problem.
Freezing Temperatures Can Cause Pipes to Burst
2/18/2021 (Permalink)
Pipe Burst
Baby it's Cold Outside!
With the freezing temperatures we are experiencing, it's vital that you know how to prevent pipes from freezing. When water freezes in your pipes, whether due to quick drops in outside temperatures, poor insulation or the thermostat set too low, its volume expands and puts pressure on the pipe from inside. This can cause a burst pipe, but even a small crack or two can be the start of some devastating and expensive water and plumbing damage that would require a professional restoration company like SERVPRO to repair the damage.
Here's a Few Tips To Prevent You From Having to Call us:
Here are just a few tips that you can perform to reduce the chances of you having to give us a call:
• Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation, even if the climate where you live does not often have hard freeze conditions.
• You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with a thermostat control. The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend on your home. Always install according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Seal or caulk any cracks that might let in cold air, especially places where pipes run from inside to outside the home, such as dryer vents or water pipes.
• Preventing frozen pipes should be done outdoors as well. As you winterize your home, disconnect your garden hoses.
For any outdoor faucets with cut-off valves, be sure they are closed and faucets are drained. You can also protect them by using faucet covers throughout the winter months.
• If cold weather settles in and you notice temperatures beginning to drop, start a small drip of both hot water and cold water in the kitchen, bath, laundry areas and any other faucets in the home. A small water drip is all that is needed to keep water moving through the system and prevent frozen pipes.
• Be sure to alert a trusted neighbor if you'll be away more than a few days, and ask them to check periodically to make sure that the measures you have taken in preventing frozen pipes worked and that nothing has ruptured.
In the event you experience water damage due to a burst pipe call TEAM WOLFE, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."
Call us 24/7 at (618) 667-8648.
Has Your Sprinkler System Been Tested Lately?
1/18/2021 (Permalink)
Sprinkler Head
Water-based fire protection systems, or fire sprinklers, should be kept in excellent working condition and tested periodically to ensure maximum fire suppression capacity especially, during the winter months when falling temperatures can put these systems under a strain. Your sprinklers are your home's or business’s first line of defense in the event of a fire, and it may be mandatory with the continuous updating of building codes to conduct routine tests and inspections.
1. Check the age of your sprinkler system. Modern standards require that sprinkler systems adhere to NFPA 25 requirements, but systems in buildings older than 60 years may be outdated and in need of a full replacement.
2. Check your sprinkler installation. Faulty or defective installation equipment and procedures can lead to sprinkler malfunctions in the event of a fire.
3. Always keep your fire sprinklers clean. Dirty fire sprinklers can lead to obstructions that block the water flow and prevent sprinklers from working correctly, or even from detecting and activating in the event of a fire. Many organizations and inspectors recommend an obstruction inspection every five years.
4. Periodically test your sprinkler functions. Sprinklers can be tested in a variety of ways, including simply testing that they work through routine checks. However, more complex testing such as corrosion testing and hydrostatic testing can uncover additional issues that may not be readily apparent on a simple functional test.
5. Immediately replace defective parts. Because sprinklers are so deeply interconnected, replacing a defective part may require replacing larger sections of the sprinkler system. However, this is highly advisable as a matter of safety to prevent any issues should the sprinklers fail to activate in the event of smoke or fire.
One benefit of fire sprinklers is that fire sprinkler cleanup is usually much less messy than cleanup after fire suppression using stronger means. Sprinklers can make a serious difference in prevention of property losses and safety issues, and should be maintained at all times.
Flood Damage Can Strike Your Metro-East Illinois Property
1/18/2021 (Permalink)
Flood Damage
The Madison and St. Clair County, Illinois region is not immune from the threat of flooding and metro-east Illinois is not an exception. Our region experiences waves of heavy rainstorms, the combined strength of which can result in flooding situations. If water fills the lower levels of your home or business due to extended periods of rain, a call to SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy can turn the tide toward recovery.
