3 Essential Steps After a Basement Flood

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

Three Important Steps To Take After A Basement Flood

Watching your lower level in North Prince William County, fill with water is scary and can feel impossible to fix. Regardless if it is from a torrential downpour, a sewer backup or some other emergency issue, a basement flood can be very damaging to your home without proper aftercare. Once you have checked your insurance coverage, here are three more things you must do afterward.

1. Drain the Water

Once any floodwater around your house has receded, getting the water out of your home as soon as possible is imperative. You will need a few items to accomplish this:

• Submersible pump
• Long hose
• Extension Cord
• Generator

Pump as much water out as you can. Once you are down to smaller puddles you can work with a wet/dry vac as well to finish the job.

2. Dry and Clean Up

After the water has been removed, take out any damaged belongings. Use towels or blankets to soak up any further puddles and wipe everything down as much as you can. Set up some large fans to begin drying out the area. Depending on how long you were flooded and how deep the water was, you may need to replace any carpeting and drywall in the affected area. In order to prevent further damage from your basement flood, it is best to contact trained water restoration specialists to help complete the job thoroughly.

3. Prevent Future Floods

Determining the cause of the flood will help you to prevent future occurrences. Check your sump pump to ensure it is working properly and is appropriate for the amount of groundwater in your area. You should also check the drainage around your home and your gutter system to ensure each one is properly designed to funnel water away from your house.

It is important to remain calm and think ahead when you experience a home disaster. Although it can seem like an overwhelming experience, damage from a basement flood can be minimized if you take these steps.

Water in the Basement

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

The Basement Is Wet.

A residential basement flood situation in North Prince William County, can cause serious problems for those involved if not addressed in a timely manner. Check out the following resources to better understand what to do if standing water occupies your lower floors.

1. Precautions

The most important consideration for any prudent homeowner is the safety of the occupants. Never enter a completely flooded basement area until you have disconnected the home from the power grid, especially if the electrical outlets or other appliances are still in standing water. You might also consider some form of contact protection, such as a pair of boots or waders, to prevent unnecessary exposure to contaminants from gray water.

2. Assessment

Trudging through the water will do you little good without a solid plan. Depending on the form your insurance coverage takes, you may need to make an inventory of the items affected by your basement flood. Your insurer may also require that you take active steps to prevent any ongoing damage, such as routing new sources of rainwater away from the home. The drying process for affected items should begin at this point. Your insurer may insist that certain sensitive items and procedures are handled by a qualified flood damage restoration service.

3. Prevention and Maintenance

Once you have cleared all standing water from the property and moved any water-susceptible belongings, inspect the basement area to determine why water accumulated. Is the sump pump in working order? Are there any clogged or broken pipes or drains between your basement and the sewer? Take steps to inspect and repair these items. Also, note that any drywall or flooring components that have absorbed too much water may need replacement, as these can harbor bacteria and mold.

Though a wide range of natural disasters or plumbing problems can affect any homeowner, a few preventative steps can reduce the risk of a basement flood and help to mitigate the amount of property damage.

My Fridge Is Leaking!!!

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

My fridge is leaking!

One day you come in and there’s a puddle in front of the fridge. You clean it thinking the kids dropped some ice or something, then tomorrow there’s a new puddle. At this point you’re frustrated. Then the third day you know it’s not the kids, it’s the fridge. Right now with gas prices and everything else high you decide to just clean it up as you find it. The real issue is the damage that water is causing to your flooring, especially as it sits.

According to Forbes

According to Forbes, home improvement section Fridge leaks come from leaky water supply lines and/or inlet valves. They also suggest that you should check your water supply line if you notice poor ice making or a poor flow with your water dispenser. 

If that water issue remains you might have to take that flooring up, clean and dry it, and replace that flooring which could be a lot more expensive than getting your fridge repaired.

Here at SERVPRO we always want to help you put your best foot forward to avoid any fire, water, or mold damage. In the event that you do experience water damage, we’re here to help!

Give us a call for your quote today at 703-368-4399.

We take pride in serving your neighborhood! We are a locally owned and operated franchise with employees dedicated to providing a quality customer experience!

