Tips for Controlling Water Damage and Stinky Smells | SERVPRO of Allen

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

water dripping from ceiling into a large puddle on tile floor

Trust our team at SERVPRO of Allen to provide comprehensive services for a full recovery for all your water damage restoration needs.

You don’t want to think about it, but the possibility of suffering from a water disaster is always present. A broken dishwasher, an overflowing sink or a water leak during a rainstorm can cause some serious puddles and floods at a moment’s notice.

Minor drips and puddles can usually be taken care of with a towel or a mop, but larger disasters can quickly cause more problems once the water starts to leak and seep throughout your home.

Dealing with a water disaster right away is crucial if you want to prevent further issues from occurring. A quick call to SERVPRO of Allen can help you avoid rot, mold growth and stubborn musty odors.

The Characteristics of Water

We all have water flowing through our homes in various ways, and we assume that it will always stay where it needs to in our pipes and fixtures. Unfortunately, leaks can happen at any time, and once water gets where it shouldn’t, it will start to infiltrate your floors, walls and ceiling. Water can be really hard to get to when it makes its way behind finished walls or under your wooden floorboards.

To make matters worse, there isn’t proper air movement in these areas of your home, so any sort of moisture in these spaces can linger and become stagnant. It will continue to leak throughout your home until you stop the flow of water and address the problem head-on.

Over time, this lingering water will start to wear away at your home’s internal structures, causing wood to swell, metal to rust and it can even cause mold to form. In only 24–48 hours, a few mold spores can grow into an entire colony.

Tracking Down the Stink

Even if you think you cleaned up all of the water, it is important to let your nose do some investigating over the following week. Mold tends to give off a musty or earthy odor, so if you catch a whiff of something stinky in the room that suffered the water disaster, it is time to get us on the phone.

Our team has the tools and training to figure out exactly what is causing the smell, and we will work hard to access the space with minimal disruption to your home. We will remove the lingering water while also focusing on odor removal. We will secure the affected area by shutting off your HVAC system and closing your vents, and then we will filter the air to remove those stubborn odor particles.

It is our mission to make sure your home is damage-free and smelling fresh before we leave your house!

Don’t ignore signs of a water leak. Contact SERVPRO® for a full recovery.

The Solution to All Home Damage Scenarios | SERVPRO of Allen

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pounding down on a blacktop surface

SERVPRO of Allen is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!

When it rains, it pours, especially when it comes to home damage situations. Oftentimes we are surprised by home disasters, especially when Mother Nature is involved, and that can mean more damage than we expected.

Serious storms can cause damage all across our community, or a single appliance failure at your home can lead to widespread damage on multiple levels of your house.

Recovery is always top of mind in these situations, which is why SERVPRO of Allen should be your first phone call when disaster strikes! We can handle your entire recovery with precision and confidence.

The Impact of Home Disasters

Disaster situations can take a serious toll on your home as well as the community as a whole. Even if you are expecting an incoming storm or know that a water leak is happening, it can still be overwhelming to deal with in the moment.

Heavy rain can cause serious flooding concerns and that can eventually lead to structural issues and mold growth. House fires can cause destruction all over the place and soot, smoke and debris can be left behind in their wake.

No matter the situation you are dealing with, a quick recovery is always recommended to avoid compounding damages from setting in. The longer damage sits around, the worse your situation can become.

That’s why a quick call to us is the best way to avoid further issues! We will work hard on your recovery so you can get back to normal faster.

A Single Team for Everything

One huge benefit about working with a local restoration company is that we can be at your home faster. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ and will get started on your recovery plan as soon as you call us.

Our highly certified experts are highly trained in handling your disaster no matter how large or widespread it became. We will pack up the right tools and the right technicians for the job to ensure we can help you completely.

When your roof is damaged in a storm, we will prioritize your project by securing tarps over the exposed parts and we will also work on saving your possessions from further damage. If your home suffers from a flood, drying out your space and tackling repairs becomes the top priority.

We can even tear down and rebuild sections of your home if the damage is too great to take on. We are a full-service restoration company, which means that you won’t have to work with multiple different people and contractors during your restoration. We will handle everything and anything you need to make a full recovery.

