Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Addressing the Hidden Threat of Unseen Water Damages
7/9/2024 (Permalink)
It's not the water you can see in this photo but the water you cannot see that can cause issues down the road.
Even minor water damage can lead to significant structural and indoor air quality issues over time. To prevent costly restoration in the future, it’s crucial to treat every water issue seriously. SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond is equipped with the tools, expertise, and training to detect and dry hidden moisture before further damage occurs. Proper equipment plays a critical role in minimizing expenses during fire or water emergencies. When time is of the essence, dependable technology and tools are essential for effective action. Our local ®SERVPRO professionals respond promptly with a comprehensive array of drying equipment. Here are some of the tools utilized by SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond experts:
- Moisture Sensors: Detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls.
- Moisture Meters: Measure the moisture content of various materials, providing accurate readings to monitor the drying process.
- Thermohygrometers: Measure temperature and relative humidity to determine the optimal drying environment
In cases of contaminated water losses, it’s critical not only to dry the structure but also to disinfect and deodorize it. SERVPRO employs:
- Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers: Atomize liquid deodorizers to penetrate areas where odor-causing residues accumulate, and to apply fungicides and disinfectants in hard-to-reach places
- Thermal Foggers: Disperse solvent-based products in a dense fog to neutralize odor-causing particles in structures, garments, vehicles, and other inaccessible areas.
In Summary, SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond franchise professionals are equipped with the necessary training and advanced equipment to restore your property swiftly and effectively, ensuring it’s as if the damage never occurred.
6 Steps to Recover from an Emergency Water Loss
7/3/2024 (Permalink)
Water Loss
SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals have the expertise and equipment to quickly restore your property to pre-water damage condition. We use a scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup that emphasizes monitoring and documenting the drying process from beginning to end.
Have Water Damage?
Call Today 660-240-5105
While each water damage is unique and demands a customized solution, the general process typically involves six essential steps. Click on any of the steps below to learn more about that specific part of the process.
Contact us! When you call us, our specialist will ask you several questions to assist SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals in responding to your water emergency promptly and effectively. This initial interaction is crucial for ensuring a swift and efficient restoration process.
What’s the damage? Our team conducts a thorough inspection of your property to assess the water damage, identifying affected areas and the type of damage present. This step is critical for devising a precise plan of action that ensures a successful restoration process.
Let’s remove that water! In most cases, our powerful pumps and vacuums are employed to extract hundreds or thousands of water during the removal process. The SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals initiate this crucial step promptly to mitigate additional damage and prevent the onset of mold growth.
We aren’t done yet! Once the majority of the water has been extracted, SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals use specialized equipment to target the water that’ harder to access. They use less intrusive, scientific drying techniques, using air movers and dehumidifiers to eliminate remaining water and moisture from your property.
We take the next step! Water damage extends to your personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, and other items. SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals employ various specialized cleaning techniques to restore salvageable items. They also sanitize using antimicrobial treatments and eliminate odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
And we are done! The final step involves restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. This may range from minor tasks like replacing drywall panels to major reconstruction such as rebuilding entire rooms.
Reach out if you have any questions!
Water loss does not discriminate with anyone
9/21/2022 (Permalink)
It is important to remember, when fire or water damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. That’s why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond is so important. Just go to SERVPROchillicothecameronrichmond.com on your mobile phone or call 1-660-240-5105 to get the team, that’s faster to any size disaster. We are a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water or fire. So whether you are responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – be ready for the worst with the very best: Your trusted local SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond franchise professionals. We are always here to help!
Response time is crucial for water loss
7/19/2022 (Permalink)
Water loss timeline is important
SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including holidays.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. 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 Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond has the ability to arrive quickly and start 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 at 660-240-5105
Important 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 72 hours:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and could show signs of microbial growth.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious bio-hazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, microbial growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
About SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond
We specialize 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. Contact our office today with any questions at 660-240-5105.
Your resource for sewer back up
7/19/2022 (Permalink)
When your toilet overflows and you need to consult a professional call us to help at 660-240-5105.
There are three types of contaminated water:
Category 1: "Clean Water"
This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.
- Water from a clean source like a broken water line
- If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3
Category 2: "Gray Water"
This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
- May contain bacteria and viruses
- Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated
Category 3: "Black Water"
This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
- May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
- Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
24 Emergency Service
Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business. Contact us immediately if you experience this kind of loss at SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond 660-240-5105.
Mold occurs in more places than you would think...
7/18/2022 (Permalink)
When there is mold in the home an expert from SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond can assist in removing it properly.
Here are some interesting facts about mold: Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal,” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
- Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
Common Health problems caused by Mold!
- Chronic Sinus Problems
- Nosebleeds
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonia
- Mold-Induced Asthma
- Skin Infections
- Neurological Problems
We here at SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond, want to take away your worries. If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property using our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to re-mediate your mold.
Don't wait! Call SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond today at 660-240-5105.
