Preventing Water Damage

8/1/2024 (Permalink)

When heavy rains roll through Westmoreland County, we often see an influx of calls about water damage. Whether it be long-term issues such as window leaks or sudden damage like a flood, here are some ways to help prevent water damage from storms.

Clean out gutters yearly. Clearing out your gutters regularly is an extremely effective way to reduce your chances of water damage. If you let debris build up, you are putting yourself at risk of a gutter leaking into your home.

Check the seal on windows and doors. Check the seals every year for any wear and tear. This will help ensure that your windows and doors won’t leave you with soggy wood or drywall when it rains.

Ensure proper drainage around your foundation. Even foundations made out of cinder blocks or bricks can be vulnerable to water damage if the landscaping of your lawn allows water to pool up around the edges and seep into the building materials. Installing a french drain can help alleviate any unwanted water seeping into your home.

Inspect your roof. Small holes can develop in your roof, which can let water run into your home. Ensure you are monitoring your attic space and roof to prevent any water damage.

Install and maintain a sump pump. Installing and maintaining a sump pump is beneficial to protecting your home by helping to prevent overflows in your basement.

Rain can cause many different forms of water damage. Maintaining your home is the most important thing you can do to help prevent water damage. If these tips don’t prevent water damage in your home, call SERVPRO® of Greensburg! We are always Here to Help® with your water disaster needs!

Water Damage Timeline. What is it?

8/1/2024 (Permalink)

8/1/2024

Water damages are incredibly unpredictable, striking when you least expect it. Whether it is severe weather or leaking pipes, SERVPRO of Greensburg understands the stress and inconvenience of damage to your home or business. Water damages progress rapidly, causing an excessive loss in a short window of time. While we are open and always prepared to respond to these losses 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we believe that it is essential for YOU to understand how water damages work, and the timeline they generally follow when left untreated. Doing so will allow us to help you successfully mitigate, remediate, and salvage as much of your precious belongings as we can.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes:

• Water spreads throughout the property, both in visible and non-visible cavities.
• Water is absorbed into drywall, flooring, and furniture.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing staining on surrounding carpets.
• Paper documents, photographs, and books absorb water and begin to swell.

Within 24 Hours:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Odor begins to develop.
• Furniture may begin to swell and warp.

48 Hours to One Week:

• Microbial growth begins and may start spreading.
• Doors, windows, and studs begin to swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust.
• Paint will begin to blister.
• Conditions can become hazardous for occupancy.

Greater than One Week:

• Structural safety is compromised.
• Microbial growth intensifies.
• Occupancy can be extremely unsafe.
• Cleanup and Restoration costs increase dramatically.

The longer the water sits, the more damage it will cause. That's why it is crucial to call the team that is faster to any size disaster: SERVPRO of Greensburg! Our teams of highly skilled technicians are always Here to Help®

Protecting Your Haven: A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Water Damage at Home and Business

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always Here to Help®.

Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, water damage can wreak havoc on your property, leading to costly repairs, health hazards, and the disruption of your daily life or business. Check out the preventive measures below to see how you can protect your home or business.

1. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Appliances:

Appliances are often the source of water-related mishaps. Routine checks and maintenance can prevent potential issues:

Washing Machines: Examine hoses for cracks or leaks and replace them every five years. Ensure the machine is level to prevent overflow. Leave space between the machine and the wall to avoid kinks in the hoses.

-Dishwashers: Inspect the supply and drainage lines for leaks or blockages. Ensure the door seal is intact, and clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs.

-Refrigerators: Check the water line for the ice maker and refrigerator. Replace if damaged. Position the fridge away from the walls to avoid damaging said line.

-Water Heaters: Inspect the tank and connections for leaks. Drain the tank annually to prevent sediment buildup.

2. Maintain Roof and Gutters:

A well-maintained roof and gutters are your first line of defense against water damage:

-Roof: Regularly inspect for missing or damaged shingles. Look for signs of water or leaks in the attic.

-Gutters: Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent clogs that can lead to overflowing water. Ensure they are securely attached and direct water away from the foundation.

3. Proper Landscaping:

-Landscaping can impact water flow and drainage around your property:

-Grading: Ensure the ground slopes away from your property's foundation to prevent water from pooling around it.

