3 Tips on Sewage Clean Up

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

What To Know About Cleaning Up a Sewage Backup

When a home in our servicing area experiences a sewer backup, it is suggested that you call SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County immediately. This is highly recommended because specific standards should be met when cleaning sewage material. Here is what you may want to know about cleaning up a sewer backup in a home or business.

1. Sewage is Called Black Water

One thing to remember about sewer backup from a flooded toilet is that it is categorized as black water. This category is used to classify any water that may have had to contact with harmful materials such as fecal matter. There are standards for dealing with this type of water designed to help avoid the spread of these contaminants and bacteria.

2. Following Safety Procedures is Important

Following safety standards when performing cleanup from a sewage backup is essential. This includes wearing proper safety gear such as boots, coveralls, gloves, and masks. It is also vital to ensure that no sewage material is tracked to unaffected locations to avoid the spread of bacteria.

3. Professionals Should Handle the Restoration

Any time sewage is involved, a professional must be called. A restoration business will have the tools, training, and standard knowledge to handle any cleaning and repair as quickly and safely as possible. A restoration team should also be able to decontaminate the space and check for any related damages resulting from sewage flooding.
When performing a sewer cleanup, it’s highly recommended to contact a professional for help, as these professionals have the training and tools for safely performing a cleanup. Sewage is considered black water, and all safety precautions should be observed when dealing with this material to help avoid the spread of bacteria. If you have any questions, please contact us at 636-467-5444.

Water Damage is not a DIY Project

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

Despite the magazines, television shows, and internet articles that may have you thinking otherwise, water damage restoration is a job that should only be performed by certified professionals.

SERVPRO of Rolla technicians not only have the know-how to get the job done right, but they also have the specialized tools needed to thoroughly dry your home, preventing further damage and even mold. Additional benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company:

Health Hazards: Depending on the source of the water damage, safety can become a concern. There are three varying degrees of water damage, ranging from clean water to black water, each more hazardous than the next. Black water, the most dangerous of the three, is water that has come into contact with fecal matter, a haven for harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens.

Hidden Damage: Water damage is not always obvious. Sometimes it is found inside walls and under flooring. If you attempt a DIY restoration and fail to diagnose hidden damage, the resulting issues could be extreme…and expensive.

Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional restoration company gives you peace of mind knowing you have done everything in your power to rectify the situation.

Water Damage Repair After Water Leak

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage? Call us!

Need Water Removal Services? – Call SERVPRO

Water clean-up after a water leak often involves removing water from carpeting and underpadding. Water may have seeped from adjacent rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms where the original leak occurred and soaked the carpets, underpadding, and even the subfloor.

SERVPRO provides water damage repair and water cleanup. We take safety very seriously for our employees and especially our clients. For example, floating carpeting and underpadding improves the time it takes to dry the carpet. Dry air is blown under the carpeting to absorb moisture and then dried using dehumidifiers.

While the drying operation is taking place, we implement the following safety procedures to avoid injuries:

• Avoid walking on floated carpets to prevent tripping
• Cover tack strips with foam strips to prevent injuries
• Tack strips can cause health effects

Once everything is dried, our team will reinstall the carpet and padding as part of our water damage restoration service. Fast drying and action by SERVPRO can reduce the possibility of carpet delamination requiring replacement.

Call SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County for water damage repair services. We can help 24/7. Call 5636-467-5444.

What are the benefits of water damage restoration?

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage? We can help!

Once a flood or fire damages an individual's home, it is important for them to attain speedy, efficient water damage restoration services. The restoration process is a multi-faceted one, involving a vast range of services including cleaning and various repairs. Moreover, it is important that this process begins as quickly as possible to ensure that your property isn't subjected to extensive damage. The best way to guarantee that your property is restored quickly and correctly is by obtaining professional water damage restoration services. Here are several reasons why you should take this course of action: 

Fast Restoration 

When you hire a team of professional water damage experts, they will complete your cleanup, repair, and restoration work with lightning speed. The contractors will be able to get the work done quickly due to their extensive experience in the restoration sector. Moreover, restoration firms will typically send multiple contractors to your property at one time. In so doing, the company specialists will be able to preclude your home from falling prey to secondary water damage. 

