How NOT to Handle Water Damage

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

What is the absolute worst thing that you can do when it comes to dealing with water damage in your home or business? 

The simple answer is, let it sit. Even if you can't visibly see the water anymore, it doesn't necessarily mean that the issue has been resolved. Letting water damage sit without properly mitigating it can cause more damages and even lead to microbial growth. If you do not know how to deal with a water loss, the best thing that you can do is call a professional.

While removing the water straight away and setting air movers are some of the correct steps to take in the water mitigation process, having a professional there to take moisture readings of the affected space could be what saves your flooring/drywall/contents. Moisture can quickly seep through and sit stagnant where air movers are no longer helpful. Sometimes, although extreme, removal is necessary to properly mitigate. 

Anderson, SC Commercial Water Loss

9/24/2022 (Permalink)

Saturated Office Flooring

This commercial business in Anderson, South Carolina suffered a water loss to their office spaces in a warehouse. The customer called us at SERVPRO of Anderson stating that they walked into gallons of standing water in their office area. Once they called a plumber out, they found the source of the water loss was the hot water line bursting over the weekend. The customer informed us that the plumber was currently fixing the leak and requested out immediate extraction services. Our office staff got to work contacting the production members in the field and got someone to head that way within an hour of the initial call. The customer was really pleased with how quickly the whole process went from first call to someone on site. At SERVPRO of Anderson, you can expect this kind of quick and efficient services for every single service call. 

Once on site, our team provided the extraction service we were called in for and talked over the drying process with the customer. After just five days of drying and a quick clean up with our HEPA vacuum, the job was complete! 

Call us at (864)-224-0285 for our commercial water mitigation services. We are 'Faster to Any Disaster!'

SERVPRO Equipment

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

The right tools for any job.

On any job that SERVPRO of Anderson's production team sets foot on, we are going to have the bare minimum of the SERVPRO Green equipment pictured to the right. No matter the size of the job, all of our trucks and vans are loaded with air movers, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers. 

If you have never experienced a water, fire, or mold loss in your home or business, these tools may look foreign to you. Let us break down some of the equipment you may see if SERVPRO of Anderson comes to mitigate a loss for you. Starting with the three tools pictured;

Air Movers 

An air mover is a high power fan that blows air into the affected space to dry the area as efficiently as possible. Our crew arranges the equipment often to assure maximum drying. 

Air Scrubber

An air scrubber helps to remove toxins and odors from the affected space, such as fire or mold smell. 

Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier works hand in hand with the air mover to help dry the affected space. It can help to stop an microbial growth from happening.

These are just a few of the tools that our crew use to help mitigate the water, fire, or mold damage from your home or business. Some jobs require more specialized equipment to get the job done. Make sure to check out our blog on specialized SERVPRO equipment that we may use on larger jobs. 

Inspection Reveals Leak

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Cause of Loss

This home in Williamston, South Carolina was being inspected for sale when a leak was discovered in the wall leading down to the crawlspace. The homeowners, wanting to get it taken care of right away, called the professionals at SERVPRO of Anderson to come in and take a look. 

After the customer had a plumber out to fix the issue, our production crew found that the leak went from the wall in the family room, upstairs to the bonus room sink, and down to the crawlspace. In the crawlspace, the insulation was wet, the beam was soaked and the subfloor was wet as well. Insulation in the walling also suffered some water damages from the leak.

Our crew removed all affected materials and dried the remaining materials completely with our SERVPRO green drying equipment. The customers were happy to have professionals take care of this water loss, so they could get the home on the market. 

Meet Our Production Crew

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Production Crew Member, Dylan!

This is Dylan, one of SERVPRO of Anderson's many production crew members that serves Anderson, South Carolina residents. He joined our team in 2020 right before the height of the pandemic and is a dedicated part of our team. Dylan was one of the first production members to step up when we began helping our community battle COVID-19, by providing cleaning services. He was on the frontline the entire pandemic and continues to put him self on the frontline as a part of our STORM team. Multiple times a year, he goes out with the rest of our storm team to help assist other SERVPRO's around the U.S. with disaster cleanup and restoration. You can always find Dylan with a SERVPRO mask on!

