Recent Water Damage Posts

Steps to take when you find a water leak

12/6/2024 (Permalink)

Finding a water leak in your home can be stressful, but taking quick action can help minimize damage. Here are some essential steps to take when you find a water leak:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

  • Locate your main water valve and shut it off immediately to stop the flow of water. This can prevent further damage while you assess the situation.

2. Turn Off Electrical Power (if necessary)

  • If the leak is near electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, turn off the electricity to prevent the risk of electrical shock or fire. If you're unsure, call an electrician.

3. Contain the Leak

  • If possible, use towels, buckets, or containers to catch or divert the water away from important or sensitive areas (e.g., electrical outlets, valuable items).

4. Identify the Source of the Leak

  • Try to locate where the leak is coming from. This could be a broken pipe, a leaky faucet, a roof leak, or an appliance malfunction. Knowing the source will help you take the next steps.

5. Assess the Damage

  • Take note of the extent of the damage. Check surrounding walls, floors, and ceilings for signs of water damage. Take photos for insurance claims if necessary.

6. Call a Professional

  • For significant leaks, or if you’re unable to locate the source, it’s best to call a plumber or SERVPRO Team Harloe. They can stop the leak, assess any structural damage, and help with cleanup and restoration.

7. Dry the Area

  • Remove excess water from the affected area as quickly as possible using towels, a mop, or a wet/dry vacuum. This will help prevent mold and mildew from forming.
  • Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the space. If necessary, remove carpets or upholstery that have absorbed water.

8. Check for Mold

  • After the area is dry, inspect for any signs of mold or mildew. If you find mold, you may need to contact a mold remediation specialist to address the issue safely.

9. Notify Your Insurance Company

  • Contact your insurance company to report the leak and any damage. Provide documentation, including photos and any repair estimates, to assist with your claim.

10. Prevent Future Leaks

  • Once the leak is repaired, take preventive steps to avoid future leaks, such as regular plumbing inspections, cleaning gutters, and insulating pipes to avoid freezing.

By acting quickly and safely, you can reduce water damage and protect your home. If you're ever unsure about handling a water leak, it's always a good idea to call a professional for help! 

Give SERVPRO Team Harloe a call today!

The Three Different Categories of Water

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

When a water event occurs in your property, damage to the structure and contents can occur. The type of water that affects a building includes:

Category 1 water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. In most cases drying procedures are recommended.

Category 2 water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted by people. For this category, environmental interpretation is critical as drying for some materials is acceptable while removal of others must occur

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. In most cases removal is necessary and environmental remediation is necessary.

When a water event occurs a water extraction contractor is generally hired to remove the water. However, the ability of the contractor to identify the water category, deal with the issues of health and safety properly as well as remove or dry out the affected building materials and contents can vary greatly.

Assessment for water damage independently of the water removal contractor ensures that the project is dealt with relative to the category of water, health and safety concerns are identified and controlled and their work product is validated.

It's the Water you Don't See

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

It's The Water You Don't See...

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a water loss. When time matters most, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. 

Here are a few tools used by Professional Restoration Contractors to properly mitigate a loss; 

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

Moisture Meters- used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The meter provides accurate readings to monitor the drying process. 

Thermo Hygrometers- measures temperature and relative humidity to calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When handling a contaminated loss (CAT 2 or 3), it is not only important to dry the structure, but disinfect and deodorize. 

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

Thermal Foggers- dispenses solvent-based products by creating a dense fog that consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles. 

Three Easy Maintenance Tips You Can Use To Extend The Life Of Your Water Heater

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

We provide 24/7 emergency services 365 days a year.

Three Easy Maintenance Tips You Can Use To Extend The Life Of Your Water Heater

Your water heater's life expectancy is typically 10-12 years. However, you can begin to experience problems early on if you do not properly maintain your water heater. Regular maintenance on your water heater can extend the life span of your unit while helping prevent the likelihood of a catastrophic failure that can cause severe damage. 

Below are a few simple tips on water heater maintenance you can use to prolong the life of your hot water heater. 