Mold and Mildew Growth Prevention 

In addition to ensuring the quick restoration of your property, water damage specialists are effective in reducing your susceptibility to a mold and mildew growth. They accomplish this objective by quickly removing excess water from the property. If mold is already present on your property, the water damage experts will utilize industrial grade cleaners and disinfectants to eliminate the fungus with skill and speed. This work is immensely important because ongoing exposure to mold can adversely impact your health. 

Holistic Help 

Another reason it's a good idea to call a water damage restoration company in the wake of a disaster is that they can offer holistic services. Unfortunately, there is a broad range of property issues that can come into being when your property is subjected to water damage. Luckily, water damage experts can address and resolve them all. Some of the services contractors provide to accomplish this objective include vent cleaning, air duct cleaning, odor removal, smoke removal, deodorization, sanitation, and content restoration. 

Don't Delay: Call SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County Today! 

If you're serious about restoring your property after water damage, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is the company to call. Our IICRC-certified technicians offer a full range of restoration services while simultaneously providing each client with 24/7 emergency services. Call us now to learn more about what we can do for you! 636-467-5444.

4 Common Plumbing Repairs Needed in Older Apartment Complexes

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

No job is too big or small!

4 Common Plumbing Repairs Needed in Older Apartment Complexes

Older apartment complexes are sometimes notorious for the complexity and obsolescence of their plumbing systems. It's just a fact of life for landlords. Therefore, it takes a bit of ingenuity to manage some of these antiquated systems. For example, units constructed in the time period of the 1970s to the 1990s sometimes still contain polybutylene piping, a material that has grown so out of favor in the plumbing industry that it is no longer recognized in building codes. Here are four common plumbing issues landlords of older rental units may need to face.

1. Clogged Drains. Since this can result in water backing up and flowing onto the floor, it should be addressed fairly quickly. Options for clearing a clogged drain include using a drain snake, employing a plunger, cleaning out the drain trap, and using a chemical cleaner.

2. Blocked Toilets. The methods for clearing a clogged toilet are similar for those fixing a clogged drain. However, since this could involve the overflow of contaminated water, the services of a reputable water remediation company should be considered if raw sewage spills out onto the floor.

3. Poor Plumbing Designs. This often involves the use of improper materials for pipes, such as polybutylene. If not replaced, this type of piping can result in burst pipes and extensive water damage. Poor design can also refer to the actual physical configuration of the pipes and might include an excessive number of twists and turns and elbow joints that impede water flow.

4. Damaged Discharge Lines. This refers to the lines that lead away from the property and join the municipal water lines. Over time, these lines not only age and weaken, but they also are vulnerable to damage from tree roots and other obstructions.
Some plumbing issues in older units are easier to fix, while others, such as the presence of polybutylene pipes, require major renovations. The services of a water restoration company can be a big help with water damage.

Water Damage is NOT a DIY Job

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Here is a great example of a water damage.

Despite the magazines, television shows, and internet articles that may have you thinking otherwise, water damage restoration is a job that should only be performed by certified professionals. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County technicians not only have the know-how to get the job done right, but they also have the specialized tools needed to thoroughly dry your home, preventing further damage and even mold. Additional benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company:

Health Hazards: Depending on the source of the water damage, safety can become a concern. There are three varying degrees of water damage, ranging from clean water to black water, each more hazardous than the next. Black water, the most dangerous of the three, is water that has come into contact with fecal matter, a haven for harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens.

Hidden Damage: Water damage is not always obvious. Sometimes it is found inside walls and under flooring. If you attempt a DIY restoration and fail to diagnose hidden damage, the resulting issues could be extreme…and expensive.

Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional restoration company gives you the peace of mind knowing you have done everything in your power to rectify the situation.

Defective Sink Plumbing Could Mean Water Damage to Your Residence

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

We are able to help with any water damage!

Sinks are a vital part of any functioning kitchen in any home. While you might go to great lengths to ensure that you are taking care of all the pieces and parts that bring water into your faucets or carry the wastewater back out again, often, it is not enough. When any of these components malfunction, the result could be a damaging amount of water headed through your kitchen very quickly.

This kind of water damage to your home is unpredictable in many ways. Since there are so many pieces that make up a single tub sink in your kitchen, it can be difficult amid an emergency to identify the source of the problem. Knowing where the problem started gets exponentially more difficult if you have multiple basins for your kitchen sink design. While you are going to get wet, you can do a few things to ensure that the problem does not spread or get worse in the affected area.