Categories of Water Damage 2022

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Often times after someone has experienced water damage in their home, they do not know what the next step is. An important part of knowing what to do next, is knowing what kind of water you are dealing with. So that SERVPRO Anderson can help you as fast as possible, here are some helpful tips to look for when dealing with water damage in your home. The categories of water damage are defined by the Institute of International Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Category 1 (White Water)

 Category 1 water damage is caused by water that does not contain contaminates that pose a threat to your health, or clean water. Clean water damage can come from things like a malfunctioning appliance, supply lines, and rainwater. Although category 1 home floods are safe to clean up yourself, it is important to know that clean water can quickly turn into category 2 water damage if left standing for as little as 48 hours.

Category 2 (Grey Water)

 Category 2 water damage, sometimes also referred to as greywater, refers to water that is not sewage, but does contain contaminants. This can include water damage that comes from washing machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, sinks, or an overflowing plumbing fixture. Floodwater that comes from a weather event is also put into the greywater category. If your home has category 2 flooding, it is important to wear protective gear if you attempt to clean it.

 Category 3 (Black Water)

 Category 3 water, or blackwater, is defined as water that is contaminated with pathogens or toxins, such as human waste. In your home, this can come from broken sewage pipes or toilets. Flooding from a weather event that enters a building as a result of a storm or hurricane, can potentially carry contaminants that puts it in the category of blackwater. Due to the nature of the water, most contents that it comes in contact with are unsalvageable and must be torn out.

If you think that your home has been affected by a Category 3 flooding, it is advisable to contact a professional to help you deal with the issue. SERVPRO Anderson is equipped with the right materials and crew to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Frozen Pipes Can Lead to Serious Water Damage

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that water pipes bursting due to freezing temperatures is the leading cause for water damages in the winter months. The cold temperatures are back in the Upstate and with freezing weather comes the chance of frozen pipes. According to State Farm, "even a tiny crack in a pipe can spew hundreds of gallons of water causing flooding, damage to your furnace and serious structural damage. It also presents an immediate potential for mold."

There are three different leading causes of frozen pipes; quick drops in temperature, poor insulation, and thermostats being set too low. State Farm also has a few really helpful tips that could prevent your home or business from suffering water damage from frozen pipes this winter. Prepare by taking these steps before it gets too cold outside. 

• Insulate pipes. Pipe insulation in your home's crawl spaces and attic helps even if you live in an area where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. 
• Use heat tape or heat cables. Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). 
• Seal leaks. Locate and seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets. Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
• Let water drip. A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight when temperatures are cold, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Adjust the thermostat. Keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night also reduces the risk of frozen pipes. During extreme cold, this also helps reduce the strain on the furnace.
• Open cabinet doors. This allows heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

If your pipes do freeze and burst this winter, and you suffer water damages you can call us anytime at SERVPRO of Anderson at (864)-224-0285. 

What is Water Mitigation?

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you have suffered a water loss to your home or business, you might find yourself in need of water mitigation services. However, if you have never experienced a water loss before, you might find yourself asking, 'What is water mitigation'?

FEMA defines mitigation as the process of reducing the loss of property due to the impact of a disaster. While SERVPRO of Anderson provides many types of mitigation services, water mitigation is the process of cleaning, sanitizing, drying, repairing, and restoring property to as close to pre loss condition as possible. Every job that our production team encounters is different and will require its own plan to complete the mitigation process. 

When SERVPRO of Anderson is called out to a water loss, the first thing our production team will do is assess the situation. Then, depending on the extent of the damage or if there is standing water, our team will create a plan of action. If you choose to contact your insurance company, production will work closely to get everything approved to begin. The first goal is to dry out all affected contents and materials. This is done with extraction tools, dehumidifiers, and air movers to remove all humidity to eliminate a mold-friendly environment. After all materials are dry or removed, reconstruction may begin. 