When a home in the metro-east region suffers flood damage, the inhabitants do not have the luxury of waiting until the water recedes to make decisions. Large quantities of water inside your home’s foundation or basement risk significant harm to your building’s structure and contents. It is crucial that rapid removal of the water occurs, followed by complete drying of floors, walls, ceilings, and other building components. Our teams of flood damage specialists train for the opportunity to complete these tasks for you.
Flood damage is a water event that requires professional help. A bucket and mop or shop vacuum are not up to the challenge. The sheer amount of water quickly overwhelms any do it yourself attempt. The experienced technicians from SERVPRO employ powerful, industrial strength pumps and extractors to evacuate the water fast. Speed is critical because of the progressive nature of water damage.
Many structures, items, and surfaces can emerge nearly good as new if water does not have the chance to soak into and begin the process of disintegration. Although building materials like finished wood, concrete or cinder block may be able to shed water without much change, drywall, insulation, ceiling tiles, carpeting, and other porous components risk swelling, crumbling, and delamination if soaked for any period of time.
SERVPRO technicians learn dozens of targeted strategies to quickly and successfully remove water from you place of business or home. Once the obvious water is gone, the crew uses high-efficiency fans and dehumidifiers to complete the job, drawing residual moisture out of contents and structure.
If severe weather threatens your property with flood damage, SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is ready to help you recover from this catastrophe completely. One call to (618) 667-8648 sets a process in motion that returns your home to you "Like it never even happened."
You need a rapid response when dealing with water damage
12/29/2020 (Permalink)
rapid drying utilizing air movers
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays in the metro-east Illinois region. You need rapid response to minimize water damage so we never close and are always ready to deploy to your emergency.
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 Collinsville/Troy 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 at (618) 667-8648
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 through 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 Collinsville/Troy
SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We also have our own in-house construction division that can totally restore your home and business back to its preloss condition. 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.
Great Water Damage Tips
12/18/2020 (Permalink)
Water Damage Tips
We are well into December and with that comes a elevated risk of water damage due to freezing temperatures that can cause a fatigued water line to burst unexpectedly.
Although you just suffered a water damage, there is no need to panic although that will be your first thought. Take a deep breath and give SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy a call and we will get our trained technicians deployed and to the rescue restoring your property to it's preloss condition! Once we arrive on the scene of the damage we can quickly begin the cleanup & remediation of your property. Before we arrive, there are some steps you can take yourself to prevent secondary damage to your property and personal belongings. These steps should only be used if the water damage is caused by a clean water break. If you have suffered damage from sewer, toilet, or other contaminated water sources, stay away from the scene as it may have adverse health effects.
Here are a few tips for what you can do to prevent further water damage to your home, until our trained technicians arrive:
- Shut off the water source if it can be done safely.
- Remove any excess water by mopping or using towels.
- Remove and pop up we upholstery cushions for drying. Do not put cushion covers in washing machine.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
- Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- If you have a wet/dry shop vac you can suck up any water that you are able to.
- If water damage is in the ceiling, do not turn on lights or overhead fans. And keep out of rooms where the ceiling is beginning to sag from holding water.
- When in doubt - "Don't" attempt anything! We are in transit and will access what steps need to be taken.
You can trust the team at SERVPRO to make everything fresh, clean and like new!.
Winter Is Coming, Avoid Frozen Pipes!
12/16/2020 (Permalink)
Frozen Water Line
Winter is upon us in Illinois and with that is temperatures start to plummet. So is the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting during this season. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. Pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze also. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry.
Pipe insulation can cost as little as 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store according to the IBHS. So for not much more than the cost of the aspirin you’d need, you can avoid the headaches of cleanup, loss of precious keepsakes, and the cost of your insurance deductible. Use the pipe insulation liberally to protect any vulnerable pipes.
Both the IBHS and the American Red Cross, which is in the business of emergency preparedness, have useful advice on how to prevent your pipes from freezing, as well as how to thaw them if they do.
When winter temperatures fall below freezing our phone volume goes up at SERVPRO due to frozen water lines bursting causing quite a lot of water damage. Many times this costly damage could of been prevented with some easy preventive maintenance steps.