You must act quickly to get the water shut off, and that starts with calling our emergency SERVPRO response team. Once the initial shock of spraying water or liquid pouring from the cabinetry under the sink has worn off, you have to get yourself underneath the sink and get a look at the piping. Quickly scan the entire assembly for any noticeable fractures or separations, but that is not why you are down there. What you are searching for is a valve that feeds up from the floor into the cabinetry that supplies the faucet with water.

On this pipe, you should notice a valve. It usually has a yellow handle and can be turned 90 degrees to cut the water supply to the sink. After a few moments from turning this valve, you should notice the water slowing and then stop altogether. Since you have already contacted SERVPRO, we are likely en route to your home to assess the water damages that the sink has caused and restore it.

Sometimes there is little to no warning of an impending break to your plumbing for your sink, but its proximity to all your major appliances requires you to move quickly to remove the water and restore any damages. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is equipped with the tools and experience to help you through all phases of this crisis until the problem gets fixed. Give us a call anytime at 636-467-5444.

Water Damage Claim Process

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage? We can help!

Water Damage Claim Process

Whether it comes from bursting pipes, a broken appliance or a leaky roof, water can cause significant damage to your home. It can damage building materials, cause mold growth and ruin electronics. Homeowners insurance can help you pay for repairs. Take the following steps if you find yourself in this situation.

1. Call Right Away

It is important to start your insurance claim as quickly as possible. Not only will this result in completing the process sooner, but it will also help ensure that your claim isn’t affected. Some policies require you to report water damage within a certain time. If this is not done, it can reduce the amount you receive or can result in your claim being denied.

2. Document the Damage

Your insurance adjuster will need information on the areas of the house that were damaged, including whether there are bursting pipes and flooding, as well as any belongings that may need to be repaired or replaced. You should provide a list with pictures and the estimated value of included items.

3. Perform Mitigation

Mitigation is the process of preventing damage from spreading and worsening. This should be done quickly to reduce the amount of time and money needed to make repairs. An emergency cleanup and restoration company can inspect your home, fix broken pipes, remove water, and repair the building along with damaged belongings.

4. Go Over Your Policy

Because individual insurance policies will vary, you should read over yours carefully. Make sure that you are familiar with anything that is required of you while making a claim as well as what is covered by your insurance. This will help the process go more smoothly.

Bursting pipes and other causes of damage can be frustrating to deal with. Making an insurance claim can also be stressful if you are unprepared. Following these steps can help you get through the situation more easily.

For help with your water damage claim call the experts at SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County at 636-467-5444.

Sewage Backup- YUCK!

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

A Pevely, MO homeowner called us whenever sewage was found in their finished basement.

If you have a sewage backup to your property, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is on standby to assist you. Whether it is the middle of the day or the middle of the night, SERVPRO is here to help. We have trained and certified technicians on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you with any sewage water cleanup you need to your property. Backups can happen at any time to any property, commercial or residential. SERVPRO is trained and experienced in handling sewage backups of all kinds.  And not only is our production and field work top-notch, but we have the administrative support to handle all the paperwork involved that you will need for your insurance company or any needs regarding your water damage. Call SERVPRO day or night, anytime, at 636-467-5444. We are centrally located, making our response time to your property very quick!

Info about Water Damage

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

This is our injectidry system we use whenever we are trying to dry and save hardwood flooring.

Now that businesses are beginning to open their doors, the possibility of water damage is much more prevalent. Old pipes that have been sitting dormant during the stay in home order may now be susceptible to leaks. When water damage is present, it spreads quickly, heightening the chances of mold growth and damage to your business or home. It is crucial that the affected areas are properly mitigated as rapidly as possible, and at SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County, we have our service professionals ready 24/7.

What is water damage? Water damage is any harm that is caused by water, which includes flooding, leaks, pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions and many more. Not only can the water ruin your carpets, ceiling, and furniture, but it can also destroy precious family possessions, important documents, and irreplaceable personal items. At SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County, we understand how important it is to protect your personal belongings and documents, and we will set an immediate plan of action to remove or protect your items, while our highly trained and certified experts mitigate the affected areas to prevent further damage or mold development.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is a team of certified water technician specialists with the proper equipment and training to handle your needs. Our experts will assess the damage, extract, and mitigate the water damage and develop a drying plan to make water damage in your home or business “Like it never even happened.” We will keep you updated every step of the way so you can feel confident after disaster strikes.

