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SERVPROSERVPRO of New Kent / Williamsburg / Northern Neck
Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(804) 966-1400

Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

Water Damage Timeline

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

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.

About SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck

SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck was established in 1995 and specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

If you need any help with water damage up give SERVPRO® a call.

804-966-1400 or 1-800-889-5002

Water Damage - Tips While You Wait

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Sometimes it takes homeowners or business owners as soon as few minutes to a few days to notice. So here are some tips to help you while you wait for our crews. These tips are for clean water sources such as cold supply lines, etc.:

  • Shut off the water source if possible or contact a professional to do so.

  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water as electrical shock hazards may exist.

  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.

  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushion to allow more even drying.

  • Move any painting, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture.

  • Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.

  • Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.

  • Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet: don’t enter rooms where ceiling are sagging from retained water.

Experiencing water damage? Give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Norther Neck a call.

Navigating the Water Damage Process

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Navigating the Water Damage Process

  1. The loss occurs, water is flowing from unknown source or visible source

  2. You call SERVPRO® or your Insurance company, that then, gives you SERVPRO’s number

  3. SERVPRO then walks you through a few questions, a main one being have you turned off the source of damage. If the answer is you can’t turn it off yourself, we set up a plumber or other professional to turn off the damage causing source

  4. Meanwhile our 24/7 on call company sets a crew in route towards your loss with a ready truck that has been preloaded with all the equipment needed to take care of your loss

  5. When arriving an authorization to perform services is signed

  6. After that our crews go to work drying out your home or building

Need Help? Call SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck today at 804-966-1400 or toll free @ 800-889-5002

What Goes Into A Water Damage

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

A pipe burst in the attic of an older woman's home while she was away on vacation. When she returned her home was completely flooded. The homeowner had no idea how long the pipe had been dumping water into her whole house.  There was standing water at least an inch deep throughout the main level. This was after the water had traveled from the third story attic through the second story of the house saturating all the ceilings and walls.

Thankfully the woman’s daughter knew exactly who to call when her insurance company let her choose the restoration company to take care of her mother’s loss. SERVPRO® was out onsite the morning of their return home. Our crews quickly went to work extracting the standing water. Putting equipment into place to start the structural drying of the home. Cleaning up debris as ceilings were falling due to the weight of the drywall being water saturated with water.

The contents from the home were packed up and taken offsite for cleaning. The carpet and flooring had to be removed as everything was ruined by the standing water.

Even though there was demo happening most people would ask why it is necessary to have drying equipment on site? When demoing a whole house water damage that had been sitting for a long period of time you remove the ruined materials: drywall, tile, hardwood, baseboards, and so on. Once the saturated materials are removed SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck dries the framing other materials that are salvageable. With drying the materials that are left in the house SERVPRO can help insure that mold will not be an issue once the home is put back together; with hanging drywall and replacing flooring.

Need help? Call SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck today at 804-966-1400 or toll free @ 800-889-5002

5 Water Damage Tips

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage inside your home can be a homeowner or business owners worst nightmare. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a flood, quick action is crucial to mitigate the damage and prevent further complications. Here are some essential tips to follow if you find yourself facing water damage:

  1. Safety First: Before doing anything else, ensure that it's safe to enter the affected area. Turn off the electricity and avoid standing water if there's a risk of electrocution. If the water damage is extensive or the structure of your home is compromised, evacuate immediately and seek professional help.

  2. Assess the Damage: Once it's safe to do so, assess the extent of the water damage. Take photos or videos for insurance purposes, documenting the affected areas and any belongings that have been damaged.

  3. Stop the Water Source: If the water damage is caused by a leak or burst pipe, shut off the main water supply to your home to prevent further flooding. If you're unable to locate the source of the leak, contact a plumber for assistance.

  4. Remove Standing Water: Use a wet vacuum, mop, or towels to remove as much standing water as possible from the affected area. The longer water sits, the greater the damage it can cause, so prompt removal is essential. This is a great time to call SERVPRO®.  We have high powered extraction equipment that can help remove the excess water. 

  5. Dry Out the Area: Once the standing water has been removed, SERVPRO uses air movers and  dehumidifiers to properly dry out the space.

    SERVPRO is on standby 24/7 to help navigate your water damage to get you back to your pre loss condition.  Don't hesitate, call SERVPRO today to get your home or business back. 

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Keep Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter With These Tips from SERVPRO®!

  1. Allow the Faucet to Drip: It's not the actual freezing that causes the loss most times, it's the thawing. When pipes freeze, the pressure created by the blockage and faucet causes the pipe to burst. Allowing the faucet to be open and drip will relieve pressure in the system. If the faucet has both hot and cold water pipes, turn both handles slightly so that each pipe is open. If it is a single-handle faucet, turn it to warm.
  2. Keep the Heat On: Always keep the heat on in your home to keep your pipes warm and prevent the water from freezing. If you leave for a long period of time, keep your home between 55-60 degrees. 
  3. Apply Heating Tape: There are two types of heating tape for water pipes. One turns on and off by itself when it senses that heat is needed. The other type requires a plug when heat is needed. Heating tape acts as an electrical blanket for pipes during cold spells. These can be very useful when you do not want to think about keeping your faucets dripping. They are also useful in homes that are unoccupied such as second homes. However, much like space heaters, these products can be dangerous so you must use safety precautions.
  4. Seal Up Cracks and Holes: Seal the gaps and holes that are letting cold air where pipes run through walls or floors. You can use spray foam insulation or caulk to fill the gaps. If possible, it is best to seal the holes on both the interior and exterior side of wall or floor.
  5. Add Extra Insulation: Pipes that are located in attics or basements that may not be insulated will likely require extra insulation to keep them warm. Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. 
  6. Close garage doors - Make sure garage doors stay closed if pipes run through the garage.
  1. Open cabinet doors - Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets allows warm air to reach the plumbing and will help stop your pipes from freezing.