1. As previously mentioned, pipe wrap to insulate the expose piping in the basement of your home.
2. Seal/insulate all small cracks and openings in your basement. Wires and pipes run inside/out of homes and could leave small open spaces which will permit freezing wind to directly affect an area of pipe. That area could freeze and burst. This again is a simply and cost efficient way to keep the heat inside and the cold out.
3. During sub-zero temperatures, let susceptible faucets slowly drip. Running water through the pipes will prevent it from freezing. Also, open cabinet doors under the sinks to allow the home heat to circulate underneath. Again, a few degrees can make a tremendous difference.
SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is here to help with all your fire, water & smoke cleanup and restoration needs. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Have You Checked Your Gutter System Lately?
10/27/2020 (Permalink)
Clogged Gutters
Now that we are well into the fall season, SERVPRO wants to remind homeowners about an important functioning item we tend to overlooked each year, your gutters.
Although you may not think about it, the state of your gutters can affect many other areas of your family's property, which includes your roof and foundation. If your gutters fail to function they way they are intended to do they can wreck havoc on your home or business . The most common problem that homeowners face with their gutters is that they fail to drain or channel excess rainwater far enough away from your foundation. That excess water can back up under your home's foundation or into your basement. If rain water doesn't travel through your gutters freely, it's most likely because the gutters are clogged with leaves or debris. This is especially common during this season when trees are dropping their leaves. If you have clogged gutters it can often lead to costly foundation repairs that can cost thousands of dollars. Having your gutters regularly cleaned (at least once or twice a year) can prevent a major water damage from happening to your property.
if you are concerned about your gutters not functioning property, SERVPRO encourages you to have them inspected by a qualified company to avoid any future water damage from gutters that are clogged.
When water backs up into your basement our foundation, it very well may be a gutter system that is not functioning properly. Be sure and call the cleanup team that is "Faster To Any Size Disaster" in the event water damage strikes your home or business.
Let's talk about Sump Pumps!
1/13/2020 (Permalink)
A sump pump can be an effective tool for preventing water damages. They are a water pump that you can place in your basement, crawl space, window wells, or anywhere that could possibly collect water in a bad rainstorm, flood, or even in the case of leaking pipes or appliances. Typically, you place the sump pump in a recessed area or the lowest point of your home or basement in order to automatically pump out any water that may accumulate.
Most sump pumps have a float on them that detects the amount of water coming into the pump. Once the level of water reaches a certain point, the float will trigger the pump to turn on and begin pumping out and draining the water. While there are both automatic and manual types of sump pumps, typically the automatic ones are recommended since they are constantly running in case of quick build ups of water. The manual pumps require someone to turn them on in order for them to work.
Some things to look for while considering a sump pump for your home are:
- Ensure that the pump is correctly sized for your home or property
- Consider a sump pump with an emergency alarm. This will notify you in case of pump failure, loss of power, or low batteries.
- Choose a pump made of sturdy materials that will hold up for a long period of time.
- Ensure that the pump you choose has a cord that will reach the nearest outlet and is compatible with your outlets in your home.
- Consider a pump with a battery backup option in case of power loss
Here at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy we hope that you and your home stay safe and dry! If you have any questions about water damages or any other cleaning or restoration related needs, please contact our office at 618-667-8648.
Signs that you may need a new water heater
12/29/2019 (Permalink)
A water heater is a critical household appliance, especially in the winter months. It provides hot water for showers, washing dishes, laundry, and so much more. It is important to stay aware of the condition of your hot water heater so that you and your Madison County home never get left with cold water. A leaking or damaged hot water heater can also cause water damage and significant damage to your home or property. Some signs that you can look for may be:
- Unusual noises – Typically a water heater makes some noises that would just become routine to hear, you may not notice them on a daily basis. However, if you hear anything unusual such as banging or clanging sounds, creaks or whines you should contact a repair person right away. This could be a sign that the heating element on the hot water heater is wearing out and unable to keep up with the demand of the hot water supply.