Tip #1: Frequently Flush Your Water Heater 

Your water heater stores water, even when you are not using it. If you do not flush your water heater annually, mineral deposits will begin building up in the unit. As mineral deposits continue to build up in your water heater, the heating elements become stifled. As more deposits build up on the heating elements, your water heater becomes less effective in retaining heat. 

To flush your water heater, first, you need to turn off the power source to your unit, whether it is gas-powered or electric. Next, you need to connect one end of a hosepipe to the valve of your water heater and place the opposite end of the hosepipe outside or in a safe area to flush the water out. Before turning on the valve on your water heater, turn on a faucet nearby to help create a better flow in the system. Be careful when opening the valve; the water in your water heater will be hot. You need to flush the water for about 5-10 minutes or until the water runs clear. 

Tip #2: Lower Temperature 

A simple water heater maintenance tip is to lower the temperature level of the unit. Lowering the temperature can help:

  • Reduce the chance of being scolded 
  • Decrease utility bills 
  • Prolong the life of the unit

Higher temperatures can cause quicker wear and tear on your water heater. It is recommended you set the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help reduce energy usage. 

Tip #3: Frequently Check The Pressure Relief Valve

Another quick and easy water heater maintenance tip is checking your pressure relief valve. If the pressure builds in your water heater, it can cause a catastrophic failure that may lead to the unit itself exploding. 

You can quickly fix this by turning off the power source to your unit and turning off the cold water supply valve. Place a bucket under the pressure release valve and drain the pressure using the valve tab. Once the pressure buildup is gone, the water will stop draining. 

Water Heater Maintenance Importance

Utilizing these three simple tips can prolong the life of your water heater and assist in preventing costly water damage. The average life of your water heater can differ depending on regular maintenance and the type of unit. 

If you are experiencing water damage caused by your water heater, SERVPRO Of South Greenville County is ready to assist you. We provide 24/7 emergency services 365 days a year. We have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property and make your water damage "Like it never even happened."

Found Water In Your Crawl Space? Here Is What You Need To Do.

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

If you notice moisture in your crawl space, you should have a professional fix it right away before it creates costly issues.

Found Water In Your Crawl Space? Here Is What You Need To Do. 

Your crawl space is probably the most neglected part of your home. You probably do not check your crawl space as often as you should. Water can get in your crawl space and create several problems in your home. When the ground gets wet and dry throughout the seasons, this can lead to elevated moisture in your crawl space. 

What Happens When Your Crawl Space Is Wet

There are three common ways water can get in your crawl space: a leaky pipe, water seepage from the soil, or condensation. When you see puddles of water in your crawl space, you need to address them immediately. Excess moisture in your crawl space can cause rot, energy loss and attract pests to your home. 

Here are some of the problems you will experience when you have excess water and moisture in your crawl space: 

  • High Energy Bills: Having a crawl space means you have more area to heat and cool. However, when there is wetness inside your crawl space, the damp air will take more energy to heat up or cool down; in turn, you will use more power and have higher energy bills. 
  • Mold: Undeniably, mold loves moisture, and it feeds on organic materials, such as paper, wood, and cardboard. When mold is present in your crawl space, it will release airborne spores that can make their way into your home. Mold spores can cause health effects and can have a detrimental effect on your property. 
  • Dust Mites and Pests: Dust mites love humid environments, which means they would love to be in the dirt in your crawl space. They can float in the air and trigger allergies and asthma. Dust mites can also attract pests, such as termites, mice, rats, and even snakes. 

Fix Your Crawl Space Problem

If you notice water in your crawl space, the first thing you should do is determine where the source of water is emerging. Surface water that gets into your crawl space comes from roof drainage, overflowing gutters, grading issues, or leaky basement windows. Groundwater could be another reason there is excess water in your crawlspace. Soil that surrounds your foundation can become overly saturated after heavy rain or snow. Finally, issues with your plumbing can also cause water to get into your crawl space. 