Riding the Wave: Navigating the Intricacies of Water Damage Restoration

11/9/2023 (Permalink)

Don't panic, SERVPRO of North Prince William is here to help! Give us a call at 703-368-4399

The sudden onslaught of water damage can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. Whether it's caused by natural calamities or plumbing malfunctions, the swift and often unexpected nature of such incidents makes understanding the restoration process incredibly valuable. At SERVPRO of North Prince William County, we aim to demystify this process and guide you through the essential steps to reclaiming your property from water damage.

Water damage restoration, as the name suggests, is a process of mitigating and restoring a property that has been subjected to water intrusion or flooding. It's not merely about extracting the visible water but involves an intricate series of steps designed to address both the immediate and long-term effects of water damage.

One of the most pressing concerns in the face of water damage is the ticking clock. As the minutes roll by, water can seep into the structure of your property, leading to more extensive damage. Structural elements like walls and flooring can absorb moisture, leading to weakening over time. Furthermore, the damp environment becomes a fertile breeding ground for mold and mildew, posing additional health risks. It's essential to promptly seek professional help to limit these escalating issues.

A reputable water damage restoration company like SERVPRO employs specialized equipment and techniques to address this damage efficiently. The restoration process begins with an assessment to understand the extent of the damage. Water extraction tools are then used to remove the bulk of the water from your property, after which drying, and dehumidification techniques come into play. These processes help eliminate residual moisture, averting mold growth and further structural damage.

Water damage doesn't just affect your property physically; it can leave behind odors and potential health hazards. That's why professional restoration also involves cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas, ensuring a safe environment for occupants.

The end goal of any water damage restoration process is to return the property to its pre-damage condition. This involves repairing any damages caused by the water and possibly redecorating the space to its former glory.

Choosing a professional for water damage restoration can save you time and potential financial loss, not to mention reducing the risk of health hazards associated with mold growth. By seeking professional help, you're not just salvaging your property; you're reclaiming your peace of mind.

The devastation of water damage can be immense, but understanding the restoration process can turn the tide in your favor. Remember, the sooner you act, the better your chances of mitigating the damage and reclaiming your property. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to navigate the stormy seas of water damage restoration.

Understanding the Components of Water Removal

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Mitigation Starts with Water Removal

Standing water can quickly threaten your household with flooding, broken pipes, appliance failures, and other major water damage events. More than this, several types of water removal services might be necessary to avoid costlier structural damage.

Getting Emergency Services Started Early

Water mitigation hinges on early efforts like water removal for homes. Because there are multiple ways to reach this goal, we first prioritize the pressing issues like standing water and saturated building materials. The prompt arrival of our SERVPRO professionals ensures no delay in getting these mitigative steps started fast.

What Tools Influence Water Removal Services?

With how important the water removal objective is to the restoration process, it is no surprise that many of the tools and equipment in our inventory are designed for this purpose. We utilize several strategies and approaches to minimize moisture migration through the structure, however possible. Some of the common implements and instruments include:

• Extractors: Water removal services begin with eliminating surface water by using pumps and vacuums. 
• Air Movers: High-velocity blowers promote evaporation of wet materials, often preserving these elements in the process. 
• Special Drying Tools: Some of our equipment is exclusively designed for specific materials that get wet, such as drying mats pulling moisture from plank flooring. 
• Dehumidifiers: These tools help remove water in the air, which can increase with evaporative drying tools like air movers. 
• Positive Pressure Systems: These units (injecti-dry) infuse dry air into the wall systems to promote evaporation of moist cavities. 

Water removal services combine several efforts of our professionals to eliminate as much water and harmful moisture from the property as possible throughout the mitigation and restoration processes. Our SERVPRO of North Prince William County team arrives with the tools listed here to get emergency services started as soon as possible and protect your property from avoidable harm. Call now at (703)368-4399.

Why Standing Water Should Be Avoided

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

After flooding occurs, the surface water left behind can affect your North Prince William County home and or office. Standing water can absorb into the materials and ultimately allows for the deterioration of exposed structural elements. The pooling of the water can also present potential health effects or hazards for those exposed and remaining in the area. SERVPRO North Prince William County offers the quickest possible extraction, as well as drying solutions for your North Prince William County property after flooding. We also have ways to reduce the standing water concerns by offering extremely efficient flood removal for North Prince William homes. To accomplish this, we call upon a wide array of extraction and moisture removal tools in our well stocked inventory. 