What does "flood cut" mean?

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

This is an example of what a flood cut is.

Restoration Professionals Often Use the Term "Flood Cut"

A flood cut is a technique that restores use after flooding affects your home. This technique requires a certified professional to cut out sections of drywall to inspect the surfaces behind it. A typical flood cut is cut about two feet above where the water had affected the wall. The main time that SERVPRO restores will have to perform a flood cut is after a flood occurs, or in areas that have been affected for a while. 

Three main circumstances where SERVPRO professionals will have to make a Flood cut   

1. Black Water Floods - (Category 3)

Outdoor flooding can invade your home from overflowing streams or rivers. Category 3 water may contain sewage, chemicals, or dead animal carcasses. Because of the possible toxins in the water, it can be considered contaminated also known as black water or - (Category 3). The reason a flood cut is usually necessary when this type of flooding occurs is that your home’s drywall and insulation behind it are most likely affected by the dirty water making a cut necessary.

1. Wet Insulation

When you can see clear drywall lines from water damage then it is most likely that the insulation behind is also affected. Once the insulation is wet, it takes a while to dry. Remember that insulation is to keep any outdoor temperature from entering the house. Insulation acts almost like a sponge; it absorbs liquid as soon as it touches it. Due to its quick absorption, it is best to remove it when it gets wet. 

1. Mold Growth

Mold can begin to grow behind interior walls and spread quickly if it is not addressed. Flood technicians may perform a flood cut to check for mold and treat the area if any is found. Mold does not need sunlight to grow, it can spread from interior walls to other areas and cause an unpleasant odor in your home. A flood cut can prevent this and keep mold at bay.

Your safety is always our number one priority here at SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County. We are available 24/7 for any questions or concerns 636-467-5444.

How Can I Get Water Damage Out of My Living Room Carpet?

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Call us for all your needs.

Whether water damage comes from a pipe leak, appliance failure, or fixture overflow, even small amounts of water can create more significant problems without fast action. Carpeting and subfloors are particularly vulnerable to mold growth in our area, including structural damage, and unpleasant odors.

When water damage affects your home, SERVPRO technicians are available to render disaster mitigation services day and night to return your home to a preloss condition.

What Can I Do to Reduce the Risk of Mold Growth in Water-Damaged Carpet?

-    Keep nooks and crannies clean. Any surfaces that water damage contacts require sanitation to prevent mold risk. This includes walls and baseboards.

-    Steam clean your flooring. Steam cleaning is an effective way to sanitize carpets. Padding may require replacement, however, especially if it has detached from the carpet.

-    Inspect furniture. If your flooring has water damage, furniture may have also gotten wet. Move and inspect area rugs and upholstery to assess the scope of damage and sanitize the area.

How Does SERVPRO Restore Carpets?

SERVPRO techs take a systematic approach to carpet restoration to minimize loss to your home.
-    Water extraction, whether with rovers, suction pads, or extraction wands, is thorough while preventing the separation of carpet and pad.

-    Carpeting can be pulled up and tented to dry both above and below the surface.
-    Technicians can erect polyethylene drying chambers to accelerate small-scale drying in large areas like a living room with an open floor plan.

-    If water damage creates odors in your carpet, technicians can use injection systems, sprayers, and EPA-registered antimicrobials to remove odor-causing particles.

SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County has the tools and training needed to keep disaster-affected homes looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call 636-467-5444 to begin the mitigation process.

Sewage Backup 101

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Sewage back-up? We can handle it.

What To Know About Cleaning Up a Sewage Backup

When a home in our servicing area experiences a sewer back up, it is suggested that you call SERVPRO of Southern and Central County immediately. This is highly recommended because certain standards should be met any time sewage material is cleaned. Here is what you may want to know about cleaning up a sewer back up in a home or business.

1. Sewage is Called Black Water

One thing to remember about sewer backup, such as that from a flooded toilet, is that it is categorized as black water. This category is used to classify any water that may have had contact with harmful materials such as fecal matter. There are standards for dealing with this type of water designed to help avoid the spread of these contaminants and bacteria.

