Sump Pumps

8/1/2024 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Sump Pump Problems

8/1/2024 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails. 

Most people do not know if they have sump pump coverage on their homeowners policy. This is another question to ask. If the pump fails and there is no coverage, you will be in a tough situation. 

The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. This usually involves removing wet carpet and pad, damaged drywall, damaged baseboard, and wet insulation. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors

All about your sump pump

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Frozen Pipes

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing: Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

Frozen Pipe Season

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing: Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed. 

How does water damage carpet?

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

One goal of water damage restoration is to preserve and protect the structure.  One concern is water saturated carpet and pad.  Delamination is the most frequent type of damage to carpets when exposed to water.  Delamination is a mode of failure for composite materials and steel. In laminated materials, repeated cyclic stresses, impact, and so on can cause layers to separate, forming a mica-like structure of separate layers, with significant loss of mechanical toughness.  Delamination is caused when the latex adhesive holding the primary backing to the secondary backing is damaged.  Good carpets have higher quality of latex and may suffer less damage even after hours of exposure.  While at your home our SERVPRO® service professionals will inspect the flooring to ensure proper mitigation can take place. 

Water damage to glued down carpeting often causes bubbling due to loss of adhesive.  If it is a small area that has bubbled, the carpet might be restored.  Otherwise, the carpet may need to be replaced.  Again SERVPRO service professionals will be able to determine the status of the flooring.

Mildew usually refers to molds that grow in wet buildings.  Natural fiber carpets are especially prone to mildew odor damage.  Saturated carpets should be dried properly and treated with a mildew deodorizer.

By responding quickly and drying  the carpet thoroughly, SERVPRO professionals can help mitigate these secondary damages following any water loss.

Sump Pumps

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Sump Pump Problems

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails. 

Most people do not know if they have sump pump coverage on their homeowners policy. This is another question to ask. If the pump fails and there is no coverage, you will be in a tough situation. 

The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. This usually involves removing wet carpet and pad, damaged drywall, damaged baseboard, and wet insulation. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors

All about your sump pump

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Frozen Pipes

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing: Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

Frozen Pipes

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing: Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

How does water damage carpet?

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

One goal of water damage restoration is to preserve and protect the structure.  One concern is water saturated carpet and pad.  Delamination is the most frequent type of damage to carpets when exposed to water.  Delamination is a mode of failure for composite materials and steel. In laminated materials, repeated cyclic stresses, impact, and so on can cause layers to separate, forming a mica-like structure of separate layers, with significant loss of mechanical toughness.  Delamination is caused when the latex adhesive holding the primary backing to the secondary backing is damaged.  Good carpets have higher quality of latex and may suffer less damage even after hours of exposure.  While at your home our SERVPRO service professionals will inspect the flooring to ensure proper mitigation can take place. 

Water damage to glued down carpeting often causes bubbling due to loss of adhesive.  If it is a small area that has bubbled, the carpet might be restored.  Otherwise, the carpet may need to be replaced.  Again SERVPRO service professionals will be able to determine the status of the flooring.

Mildew usually refers to molds that grow in wet buildings.  Natural fiber carpets are especially prone to mildew odor damage.  Saturated carpets should be dried properly and treated with a mildew deodorizer.

By responding quickly and drying  the carpet thoroughly, SERVPRO professionals can help mitigate these secondary damages following any water loss.

Sump Pump Problems

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails. 

Most people do not know if they have sump pump coverage on their homeowners policy. This is another question to ask. If the pump fails and there is no coverage, you will be in a tough situation. 

The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. This usually involves removing wet carpet and pad, damaged drywall, damaged baseboard, and wet insulation. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors

Frozen Pipes

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing: Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

How does carpet get damaged by water

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

One goal of water damage restoration is to preserve and protect the structure.  One concern is water saturated carpet and pad.  Delamination is the most frequent type of damage to carpets when exposed to water.  Delamination is a mode of failure for composite materials and steel. In laminated materials, repeated cyclic stresses, impact, and so on can cause layers to separate, forming a mica-like structure of separate layers, with significant loss of mechanical toughness.  Delamination is caused when the latex adhesive holding the primary backing to the secondary backing is damaged.  Good carpets have higher quality of latex and may suffer less damage even after hours of exposure.  While at your home our SERVPRO service professionals will inspect the flooring to ensure proper mitigation can take place. 

Water damage to glued down carpeting often causes bubbling due to loss of adhesive.  If it is a small area that has bubbled, the carpet might be restored.  Otherwise, the carpet may need to be replaced.  Again SERVPRO service professionals will be able to determine the status of the flooring.

Mildew usually refers to molds that grow in wet buildings.  Natural fiber carpets are especially prone to mildew odor damage.  Saturated carpets should be dried properly and treated with a mildew deodorizer.

By responding quickly and drying  the carpet thoroughly, SERVPRO professionals can help mitigate these secondary damages following any water loss.

Sump Pumps

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

All about your sump pump

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Sump Pumps

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Sump Pump Problems

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails. 

Most people do not know if they have sump pump coverage on their homeowners policy. This is another question to ask. If the pump fails and there is no coverage, you will be in a tough situation. 