So, What Tools Are Best for Drying Up Flood Damage? 

Every flooding situation is different from the last, there are different tools and machines that can remove water or dry the area better than others. Identifying the most efficient solution is always the priority, once the sooner standing water gets addressed, the less damaging the flood becomes. Some of the standard water removal and drying tools include:

• Air Movers
• Floor Mat Systems
• Dehumidifiers
• Positive Pressure Systems
• And much more!

After a flood, you want your home to look like it did before the disaster as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of North Prince William County team can help anytime you need us. Let us take the hassle of dealing with a disaster off your shoulders, call us today at 703-368-4399

The Science of Drying

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be able a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damage area, your local SERVPRO of North Prince William County professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your home or business suffers a water damage, your local SERVPRO team will: 

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening. 
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

After the Storm... What's Next?

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

The second you notice flooding in your home do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of North Prince William immediately! Time is the biggest factor in preventing further damage, as well as slowing the spread of water into places like your floors and walls. With a quick enough reaction to the issue can make a huge difference! Regardless, if you notice damage days after a storm we can still help. With a team of experts who know the ins and outs of storm damage we can find the solution to your issue! Not only do we perform the cleanup and treatment of the area, we restore what was ruined. When we leave it will be, "Like it never even happened." 

Water Damage Causes

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

Water Damage can show up in many different ways. There are few things as structurally damaging as a flood. And, unfortunately, even homes which are not located in ‘at risk’ areas can find themselves dealing with far too much water. If plumbing fixtures burst, the results are much the same, so steps must be taken to protect a home from plumbing failures.

We tend to take the plumbing system which moves water inside our homes for granted. However, when it breaks down, action must quickly be taken. The best solution is always prevention. Inspection and maintenance are the keys to troubleshooting and identifying problems, as well as understanding what is required to fix them. SERVPRO offers some information and suggestions to help you prevent water damage to your home.

Top Tips for Avoiding Leaks & Water Damage
Clean Gutters Regularly: it is not enough to just install high-quality gutters, they must remain free of leaves and debris. Rainwater collected in the gutters needs an unobstructed passage to reach the downspouts. It must then flow at least five feet away from the foundation and exterior walls freely.

Install a Sump Pump: if you live in a very wet or low-lying area. It is surprisingly easy for basements to become flooded during heavy rains or appliance failures. As the unwanted water collects in the sump pump catchment, it can be drained to the exterior of the building.

Appliance Malfunctions: electrical appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are supplied with water under pressure. Frequently the fittings will corrode over time initiating a pinhole leak that eventually ruptures the supply line. Plastic drainage hoses will dry out and crack after extended use. Replace them with reinforced hoses before this happens.

Invest In Shut Off Switches: if you do use your dishwasher and washing machine very frequently, it's practical to invest in a water ‘shut off’ switch. If a washing machine cannot be instantly turned off during an emergency, a shut off switch can be used to override its settings and shut everything down immediately. These switches can be applied to single appliances or installed in the main water supply line.

Treat Pipes Carefully: burst pipes are the most common cause of household floods. This means no pouring oil or grease down a drain, leaving central heating on the lowest setting when away from home in the winter, and keeping a close eye on water pressure. If the water pressure in your home is above the advised psi for your area of Beverly Hills, seek advice from your water utility.

Finding Reliable Water Restoration Services

If you have found a leak or identified the presence of water damage in you property, you need to take steps to repair it as soon as possible. Easy enough. Just pick up the phone and call the experts at SERVPRO. The skilled IICRC-certified technicians will remove the water using industrial grade equipment, dry out water damaged items and restore your home to its preloss state "Like it never even happened."

Highly-Trained Water Restoration Specialists

As leaders in the water damage industry, SERVPRO of North Prince William has advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. Call us for fire or water damage emergencies in North Prince William, VA for 24/7 service. (703)368-4399

How to locate your home water shut off valve..

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know where the shutoff is located and could you locate it in the case of an emergency? If not, that’s okay. Many people do not know where to locate their water and gas shut offs.

If the leak is from a sink or a toilet, it is easy to turn off the water for that line by turning the valve that is located beneath or beside the fixture.