Always Keep It Dry

When you have identified why water gets into the crawl space, you will find ways to keep it dry. A dehumidifier and sump pump system can prevent water and moisture damage. Now, if your crawl space leaks when it rains, you need to get it under control. The main goal here is to get rid of humidity in the crawl space to prevent moisture. 

Conclusion

When water is in your crawl space, it can be an enormous problem for you if you do not address it immediately. It is always a good idea to have regular inspections to ensure that everything is well. If you notice moisture in your crawl space, you should have a professional fix it right away before it creates costly issues.  

SERVPRO of South Greenville County offers excellent water damage restoration. Let us make it "Like it never even happened." Call us today - (864) 292 - 3137. 

Simple Steps You Can Take To Prevent an HVAC Water Damage

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Simple Steps You Can Take To Prevent an HVAC Water Damage

If your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is not maintained correctly, it can cause severe water damage, leaving you with a huge mess to clean up. Clogged drains, frozen evaporator coils, and pipes that are not connected correctly are common causes of HVAC water damage. You must care for your HVAC system at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps to prolong the life of your unit and prevent additional heating or cooling expenses. Most HVAC maintenance tasks are pretty easy to do yourself, so there is usually no need to hire a professional most of the time. 

Preventing HVAC Water Damage

Change your HVAC filter regularly.

  • Changing the filter prevents the unit from overworking, which can cause freezing and then defrosting on the evaporator coils, leading to HVAC water damage.
  • Change the filter at least once a month with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Some air filters only need to be changed twice a year or once a month, depending on their type and how often you use your HVAC system.
  • Check your instruction manual first to know what type of filter you need and how often you need to change it.
  • Hire a contractor to change the filters if the filters are inside the furnace or air handler.

Clean the condenser

  • The condenser is the exterior portion of your air conditioner or heat pump. It requires proper airflow to work correctly.
  • Once a year, at the beginning of spring, remove any dirt or other debris accumulating on the condenser.
  •  Keep plants away from the condenser and remove any covers from it to ensure proper airflow.
  • Leave at least two feet of space between the unit and the bushes or shrubs in your yard.

Maintain the condensation drain line

  • When your AC unit runs, check the condensation line opening to make sure you see water flowing to the drain. The amount of water that flows depends on the humidity level in the house.
  • Clean the AC drainage holes. Locate the drainage hole on the base of the cabinet (beneath the evaporator fins). Use a paper clip or wire to poke through the hole and clear it, thus ensuring the AC drainage is kept clear.
  • Once or twice a year, flush out your drain line with an algaecide to prevent mold or algae from forming. Use a commercial solution or regular bleach.
  • Make sure to properly connect and install the main drain line and emergency drain line.
  • Check that the pipe is oriented correctly, as the weather might have knocked it out of alignment.

How to unclog the drain line

  • Sometimes, the drain line gets clogged with algae, dirt, mineral deposits, and even mold or mildew, causing water to overflow into your home.
  • Attach a wet/dry vacuum to the drain line (removing the paper filter first) and suck the clog out.
  •  Install an overflow shut-off device on the drain line to automatically turn off the AC unit if the drain line backs up.

Install a condensation pump

  • To avoid HVAC water damage, install a condensation pump in your unit. That helps excess water flow into the proper disposal drain.
  • Additionally, install a safety float switch to automatically shut down the power to the AC unit whenever condensation builds up when there is a risk of water overflow.

Maintain the overflow drain pan

  • Your unit's drain pan collects water that has overflowed due to a clogged drain line.
  • Over time, the drain pan may get damaged, resulting in leaks and water damage. If you notice leaks near the drain pan, carefully inspect it for damage using a flashlight.
  •  Patch small holes or cracks using epoxy glue or replacing the pan entirely.
  •  Clean the drain pan regularly. Rinse the pan and clean it with a bleach-water mixture to clear out any dirt or mold growth.

Is your HVAC unit causing water damage? SERVPRO of South Greenville County can help!