-Planting: Avoid planting trees with invasive roots near water lines or your foundation, as they can damage these structures.

4. Install a Sump Pump:

For properties prone to flooding, install a sump pump in the basement or crawl space. Sump pumps can prevent water damage by pumping out extra water.

5. Sealing and Insulation:

Proper sealing and insulation can help prevent water infiltration:

-Windows and Doors: Check for gaps or cracks and apply weather stripping or caulking as needed.

-Foundation: Seal any visible cracks in the foundation to prevent water seepage.

6. Swift Repairs:

Don't delay repairs when you notice water-related issues:

-Leaks: Address leaks promptly, whether a dripping faucet or a small roof leak. Small problems can escalate quickly if left untreated.

-Cracks: If you notice cracks in walls, ceilings, or the foundation, investigate and repair them to prevent water seepage.

7. Educate Residents or Employees:

Whether it's your family or your employees, everyone should be aware of water damage prevention:

-Emergency Procedures: Teach everyone how to shut off the water supply in case of a leak or burst pipe.

-Reporting: Encourage open communication about leaks or water-related issues so they can be addressed promptly.

Water damage prevention is a responsibility that both homeowners and business owners share. You can significantly reduce the risk of water damage by performing regular checks on appliances, maintaining your roof and gutters, ensuring proper landscaping, and taking quick action on repairs. If you experience water damage in your property, call SERVPRO of Greensburg. We are always Here to Help®.

Flood Coverage... Do You Need It?

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

When flooding wreaks havoc on your home, call SERVPRO!

Two insurance policies deal with a homeowner's damage due to water -- a flood insurance policy and a homeowners insurance policy. Losses not covered by one of these policies may be covered by the other. Understanding how your home may be affected by water can help you decide whether you need one or both policies. While insurance policies may differ in the coverage provided from homeowner to homeowner, some basic features are common to all policies. Be sure to ask your insurance agent or insurance company about the specifics of your insurance policy. In the meantime, the Insurance Information Network of California offers the following general information based on standard insurance policies.

Flood Insurance

As the name implies, a standard flood insurance policy written by the National Flood Insurance Program provides coverage up to the policy limit for damage caused by a flood. The dictionary defines "flood" as the rising and overflowing of a body of water onto normally dry land. For insurance purposes, the word "rising" in this definition is the key to distinguishing flood damage from water damage. Generally, damage caused by water on the ground at some point before damaging your home is considered flood damage. A handful of examples of flood damage include:

• A nearby river overflows and washes into your home.
• Heavy rain seeps into your basement because the soil can't absorb the water quickly enough.
• A heavy rain or flash flood causes the hill behind your house to collapse into a mud slide that oozes into your home.

The only way to insure flood damage is with a flood insurance policy -- no other insurance will cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available through your insurance agent, insurance company, or local Federal Emergency Management Office (FEMA). Contact your county planning office to determine if your home is in a flood plain. If you reside in a flood plain, flood insurance may be an excellent option to protect your home.

Homeowners Insurance

A homeowners insurance policy will not provide flood damage coverage, but it does provide many types of water damage coverage. When water causes significant damage to your home before it comes in contact with the ground, your homeowner's insurance policy may cover the cost of mitigation and repairs. A few examples of water damage include:

• A hailstorm smashes your window, permitting hail and rain-free access into your home.
• Heavy rain soaks through the roof, allowing water to drip through your attic or ceiling.
• A broken water pipe spews water into your home.

Your homeowner's insurance policy may not cover flood or water damage, but if a water or flood loss leads to other losses, such as theft or fire damage, your policy may cover it. For example, if a nearby creek overflows and floods your home, and looters steal some of your furnishings after you evacuate, the theft would be covered by your homeowner's insurance because it is a result of the water damage. However, the flood damage is only covered if you have flood insurance.

When dealing with water or flood damage, always contact your insurance provider for policy details, then call SERVPRO®. We are always Here to Help® with your fire and water disaster needs!

Have You Ever Had a Sewage Backup?

4/20/2023 (Permalink)

If left untreated, sewage backups can damage multiple rooms in your home or business.

They stink... Literally...

As a property owner, it's essential to understand the potential causes of sewage backups and how to prevent them. Sewage backups can cause significant damage to your property, and they can also pose health risks to you and your family.