Our highly trained staff, industry-leading equipment and ²⁴⁄₇ availability makes our team the choice for you when disaster strikes. Give us a call and enjoy sunnier days on the horizon!

Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.

Checking for Water Leaks With Confidence | SERVPRO of Allen

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

close up of condensation on window pane and ledge

Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Allen to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.

How many times a week do you run your dishwasher? How often do you run a warm bath for your kids? We use water every day in our households, and we are incredibly grateful for the easy access to water whenever we need it.

Unfortunately, since water is easily accessible and is constantly flowing in and out of our homes, that means that water leaks are also a common occurrence. Knowing where to start looking for leaks is crucial toward catching an issue at the start and preventing serious damage.

Under Cupboards and Sinks

Water flows down drains every day in your house, and that water has to go somewhere! Water lines coming out of your sinks and dishwashers can easily malfunction and cause leaks, and oftentimes these leaks go unnoticed if they start inside a cupboard or kitchen cabinet.

Once the water has started to leak, it can soak into your cupboards, get behind your walls and leak under your floors. Try to get in the habit of checking your water lines often, and run your hands along the pipes to check for residual moisture. If you do discover water, tighten up loose connections or recaulk old seals after cleaning up the mess.

Beneath Certain Appliances

Not all of the appliances in our homes rely on water to function, but the ones that do are used often, if not every day. Water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers all play vital roles in our days, which means they can also malfunction and cause leaks without much warning.

If a leak does start, it will most likely be coming from under or behind the machine, making it harder to notice right away. Pull your machines away from the wall whenever you are deep-cleaning a space to check for water spots, mold growth or new puddles.

Behind the Walls

If a leak starts out in the open, that water will eventually get to a place where it can be hard to dry out in your home. Behind walls and under floors are often tricky places to access without the proper tools or equipment. Once it starts to leak, it can cause some serious structural damage and spark mold infestations.

If you start to smell what could be mold or mildew or a spot on your wall is suspiciously becoming darker than the rest of the area, it’s time to do some investigating.

Around Exterior Windows

As temperatures rise and fall throughout the season, it can be common to have condensation appear on your windows. If it lingers too long or there is too much of it, it can drip down onto your windowsills and warp the wood and surrounding area.

Moisture can also get into your home via any tiny gaps or cracks around your windows and doors. Even the smallest air leak can quickly lead to moisture troubles, so check your exterior walls and doors often for signs of wear and tear.

SERVPRO of Allen is here for you if you do discover water damage! Our team will get right to work drying out your home and addressing repairs. Call us day or night for quick assistance.

Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.

Jumping Into Action When Your Business Floods | SERVPRO of Allen

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

concrete floor tiling with large cracks and water on it

Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Allen a call to get that resolved!

It’s just another day at the office, or so you think. You get to work, unlock the doors, turn on the lights and are all of a sudden hit with a musty odor and your socks are now soaked through. Oh no, your floors are covered in water and it is currently raining down from the ceiling! What do you do?

Water leaks can happen at any point, but they can be especially troublesome when they occur and no one is around to help immediately. Over time, this simple leak could turn into a flood that impacts multiple levels of your business.

No matter how the leak started, getting it under control as quickly as possible is always recommended to prevent serious damage from occurring as well as to prevent mold growth. Following these steps below can help you navigate this uncertain and frustrating time.

Following Step by Step

When you discover water damage or even a flood, it can take you by surprise and can be a very unnerving experience. Try to stay calm and focus on what you can control in the moment.

Taking action quickly can help you avoid serious issues that could plague your business for years.

1. Stay safe. We always want you to stay safe! First, make sure your employees stay out of the area and stay out of the water. Assess the damage from dry location and then get us on the phone. Our team will discuss the situation and start working on a recovery plan right away. You should also take some photos at this time as well to help jumpstart your insurance claim.

2. Control the disaster. Fast action is the best way to prevent serious or long-term damage, so focus on identifying the source and shutting off the flow of water as quickly as possible. Closing off the specific water valve or simply shutting off the main water valve to your entire building for the time being can stop the problem from getting worse.