Knowing how to prevent your AC from leaking is sometimes not enough to prevent your unit from causing water damage in your home. When leaks occur, call SERVPRO of South Greenville County (864) 292 - 3137. We will make it "Like it never even happened." 

3 Things You Can Do While Waiting For Help To Arrive

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water is a vital part of life, but water can also destroy anything and everything standing in its path – leaving you with a gigantic mess to clean up.

3 Things You Can Do While Waiting For Help To Arrive

Leaky pipes, burst sewer lines, and natural disasters can leave your home severely damaged. If your home is affected by water damage, you must move fast to avoid secondary damage. 

Dealing with water damage in your home is stressful, especially when it can lead to more problems for you later on. While these repairs often call for help from SERVPRO of South Greenville County, there are a few steps you can utilize to minimize damage while you wait for help to arrive. 

What Does Water Damage Affect?

Water is a vital part of life, but water can also destroy anything and everything standing in its path – leaving you with a gigantic mess to clean up. As a homeowner, you must understand what areas water can seriously damage within your home. You need to inspect the following locations for damage:

  • Drywall
  • Plaster
  • Insulation
  • Wood
  • Framing
  • Floor coverings
  • Electrical wiring
  • Pipes
  • Appliances
  • HVAC

As you can see, water can wreak havoc on your home’s structure and foundation and quickly wrack up a hefty restoration bill if left unattended.

What to Consider Before Water Damage Restoration?

To determine whether you will clean up the area yourself or call SERVPRO of South Greenville County, the first thing you want to do is to evaluate your situation and consider a few of these factors:

Water Volume:

If you have a small amount of water in your home, you can typically manage the cleanup on your own if you have the proper tools. However, if there is a significant amount of flooding that is not going away despite your efforts, it is best to call a SERVPRO of South Greenville County.

Source of Damage:

Before you call us, you need to determine the source of water. There are three categories of water we use to assess the severity of damage in your home.

  1. Category One: Water in category one originates from a sanitary source. Rainwater, water from leaky pipes, burst supply lines, broken toilet tanks or toilet bowls, or water from overflowed sinks or tubs, is categorized as a category one level of contamination. This water does not contain any contaminants and will not harm you. 
  2. Category Two: Water leaking from appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine is gray water. It is slightly contaminated and categorized as a category two level of contamination. 
  3. Category Three: Category three water is the most harmful type of water and is heavily contaminated. This water comes from the sewer or flooding from a nearby water source such as a river. It contains health hazards and is unsafe to handle.

3 Thing You Can Before Help Arrives: 

Properly assess your situation, and call SERVPRO of Pickens County. It is important to note that wet materials begin to mold after 24 hours, so you don’t have time to wait! There are a few things you can do while you wait for our arrival. 

1.Disconnect Outlets:

When you discover water damage, you need to unplug all electronics immediately. While you may not see the severity of the water damage, you still need to exercise caution around appliances and gas lines. Using this equipment could cause electrical shocks or even explosions. 

2. Inspect For Mold: 

Certain mold strains are toxic to humans and pose serious health effects. Mold can rapidly spread through your entire home once it attaches to organic material, so it is in your best interest to inspect for growth to avoid any health effects. 

3. Dry Water Out: 

If possible, you need to eliminate all moisture and dry out the affected areas. You can use fans or a large-capacity dehumidifier to circulate air and dry out the carpet, wood, and other surrounding materials. While this won’t prevent mold growth altogether, properly drying out the area will help minimize the damage.

Your Household Appliances And Water Damage

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Your Household Appliances And Water Damage 

Any appliance with whose pipes or other fixtures feed into a water line has the potential to develop clogs or spring leaks that can lead to serious water damage if left unchecked. Below are the five most common sources of water damage we see most often.  