2. Following Safety Procedures is Important

It is important to follow safety standards when performing cleanup from a sewage backup. This includes wearing proper safety gear such as boots, coveralls, gloves, and masks. It is also important to ensure that no sewage material is tracked to unaffected locations to avoid the spread of bacteria.

3. Professionals Should Handle the Restoration

Any time sewage is involved it is highly recommended that a professional be called. A restoration business will have the tools, training and standards knowledge needed to handle any cleaning and repair as quickly and safely as possible. A restoration team should also be able to decontaminate the space and check for any related damages that could occur as a result of sewage flooding.
When performing a sewer cleanup it’s highly recommended to contact a professional for help, as these professionals have the training and tools for safely performing a cleanup. Sewage is considered black water and all safety precautions should be observed when dealing with this material to help avoid the spread of bacteria. If you have any questions, please contact us at 63-467-5444.

Water Damage + Electronics

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

What Should You Do if Your Electronics Have Water Damage?

If a flood starts in your office, there are a lot of risks to your safety and your company's well-being. Water can damage building materials, documents, and furniture. You could also face the challenge of flooded electronics. You depend on computers, servers, printers, and other devices for your daily operations. Water damage can ruin these items. Fortunately, professional water cleanup teams have the skill and experience to salvage your equipment.

Your Responsibilities
It doesn't take much water to cause problems with electronics. Excessive amounts of water can destroy these items and pose dangers to you and other people in the office. Before flood restoration technicians arrive on the scene, there are some things you can do to mitigate the damage:

• Move electronics off the ground.
• Wipe electronics with a cloth.
• Do not plug in or turn on wet electronics.
  

Why Hire the Pros?
While you play a key role in restoring your electronics and minimizing electronic damage, professional crews can thoroughly clean them. Professionals have the necessary equipment and supplies to treat wet electronics. They also use proven techniques to safely treat damaged items without causing more issues. When you call a cleanup company, you can count on the technicians arriving on the same day that you call. We can respond at any time of the day, seven days a week.

The Process
Technicians will assess the extent of the damage and clean any corrosion from the electronics. Next, they will thoroughly dry the items in a climate-controlled environment. Restoration companies have advanced water removal and dehumidification processes to ensure that there is no moisture left in the flooded electronics. The teams can also inform you of any further repairs that the items require.
Water and electronics don't mix. It can be distressing to have flooded electronics, but there is hope that you can save this equipment. With the right professional help, you may be amazed by the results.

Summer Vacation Water Damage Prevention

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Summer vacation on the beach!

During the summer months families try take the time and get away for some quality time with each other. It is extremely important to remember the precautions around the home that one should take before leaving for an extended amount of time. It is important to unplug every outlet. This could be as simple as unplugging normal everyday items such as toasters, coffee makers and unused phone chargers. Taking the extra time to turn off water valves could result in a perfect vacation that doesn't end early due to a broken water line. It is also important to make sure you are taking double the precautions during the winter months in case of a frozen pipe. Most homeowners will choose to turn up the air, turn down the heat or turn off the controls completely when gone. These options should only be considered when the weather allows it to be. 

Black Water Cleanup

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Black water cleanup from sewage damage is something that needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible after the issue has occurred.

We would encourage you to leave the property and call SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County and we will dispatch a our highly trained technicians immediately to your home or business.

When Sewage back up is a continuous problem, it can be caused by heavy rain water overloading the sewage system. This type of black water comes from toilets, human waste and fecal matter and is generally regarded as a bio-hazard especially when people are ill. The smell, if bad enough, is potential for illness and can be a serious lifelong problem.

If sewage back up is left without seeking professional help or untreated, the affects can be extremely dangerous to your health. 

If you're currently experiencing problems with black water damage don't wait, get professional help from SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County. 

Life Expectancy of Plumbing

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know many common plumbing components have a life span? Many of them have an expectancy much shorter than we might think. Here is a few that we see quite often. The fix is relatively inexpensive; but neglecting it can cause thousands of dollars in mitigation and drying costs.

Water heaters have an expected life span of about 10-12 years. Most of the time these fail because the rubber and metal components in side the tank are in constant contact with water which will naturally break them down over time.