- Rust around the base of the hot water heater – This could be a sign that your tank is leaking or beginning to gather moisture. Catching this problem early on could help you to avoid a water damage.
- Variance in the temperature of your water- Is your water too hot? Not hot enough? This could be a sign that your water heater needs repaired or replaced. It may just need repairs or a part replaced, but it is always a good idea to have the entire unit checked for leaks or other potential problems at the same time.
- Hard water – If you live in an area known for hard water, and experience one or more of these signs you may have sediment gathered in the bottom your hot water tank. This would require the tank to be flushed to remove the sediment. If the problem is not treated, then the motor on your hot water tank could quit working or burn out.
If you have any questions about water damages, or the restoration process, call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648. Our friendly and qualified team is available 24/7.
Warning signs of Water Damage
12/15/2019 (Permalink)
Flood waters. Leaking roofs. Burst pipes. Leaky or malfunctioning appliances such as dishwashers, air conditioners, or water heaters. Though these problems are all different, they have one thing in common. They all can cause water damage and destruction of property.
Water damage can be caused with a small amount of water or a large amount. It can also be caused by damp air or humidity. Due to this, there are times when water damage occurs when there is no or very little visible signs of water in the area. These are some of the warning signs to look for that may show you that there is water damage occurring.
- Damp or rainy weather that is persistent. This can cause an excess of moisture in the air, and the rain can cause flooding to occur.
- Standing water that is reoccurring in any area of your home.
- Leaks or drips in plumbing, hoses, or appliances. These can leak slowly over time which will both cause damage and raise you water bill.
- Bad smells. Mold and bacteria that comes from water damage may result in stale, musty odor.
- Stains or spots. Water damage may cause spots or mold stains on walls or ceilings. You may also notice peeling or flaking paint.
- Uneven surfaces. Water damage may cause surfaces such as walls, floors, or ceilings to bend or warp.
If you see any of these signs or have any questions or concerns about water damage please contact our experienced team at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648.
How can SERVPRO help you during a water damage?
12/14/2019 (Permalink)
It is important to begin the clean-up and restoration process quickly after a water damage. This will help to prevent further damage and potential mold problems, as well as to alleviate stress on the homeowner or property owner.
At SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy, we strive to arrive at each job no less than four hours after receiving the phone call and request to send out a crew. Our team is on call 24/7 and prepared to offer friendly, quick, and professional service at all hours.
The steps we follow for a water damage are as follows:
Our experienced team will walk through the property in order to determine the amount of damage and the best way to begin the restoration process. We will take photos, and communicate with the homeowner or property owner and the insurance company to ensure that everyone is informed and on the same page.
We are available 24/7 for emergency services, including all holidays. These could include but are not limited to, extracting water, setting up drying equipment, placing tarps or boards to block leaks and prevent further damage.
We will send a team to monitor all equipment to ensure that the drying process is going smoothly and to keep you updated all along the way.
After the drying process is completed, our team will clean any damaged areas and contents. We will also finish the restoration process by installing new carpeting or repainting walls as needed. A final walk through will always be completed with the homeowner to ensure that the job is completed to your satisfaction.
If you have any questions regarding water damages call us at any time at 618-667-8648. Our experienced team is always happy to help!
Questions during Water Damages
11/1/2019 (Permalink)
A water damage in your home or business can cause a great deal of stress and worry. During a water loss event, you may be also faced with many different decisions to make. You may ask yourself questions such as:
-How will we get this cleaned up?
-Who will clean this up and what process will they use?
-How will we pay for this?
-Where is the water coming from?
-What caused this situation?
-How can we prevent this from happening in the future?
SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy can help to simplify this process and help you answer many of these questions. Our experienced and friendly office staff will communicate with both you and your insurance company. Our highly trained team is also available 24/7 to ensure that the job is completed quickly and efficiently.
If you have a water loss event contact SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648 and we will help answer all of your questions and concerns!
Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing
1/28/2019 (Permalink)
When the temperatures drop prepare your home or business to prevent your pipes from freezing. If your pipes freeze the chance of them bursting is much greater. Here are a few tips to help prevent your pipes from freezing.