  1. Toilets. Overflowing toilets are usually caused by a clogged drain or a malfunctioning float that allows too much water to flow into the tank. 
  2. Dishwashers. Faulty float switches or strainers clogged with food and debris can cause dishwashers to overflow and pour water into your home.  
  3. Washing Machines.  Clogged floor drains and loose hose connections are usually the main reasons why washing machines overflow. 
  4. Water Heaters. A faulty temperature and pressure relief valve, a leaky plumbing connection, or corrosion can cause your water heater to malfunction and flood your home. 
  5. Refrigerators.  The most common source of water damage we see is refrigerators. Most refrigerators are fitted with drain lines or ice makers. Drain lines in refrigerators can easily clog, which can cause water to puddle around the bottom of the fridge. Ice makers in refrigerators can cause water damage when the water supply line springs a leak.  

How Can You Protect Your Home From A Water Damage

7/18/2020 (Permalink)

How Can You Protect Your Home From A Water Damage

You control every aspect of your home, from your decor to the temperature of your ac. Disaster and destructive damage is the last thing you would want to happen to your home. Water damage is especially destructive and can ruin a home within minutes. Although you can't control when or if you will have water damage, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk. 

  1. Water Heaters: Water heaters will not last forever. Over time, corrosion will damage the tank and cause leaks. However, you can prevent this by installing a tray or drip pan under your water heater. 
  2. Groundwater infiltration: We recommend installing a sump pump to alleviate groundwater from flooding your home. Install an emergency generator so the pump will always be ready to operate at all times. 
  3. Sewer Back-Up: To prevent your sewer from backing up, make sure the main wastewater pipe is fitted with a backflow valve. This valve will need to be inspected regularly by a plumber. 

When disaster strikes call SERVPRO of South Greenville County (864) 292 - 3137

Does Your Basement Have a Moisture Problem?

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Does Your Basement Have a Moisture Problem? 

A wet basement feels gross and smells disgusting. Basements with moisture control issues can ruin your floors, walls, and can cause mold to grow not only in your basement but in your home as well. The first step to successfully stopping your basement from becoming flooded with water is to identify the root problem. Here are four strategies you can utilize to keep your basement dry. 

  1. Reshape the landscape: Create a berm (a mound of dirt) or a swale (a wide, shallow ditch) landscape features that redirect water long before it reaches your house. 
  2. Plug gaps:  Do you notice water dripping through cracks or gaps around plumbing pipes? You can plug these yourself using hydraulic cement or polyurethane caulk.
  3. Restore the crown:  Your home should sit on a "crown" of soil that slopes at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet in all directions. You can build this back with a shovel and dirt. 
  4. Add gutter extensions: You can add plastic or metal gutter extension to guide water further out if your downspouts are dumping water less than 5ft away from your home. 

If you are having moisture issues in your basement, call SERVPRO of South Greenville County (864) 292 - 3137. For more information, please visit www.SERVPROsouthgreenvillecounty.com

How To Minimize Flood Damage to Your Home.

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

How To Minimize Flood Damage to Your Home. 

Sometimes no matter how much we prepare for a flood, flooding will happen. However, we've put together a few tips to help you minimize the damage should your home flood. 

  1. Invest in flood insurance. If your home is flooded, be sure to take plenty of photos and videos for your insurance adjuster. 
  2. Be sure your gutters and drains are clear to allow water to run freely through them. 
  3. If you have a sump pump, make sure it is turned on and in good running condition. 
  4. Use sandbags to block any gaps that could lead to flooding. 
  5. If your home does flood, open up windows and doors to allow the air to move throughout the house and dry things out. 
  6. Shut off the electricity before a flood, to avoid any electrical damage. 

If you have water damage to your home please call SERVPRO of South Greenville County (864) 292 - 3137. Please visit www.SERVPROsouthgreenvillecounty.com/ for more information. 

When Your Dishwasher Makes A Mess - Call SERVPRO of South Greenville County.

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

This homeowner noticed his dishwasher leaking. Wanting to get ahead of the damage he called SERVPRO of South Greenville County. Our crew arrived ready to mitigate the damage. Unfortunately, we found more damage than we expected. The continuous hardwood floors showed significant signs of water damage. Once our team took some moisture readings, they discovered the subfloor was saturated and brittle. Before the techs could remove the floors, we moved the homeowner's furniture, keepsakes, and other belongings into our safe and secure warehouse. The cabinets, flooring, and subfloor were removed. Drying equipment such as fans and dehumidifiers were placed around the areas to dry out the structure. After a few days, the home was dry and ready for the restoration department to reinstall the cabinets and install the new flooring.