3. Start the drying process. While you wait for us to arrive, you can certainly start the drying process! Just be sure to stay out of the water as floodwater can contain chemicals, storm runoff and even sewage. Open windows, set up fans and keep the area closed off to employees and customers.

Working With Our Water Damage Restoration Team

Once we arrive, we will get to work right away to remove the excess water, and we will also perform a visual assessment at this time. Our project manager will be with you every step of the way to ensure you know what is going on and what is coming next. We will even make contact with your insurance agency at this time.

While we work on your building, we want you to focus on your staff and your business. Oftentimes, we are able to secure the area where the flood occurred so you can still operate, even in a reduced capacity. We will do whatever we can to help!

You shouldn’t have to stand for standing water at your business. Contact SERVPRO of Allen for immediate assistance, and we will help you dry out and rebuild right away.

Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

When the Rain Comes Pouring In... | SERVPRO of Allen

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

image of a large body of water during a rain storm with ripples caused by the heavy downpour

Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Allen on the case!

A soft and gentle rainfall in the late summer or early fall can be relaxing and much-needed at this time of year. Rain has a way of calming everything down and refreshing our community!

However, not all rain is light and idyllic. Sometimes it can wash over the area in intense waves, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and even hail. While our homes are strong enough to withstand moderate storm conditions, sometimes the rain can fall fast enough that our homes can’t keep up and the rain comes leaking into our homes.

Our SERVPRO® of Allen team wants you to stay as safe as possible during severe storm situations like this, so we offer some tips for taking quick action and seeking shelter below.

Hazards of Intense Rain

If rain falls hard and fast, it can cause all kinds of problems for our area. Flash flooding conditions can appear if rivers overflow or roads can’t drain fast enough, which can make travel impossible or treacherous.

It can also cause ground issues if the water is moving fast enough. Landslides can sweep away trees, plants, cars and even houses. Since we live in the aptly named “Flash Flood Alley,” we know how quickly rain can turn into a major issue. We could easily get three to six inches of rain in a short amount of time when the clouds open up.

While this act of Mother Nature is not preventable, preparing in advance can help you avoid certain situations and severe damage. Stay connected to local authorities, and take action immediately if a flash flood warning is issued or intense rainfall is expected.

Staying Safe

Preparing your home and family should always be your top priority. If you are out and about, head for your house right away and avoid any low-lying areas, drainage ditches or any roads that you know flood easily during storms. Get whatever you can into your house or garage that you don’t want swept away by the water, including your cars, lawn equipment and outdoor furniture.

Get anything fragile or sentimental off of the first level of your home and move it upstairs and consider shutting off the electricity for your lower level just in case the water starts to flow in. If that happens while you are home, stay calm and stay above the water line. Remain in a safe location until the water stops rushing in. Move carefully through your home and avoid walking through the water and call us for a complete restoration.

Future Prevention Strategies

We know that weather can be unpredictable, which is why it is impossible to plan for every scenario. After you have recovered from this particular flooding incident, consider taking measures to prevent this from happening again! Start with getting a professional opinion about your property and whether you would benefit from getting it professionally graded. This can help water flow down and away from your foundation, even if it becomes heavy at times.

Another helpful investment is a sump pump! If your home is in a low-lying area, having a sump pump is crucial during intense rain storms. Sump pumps work to remove water from around your foundation to keep it from leaking down your walls and ruining your walls, floors and ceilings.

Remember that we are always here if you need assistance recovering from water damage. Our SERVPRO water damage restoration specialists will help dry out the excess moisture, repair whatever was damaged and sanitize your space to prevent mold growth.

We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.

Water Damage Locations Around Your Home | SERVPRO® of Allen

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

img src =”bucket” alt = " blue bucket in the middle of the living area catching water falling from the ceiling ” >

Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Allen to find the source.

Water damage can occur virtually anywhere in your home. Leaks, accidents or natural disasters have the ability to soak through walls and floors with ease. The unfortunate thing about water damage is that it often starts quietly and can cause widespread damage before it is even discovered.

In order to prevent these types of situations from occurring, it is important to understand the most common areas for water damage to occur in your Allen area home.

Check out our latest blog below so you can keep your home as dry and comfortable as possible.