Water mitigation is an important process if you have suffered a water loss. Give us a call today at SERVPRO of Anderson. (864)-224-0285.

HVAC Water Damage

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that you should maintenance your HVAC system at least once a year by a professional. The best time to have your HVAC serviced is before the peak of summer and winter. This helps to not only maintain your appliance, but also prevent water damages to your home.

SERVPRO of Anderson multiple jobs every year where an HVAC has leaked into the attic, causing water damage to multiple floors of the home. The drain pan overflows into the attic, where most HVAC systems are placed, and leaks down into insulation, drywall, and flooring. While this can be avoided with routine maintenance, sometimes disaster strikes anyway. Call a professional to mitigate any water damages your home or business may suffer at (864)-224-0285.

Common Commercial Water Losses

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Anderson, we know firsthand how devastating a water loss can be to a commercial building. It can stop everyday production from taking place, losing money and customers. Knowing what to look for and the top causes of water loss in a commercial building, could help prevent disaster from striking your business. 

• HVAC Issues
• Roof Leaks
• Broken or Damaged Pipes
• Natural Disaster
• Sprinkler Default

These are just a few of the top causes of water loss at commercial buildings that our production crew have encountered over the past few years. Maintaining these things could save you time and money. Some things, however, like natural disasters cannot be avoided. If your commercial building does suffer a water loss, it is important to call the professionals right away. Our production crew can be reached 24/7 at (864)-224-0285!

Hurricane Sam

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Last week, Hurricane Same brought multiple days worth of rain to the upstate of South Carolina. This heavy rain has resulted in some minor flooding to many homes and businesses. SERVPRO of Anderson has a production team that is trained and experienced in storm jobs. We provide extraction, carpet cleaning, demolition and reconstruction services that can help get your home back to pre loss condition. It is important to act quickly when you experience flood damage or when outside water enters your home to help prevent any further damages. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Anderson to make sure the job is done right the first time. Give us a call at (864)-224-0285 for any of our services. 

Personal Protective Equipment – Water Mitigation

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water mitigation jobs come in all types of variety because of the different types of water damage. The three types of water damages are white, grey, and black. Depending on which type of water our production crew is going to encounter on a job greatly effects they type of personal protective equipment they will wear.

White water jobs usually only entail a mask and some sort of foot protection, there are some water jobs that call for extra personal protective equipment. The different types of water that the loss encountered determine what kinds of PPE our crew will be sporting.

White water cause of loss would be where our crew only need a mask and foot protection. This is because white water is considered clean water. Grey water might call for a few extra pieced of PPE, like gloves and eye wear. This time of water loss might contain contaminants, so it is important to take those extra steps. Finally, Black Water is where you might see our production crew fully suited. This type of water loss can be contaminated with pathogens and toxins. At SERVPRO of Anderson, a black water job would entail full body suit, eyewear, gloves, and a HEPA mask.

Summer Water Heater Damage

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

This summer at SERVPRO of Anderson we have had multiple calls regarding a water loss due to water heater pipes busting. Did you know that this occurrence is very common? There are a few things that causes these pipes to burst in the summertime and a few ways that you can prevent it. Some of the main issues that cause pipes in the water heater to burst during the summer are, pipe erosion and corrosion, clogged pipes, and pipes that have been poorly installed. The best thing you can do to help prevent any kind of pipe bursting is to stay ahead of any erosion or corrosion or clogged pipes by having them inspected annually. This will help to prevent any kind of build up that can lead to severe water damage. Even if you do stay on top of yearly maintenance of your pipes, accidents can still happen. If you do find yourself suffering water damage due to a water heater leak or busted pipe, give us a call at SERVPRO of Anderson. We are available 24/7 for your water mitigation needs. Call us at (864)-224-0285.