Typically, these shut offs lie on the exterior of the home around the perimeter of the building. Once you have found the shut off, make sure that all members of your household know where it is. The quicker you are able to turn off the water, the less damage is caused. 

What if you're not sure where the leak is coming from? It could be a pipe behind your wall, under your home, or somewhere that is hard to locate. In this case, you should turn off the water to the whole house. This means locating the water main shutoff. 

Next steps? Call SERVPRO of North Prince William

If you experience water damage in your home, whether from a busted pipe, leaky roof, or natural occurrence, call SERVPRO of North Prince William at 703-368-4399.

We are here to help 24/7.

3 Tips to Help You Prevent Water Damage...

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Prince William County has the experience, expertise and proper training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our Technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to “Like it never even happened."

Water Damage can be a costly and devastating event. We have often found that careful routine maintenance can lower the risks and costs of water damage restoration. The restoration process can be stress, but by following some simple home maintenance tips, you can prevent flooding from structural issues.

If you or someone you know needs restoration services; Save our number for the future or call today for a rapid response (703)368-4399.

1) Assess your water heater

Water heater issues are common when it comes to our emergency calls in North Prince William County and surrounding areas With regular routine maintenance, you can prevent this from happening. Make sure the water heater’s thermostat is regulating the temperature properly to prevent any pressure buildup.

Tip: If you notice an odd taste or odor in the water from your water heater, it may have rust or sediment buildup inside. Also, if your water starts to make strange noises it may require you needing an inspection or replacement.

2) Appliance hoses and connectors

Always check for cracks, kinks, unraveling, wear, or corrosion on hoses & connectors. If you find any damage to these replace them immediately. DO NOT WAIT! Most manufacturers and plumbers also recommend replacing water hoses/connectors every 3-5 years.

3) Replace old caulking in your windows and doors

Caulking your windows can not only stop water leaks, but also help to keep out drafts. It is a simple process that you can do yourself. Most window caulks should last about five years, but you should always inspect your caulking at least every six months to a year; and replace it if you notice any cracks developing.

Tip: You should also check your exterior door flashings for holes or rust that can allow water entry.

Common Cause of Water Damage...

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common problem that many homeowners in North Prince William County face each year. These problems can cause thousands of dollars in damages, and even force the family out of the house temporarily. The worst thing about water damage is that it can happen at ANY time.

When water creeps into areas of your property where it shouldn’t be, your floor could warp. Water damage also discolors walls and ceilings. Moisture can cause microbial growth if the damages are not immediately addressed.

List of Common Causes:

1. Severe Weather (Thunderstorms)
2. Clogged gutters
3. Leaking / Burst pipes
4. Washing Machine / Water Supply Line
5. Blocked drains
6. Water Heater
7. Toilet leaks

If you discover water damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of North Prince William County our highly trained and certified professionals are here to handle any disaster you find yourself in (703)368-4399.

Flood damage prevention

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Flood Insurance program flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States causing $2.7 billion in losses between 2001 and 2010. Flooding is not covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies so it may be necessary to buy a separate flood policy for your home.

Here are a couple of tips to keep water from entering your home during a heavy rain event:

1. Fix foundation leaks that may allow water to enter your home.
2. Make sure your roof is secure and protected.
3.  Clear gutters and drains

If water ever floods your home, getting someone on site as soon as possible is key to keeping the amount of damage to a minimum. SERVPRO of North Prince William county is ready to respond at any time and also provides a free assessment and estimate.

How to protect the pipes from freezing

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

1. Insulate pipes - Exposed pipes are most likely to freeze. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be. Make sure to drain the water from outside faucets and insulate them from outside elements.

2. Let water drip - Simply maintaining a light trickle or steady stream of water in your faucets can go a long way in preventing water from freezing up in your pipes.

3. Steady thermostat  - Keeping a consistent temperature in your home or office puts less strain on the furnace. 

All we need to follow these tips is to reminisce on the events following the freeze of 2021. Rolling blackouts, homes completely destroyed due to burst pipes, and citizens stranded with no place to go to keep warm and stay safe. Our team is here, and we are Ready for whatever happens®. 

What to do when your refrigerator leaks

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

What happened?

The common cause for these water leaks is the plastic water line behind the refrigerator will crack, a slow drip begins and water pools behind the fridge unnoticed. Another common cause is excess condensation buildup which has the same effect. Water damage from your fridge can cause numerous problems in your home especially since the problem can go unnoticed for so long, at this point the damage has already taken a toll on your floors and surrounding areas. Moisture and heat in the dark environment create perfect conditions for mold to form and your floorboards to rot. This should not be overlooked. Over at SERVPRO we are experts in mold remediation and will gladly remove and prevent further frustrations for you.

So now what?

It is important to first clean up any visible water to avoid further damage and possibilities of mold occurring. Once this is done you should inspect your fridge and see if there are any noticeable leaks or areas where condensation may be forming to excess. It is important to replace any faulty connections to stop the immediate leak if possible. If you are able to, assess the damage done to the area under and around the fridge. Most of the time floorboards will show visible damage, but the real problems can occur underneath where you cannot see. We recommend you give us a call at SERVPRO of North Prince William county where we are available 24/7 to assist. We will send a team out to stop any further damage and spread of mold and help prevent this issue from occurring again. While you may be able to swap out the damaged areas of flooring, mold can continue to grow and cause more problems in the future. With many years of experience we will make the cleanup a quick and easy experience.

Pro tip: add a water alarm behind/under your fridge to catch any further problems from getting far

What causes indoor flooding

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage usually has one major leading cause: indoor flooding. Some of the most common causes of indoor flooding are: 

• Leaky or Broken Pipes: The most obvious cause of indoor flooding is leaky or broken water pipes. Pipes can burst from changes in water pressure or even a faulty setup, but regardless of the cause, pipe problems often cause a ton of damage. Leaky pipes are usually a warning sign of more problems to come. Hidden floods caused by broken pipes in your walls can even create the perfect environment for microbial growth.
• Faulty Washing Machine Hose: The most common problem with watching machines are faulty hoses. A leak in your intake hose can worsen over time and can cause flooding in your home. 
• Water Heaters: Even a small leak in your water heater can cause major flooding due to its endless flow of water. Make sure to inspect your water heater on a regular basis, keeping up with maintenance to ensure it doesn’t spring a leak.
• Clogged Sewer or Drain Lines: The flow of water to and from your house can be disrupted when you have clogged sewer or drain lines. Some clogs might be benign, allowing for a slow drain that is merely an inconvenience. But those clogs can get worse over time. The clog can cause your sinks, toilets, and showers to overflow with water, resulting in major damage. This can even include backed-up sewage, causing a hazardous environment for anyone or anything that comes in contact with the affected water. 

If you find flooding inside your home, call us and we will be there to help.

Flooding and Water Emergencies - Not Just an 8 AM - 5 PM Service

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever noticed that the low battery indicator alarm in your smoke detectors always seem to alert you in the middle of the night??

Well, just like your smoke detector, flooding and water emergencies don’t always wait for regular business hours to occur.  Luckily, SERVPRO of North Prince William County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage can be very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of North Prince William County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of North Prince William County

SERVPRO of North Prince William County 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.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 703-368-4399

Water Damage Tips

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Ceiling cave in from water weight.

Water damage is a big problem that can destroy not only your home and finances, but also the sentimental items that you can’t put a price tag on. For that reason it’s a good idea to know the causes of water damage. But if you cannot avoid it then here are some tips on what to do if you have been victimized by it.

The first concern should be the safety of you and whoever else is in the affected home or area. Some of the most common causes of injury after water damage to a structure are slip hazards, and electrical shock due to careless mistakes that could have been avoided. On this note, don’t just go about business as usual, avoid kitchen appliances, and avoid tampering with major electrical devices that are connected to the building until authorities have deemed that it is safe to do so. This includes ceiling fans, lights, and televisions.

The next concern should be to begin the cleanup process. Depending on the severity of your damage you may need to contact the local authorities, and insurance provider, but eventually they will most likely get a SERVPRO® crew out to your location to fix it up.