Understanding the most common causes of sewage backups can help you prevent damage before it happens:

1. Clogged Pipes: One of the most common causes of sewage backups is clogged pipes. Over time, debris such as grease, soap, and hair can accumulate in your pipes, eventually causing a blockage that prevents sewage from flowing through.

2. Tree Roots: Tree roots can invade your sewer line through small cracks or joints, causing blockages and backups. If you have trees growing near your sewer line, it's essential to have them inspected regularly to ensure they're not causing any damage.

3. Broken or Collapsed Pipes: Older homes may have pipes that are made from materials such as clay or cast iron that can break or collapse over time, causing backups. If you have an older home, it's essential to have your sewer line inspected periodically to identify any potential issues.

4. Heavy Rainfall: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm your sewer system, causing sewage to back up into your home. If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall, consider installing a backwater valve to prevent sewage from flowing back into your home.

To prevent sewage backups, here are some tips you can follow:

- Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down your toilet.

- Dispose of cooking grease and oil properly.

- Install a strainer in your sink to prevent food scraps and other debris from going down the drain.

- Have your sewer line inspected periodically to identify any potential issues.

- Consider installing a backwater valve if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall.

If you do experience a sewage backup, it's essential to act quickly. Turn off your water supply and avoid using any plumbing fixtures until the issue has been resolved. Call a licensed plumber to come and assess the problem and perform any necessary repairs. Make sure you call SERVPRO of Greensburg to clean, sanitize, and dry your property.

I hope this information helps you understand the causes of sewage backups and how to prevent them. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office at (724) 837-8830.

Broken Pipe? Follow These 3 Steps…

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Amid the rainy season in Pennsylvania, many homeowners in Greensburg worry about flash flooding and how it can affect their homes. While wet weather is a common cause of flooding, many homeowners overlook another common source: leaking/bursting pipes. If this happens to you, the first thing to do is contact a professional to fix the burst pipe immediately. After that is taken care of, be sure to follow these three steps below to help minimize water damage in your home:

1. Stop the Flow of Water

The first thing you, as a homeowner, can do is prevent the flooding from getting any worse. You will need to shut off the main water line. After you do so, you still need to drain the pipes of all water. This will require you to run every sink and flush each toilet in your house at least once. You will also need to turn off your home’s water heater. Once there is no running tap water left, the leak should stop entirely.

2. Inspect the Damage

Next, you will need to locate the burst pipes. If you are able to find the broken pipe, then you should take pictures of the damage for insurance purposes. If you cannot find the culprit, then you will need to bring in a professional crew as soon as possible.

3. Contact SERVPRO of Greensburg

Even if you are fairly handy around the house, it is always a good idea to call a professional team to take care of any water damage just to be safe. There is a lot of remediation that needs to take place, such as drying any damaged structures and preventing mold growth. Professionals also know how to safely work around water to prevent electrocution or illness.

Choose the team that can make your water disaster seem "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO of Greensburg is here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more about our services, please call us at  (724) 837-8830!

WINTER IS ON IT'S WAY! SERVPRO OF GREENSBURG Offers Tips To Prevent Frozen/Burst Pipes.

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

It is time for SERVPRO of Greensburg to once again remind homeowners and renters to be aware of the potential for frozen pipes.  Every winter season, the pipes in your business and home are at risk of damage from freezing conditions. Low temperatures can cause your water pipes to freeze, and in some cases burst. The following tips can help you safeguard your home before, during and after a pipe freezes.

PREVENT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING

• Disconnect all gardening hoses and install covers on all outside faucets.
• Keep your house temperature at 68 degrees or higher, even if you're leaving the house for an extended period of time.
• Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat from the home to circulate.
• Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. (Learning the location of these valves may come in handy during an emergency.:
• Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape. This can prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
• Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.
• Heat your basement and consider weather sealing your windows.
• Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.
• If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, shut off water supply valves to your washing machine. Also have someone checking your home daily.

IF YOUR PIPES UNFORTUNATELY FREEZE AND BURST, CALL SERVPRO OF GREENSBURG TO HELP ASSIST YOU IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS at 724-837-8830.  

Mold and Mildew from Water Damage

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure to look for the signs of water damage in your home.

With the ongoing rain and high temps in the Greensburg area, it has been a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.   

Make sure you’re prepared during the summer season! 