Carpet Removal in Anderson, SC Home

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

Partial carpet removal

At SERVPRO of Anderson when we need to remove affected materials, we always speak with the customer to see how they want the job done. Sometimes the homeowners want us to remove as little as possible of the affected materials. As can be seen in the photo below, this carpet removal was limited to just the portion that was affected by water damage. The customers were happy that we could do this for them, because they could continue living in the space without too much disruption to their daily lives. This limited removal not only gave them the freedom to move around, but also completely dried out the area with help of air movers. We are always willing to work around the customer’s needs at SERVPRO of Anderson because we understand that water damage to a home can be very disruptive. Call us at (864)-224-0285 for any of your mitigation needs.

Toilet Supply Line, Cause of Damage

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anderson has many water mitigation jobs that are the result of a toilet supply line leak in their bathrooms. This happens to many homeowners and business owners in the Anderson area, but the good news is, there are ways to prevent this type of leak. However, you do suffer this type of leak, SERVPRO Anderson has a production team is skilled all mitigation services. First, you should know that there are four possible places where the supply line on your toilet can leak. Leaks occur at the nut that connects the supply line to the fill valve, the nut that connects the supply line to the shut off valve, the connection where the valve attaches to the water line, and the washer in the valve itself. How you can prevent leaks from any of these four points is to tighten the nuts as much as they can be without stripping them. If you do suffer a leak, it is important to shut of the water at the shut of valve then call SERVPRO Anderson at (864)-224-0285 for any mitigation services

Second Level Water Damage Seeps Through to First Floor

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Anderson Home Suffers Major Water Damage

This home in Anderson, SC suffered very bad water damage from a sink in an upstairs bathroom. The sink flooded the second floor so much that it seeped through to the first floor, affecting the ceiling and floor below. The customers called SERVPRO of Anderson immediately to come out and help the extract the water and assess the damage for any demolition. The leak from the second floor was so intense that the ceiling on the first floor started to collapse and the floor below was completely saturated. The customers were overwhelmed with the extent of the damage but were happy that our production crew knew just what to do. The process of removing affected material began immediately due to how saturated the materials were. This allowed for the family to begin reconstruction much faster and get their home back to normal. If you experience any water damage in your home, give SERVPRO of Anderson a call at (864)-224-0285.

Water Extraction Steps

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business is flooded with water, sometimes the water needs to be extracted before the restoration process can begin. For proper water extraction and mitigation there are 4 steps to take to ensure things will properly dry. SERVPRO Anderson is available 24/7 to ensure your home or business does not receive any further damage from standing water.

1. Source of Water is Shut Off or Fixed.

Before any steps of extraction or mitigation can begin, the source of the water damage needs to be shut off or fixed. A plumber may be needed in order to get the problem fixed so that our production team can come get your home back to normal.

2. Remove all Standing Water

Once the source of the water has been shut off, SERVPRO of Anderson’s production team can extract all the standing water. Water that stands for too long can cause microbial growth, so it is important to let professionals extract any standing water.

3. Dry Materials and Contents

After any standing water has been removed, equipment is placed to dry flooring, walls, and any affected contents. SERVPRO Anderson uses air movers, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers to help properly dry these things. In some cases, over saturated flooring or walls may need to be removed because equipment cannot properly dry it.

4. Cleaning

The last step is to clean the affected area after the equipment has properly dried all materials and contents. This last step helps to sanitize all contents as well as help with any odors that the water damage may have caused.

If your business or home suffers any water damage, make sure to give SERVPRO Anderson a call for your water extraction needs. SERVPRO Anderson (864)-224-0285!!

Minor Water Damage at Anderson, SC Apartments

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

This water damage was caused by a broken toilet supply line.

This Anderson, SC apartment suffered water damage from a burst toilet supply line. While the apparent damage was minimal and did not need much equipment on site to dry the wall and flooring, it is impossible for our production crew to know if insulation or subfloor were affected. When SERVPRO of Anderson is called out to a water job, production takes readings of all affected area to determine how wet the materials are. Then, according to the readings, calculations are made to determine how much equipment is needed to dry the floors and walls. All equipment that is placed is then monitored over the days that it takes for the materials to give a reading that means all is dry. Even though our crew may get a reading on the outside of the walls, floors, or ceilings that were affected, we cannot guarantee that the insulation or subfloor are also dry. This is why production will sometimes recommend that minor demolition be done to test underlying material to assure everything is dry. It is important to assure that all affected material dry so that further problems do not occur. In the right conditions, it only takes 24 hours for mold to begin growing on wet material. If you experience any water damage in your home, give SERVPRO Anderson a call for you mitigation needs at (864)-224-0285.

