Water Supply Line

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

6 Common causes of water line damages 

• Poor installation of pipes
• Freezing and thawing 
• Shifting soil under the surface 
• Changing Hydraulic dynamics 
• Wear and tear 
• Rodents and pest causes a mess

Also make sure that the person that installed your pipes did his job correct. If they wasn't paying to much attention your water lines could fail, or if they used substandard materials the lifespan of your water line could be negatively affected.

With freezing and thawing always make sure you leave your water dripping in your residence or commercial building during a storm. also another way to keep them from freezing is wrap your pipes up with a towel or old shirt. 

Shifting of you water supply line is very rare but can happen at any point in time. The underground pipelines can get damaged by the moving tectonic plates, or sometimes the roots of trees move into unexpected places which will also cause a water damage. 

I know your wondering what is hydraulics dynamics, well Hydraulics is the study of fluids whether in motion or at rest. Dynamics is the branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of bodies under the action of forces. So with that being said if the water line is hit with to much high pressure even for a short period of time it is likely to cause water damage. 

Your pipes do get old after a period of time causing wear and tear. So eventually you will have to get them replaced. 

Who likes rodents and pests? They causes messes in many ways and yep you guessed it they can even cause water damages. They can cause it if your water line is above or underground. they are known to chew thru anything from plastic to PVC or even metal pipes.

But you always know SERVPRO of Orangeburg will be on the way 24/7/365 we are only one call away  give us a call 803.536.1285. 

Remember to call SERVPRO for your water damage

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don't wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency water damage restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, we answer the phone ready to help. We will immediately send a work crew to assess the water damage and begin the cleanup and drying process. We do the job right, the first time. Along the way, we will keep you informed on our progress with regular updates, and we'll always treat you and your family with respect.

As a leader in the industry, SERVPRO is the name you know and trust. We are located right here in the community, and SERVPRO has over 1,700 other Franchises so you know we have the resources, experience, and a track record of success. At SERVPRO we make it "Like it never even happened."

Do You Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today - (803) 536-1285

Service your HVAC system.

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

Having your HVAC system serviced regularly is a vey important essential to prevent a water damage from happening inside your home. 

HVAC stands for "heating, ventilation , and air conditioning." This system is responsible for helping you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. 

If your HVAC system gets clogged or starts leaking please contact your local HVAC company to have it fixed. If you do not catch the problem ahead of time and an unfortunate event like a water damage happens please don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Orangeburg to handle your water damage restoration. We also do emergency services which starts at 5PM. We make it like it never even happen 24/7/365. 

It's the Water You Don't See

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Any water damage in your home or business is bad,

There is no such thing as a small disaster. Especially when the water contains bacteria - or causes mold, rot and other unseen damage. Water damage can affect the value of your property. So before you get out the mop bucket and box fan to try and clean it up yourself, consider how this will affect your property in the long run.

Your SERVPRO Franchise Professional understands how disruptive unseen water damage can be for your home or business. For this reason, we offer 24-hour emergency response and, under normal circumstances, will have a trained, uniformed Franchise Professional on-site within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO Professionals can help you regain control quickly while drying, deodorizing and protecting your property and contents.

So before you risk further damaging the value of the structure by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local water damage cleanup and restoration specialists at SERVPRO, or dial 1-800-SERVPRO.

Why Mitigate Water?

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Why Mitigate?

• Mitigation reduces losses of life and property
• Mitigation enables people to recover more quickly from a disaster
• Mitigation lessens the financial impact of disasters

Types of Water

• Clean - Broken pipe, Icemaker, Drain Overflow; No waste of Contaminants
• Gray - Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Roof Leak; Some soils and contaminants
• Black - Raw Sewage, Floods; High Degree of waste and contaminants

Water Mitigation Procedure

• Extraction of excess water
• Mold and microbial prevention
• Drying Process: Dehumidification and evaporation
• Monitoring the drying process
• Final Cleanup

Speed is Key!

Immediate response lessens damage;

• Less wood and drywall saturation
• Less Delamination
• Reduced Carpet and furniture stains
• Fewer warping hardwood floors
• Less mold/mildew
• Less contents damage

As mitigation specialists, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals focus on reducing loss, enabling quick recoveries and lessening costs involved with restoration of property damage events. 

Tips for Water Damages

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

When a water loss occurs, SERVPRO understands the frustration and stress that comes with it. Your local SERVPRO Franchise will respond quickly and efficiently to dry and help protect your home and belongings. We've compiled a list of tips to help reduce damages as you wait for a SERVPRO professional to assist you. (These tips are for clean water situations only.)

• Shut off the source of the water if possible, and if it can be done safely.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting if applicable.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Do not put cushion covers in washing machines.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to protect the furniture and flooring.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
• Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting to avoid staining.
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water as it lacks a filtration system and can cause more harm than good.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water. Safety is a top priority.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet to avoid stains.