Ways to help avoid frozen pipes while on vacation

Always be sure to winterize your home thoroughly. Before you leave, take measures to protect your home so you can enjoy the time away, rather than worry about pipes and security. A few things to remember include:

  • Check the Thermostat. Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius). Also be sure to replace the battery in your thermostat.
  • Ask for Help. Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.
  • Shut Off the Water. Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it may be deactivated when you shut off the water.

Give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, & Northern Neck a call if you experience any water damage due to frozen or burst pipes. 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002!

Hidden Water Damage

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO® Today!

Our staff is  on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day, every day of the year. When you need emergency water restoration services for your home or business, SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, & Northern Neck are here to help. Call us at 804-966-1400.

SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, & Northern Neck have been restoring water damages in the area for years. We use advanced technology, like infrared cameras, to detect hidden water leaks behind walls. Here are some examples of the types of technology and equipment we use to help our customers save time and money:

Moisture Detection and Measuring Equipment

Recent advances, like infrared cameras, help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

  • We use infrared cameras to identify water locations for thorough water removal
  • Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Water Extraction Equipment

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air
  • Highly effective Desiccants to process the indoor air to a dryer specific humidity. 

Knowledge 

SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck has the knowledge you need to help get your home or business back like it was before your event. 

Water Damage? We can help!

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® has more than 55 years of experience in repair and restoration so you can trust us to help you develop a water damage restoration plan to help ensure your home is clean, dry and restored to its pre-damaged condition.

Our customer-focused professionals will assess the residential water damage to your property. Then, we’ll help you understand the severity of the damage so you’re able to make the best decisions for the restoration of your home. Our top-notch team uses the most advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water. We sharpen our skills daily by being constantly submerged in the Water Cleanup business. 

Call SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck today for any water restoration needs 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002.

What Happens in a Water Damage

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

After water loss in your home or business, a quick response to begin the drying process is key. As mold can begin to grow under the right conditions within 24-72 hours of exposure to moisture, getting your home or business dried out quickly and efficiently is important.

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)?
  • At SERVPRO, we aim to have high standards in responding quickly to our customers' water losses. We know that having your home back to normal as quickly as possible is the most important thing for you. Our phone lines are open 24/7, as emergencies can happen at anytime. Upon receiving an emergency call, our team of on-call technicians will be mobilized to respond to your home, and make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO will focus on how to keep your life and business as "normal" as possible.  

Call SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck today at 804-966-1400 or toll free at 800-889-5002

Sewer Damage? Here are some reasons why...

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

One of the most common homeowner insurance claims is because of sewer backups. This can end up being a nasty, smelly catastrophe in your home, but what is the cause of it? There are a multitude of reasons why you could experience a sewage back up, but here are a couple of the most common.

  • Tree Roots
  • Clogged Drains
  • Sewer Main Blockages

Once a tree root has grown into a sewer line, the line will need to be replaced and often times the tree roots removed or trimmed down. This will be a big project involving digging into the ground and replacing the existing sewer lines.

Clogged drains are one of the most common reasons for a sewer backup. Improper use of toilets and sinks can cause a main sewer line to become clogged. Flushing cleaning wipes, diapers, napkins, and many other hygiene items can cause a sewer line to become clogged over time. Sewer lines are filled with a volatile combination of hair, soap, and dirty water, adding things such as grease or excess kitchen waste can clog the drain and lead to a sewer backup.

These types of issues can occur as a result of clogs that build up over time much like the typical clog you may experience in your household line. With household clogs, you will generally have an issue with specific drains in the house. For example, your toilet may not flush correctly, or your kitchen sink may be draining slowly. With sewer main blockages, the majority of your plumbing will not be draining throughout the house. It's common for water to be flooding back into your home from drain openings. Remember, the first thing you should do to minimize damage is to shut off all water supplies of your home and attempt to block all the drain openings.

We have the experience and knowledge to be able to help you with how ever your home or business has been impacted by Sewage. 

Call SERVPRO® today! 

SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck 804-966-1400 

Emergency Services in Williamsburg

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck

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 New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck 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)?

About SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck

SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Give us a call at 804-966-1400 or 1-800-889-5002

Williamsburg Emergency Services

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck

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 New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck 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)?

About SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck

SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Give us a call at 804-966-1400 or 1-800-889-5002

We are here for your Williamsburg businesses

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

While water damage can be dreadful for homeowners it is especially inconvenient for business owners. Unexpected leaks can be disturbing to the average work day for many.

SERVPRO® is here! We do not only help our fellow small businesses but also large commercial warehouses and everything in between. We try our best to get your business back up and running. No matter the cause you can be sure that we are here to aid in the recovery.

It is very important that as a business owner that any water damage is addressed quickly. Prolonged delays in mitigation can result in further damage to your property specifically microbial growth or in other words mold. Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. 

If your business is experiencing any water or mold damage give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck a call 804-966-1400 

Northern Neck Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup & Restoration

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Northern Neck basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • Sump Pump failures
  • And many more

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

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO® and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck Today – We’re Ready to Help 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002 

You can count on SERVPRO to get the job done

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