Emergency Water Damage Restoration 24/7

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anderson is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 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.

SERVPRO of Anderson has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration. We have completed a number of jobs in the Anderson area and know we have the skills to help you too!

About SERVPRO of Anderson

SERVPRO of Anderson 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.

Different Types of Water Damage

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Often times after someone has experienced water damage in their home, they do not know what the next step is. An important part of knowing what to do next, is knowing what kind of water you are dealing with. So that SERVPRO of Anderson can help you as fast as possible, here are some helpful tips to look for when dealing with water damage in your home. The categories of water damage are defined by the Institute of International Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

 Category 1 (White Water)

 Category 1 water damage is caused by water that does not contain contaminates that pose a threat to your health, or clean water. Clean water damage can come from things like a malfunctioning appliance, supply lines, and rainwater. Although category 1 home floods are safe to clean up yourself, it is important to know that clean water can quickly turn into category 2 water damage if left standing for as little as 48 hours.

Category 2 (Grey Water)

 Category 2 water damage, sometimes also referred to as greywater, refers to water that is not sewage, but does contain contaminants. This can include water damage that comes from washing machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, sinks, or an overflowing plumbing fixture. Floodwater that comes from a weather event is also put into the greywater category. If your home has category 2 flooding, it is important to wear protective gear if you attempt to clean it.

Category 3 (Black Water)

 Category 3 water, or blackwater, is defined as water that is contaminated with pathogens or toxins, such as human waste. In your home, this can come from broken sewage pipes or toilets.

Flooding from a weather event that enters a building as a result of a storm or hurricane, can potentially carry contaminants that puts it in the category of blackwater.

 When it comes to home flooding, category 3 water damage pose the biggest threat to your immediate health and can be the most destructive. Due to the nature of the water, most contents that it comes in contact with are unsalvageable and must be torn out.

If you think that your home has been affected by a Category 3 flooding, it is advisable to contact a professional to help you deal with the issue. SERVPRO of Anderson is equipped with the right materials and crew to help make it, "Like it ever even happened!"

Water Damage in the Laundry Room or Kitchen

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

A leaking refrigerator, or a leaking washer, can cause damage to your home's kitchen and laundry room very fast. If this happens call SERVPRO of Anderson and we will help restore your house back to normal. We know the importance of your kitchen and laundry room, so we will work as efficiently as possible to make sure you are back in your home in no time.

Many homes experience water damage every year and need someone to come restore their home from the damage.

If this is you call SERVPRO of Anderson at 864-224-0285.

Our crew is trained and ready to handle any size job you give us! We have endless equipment that can handle any water damage job. We will bring this equipment into your home and restore it back to its normal condition in no time. Your home will look like the incident never even happened. 

Water Damage Timeline

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Anderson 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 Anderson arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. We understand the fear the customer has when they experience water damage to their home. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs for the customer.

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.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 864-224-0285

Why You Need to Fix Your Water Damage

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

When your property has been damaged by water, you do not have time to wait for a convenient time to start the restoration process. Not only will the water damage continue to get worse and make the restoration process timelier, but it can also cause mold growth in your home if you do not start the restoration process immediately. There is a 24 to 48 hour window from the time something gets wet until mold can start to grow. Once mold stars to grow it can spread very fast.

In order to protect the damage in your home from getting worse it is best to call a restoration service as soon as you find the water damage. That is why SERVPRO of Anderson is a 24 hour emergency restoration service. We are here to help at any time of the day or night to restore your home back to normal! 

Call SERVPRO of Anderson today (864)-224-0285 

Basement Water Damage

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, 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 Anderson 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
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 864-224-0285

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Anderson 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 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment