One of the most common sources of water damage in homes in Aiken is overflowing toilets. Most homeowners thankfully are quick to discover an overflowing toilet, meaning they can act quickly to alleviate the issue.
Depending on the location of the bathroom in your home and the type of overflow you are dealing with, you must approach the situation from different angles. A second-story bathroom or an overflow that contains sewage presents obstacles that are unique in handling this kind of damage.
When it comes to sewage, you want the expert help of the professionals at SERVPRO. Not only can we clean up all the water and dry your home back out, but we also need to combat the smells of the mess left behind.
The first step in getting rid of odors is to of course get rid of what is causing it – in this case, the sewage. Odor problems from water damage occur because wet materials are not dry. Once the moisture level returns to normal, a lot of the odor problems go away as well.
In most situations with deodorization, odors are coming from multiple sources. To find all of them and figure out the specific methods to fight each of them requires technical equipment and much knowledge. Instead, SERVPRO techs use various methods to combat the smells.
One kind of deodorization agent does not work on every odor, so we use more than one type to treat the various odors we encounter in these situations. Plus, we ensure that you as our customer like the smell of the professional product we choose to apply.
When it comes down to it, SERVPRO of Aiken is the one to trust with a water overflow disaster. Not only can we clean everything up, but we ensure that your home is back to normal again when you call us at (803) 648-3936 .
Having an accident or flood can be a devastating experience. Even a little water can lead to significant damage if given enough time. It can affect your belongings, furniture, and even the structural stability of your home.
When facing water removal issues in your Aiken or North Augusta area home, it is important to have a trained professional on your side. You want to locate the source of the problem, get excess water out of your home, and have someone available to deal with unsuspected damages.
SERVPRO has 24-hour emergency service, IICRC certified technicians, industrial-grade equipment, and years of experience providing extraction, drying, cleaning, and repair services for customers just like you. We understand how water works, making its way into cracks and crevices, leading to expensive damages.
Our technicians use infrared moisture detectors to locate even the smallest amounts of water, water extractors of all shapes and sizes, along with drying and dehumidification equipment to get water out of your home in a quick, efficient manner that limits any losses you may experience.
We can perform wet carpet removals, content and structural decontamination, humid or flooded basement cleanup services, as well as complete structural drying. We even make sure that the inside of your walls remains entirely moisture-free and perform remediation services when necessary to help you maintain a clean, healthy home.
Attempting to perform your water removal services alone leaves you with hidden pockets of water throughout your home that can cause excessive damages in the future. Without the right tools and experience, everything can get out of hand quite fast, leaving you with a huge mess and significant problems to your home.
We can provide you and your family with the services you deserve. By assigning qualified technicians, we help return everything to normal in a quick, efficient manner, after an emergency occurs.
Get the help you need by calling SERVPRO of Aiken today!
If your Aiken, SC, home gets infiltrated with sewage water, it’s much more than just cleaning up a spill. Sewer cleanup requires more consideration and steps to clean. Unlike a pipe burst or appliance malfunction, which results in clean or gray water in the home, a sewer backup contains highly contaminated black water.
Safety First
Even a flooded toilet has the potential to include black water. While the first inclination may be to grab some towels and start mopping it up, doing so could spread contaminants. Hiring a professional water remediation expert can ensure that the process is done correctly and nothing is left behind. Signs you should avoid the mess and call for help include:
Multiple rooms are flooded.
The source is clearly from a sewer or septic tank backup.
The water has been sitting for more than 24 hours.
Besides cleaning up the mess, a professional with have the tools and knowledge to ensure a proper, efficient cleanup. The right team will quickly remove sewage dirt, prevent mold or other bacteria from spreading, and are better equipped to salvage more of your personal belongings, as well as components of the home.
Small Spills For minor issues, it is important to take precautions when tackling sewer cleanup on your own. Before starting the process, open windows to air the home out. Wear PPE, including eye protection, rubber gloves and disposable clothing. Any solids should be shoveled and placed in heavy-duty plastic bags for removal. A bucket can be used to remove standing water, and a wet/dry vacuum can finish off the remaining water. Any items that can be removed should be placed outdoors to dry out. All areas or items that have been affected should be thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant. When it comes to sewer cleanup, the best bet is to get expert help to avoid unnecessary risks. They will quickly restore your home back to “Like it never even happened.”
Proper Precautions to Take When Addressing Water in Light Fixtures
When you think about water damage in your Aiken, SC, home, you likely think about the affect it can have on the structure of your house. However, there is one location that you may not consider. In some cases, you may end up with water in light fixtures. This can be dangerous, so make sure to take proper precautions when addressing the situation.
1. Turn Off the Electricity
The first thing that you should do if you notice water in a light fixture is to turn off the power to your home. Trying to turn off the light with a switch could be unsafe, so do not attempt to do this. Instead, you should find your home’s breaker box and shut off power to the entire house.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply
If the water is coming from a broken or leaking pipe, the next step you should take is to turn off the water supply to your house. This will prevent additional water from entering the home and causing more damage.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
In most cases, water damage will be covered by your homeowners insurance, so you should contact your agent quickly to file a claim. Unless the water came from a broken pipe or appliance due to your own negligence, your insurance company will likely pay for the resulting damage.
4. Hire a Professional to Replace the Fixture and Make Repairs
Because water and electricity is a dangerous combination, you should never attempt to make these repairs on your own. Contact an emergency restoration service to repair any floor and ceiling damage as well as the leak or broken pipe. An electrician should replace the light fixture before you attempt to use it again.
If you notice water in a light fixture, you should have this taken care of right away. Do not ignore it, as this can cause bigger problems and can be a hazard to your safety.
A wet crawl space can create more problems than you might expect. It makes water damage less visible, but it also creates the perfect conditions for mold growth. The moisture also weakens the Aiken, SC, house's structural materials, creating greater damage as a result. Learn about the most common causes for water inside the crawl space so you can prevent an incident.
1. Overwatered Plants
You can accidentally flood the crawl space by doing something as simple as overwatering plants, especially those close to the house's foundation. Whether you use too much water or leave the hose or sprinkler running beyond the necessary time, the excess will seep into the house and reach the lower sections first. You can easily turn off the water to resolve this issue. You can spot this problem if you see water pooling near the affected area.
2. Poor Sloping Grade
Another factor that can result in a wet crawl space is the lack of proper grading around your house. Ideally, you want the grading to slope away from the building and towards the outer yard or the streets. This feature ensures that any incoming water flows away from the foundation, preventing flooding. Check the grade after winter, intense rainfall or an overwatering incident. If the slope is altered or missing, build it up between six to eight inches away from home.
3. Defective Plumbing
Another reason why you might find water inside your crawl space involves defective or broken pipes. Even if the leak or burst pipe is in the house's upper floors, the water will always trickle down. If you find water in the crawl space or lower area, conduct a detailed search to find the source and fix it. Hire a plumber if you are unable to find it.
You should deal with a wet crawl space fast before mold growth and water damage threatens your home. Identify these occurrences to avoid this situation and contact emergency remediation services if you find water in that area or anywhere else.
Home Maintenance Tips to Help You Prevent a Water Damage
Water damage can be a costly and devastating event. At SERVPRO of Aiken, SC, we have often found that careful maintenance can diminish the risk and costs of water damage restoration. The water damage restoration process can be stressful, but by following some simple home maintenance tips, you can help prevent flooding from structural or maintenance issues in your home.
1) Assess your water heater to minimize water repair risk.
Water heater issues are common when it comes to our emergency water cleanup calls in Aiken, SC. With regular maintenance, you can prevent a surprise water heater flood in your home. Make sure the water heater's thermostat is regulating the temperature properly to prevent pressure buildup that can cause a water leak.