- Keep garage and exterior doors closed as much as possible.
- Make sure no cold air is leaking through your windows or doors.
- Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night.
- If you will be going away for a few days or more keep the heat running and set no lower than 55 degrees.
Dealing with a water damage is stressful especially during the Holiday season. SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is always here to help in your time of need.
Give us a call at 618-667-8648.
Assessing your water damage.
1/15/2019 (Permalink)
Flooded basement due to a pipe leak.
A water damage happens when a pipe breaks, plumbing backs up, flood waters rise, or a number of other reasons in which water enters a structure.
Water restoration is the act of making it "Like it never even happened." which is our specialty at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy.
Many homeowners who experience a water damage often don't know where to start. The first step is assessing the situation and responding appropriately.
There are two criteria for categorizing water damages: Class, and Category.
The Class of water damage refers to the extent of damage and how much moisture has been soaked up (or bound) in the building material.
There are 4 Classes of water damages:
Class 1 - water is confined to a small area and materials absorb very little water.
Class 2 - where wet materials represent approximately 5-40% of combined floor, wall, and ceiling surface area in a space
Class 3 - wet materials represent more than 40% surface area
Class 4 - this class of damage is a special case where water has been deeply absorbed into the structure and special methods need to be employed beyond a regular drying plan.
Category refers to the level of contamination caused by the water:
Category 1 - originates from a sanitary source, meaning a supply line or sink overflow with no contaminants
Category 2 - water that contains some contaminants such as washing machine or dishwasher rinse water
Category 3 - this includes all water that is significantly contaminated and can cause illness if ingested. This would include sewage, standing water with microbial growth, or water from a toilet containing fecal matter
If you have a water damage that needs to be assessed and for help with the cleanup call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648
Pipe burst floods home.
12/10/2018 (Permalink)
View from the front door. Water was flowing throughout the whole house.
This family came home from vacation to find their home flooded. The pipe for their kitchen sink busted and water was flowing for roughly 2-5 days. Serious damaged occurred to this newly built home. The upstairs flooring started buckling and the basement ceiling drywall had fallen.
When we arrived on site the CSR did a walk through to determine what all needed done. The crew began extracting all the water and removing the carpet. Our next step was to remove the ceilings in the basement, all flooring, start drying out contents and setting equipment to prevent mold growth.
A disaster like this can be prevented by turning your water off when you leave for vacation. Many never think it will happen to them. But if it does you can always count on us to be there!
Give us a call at 618-667-8648 to make your disaster look "Like it never even happened."
No matter how big or small, water damage is no match for us.
11/1/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy's professionally trained staff is ready for any size disaster that occurs. Whether it be a small leak to a full flooding. We have the man power and equipment for any disaster that happens in your home or business.
We are ready and available for all emergency services any hour and any day of the week! When our crew arrives you will be given details on how the mitigation process will go and also how long it should take us to finish.
Our crews understand the urgency to get your home or business back to normal. They will work around the clock to get your disaster looking "Like it never even happened."
You can always count on us to save the day or night.
Give our office a call at 618-667-8648
Your local water damage cleanup company.
9/27/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 618-667-8648
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy
SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy 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.
Flooded basement from a hot water pipe.
7/31/2018 (Permalink)
This flooded basement was caused by a pin size hole in a hot water pipe.
Sometimes the most unexpected disaster can happen in your home. We received a call for a flooded basement. When our CSR arrived on scene, he noticed there was a pin size hole in the customers hot water pipe. This pipe had to have been leaking for a few days. The basement had about an inch deep of water.
Our crew turned the water off and immediately started extracting the water. Unfortunately the steam and the time period it was leaking caused mold to start growing. We removed the damaged dry wall, ceiling tiles and cleaned all affected areas.
Mold can grow quickly and from the smallest leak. If you notice any kind of moisture in your home it is best to get it taken care of quickly.
Call us at 618-667-8648 to make your disaster look "Like it never even happened."
24/7 Emergency Service