The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. This usually involves removing wet carpet and pad, damaged drywall, damaged baseboard, and wet insulation. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors

All About your Sump Pump

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Pipes May Freeze

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing:Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

How is carpet damaged by water?

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

One goal of water damage restoration is to preserve and protect the structure.  One concern is water saturated carpet and pad.  Delamination is the most frequent type of damage to carpets when exposed to water.  Delamination is a mode of failure for composite materials and steel. In laminated materials, repeated cyclic stresses, impact, and so on can cause layers to separate, forming a mica-like structure of separate layers, with significant loss of mechanical toughness.  Delamination is caused when the latex adhesive holding the primary backing to the secondary backing is damaged.  Good carpets have higher quality of latex and may suffer less damage even after hours of exposure.  While at your home our SERVPRO service professionals will inspect the flooring to ensure proper mitigation can take place. 

Water damage to glued down carpeting often causes bubbling due to loss of adhesive.  If it is a small area that has bubbled, the carpet might be restored.  Otherwise, the carpet may need to be replaced.  Again SERVPRO service professionals will be able to determine the status of the flooring.

Mildew usually refers to molds that grow in wet buildings.  Natural fiber carpets are especially prone to mildew odor damage.  Saturated carpets should be dried properly and treated with a mildew deodorizer.

By responding quickly and drying  the carpet thoroughly, SERVPRO professionals can help mitigate these secondary damages following any water loss.

All about your sump

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Frozen Pipes

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing:Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

Frozen Pipes

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing:Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

How does water damage carpet?

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

One goal of water damage restoration is to preserve and protect the structure.  One concern is water saturated carpet and pad.  Delamination is the most frequent type of damage to carpets when exposed to water.  Delamination is a mode of failure for composite materials and steel. In laminated materials, repeated cyclic stresses, impact, and so on can cause layers to separate, forming a mica-like structure of separate layers, with significant loss of mechanical toughness.  Delamination is caused when the latex adhesive holding the primary backing to the secondary backing is damaged.  Good carpets have higher quality of latex and may suffer less damage even after hours of exposure.  While at your home our SERVPRO service professionals will inspect the flooring to ensure proper mitigation can take place. 

Water damage to glued down carpeting often causes bubbling due to loss of adhesive.  If it is a small area that has bubbled, the carpet might be restored.  Otherwise, the carpet may need to be replaced.  Again SERVPRO service professionals will be able to determine the status of the flooring.

Mildew usually refers to molds that grow in wet buildings.  Natural fiber carpets are especially prone to mildew odor damage.  Saturated carpets should be dried properly and treated with a mildew deodorizer.

By responding quickly and drying  the carpet thoroughly, SERVPRO professionals can help mitigate these secondary damages following any water loss.

SERVPRO's Approach to Water Damage

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

When a business or home owner calls SERVPRO about a water damage on their property, they can expect to have someone on the other end of the line that is patient and ready to help. The office will take your information and find a time to schedule you in as soon as we possibly can. We will also give you suggestions on what to do while you are waiting for us to come whether it be setting your own house fans up or using towels to dry up what you can. We then get an estimator to your property and they will assess the damage and see what we can restore and what we will have to replace. Then we send out a crew to mitigate your loss and save everything we can. Once that is done, depending on how bad the damage is we either let the equipment sit longer to dry more or we start the repair and replace process.

When Should I Change My Sump Pump?

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails. 

Most people do not know if they have sump pump coverage on their homeowners policy. This is another question to ask. If the pump fails and there is no coverage, you will be in a tough situation. 

The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. This usually involves removing wet carpet and pad, damaged drywall, damaged baseboard, and wet insulation. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors

Everything you need to know about your sump pump

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Many people are not aware of the problems that will arise if their sump pump is not working properly. There are also many people that do not know how to test their sump pump. Here is some information regarding sump pump maintenance.

Sump pumps are more active during heavy rains or storms. Depending on where you live, your sump pump will run more or less. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year and probably more if you live in Eastern Iowa because of the chance for many periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Here are some steps to check your sump pump:

1. Slowly fill the pit where the sump pump is with water. Watch for the float to rise, which would cause the pump to activate. Once the pump activates, make sure the water is drained from the pit.

2. If you have a backup pump, you can test it the same way. Make sure the first pump is unplugged first. 

A normal pump will cost you between $150 and $300 to replace if need be. It is better to spend this money than to deal with the mess left behind if the pump fails.  The average cost of a water damage due to sump pump failure will be between $2,500 and $15,000. 

Test your sump pump regularly. It is similar to changing the filters on your furnace or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Post Flood Safety

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

When flood waters recede, you might be anxious to see how hard your home was hit. Do not put yourself in danger just to go check on your home. Be patient. If you choose to head home and look at the damages, wait for authorities to give you the all clear. Be careful to avoid standing water, you never know what is hiding in it. Whether it is chemicals, sewage, or sharp objects, you don’t want to worry about that. If you are driving to your home, be sure to listen to the road signs and do not drive through standing water. The last thing you want is to have to deal with car issues in addition to your home.  For more information on floods click here