Your roof. As our roofs protect us from the elements and help keep us warm, they can suffer wear and tear over the years. Small gaps or leaks can often lead to bigger problems, or a singular weather event could cause extensive damage to your roof.

Since we don’t often get up onto our roofs, these types of situations can go unnoticed and the water can continue to leak into our homes.

Once it starts to drip down your walls, it can seep into floors and can soak through your insulation. It can be hard to completely dry out the spaces behind your walls, which can lead to mold growth and eventually an infestation.

In your bathroom. No matter if you have a big family or you live alone, your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your house. Since water is constantly running through the taps in this space, water damage is a constant threat.

The best way to catch any issues is to investigate signs right away. A dripping water line or a puddle under your sink should alert you to discover the cause. It is also important to help control the humidity and moisture levels in your bathroom.

Even though these tasks may seem obvious to do, they can go a long way to preventing troublesome water damage. Just be proactive and inspect your plumbing on the regular.

Other appliances. Another common location for water damage is anywhere near your appliances. Dishwashers, fridges with ice machines and washing machines all use water in order to function, so they could malfunction at any time. If you notice any new water spots or unexplained moisture near your appliances, check it out right away.

It might be harder to discover a water leak beneath or behind your appliances since they are so bulky and hard to move, but pull them away from the wall when you can to do a thorough check.

Another important homeowner tip that our SERVPRO of Allen team suggests is to replace outdated appliances regularly. Older or worn-out appliances have the ability to leak or malfunction more regularly than newer technology, so do your family a favor and keep only the best equipment in your home.

Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!

Where You Can Prevent Water Damage at Home | SERVPRO® of Allen

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

a leak in ceiling creating water lines running down an interior wall

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Allen team if you are dealing with any water damage.

Water damage usually sneaks up on you. We rarely get advanced notice of leaks, drips or flows. Once they happen, it’s too late, since the damage is already done.

The good news is that a little proactive maintenance can help you spot leaks before they start. Here are a few of the most common places for leaks:

Sinks and faucets. These fixtures are used multiple times a day, and over time, they can become fragile and wear out. The supply lines are under pressure, so if there is a problem, it usually sprays a stream of water and is easy to find. Drain system problems will show up as more of a small leak or seepage.

Refrigerators. Today’s modern refrigerators often have automated ice machines, which require a water source. Also, most refrigerators have a defrost cycle that happens at least once a day. You may have even heard a sizzling noise coming from your refrigerator. That’s the sound of the defrosted water hitting the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil usually dissipates the water before it hits the drip pan, a safety area that accumulates defrosted water droplets. But an improperly working defrost system can cause a water leak.

Clogged gutters. Are your gutters properly maintained? Gutters full of debris are one of the leading causes of roof damage. Overflowing gutters can cause soffit damage, and water can seep into the interior of the house from walls or around the foundation. Gutters should be inspected and cleared of debris as necessary.

Roof damage. Falling limbs can cause serious roof damage. If a limb perforates the roof membrane, it will turn into a costly repair. Many times, damaged roofs allow water to seep in, causing mold and rot to take hold. That’s why it’s important to inspect attics and roofs for damage.

Old copper pipes. If your house was built between 1950 and 2000, there is a good chance you have copper piping. House remodels are the perfect time to inspect and replace plumbing if necessary. Today, older copper plumbing supply lines are being replaced with PEX. PEX is made of cross-linked polyethylene and has great durability and strength.

Clogged sink drains. Many items can clog a drain in a sink. These drains can become clogged with food, grease or hair. Be careful if you decide to plunge instead of calling a plumber, since plunging creates significant pressure on the drain system. While most of the time it can push a clog through, sometimes you could damage a pipe connection and spring a leak.

Make sure to take care of the systems in your home that create a comfortable living space for you. Occasionally inspect and repair any issues you find with gutters, roof systems, supply lines or drains. This can potentially save you a lot of time and money!

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

Where You Can Prevent Water Damage at Home | SERVPRO® of Allen

9/12/2021 (Permalink)

water draining down wall, a leak in ceiling creating water lines running down an interior wall

A water leak of any size can turn into a big problem. The team at SERVPRO of Allen is here 24/7 to help with any size water damage.