1. Stay vigilant during flooding season.  You may not realize your home is leaking water until it's too late. This water can lead to potential mold and mildew growth.
2. Purchasing a simple hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home can do wonders.  The ideal humidity level in your house should be 40-50%.  Temperature also plays a key role in managing the mold growth in your home.  Keep your home around 68-72 degrees.  
3. If you cannot manage the humidity in your home, you may need to purchase a dehumidifier.  This will work to take any lingering water out of the air in your home. 

If you are noticing signs of mold or water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Greensburg today.  We use top of the line anti-microbial cleaners and dehumidifiers to eradicate any signs of mold and water damage.  If your home or business is at risk for mold, call us at 724-837-8830.

Westmoreland County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greensburg 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 - 724-837-8830

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 Greensburg 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 Greensburg

SERVPRO of Greensburg 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.

Washing Machine Leaks Require Urgent Water Removal In Westmoreland Homes

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Water removal services are essential for anyone who has had a significant water leak in their home. The laundry room inside your home can be struck with significant water damage when your washer begins to gush water. A water-supply line can become detached and began to flood the carpeted room with water at a quick pace. By the time you noticed, the water has covered the floor, and it is beginning to leak into the rest of your home. Turning off the water in your home is essential at this point, but you can't call a plumber right away, if there is too much water.  

It is imperative for you to call for a Westmoreland based water removal service as fast as possible. Getting professionals onto the scene to remove the excess water allows you to get an appliance service expert in faster. Until the water-supply line is fixed, you can't turn the water back on, or else the problem can begin all over again.  

When you reach out to SERVPRO of Greensburg, we make an effort to travel to your home as quickly as possible because we understand how stressful the situation is. Once we arrive, we can launch right into removing the excess water from your home. At SERVPRO, we use advanced trade technology to do our jobs, ensuring that qualified technicians and proper equipment restore your home.  

We use industrial-quality wet/dry vacuums to remove the water as fast as possible. SERVPRO uses these particular devices because they can remove large volumes of water swiftly. If the volume of water is significant enough, we can even bring truck-mounted tools to do the job.  

After removing the majority of the water from your laundry room, SERVPRO can use extractors on your carpeted floor. Extractors are like wet/dry vacuums but designed for drying carpets, upholstery, and drapes. A heating element warms the fabric as it pulls moisture from it, drying it as it extracts water.  

Once the water has been adequately cleaned up, SERVPRO will place the proper drying equipment and monitor until all affected areas are dry.

When water damage strikes your home, always get help right away. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Greensburg by phoning (724)837-8830. Our techs are always prepared to help as soon as possible.

6 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Below zero temperatures are heading to Greensburg and the entire Westmoreland County this weekend.  Here are some tips on ways to help prevent frozen pipes.

1.  Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to reach plumbing/pipes.  
2. Keep all garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
3. Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night, making sure it is never below 55 degrees F. 
4. Allow the faucet to drip if it is served by pipes on an exterior wall. Running water through the pipe can help prevent pipes from freezing.
5. Make arrangements to have a neighbor check on your home during a cold spell if you are out of town. 
6. Turn the water off at the main if you know you will be away for an extended period of time. 

Stay warm neighbors, and remember SERVPRO of Greensburg is here for any water and/or fire emergencies you may have!  Our emergency restoration technicians are available 24 hours a day. 

Tips to Prevent Water Damage

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

1. Ensure Good Drainage

• Clean you gutters and repair if sagging occurs.
• Direct downspouts 5-10 ft. away from the house.
• Inspect your gutters' capacity - after 15 min. of heavy rain, if water overflows the gutters, install additional downspouts.
• Adjust landscaping and irrigation so that water flows away from the foundation.

2. Test Your Sump Pump

• Run your sump pump every few months and clean it annually before the rainy season.
• Prevent backflow of sanitary sewer water by installing backflow valves and standpipes at all basement drain locations, including sinks and toilets.

3. Fix Water Leaks

• Repair any noticeable dripping pipes & check for dark spots under pipes and on ceilings.
• Repair any cracked caulking.
• Inspect the roof for missing, lose or damaged shingles.

Prepare your basement "just in case" by raising your washer, dryer, water heater, oil tank, furnace, all electrical wiring and personal items above typical water backup levels.

Fantastic Tips from houselogic: National Association of Realtors