Who Do You Call When Your Basement Is Flooded? SERVPRO of South Greenville County.

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

You walk into your finished basement and find that your water heater has burst. What do you next? Before you panic, call SERVPRO of South Greenville County. This homeowner didn't waste any time and gave us a call. Our production crew went out and immediately began gathering moisture readings. The readings allowed the crew to create a drying plan specifically tailored to this structure. Next, special drying equipment was set up around the home. Our crew members monitored daily and took new moisture readings throughout the drying process. Then the demolition process began. Our technicians removed the affected flooring and parts of the baseboards. We kept the homeowner updated by providing them with daily updates on the progress of drying and demo. The customer was blown away by the end result.

When you have a disaster - your first step should be to call SERVPRO of South Greenville County 864 - 292 - 3137!

Call SERVPRO of South Greenville County When You Have Standing Water

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

This homeowner walked into a room full of standing water. The water heater burst and dumped mass amounts of water into the home. After surveying the damage, the homeowner discovered the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, closet, and the living room had water damage. SERVPRO of South Greenville County responded with a crew that was ready to make it "Like it never even happened." Our technicians immediately began extracting the water from the wet flooring. While some of our technicians worked to remove materials that were not salvageable, others set up special drying equipment.  The carpet padding, vinyl flooring, and part of the drywall were removed to aid in and speed up the drying process. We kept our the homeowners updated through daily monitors and taking moisture readings. 

What Happens When Water Damage Goes Unnoticed?

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

After noticing a few weird lumps in their hardwood floors, this homeowner decided to call SERVPRO of South Greenville County. Upon further investigation, the homeowners discovered that their main water line had ruptured under the slab floor in their kitchen. Our team arrived at the home and found that most of the flooring throughout the home displayed signs of water damage. Our production team took moisture readings from various areas of the structure and created a plan to mitigate the existing damage. Before beginning any demolition, the crew moved the homeowner's contents into a safe and secured storage container. While part of the team ripped up the severely damaged flooring, the other half was set up drying equipment to stabilize the structure. After we completed the demo and dried out the structure, our team removed the drying equipment and prepped the area for restoration. 

Tips To Minimize Water Damage From a Flood

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Tips To Minimize Water Damage From a Flood: 

To prevent water damage from a flood from ruining your home use these tips and tricks. 

  1. Have your plumber check the sump-pit and sumps pump (if you have them) to ensure they are working correctly and not blocked. 
  2. Ask your plumber about installing a backwater valve. This device stops water and sewage from coming back into the house during heavy rainfall. 
  3. Invest in water leak sensors and alarms that alert you to leaks in the home. 
  4. Keep your floor drains clear of obstructions. 
  5. Seal cracks around windows and in the basement, foundation and floors. 
  6. Protect your HVAC system. If possible have a professional elevate the furnace and hot water tank, to get it off the basement floor.
  7. Install shelves in your basement to keep items off your floor. Do not keep valuables and important documents in the basement. Store them upstairs where they are less likely to become damaged. 
  8. Do not pour fats, oils, and grease down your drain. They can solidify and clog pipes. 
  9. When there is heavy rain minimize your water use.  

Tips To Minimize Water Damage From A Flood: Inside The Home

Prevent Water Damage On Your Roof

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Prevent Water Damage On Your Roof

Replace Missing Shingles as Soon as Possible: Cracked, bent, and missing shingles provide an opportunity for leaks. 

Fix Ponding Surfaces Immediately: If pools of standing water are on your roof after it rains, you could have a big problem. Ponding can leave you vulnerable to rot and leaks. 

Clean Your Gutters Regularly: Gutters carry rainwater and rain runoff away from your roof and siding. If your gutters are clogged, they can't function properly. Lookout for leaks, rusted or twisted gutters. These could present problems down the line. 