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 could need inspection or replacement to prevent a surprise flood.
2) Inspect your appliance hoses and connectors for leaks and replace them if they start showing wear.
Look for any cracks, kinks, unraveling, wear, or corrosion on the hoses and connectors. If you find any damage, replace them immediately. Most manufacturers and plumbers also recommend replacing water hoses and connectors every 3-5 years to prevent surprise water damage issues.
3) Replace old caulking in your windows and doors to prevent wet areas and moisture around the windows.
We often get calls for mitigation work in Aiken, SC, for this kind of mitigation work. 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 inspect your caulking every year and replace it if you notice any cracks developing or if you see it pulling away from the window.
You should also check your exterior door flashings for holes or rust that can allow water entry. If your doors are properly caulked, you can also help prevent premature flashing failure.
We are Here to Help for All of Your Water Repair Needs
If you or someone you know needs water damage restoration service, our team at SERVPRO of Aiken is Here to Help!
Save our number for the future or call today for rapid response from our IICRC trained water restoration technicians.
During a storm in the Aiken area, it is possible that your home or business may be damaged by flood water if the weather becomes severe. Because this is not quite the same as other water damage, you may be unsure of how to deal with it. The following is some information about this type of water that might be helpful to you.
1. Why is a Flood Different From Other Water Damage?
The reason that flood water is different from others is largely due to how it accumulates. While most water damage, such as that from leaks or broken pipes, comes from above, the water in a flood rises from the ground. As it does, it becomes category 3 water.
2. What is Category 3 Water?
When it comes to water contamination, there are three categories. Category 3 or black water, which includes water from a flood, has the highest levels of contamination. Because this water comes up from the ground, it mixes with dirt, debris and sewage. When this happens, it begins to carry waste, bacteria and harmful chemicals that can be hazardous to your health.
3. How Should You Handle It?
Because flood water is highly contaminated, it is not a good idea to try removing it on your own. Instead, you should hire a professional to thoroughly clean and sanitize the building. Any food or beverages that have been in contact with this water should be thrown away as they are no longer safe to consume. Protective gear should be worn at all times while handling category 3 water.
If your building has been affected by water or storm damage of any kind, you should have it taken care of right away to prevent it from becoming worse. If allowed to sit, moisture can contribute to mold growth and can cause materials to weaken. A professional cleanup and restoration company can sanitize the area, perform necessary repairs and salvage many affected items.
When the temperatures drop to below freezing there is always a chance of a pipe burst.
Insulate pipes.Pipe insulation in your home's crawl spaces and attic helps even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
Use heat tape or heat cables.Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturer's installation and operation instructions.
Seal leaks. Locate and thoroughly seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets. Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
Let water drip. A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight when temperatures are cold, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
Adjust the thermostat. Keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night also reduces the risk of frozen pipes. During extreme cold, this also helps reduce the strain on the furnace.
Open cabinet doors. This allows heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
If you have any fire, water or mold disasters give SERVPRO of Aiken a call today. We have trained professionals ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
SERVPRO of Aiken 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 – 803-648-3936
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 Aiken 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 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. 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.
This flooded classroom was caused by a recent storm.
Flooding and water damage emergencies don't wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Aiken 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 is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture and more. SERVPRO of Aiken arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 - 803-648-3936
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 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. 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.
The hardwood flooring in this house buckled due to water damage that was not mitigated quickly.
SERVPRO of North Raleigh & Wake Forest News And Updates
Bursting pipes can really throw a wrench in the works of the day-to-day routine of running your household. The disruption can be a great concern and understanding what needs to be done can be of great help. Knowing what to do can be a great relief if such a situation occurs in your home, and can help prevent secondary damage to your property.
Secondary Damage and How To Prevent it
In the event of bursting pipes, swift and thorough treatment at the first sign of water can help minimize secondary damage. Following are some additional indicators.