Sump pumps are a vital tool for anyone with a basement or crawl space that takes on ground water after rain storms. Most of these pumps have a life span of about 7 years.

The average sink faucet has a life span of less than 15 years. Because of the flex hose design of the sprayer component, these may fail sooner. Most flex hoses fail after just 10 years. Also, included in the flex hose category are flexible supply lines for sinks, toilets, and washing machines. It is advisable to have these flex hoses replaced every 5 to 10 years. A $10 replacement hose may save you thousands down the road.

One of these plumbing components beat you to the punch? Don’t worry! We can get you back to normal again “Like it never even happened.”

Call the professionals today, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County today (636) 467-5444.

When You Have Water Damage, Who Do You Call?

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Leaks from piping, roofs and other water sources can cause water damages that can go unnoticed for weeks, even months. Attempting to clean up water from a leak can lead to further damage and contamination if not handled properly.  SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County has highly trained technicians who specialize in water damage from leaks, floods, and more. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is always ready to help. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County will help you protect your business or home from further damage and return your property back to preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County has the following guidelines; 

 * Within one hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County will contact you to arrange for service.

 * Within four hours of the loss notification, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County will be on-site to begin water mitigation services.

 * Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.

Before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the water yourself, call the areas leading restoration company, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County.

Sump Pump: Water Damage

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

If you've explored other ways of keeping your basement dry — examining the grading around your home and repairing any noticeable leaks or broken pipes — and are still having trouble, it might be time to consider a sump pump.

Remember, sump pumps don't prevent water from accumulating, but they can go a long way in controlling water in your basement. Either way, your possessions stay dry, and that's the point.

Many homes have sump pits built right into the basement floor. If this is the case, all you'll need is the pump itself. If your home is not equipped with a sump pit, a drain expert or contractor should be able to tell you if it's possible to retrofit your basement.

Types of sump pumps

There are three types of pumps used in basements or crawl spaces:

• Pedestal Sump Pump: Also referred to as a "column type" or "upright" sump pump, the pedestal sump pump has an open motor that is supported on top of a column attached to the pump casing. When installed, the motor sits outside the sump and above the basement floor. The motor is not designed to be submerged in water.
• Submersible Sump Pump: This pump uses a watertight motor designed to be immersed in water, and will typically kick into action when it senses that it's become submerged. The motor is coupled directly to the pump casing and is designed to be completely hidden within the sump.
• Water-Powered Sump Pump: Water-powered sump pumps are generally much less powerful than pedestal or submersible pumps, but may have some advantage: They run on city water pressure instead of electrical power. However, because they require significant water pressure to function efficiently, they often can't be used if your city water pressure is low or limited, or if your house gets its water from a private well.

A working system

So what does a functioning sump pump system look like? There are usually three key pieces:

• A Primary Pump
• An Emergency Backup Pump (Battery- or Water-Powered)
• An Emergency Backup Pump Alarm

Because homes sometimes lose power during thunderstorms — just when an operational sump pump is critical — many pumping systems employ a backup pump. Emergency battery backup pumps work when the power goes out, when the primary pump does not remove the water fast enough, or if the primary pump fails.

In this setup, primary pumps are powered with electricity, and backup pumps are battery- or water-powered. Using two pumps instead of one makes it unlikely that both pumps will malfunction at the same time. And with the alarm system, you'll be able to tell when the primary pump has failed and the backup pump has to be used.

Is a sump pump right for you?

Installing a new sump pump system — especially if your basement doesn't already have a built-in sump pit - is an extensive, complex job. Make sure you consult with a plumbing expert.

And to find out more about particular pumps for your basement, or to check if a certain pump is certified, consult the Sump & Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association.

Source: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/sump-pump-basics?cmpid=SimpleInsights:Facebook:Content:17-1526298&https%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fddm%2Fclk%2F322740317%3B152524933%3By&utm_source=m.facebook.com&utm_medium=referral

Choose SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County to Protect Your Home

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. If you have questions or need help to ensure your property, contact SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County at 636-467-5444.

You have so much invested in your home! Choose SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County to protect your most valuable asset!

Your home is a reflection of you and makes an impression on all those who enter it. You invest your time, energy, and hard-earned resources to maintain, protect and increase the value of your home. When you need work done on your home, you should expect the very best service at a fair price. That's where SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County shines.