Inspect Flashing Around Vents, Valleys, chimneys, Pipes, Skylights, and other Punctures and Seals: Any place where there are opening or joints in your roof, there is a potential for leaks. 

Keep an Eye on Your Attic Ceiling: You can spot leaks through the damage on your attic ceiling. If you notice damaged or moldy insulation, rotting, stained boards or ceiling tiles, puckering or discolored sheetrock, you might have a leak. 

Remove Ice Dam Buildup During Heavy Snows: You can prevent ice dams manually by using a roof rake to scrape off the snow and ice. 

Best Ways To Prevent Water Damage On Your Roof  

Faster To Your South Greenville Water Damage

9/30/2018 (Permalink)

Faster To Your South Greenville Water Damage: 

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of South Greenville County 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 South Greenville County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

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) 292-3137

5 Tips To Prevent Water Damage To Your South Greenville County Home

9/29/2018 (Permalink)

5 Tips To Prevent Water Damage To Your South Greenville County Home


Water is very invasive and can quickly spread throughout your property in a matter of minutes, absorbing into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of South Greenville County is always here to help whenever you may have a flood or water damage emergency. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent water damage from happening to your South Greenville County home.

Be Careful Where You Plant: Some plants and trees have invasive roots. These roots can grow into water lines and cause major damage to your home. Be mindful of sprinkler systems, drainage fields, pipes and septic tanks when planting.

Clean Out Roof Gutters: Clogged gutters can cause water to pour into your foundation, the roof, or your basement. A good way to prevent this is to remove any leaves, bird's nests, sticks, etc from gutters.

Keep An Eye On Your Water Bill: If you notice your water bill increasing, or you receive one that is unusually high, then you may have a leak somewhere. Keep a close eye on your water bill to avoid prolonged water damage to your home.

Use A Drain Snake Instead Of Unclogging Materials: Clogs are inevitable. There is no way to avoid them, but there are better ways to clear them. Chemical drain cleaners can eat away at your pipes and cause leaks. However, a drain snake can cut through most clogs, wont damage your pipes, and is relatively inexpensive.

Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink: When you pour grease down your sink it can congeal and stick to your pipes. This can cause a blockage and some serious damage. Instead, pour grease into an empty container. Once it has hardened, toss it in the trash to dispose of it.

5 Tips To Prevent Water Damage To Your Home

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Water Damage Tips For Your South Greenville County Home

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage Tips For Your South Greenville County Home


Flooding and water emergencies do not always occur within normal business hours. However, SERVPRO of South Greenville County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night. Below are some tips on what to do until help arrives.

What You Can Do Until Help Arrives:

  • First, ask yourself "is it safe to stay in my home?"
    Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Wet objects can be VERY heavy, use caution before attempting to remove or pick up items.

What To Do:

  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting.
  • Remove table lamps and other tabletop items from wood furnishings and wipe away the excess water.
  • Remove wet upholstery and cushions from the affected area and prop them up for drying.
  • Use aluminum foil or wood blocks and place them between furniture legs and wet carpet.
  • If damaged occurred during the summer, turn on the air conditioner for maximum drying.
  • Remove any wet carpets or rugs.
  • Remove art objects and valuables and place them in a dry safe place.
  • Gather and remove loose items from the floor.

What Not To Do:

  • Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Do not use television or other household items if they have been in the affected area.
  • Do not use ceiling fixtures or ceiling fans if they are wet.
  • Keep out of rooms where the ceiling is sagging.
  • Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.

Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (864) 292-3137

How To Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

12/7/2015 (Permalink)

As winter temperatures begin to creep up around your home you may start feeling nervous about your water pipes and plumbing. If so, you’re not alone. Frozen pipes (or rather, burst pipes) can cause expensive water damage to your home and property. Even a small tear in a water pipe can send hundreds of gallons of water each minute into your home.  

http://porch.com/advice/how-to-prevent-your-pipes-from-freezing/