How to Drain a Water Heater

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Sediment builds up in the bottom of your heater during normal use and needs to be flushed to remove this buildup at least once a year.

Steps for Draining a Water Heater:

• Turn off the power at the breaker box if you have an electric water heater, or if you have gas, set the gas valve to pilot.
• Turn off the water supply valve on the top of the water heater.
• Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
• Open the drain valve and allow about 30 minutes for the water to drain. Opening the pressure relief valve will help the tank drain faster.
• Once all the water and sediment has drained from the water heater, close the drain and pressure relief valves and remove the garden hose.
• Slowly open up the water supply valve to allow the tank to refill. You should also open a nearby faucet a little to allow the air from the tank to escape.
• Once the tank is full and the air is out of the lines. Turn the breaker back on or set the gas valve back to on.

Doing this once a year can help extend the life of your water heater.

Why is it important to change your HVAC filter?

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

1. It saves money.

When your air filter is functioning properly, your HVAC system runs more efficiently. This conserves energy, lowering your utility bill. It also prevents the need for future repairs, which makes the upfront cost of replacement filters much more appealing.

2. It increases your HVAC system's lifespan.

A clogged filter can result in an overworked system, reducing your HVAC system's lifespan and turning "replacement time" into a necessity rather than an option.

3. It improves indoor air quality.

An old furnace filter loses its ability to trap pollutants and allergens. Dirty air is circulated, causing health effects. A new filter captures these allergens, making the air being circulated safe to breathe.

4. It reduces the need for repairs.

Regularly changing your HVAC system filter keeps other problems at bay. A clean filter means fewer repairs.

5. It increases energy efficiency.

As already mentioned, an efficient system produces efficient energy use. A clean filter helps prevent energy waste.

6. It helps keep your home clean.

Do you enjoy breathing fresh air? That is the air filter's job. A clean filter results in clean air, which results in happy skin, eyes and lungs.

How often should you change your HVAC air filter?

• High-efficiency filters do not need to be changed as often as filters with low MERV ratings.
• Your filter will likely need to be changed in the peak seasons of use, such as winter (heating) and summer (air conditioning). During these periods of frequent system use, you should check your filter monthly and replace it as needed.
• Households containing pets or smokers typically require regular filter changes. More contaminants in the air (pet hair, dander, smoking byproducts, etc.) result in clogged filters.

Look for a manufacturer recommendation on your air filter's packaging that lists the filter's standard lifespan.

Know How to Turn Off Your Water Valve

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Picture this: You wake up in the middle of the night to find a busted pipe filling your house with water. It takes you 5 minutes to locate your main water valve and 2 more minutes to turn it off. That's 7 additional minutes of water flowing into your home.

It's a good idea to locate this valve when you move in and learn how it works to save yourself some  time during an emergency. You may need to purchase a shut off valve key at your local hardware store. While you are at it, learn how to shut off your power and gas lines as well.

Another homeowner tip is to turn off your main water valve whenever you leave to go on vacation. This will prevent flooding if something should go wrong while you are out of town.

IICRC Certified Firm

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm.

SERVPRO of Aiken is an IICRC certified firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Aiken

SERVPRO of Aiken 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Spring Fever

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

If you have Spring Fever, and are cleaning and organizing, this is a good time for you to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Aiken.

Have you ever given much thought to your duct work, and the quality of air that is circulating in your home?  We can handle that.

Have you dreaded cleaning your windows?  We can handle that.

What about your carpet - is there a traffic path that's darker than the surrounding carpet? We can handle that.

How does your furniture look?  Is there pet hair on it that you can't remove with your vacuum cleaner?  We can handle that.

SERVPRO of Aiken has the knowledge and experience to handle your every cleaning need.

Call us today at 803-648-3936.

Healthy New Year 12 Week Weight Loss Challenge

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

A group of Aiken SERVPRPO employees are taking part in a 12 week weight loss challenge.  We are in week 4.  The final weigh in will be on April 1st.  To make things interesting, we have a system of "fees".  There is a weekly weigh in fee of $1.00.  If a person's weight stays the same, they pay another $1.00.  There is a penalty fee of $1.00 per pound if weight has been gained.  There is a $1.00 penalty if someone misses their weigh in.

The owners generously paid $20.00 per participant for the registration fee.

The First Place winner will receive 50% of the pot, Second Place receives 30% of the pot, and Third Place will receive 20% of the pot.

More information will be coming after the week 6 weigh in.

Household Cleaning Tips

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

Household Tips to Make Your Life Easier

1.  How to Have a Sparkling Clean Blender

It’s easy to remove stuck-on stains by pouring some warm water, a little baking soda, and a little dish soap in your blender and pulsing it for a few seconds. Afterward, give it a good rinse or pop it in the dishwasher to get it looking like new.

2.  How to Make Your Sink Shine

Sinks are among the dirtiest places in the home. 

The solution? After sanitizing with an antibacterial cleanser, polish those faucets and tap handles with some wax paper. Not only will this help remove water spots, the wax will help prevent future stains, as well.

3.  How to Clean a Coffee Maker

Our coffee makers can be a veritable hotbed of bacterial activity.

So, how should you combat all that bacteria? A monthly vinegar rinse should do it. Just fill your coffee maker’s reservoir with a few tablespoons of white vinegar mixed with water, run it, and run it once more with only water to rid any lingering vinegar smell.