The two key components of proper water restoration are; Fast Action and Thorough Drying. Even small water losses have potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. SERVPRO is here to make every water damage "Like it never even happened."

The Right Equipment for Water Damages

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands using the proper equipment makes an immense difference in reducing a costly restoration process as well as the amount of time the drying process will take. Here is a list of equipment we use to verify an environment has been dried thoroughly;

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets and carpet padding.
• Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials.
• Thermo-hygrometers measure both temperature and relative humidity.
• Infrared Cameras ca identify the location and extent of moisture in walls very effectively.
• Manometers allow SERVPRO Franchise Professional to measure the difference in air pressure when creating a negative air pressure environment.

The most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction, when water is extracted quickly, the environment can usually be dried much faster. 

• Extractors are used in cleaning carpets and upholstery, as well as removing water from floors following a water damage.

After excess water is removed Air Movers and Dehumidifiers will be placed throughout the structure as needed to finish up the drying process and to make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Know if Your Property Has Water Damage

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

There are many ways to see if your property has water damage. While looking around your home; check for the following:

Water Stains Around the House

Water stains are the first sign to look for. These are fairly easy to spot; they are yellow water rings that form on walls, ceilings, and floors. Check affected areas for water damage.

Swollen Drywall

In some instances, drywall will absorb some of the excess moisture, which will cause it to bubble and become swollen. Inspect these areas thoroughly for an accumulation of water inside the drywall.

Rotting Wooden Items

You should also look for any rotten wood in the house. Verify that your wooden furniture, fixtures, and more, are in good condition.

A Nasty, Humid Smell

The smell of excess humidity or mold presence in a place is unmistakable. Smell the property intently to notice  any strange odors.

The Sound of Leaks Around the House

If you hear water dripping around the house, there may be a leak. However, if that leak has been there for a long time, then you can bet that there is water damage on your property.

Paint in Bad Shape

The paint job also suffers when there's excess humidity or water damage. If it's bubbling, discolored, or it's peeling off, there may be some damage.

The Walls Feel Damp

Place your hand on the walls, and see if it is damp. If so, there is probably water damage.

Damage to the Roof

If water is accumulating on top of the house, you will be able to tell by looking at the roof. If you notice that there are any dents or that there are broken/missing shingles, it may be because of water damage.

Rusty Metals Around the House

You should also look at the metals in the home; if they're rusty, there's probably water damage.

Poorly Maintained Attic and Basement

Believe it or not, an attic and/or basement in poor condition can also be an indicator of some problems in a property, since these are the rooms that are typically affected first. Check these areas thoroughly. 

Loose Caulk Around Pipes

You should also look around for loose caulk in the bathroom, on pipes, etc. This can be the result of water seeping through those areas.

An Awful Exterior

Finally, inspect your property's exterior. If you find a lot of puddles, or if you can notice that the ground around the property slopes towards the home; these two big warning signs of water damage.

If you find any issues, reach out to SERVPRO of Orangeburg. We are here to help. (803)536-1285.

DO's and DON'Ts During Active Water Damage

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

This is a busted pipe during an active water leak.

When experiencing an active water damage, there is many things running through your mind. SERVPRO of Orangeburg is aware of this and we are here to help. Below is a checklist of DO's and DON'Ts to assist you in what to do next, to lessen damage caused to your home or business.

DO:

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting the affected area.
• Place aluminum foil or wooden blocks under furniture legs.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature. 
• Remove oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.

DO NOT:

• Use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpeting.

These tips will help lessen the damage caused by he water, until help arrives. After following this quick checklist, contact SERVPRO of Orangeburg. We will make it "Like it never even happened."

(803)536-1285.

Sump Pump

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

This basement could have used a sump pump to prevent this flooding.

A sump pump is an electrically powered pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basements of homes. The life of a sump pump varies but is typically around 10 years.

How It Works

Sump pumps move water from your basement away from your home. A sump is a naturally constructed pit in your basement floor. This pit holds the pump. The pump is equipped with valves that sense escalating water levels or pressure. When the water gets too high, the pump automatically pumps excess water out of the basement and away from your property using a discharge line. This line connects to the pump and extends to a designated drainage area at a minimum of 10 feet from your foundation. Be aware that the length of this line can be mandated by local code ordinances. 

There are many types of pumps and different horsepower options available, so research what will work best for your home before making a choice of which one to go with.

This will help prevent future water damage to your home. However if you have water damage currently, call SERVPRO of Orangeburg 27/7.

WE will make it "Like it never even happened." (803)536-1285.

Hot Water Heater Causes Major Loss at Local University

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Hot Water Heater Causes Major Loss at Local University

A hot water heater head exploded it a dorm building of a local university, causing extensive damage in 10 rooms. As soon as the issue was found, SERVPRO of Orangeburg was contacted. 