Cleaning large surface areas as seasonal maintenance pre & post loss
12/6/2021 (Permalink)
Cleaning large surface areas as seasonal maintenance such as ceilings and walls is a step you should not skip.
Ceiling and wall cleaning should be part of the cleaning maintenance of your home or business. It's also necessary to clean walls before painting so that the primer and paint can adhere properly. Whether you are seasonally cleaning or preparing to paint or just looking for professional cleaning, SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond can help.
Ceilings and walls are exposed to: dirt, dust, pet dander, cooking oils, grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. Your heating and air conditioning system can distribute these contaminants throughout your property. Learn more about air duct and HVAC cleaning.
Using SERVPRO’s time-tested and industry-approved steps along with our proprietary cleaning products, we strive to restore your property to original form. often times there is not a need to repaint or refinish and we try to exceed expectations by leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.
Need Professional Cleaning? Call SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Today at 660-240-5105
Sewer Cleanup & Restoration
9/7/2021 (Permalink)
Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.
Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (660) 240-5105
There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond will inspect the contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.
The three types of contaminated water:
Category 1: "Clean Water"
This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly morph into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.
- Water from a clean source like a broken water line
- If left untreated, can morph into category 2 or 3
Category 2: "Gray Water"
This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
- May contain bacteria and viruses
- Can quickly morph into category 3 if left untreated
Category 3: "Black Water"
This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
- May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
- Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
24 Emergency Service
Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond are water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business. For questions please contact our office at 660-240-5105.
Trauma & Crime Scene Clean Up
9/7/2021 (Permalink)
Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve blood borne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.
After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond will respond immediately and have the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.
Need Trauma or Crime Scene Cleanup? Call Today – (660) 240-5105
Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services
- Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals
- Tear gas and pepper spray residues
- Fire extinguisher residue
- Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants
Common Trauma and Crime Scene Scenarios
Crime Scene Residues
From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, we can clean and restore your property after a crime scene investigation.
Blood borne Pathogens
We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Our trained Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.
If you have further questions about our services please contact our office at 660-240-5105.
Document Drying Services
6/22/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:
- Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
- Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
- Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
- Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
- Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
- Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
Move-Outs/Pack-Outs
If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:
- A quicker remodeling process
- Protecting items from potential damage
- Protecting contents from further on-site damage
When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.
Electronic Cleanup
Water-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by water. A SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professional will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:
- Television sets
- DVD players
- Computers
- And more
The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. They start by cleaning the exterior of electronic devices to help stop further corrosion and damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.
When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the water damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage condition, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. Learn more about our document restoration services.
Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:
- Air Drying
- Dehumidification
- Freezer Drying
- Vacuum Freeze Drying
- Vacuum Thermal Drying
Contact SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond today with questions at 660-240-5105.
Response time on a water loss is critical
3/31/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including holidays.
We are here when you need us.
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and get absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond has the ability to arrive quickly and start 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 at 660-240-5105
A Water Damage Timeline
After a loss
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 72 hours:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and could show signs of microbial growth.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious bio-hazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, microbial growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
About SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond
We specialize 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. Contact us today with any questions at 660-240-5105.
ARE YOU WINTER WEATHER READY?
12/3/2020 (Permalink)
Make sure you are ready for winter weather
Are you prepared for the upcoming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. From heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits. Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries. Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to help ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems. Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate a potential flood hazard. Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present. Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe. Ask your local SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond professionals about completing an Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no cost assessment of your facility and provides you with a plan to get back in business faster following a disaster. Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well beforehand. No one ever plans on a disaster, but now, you can plan and prepare for it. When winter weather strikes, call your local SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond professionals to strike back and help make it “Like it never even happened.”
Frozen Pipes are a concern in freezing temps: see important tips for prevention
1/21/2019 (Permalink)
Frozen Pipe during water loss
Northwest Missouri is no stranger to both single digit and subzero temperatures. Our friends over at consumerreports.org have put together a helpful guide to help prevent burst pipes this winter. Prevention is key however, if you are unable to prevent a burst pipe, remember that SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond is "Here To Help"!
How to Beat the Freeze
Once the temperature starts dropping outside, you should take measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running. Research conducted by the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois shows that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space.
Some of the steps experts recommend may go against your better instincts of conserving water and heat, but the extra expense is nothing compared with a hefty repair bill. Here’s what to do:
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)
Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may well have a frozen pipe. “If you suspect the pipes are frozen, be careful when thawing them out because if the pipe has already burst, the water will come flowing out and flood your home,” says John Galeotafiore, who oversees Consumer Reports’ testing of home products and power gear.
If a pipe has broken, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, which is usually at the water meter or where the main line enters the house. If the water is still running and no pipes have burst, you can take the following steps. (Of course, if you suspect a more serious problem, call a plumber.)
Turn on the faucet. As you heat the frozen pipe and the ice plug begins to melt, you want the water to be able to flow through. Running water through the pipe, as cold as it is, will help melt ice in the pipe.
Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. As tempting as it may be, do not use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame; the high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to see whether you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
Call a licensed plumber if you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe.\
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