Hardwood or subflooring that has buckled
Swollen and rotting sheet rock
Vinyl flooring that has begun to flake
Sour or disagreeable odors coming from the water
Black mold or evidence of spores
Cleaning Up Before Secondary Damage Happens
Secondary damage can come from allowing water to sit, even clean water. The water and the humidity that comes from it causes these problems. The water should be shut off, then call SERVPRO of Aiken to help with assessing the damage and making critical decisions. We can mitigate the damage and mess safely and completely.
Preventing Black Mold
The number one thing that can help prevent the onset of black mold is to thoroughly dry out the area. This includes drying out behind the walls, including studs and insulation if they have gotten wet. Industrial air movers may be needed to do a complete job of drying, and a dehumidifying unit is also helpful in controlling residual moisture. If you should experience bursting pipes in your home, take care to get the problem taken care of immediately. A dryer house is a safer house and will help to set your mind at ease.
Have Questions about Water or Mold Damage?
Call Us Today – 803-648-3936
How Contamination Level Changes the Mitigation Process
SERVPRO of North Atlanta / Buckhead News And Updates
All flooding is not the same. When your home in Aiken, floods, the first question water mitigation experts are likely to ask is the source of the water. Where the water comes from often indicates the level of contamination with which they must contend. It can tell them a lot about the process they need to use to completely restore your home to its original state.
Category 1
Category 1 water is considered clean. Your home may be flooded by a clean source:
Broken pipe
Leaking pipe
Busted supply line
The water damage caused by clean water must still be repaired, but the process is pretty straightforward. The area can often be dried without having to remove a lot of damaged material.
Category 2
If flooding occurs as the result of a leak from your refrigerator or an overflowing washing machine, this is considered a Category 2 incident. Some cleaning is required, because the water may contain a few contaminants. As long as the materials involved are not saturated and can be adequately disinfected, they may not have to be removed.
Category 3
Flood damage from a storm or sewer line falls within the third level of contamination. This can complicate the cleanup process extensively. Even if the walls, floors and ceilings affected by the flood are still structurally sound, any area the contaminated water touched may still have to be removed in order to ensure all the microbes in the water are gone. Just because it doesn't look or smell dirty, that doesn't mean that it isn't. Technicians know it is better to err on the side of caution when the water comes from a source that is likely contaminated. Understanding the mitigation process for flooding in your home can help you plan ahead. When you hear that the damage was caused by Category 3 water, you can adjust your expectations accordingly.
Our recent weather has had us going from one extreme to the other. It's 70 degrees one day, and 30 degrees the next! We've had more than a few nights when the temperature was at or below freezing.
Be aware that freezing weather may cause frozen or burst water pipes.
TIPS TO AVOID FROZEN PIPES
If you are concerned about your plumbing pipes freezing, it is helpful to leave a faucet running - not full blast, but just a little faster than a drip. Leave cabinet doors open so that room temperature air can reach the pipes. Also, if you are out of town or if the home or business is unoccupied, set your thermostat at or above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, you can keep pipes warm by wrapping them with pipe insulation; or in a pinch, use newspaper. If you have water supply lines in your garage, keep the garage doors closed.
IF PIPES ARE FROZEN (Not Burst)
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe.
Shut off water immediately, as freezing may cause unseen cracks.
To help thaw pipes, apply heat to frozen section by using a heating pad or handheld hair dryer. You may also use a portable space heater, but ensure that it is kept away from flammable materials.
Once the pipes have thawed, slowly turn the water back on, and check for any leaks or cracks.
If you are not able to determine which pipes are frozen - if they fail to thaw - or if any have cracked or burst, call a licensed plumber.
Please see link below if you experience water damage, and call SERVPRO of Aiken for 24/7 emergency service.
SERVPRO of Aiken 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 – 803-648-3936
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 Aiken 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 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. 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.
24/7 Emergency Service