Upon arrival, our crews first step was to extract the standing water from all affected areas. Once extraction was completed, our expertly trained team began by placing machines to start the drying process. These machines include blowers and dehumidifiers.

After the drying process had begun, the next step was to start removing all the affected materials; including ceiling tiles, wet carpet, wet contents, wet wall sections, cabinets and vanities. 

The drying process also included conducting moisture readings daily until every area had normal readings on all surfaces. Once this goal was reached, our crews pulled all machinery from the jobsite and completed the job in our system.

The customer was happy about the ease of the process in such a stressful time and were grateful to our crew for their communication during the whole process.

Contact SERVPRO of Orangeburg today for all of your water mitigation needs - (803)536-1285.

Faster to your Orangeburg Water Damage Event

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

This is a water damage from a busted water heater that SERVPRO of Orangeburg mitigated. The damage was extensive and included more than one story.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg 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)536-1285

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 Orangeburg

SERVPRO of Orangeburg 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.

New Dehumidifier's now in Use!

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

LGR 6000Li Dehumidifier

SERVPRO of Orangeburg is happy to announce the production division has new equipment to utilize! Our new dehumidifier's have actually been in use for a couple months. Customers have even commented on how quiet they are in comparison with some other units we have at our disposal. The units are the LGR 6000Li dehumidifiers made by DRI-EAZ. They are what we refer to as a Large dehu, in the restoration industry. This is based on the specific number of pints per day a unit is rated to be able to pull out of the air in a optimal testing condition. These units are also very easy to manage with one person and can even be stacked if necessary. Overall, we have been pleased with the new units and look forward to seeing what they can do to help us continue to make it "Like it never even happened." 

New Airmover's now in Use!

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

EAM 900 Airmover

SERVPRO of Orangeburg is once again happy to announce the production division has more new equipment to utilize! Our new EAM 900 Low Profile Airmovers have actually been in use on multiple jobs over the past couple months. The units are stack-able which is very convenient to fit as many as possible on our trucks. Also, these units only draw 2 amps of power and only weigh 16.5 lbs. each. The 15 foot cords allow for units to be easily daisy chained with the use of the integrated outlets on each individual piece. Overall, we have been pleased with the new units and look forward to seeing what they can do to help us continue to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Why is Mitigation Important!

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage from Burst Water Heater

When you have water damage in your home or business the first thought should be how to mitigate the situation. Mitigation, as defined by FEMA, is “the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impacts of disasters”. Mitigation is important because it is the first step toward getting your property back to the way it was as quickly as possible. It will minimize the potential for mold growth and hopefully prevent a more costly situation. The longer that water stands in a structure the more extensive the damage can be, so it is important to begin mitigation immediately. 

Here are some steps you can take, after you have found water damage in your property, to help. First, you can try and locate the source of the water. If it is a burst pipe or stemming from running water you should try and turn off the main water source, or contact a plumber if you are unable. This will help prevent any more damage than what has already been done. It is important to remember that you should stay away from electronic devices that have been affected, and to turn off any related breakers if you are able to do so. You should gather any items that haven’t been damaged and move them to an unaffected area of the house. Also, avoid walking on affected carpet as much as possible, to keep from spreading the affected area.

When the experts at SERVPRO of Orangeburg arrive to your call, they will go through several steps to achieve the complete drying of your structure and contents.

Step 1: Assessment: A technician will assess the extent of the damage, which will help him determine the type of the water damage, and the areas that were affected.

Step 2: Extraction: Our trained technicians will extract any standing water left in the structure

Step 3: Drying: We will use industry leading equipment such as fans and dehumidifiers to quickly speed along the drying process.

Step 4: Sanitizing: Technicians will sanitize the affected areas with antimicrobial treatment.

Step 5: Cleaning: If needed, our crew will come after the drying has finished and clean the carpet and/or rugs that were affected.

Water damages can be a major disruption in your life, but we here at SERVPRO of Orangeburg are committed to helping you get your property back to the way it was and making it “Like it never even happened.”

Injectidry HP-60 Drying Mats

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

Drying Mats on the Job!

In 2016 our Injectidry HP-60 System was brought into our franchise as a resource in Orangeburg and it has not disappointed when called upon. Depending on the type of water damage often various resources are utilized, usually air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to dry materials, but sometimes something a little extra is needed. If the job calls for the removal of bound water, then we turn to our specialty drying equipment called the Injectidry Floor drying System. In three out of four attempts recently, our drying mats have saved our customers wooden flooring. In the other case they were used, a fire caused too much damage to the flooring to salvaged but the damages stopped there instead of spreading further! These mats work best on bound water, the water that gets down into the cracks in wooden floors under the moisture barrier, or in the concrete underneath. No matter where the water may spread, remember we at SERVPRO of Orangeburg have the tools to make it “Like it never even happened.”