Learn more about water damage, or any of the other services that we offer at SERVPRO®. If you find yourself dealing with a disaster, and need emergency repair, contact SERVPRO® of Prince William County today!  703-368-4399

Water Damage is not a DIY Project

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

When you think of water damage what comes to mind?  Flooding? Basements? When I think of water damage I think of ceilings.  A Leaky roof or an upstairs bathroom flooding can cause water damage leading to wet ceilings and/or walls.  If you’ve bought a new home with past water damage you may not see the signs for a few months when the telltale marks start to bleed through the new paint.  

Paint is like a bandage covering a problem but not fixing it at all.  In fact your paint may not be covering a spot of old water damage but hiding a larger problem of a still leaking pipe or dampness or condensation in your walls.  I’m sure you know where this is heading...mold! Mold is preventable. There is no need to get paralyzed with fear when you hear the “M” word or cover it and hope it will go away (it won’t).  Mold is a natural occurrence, call the SERVPRO of North Prince William County Mold Remediation Professionals if you think you may have mold. Equally important though is calling SERVPRO of North Prince William County when you have water damage.  It is important to clean and dry the area correctly to help prevent mold issues. We are trusted, trained professionals and we are here 24/7/365 to help you. 

When I think of water damage I also think of Cousin Eddie.  This is one of my personal experiences with water damage. We had just moved into a brand new home.  Cousin Eddie dropped in to say “hi.” Cousin Eddie ended up spending the night! The next morning at breakfast Cousin Eddie says: “Man, you guys have a nice bathtub!”  I’m thinking, what??? Our tub is an average shower/tub combo. Hmmm. Then Cousin Eddie says this: “I took a bath this morning. I think I was 12 the last time I was able to fit in a tub.  Yours is so big I could be fully submerged in the water!!!” (NO, it is definitely NOT!!!) I may have let out a half whimper/sob as my eyes went to the ceiling (I couldn’t help it, I had to know).  Sure enough, the ceiling was already starting to bulge with water. In Cousin Eddie’s defense (there really is none), part of the problem was the overflow valve on the bath tub wasn’t hooked up or hooked up poorly so it had the same effect as if Cousin Eddie’s bath water overflowed the tub onto the floor.  In the bathtub overflow valve’s defense, it didn’t stand a chance of keeping up with the overflow of Cousin Eddie!  

If you have a Cousin Eddie incident call SERVPRO of North Prince William County.  We are “faster to any size disaster” leaving your house “Like it never even happened.”  Now that's a relief!

                  Add us to your contacts!

                       (703) 368-4399

What to Expect From a Water Main Break

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

water main break

A water main break can cause lots of damage. Perhaps the worst part is that you don’t always know when it happens, which means you can be gone from the house or building for a long period of time before you realize that you have a big problem. This is because the pipes are not usually in plain sight, therefore if they fail it often goes undetected until it becomes a bigger problem. If that’s the case you could be looking at a disaster by the time you finally come back.

Water main breaks can be caused by factors such as extreme temperature, corrosion, or impact to the pipes, among other potential factors. However, even if your house, condo, or building is relatively new you should still dedicate some funds and resources to routine maintenance, and inspection for cracks, or for other potentially unsafe environmental hazards. This practice could save you thousands later on.

Those who are have experienced a water main break often have to deal with an interruption in their water service, and potentially days or weeks of being relocated as crews repair not only the pipes, but the areas of the home or office that have been affected with water damage. This is another reason having a routine maintenance inspection of plumbing system is a good idea.

At SERVPRO® of North Prince William County we are always here to help. Contact us immediately if you have experienced this, or any other type of water damage, or if you have any questions regarding such things.

Flooded Basement Service and Causes

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Flooded basement

A flooded basement is an emergency situation that cannot be ignored for very long because it can cause major damage to the walls, floors, carpet, or even furniture. Not to mention, it can lead to mold if left untreated, that this is all fairly quickly.

SERVPRO of North Prince William County understands this. That’s why we are on-call 24/7 because you can’t wait for tomorrow when you have standing water in your house tonight.

Call our Flooded Basement team right away!

Our team can deploy technicians at any hour to remove the water from your basement, dry the carpet, repair the damage, and do whatever needs to be done in your situation, so that you can get back on with your life.

Here are some of the common sources that cause a basement to experience flooding.

There are generally only a few sources for a basement to receive water:

1. Either it is coming through the foundation in the form of rain penetrating the walls;
2. Water from over-saturated soil being pushed through the floor;
3. Storm water from the sewer system; or
4. Sanitary sewer water from a clog in your homes’ sewer line.