Water Damage 101

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration Explained

The single most enduring destructive factor in the indoor environment is water. The quality of the structures and other personal properties is affected by excess water in home or flooding. The condition becomes worse when the water cleanup services are not offered on time. Flood damage can be addressed by putting up an efficient water mitigation process on time. Water cleanup and restoration processes have been found to produce amazing results irrespective of the severity of the damage. Most water damage restoration companies use proven methods. When you experience water in home or business, here are the basic steps that should be followed in water damage restoration.

Assessment of the damage

After allowing a company to start mitigation and restoration of water in home or business, the first thing to do is the assessment of the damage. A professional water damage technician is the one who should carry out the evaluation of the flood damage. The technician determines the necessary steps that should be taken. The steps depend on the amount of water in business or home, and the affected things. Restoration begins only after this stage.

Identification of the source of water

The next step is establishing where the water is coming from. Water come from a leaking roof, leaking pipes, crawl spaces, household appliances, air conditioners, overflowing sinks, and basements among others. The magnitude of water and flood damage depends on several factors among them the source of water. For instance, torrential rainfall may bring a lot of water in a house and cause significant damages in a home. If the source of water is a pipe, it should be blocked or shut off. If it is an appliance, it can be turned off and the water drained. If the water is coming from floods, the window or door allowing it should be closed or sealed. This is done to ensure the problem does not recur.

Removal of water

After ensuring that no other water is entering into a building, the next mitigation process is water removal. The necessary tools should be used in this process. Some of the tools used for water cleanup are pumps, fans, and vacuums. Remove the visible water in business or homes. The next step is removing invincible water in the fabrics and hidden places. Water cleanup is critical in controlling the spread of moisture. The carpets and ceiling may be removed if they are wet. There are specialized tools used to minimize damage. Reputable companies should have these tools.

Drying

After the removal of water in business or home, drying follows. This process involves the use of specialized tools such as air movers and dehumidifiers. Heaters are used to produce dry air and enhance the circulation of air in the building and evaporation of water from wet objects. Drying takes between 3 to 5 days. This stage is critical in preventing the growth of mold in the building in the future.

Reexamination

Technicians carry out another inspection to ensure that any source of water or a pocket of moisture is under control. This stage is critical in preventing the occurrence of any water related damage in the future.

Reconstruction

After the mitigation and drying, the replacement and repair of damaged building materials should follow. This process is done with the aim of restoring the building to its initial condition before the flood damage.

It is important to note that the time taken to remove water in home or business and drying time depends on the extent of the damage and time taken to reach the drying standard required. You should contact a water damage restoration company to remove water in business or house as soon as you notice flooding. And that's where we come in!

Call us today! 636-467-5444

Water Intrusion in One Room Can Mean Water Damage is in Other Rooms

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

What you see-

It starts out as innocent bath time playfulness, an accidental spill or small leak. Suddenly, water is on the floor, moving towards walls, crevices, and other access points to reach the lowest level of your home. You may feel panic, shock or devastation. You reach for the towels, wet vac, mops and fans to clean up the water. The surface water is now dry and the problem is solved. Or, is it? What happened to the water that traveled into the floor, subfloors and walls? Was all the moisture caused by the incident removed? Water intrusion in a home can linger leaving subtle, yet lasting effects if not completely removed from the structure. Homeowners can remove standing water with appropriate precautions to help prevent further damage. But, how do you remove water and moisture in flooring and walls? You are not alone. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is trained in the cleanup and care of your home following a water intrusion. Whether the intrusion occurred from a small incident or a major water event, removing excess moisture can prevent more serious damage such as microbial growth. So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the water yourself, call the cleanup and restoration professionals at 636-467-5444.

What you don't see-

Removing surface water can help prevent more extensive damage. However, water intrusions invade floors, ceilings and walls to find the lowest point in your home. Standing water from an overflowing bathtub or other water incident will search for pin hole crevices and cracks in your floors and walls looking for a way to travel downward. Surfaces such as wood, drywall and carpet pull water away from plain sight and into the interiors of your home. Should a water incident occur in your home, remove excess water with mopping or blotting, remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs. These tips may prevent further damage to your home and belongings. 

Water Damage

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage backup in Festus, MO.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help!

Call Today! 636-467-5444

SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you area dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration-in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?