In the case of water seeping in from a crack in the foundation, you can know if this the cause of your water damage if the water is coming in at only one particular location, or at the exterior foundation wall.

As for the subsurface groundwater, this is when your basement acts as a boat in a pond, water will enter through any hairline crack whenever the groundwater levels ride above the level of your floor. A perimeter drain system can be used to solve this problem.

In the case of storm water from the sewer system the rainwater in the sewer system can rise to such levels that the water flows backwards toward the house. If you already have a sump pump for this reason then you either need a new one, or the alternative is to dig up and cap the pipe that is running from the house to the street.

Lastly, if the event of sanitary sewer water backing up, you will know this is your problem if the water is coming through the drains of the floor and the sinks in the basement. In this case the installation of backflow preventers will do the trick. Also, pouring tree root killer down your toilets once a year can help with prevention of such disasters.

If you have a flooded basement contact SERVPRO of North Prince William County and have our team of experts help you out today!

What To Do About A Leaky Ceiling

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

A leaky ceiling can cause big problems

Leaky Ceilings can be costly. They can significantly damage your home or business, but also it is sometimes hard to determine the cause of them, which can delay, or even add to the expense of the repair process. That’s why the first thing you should do when you have a leaky ceiling is an inspection so that you can eliminate all the obvious non-causes.

One thing to consider is whether the leak occurs only in inclement weather. If the leak is constant, regardless of whether it is raining outside or not, then you can probably eliminate the roof as being the source of the leak. That’s because if that leak is caused by the rain, then the rain would have come from the roof through the ceiling. In this case the leak is most likely caused by a plumbing line inside the house or structure.

Another thing to consider is the water itself. Does it appear to be clear and fresh? If so, then that could be an indication of the water coming from the water supply line. That’s because if water was coming from the roof it would track a lot of dirt and substances from the roof along with it.

If you have determined that the leak is possibly from the roof, start at the top and work your way down. Be sure to take all the necessary precautions, and have all required safety gear needed for a roof inspection.

Of course, not all people are prepared for home improvements and repairs, especially when it comes to major repairs. If you have a leaky ceiling, or any kind of water damage to your home or business, give the pros a call. For more information visit our water damage services page. We’re faster to any size disaster.

Water Damage: Causes in Manassas Park

4/19/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Manassas Park

Common Causes of Water Damage in Manassas Park

Water damage is something that every homeowner should be concerned about. It can cause thousands of dollars of damage, but more importantly, it can force the inhabitants out of the house temporarily, or even permanently.

So what are some of the most common causes of water damage in a residence? We’ve done the research, and list them out for you below, so read on to find out.

The cause of water damage we have found to be most common is broken, busted, or leaking pipes. Unfortunately, many times it is not easy to even tell that a pipe is leaking or malfunctioning in any way because the problem is out of site.

What can happen is in some cases the pipe can rust over time, or freeze over. In fact any drastic change in temperature can cause stress on the pipe, and lead to minor damage of the structure.

There are a number of ways to prevent this from happening, and a few dollars here is well worth saving thousands later. The most common way is to simply allow the water to trickle out of the tap, even if it’s at a drip, through the night on particularly cold nights. This allows the water to continue to move, and discourage freezing.

Another cause of water damage is accidents. Yes, plumbing accidents. Perhaps if you have children you know what we mean: action figures dropped in the toilet, kids overflowing the bathtub, anything like that. Simply being aware of what your child brings into the bathroom with them, and keeping an eye on their baths should help you avoid water damage in these cases.

Another very elusive cause of water damage is humidity in the basement, attic, or crawl space. These areas are dark, damp, and often times humid – especially in the Manassas area. This environment allows moisture to drip through the foundation or roof. If left unattended – over a period of time – can lead to damage to the walls ceilings, and floors of these spaces. It’s tricky to spot because this happens over such a long period of time, but simply using a dehumidifier once in a while in these areas should prevent any significant water damage to them.

There are many other causes of water damage, but these are just some of the most common. As always, if you have a case of water damage in the Northern Virginia area you can contact us at SERVPRO of North Prince William County for the fastest service in town!