How To Clean Up After Sewage Damage

3/16/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience sewage problems, give SERVPRO a call!

A sewage backup is a very serious issue and can cause a lot of damage to your home. It's important that you take the time to clean up after sewage damage in your home or business as soon as possible, but it's also important that you do so safely. We always recommend calling in professionals to deal with the aftermath of a sewage backup. Below are the steps they will take.

Prevention is better than cure.

Prevention is better than cure. It's a saying that's been around for ages, and it holds true when it comes to sewage damage in your basement. The best way you can prevent this disaster from happening is by checking your plumbing system regularly and making sure that everything is working properly. If you have any concerns about the state of your plumbing, don't hesitate to call in a professional plumber who can inspect it for problems before they become serious issues.

Safety First

Before you begin the cleanup process, it's important to take a few precautions. First and foremost, make sure that everyone is out of the affected area.

Next comes personal protective equipment (PPE): rubber boots, gloves, and eyewear are essential items here--don't touch anything without these on! You'll also want a mask over your mouth so you don't breathe in any sewage-related bacteria or viruses that might be present in the water.

Locate The Source

When you're dealing with a sewage backup, you'll want to do is locate the source of the problem. If there's no main shut-off valve in your basement or crawlspace, look for it on an outside wall near where water flows into your home. Then turn off all water sources (including toilets) from there until everything stops flowing into the area where sewage backup occurred.

Clear The Affected Areas

Once you have removed all of the water, it is important to remove any damaged materials. Anything that has been saturated with sewage should be discarded as it could cause further damage to your home or basement. In addition to removing any damaged items, be sure to remove any debris that could cause further damage if left behind after cleanup. It's also advisable for homeowners who are unsure whether something is contaminated to not touch it at all until professionals can asses the affected materials.

Remove Sewage Water

Now that you've removed the sewage water, it's time to begin cleaning up your basement. The first step is using a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much of the remaining liquid as possible from your basement flooring and walls. After removing as much water as possible with a wet vac, soak up any remaining moisture in hard-to-reach areas like corners and edges of rooms.

Clean & Sanitize

You should also clean and sanitize the affected area. If you have sewage damage in your basement, use a disinfectant to clean the affected area. A disinfectant will kill any bacteria that might be present in the water or on surfaces where it has been touched and prevent mold and bacteria growth. Professionals will also use special equipment and cleaning solutions to remove any odor left behind.

Dry Out The Area

The last step of removing moisture after a loss is to dry out the area. To do this effectively, you'll need to use powerful fans and dehumidifiers. Fans will help circulate air throughout your home, which helps with drying out the affected area. Dehumidifiers are another way of removing moisture from the air, as they pull water from their surroundings and store it in a tank for later removal from your home.

Sewage Backups Can Be Cleaned

Sewage backup can be cleaned up, but it takes a lot of work by trained professionals. If you're not careful, you could make your problem worse or spread it to other parts of your home.

In order to prevent sewage backups in the future, we recommend that you call a professional plumber to check out your pipes and drains regularly. They will be able to tell if there are any problems with them and fix them before a loss occurs.

If your home or business has suffered from a sewage backup, it is important to call in professionals who have experience dealing with this type of damage. They will know how best to handle the situation and get your property back up and running again!

6 Reasons You Should Call a Water Damage Specialist

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, be prepared to ensure your business will resume regular operation hours.

If you’re like most property owners, you probably haven’t considered the importance of hiring a water damage specialist. You may think that it won’t be necessary unless a flood or pipe break occurs, but there are many reasons why you should call one even if your property only sustains minor flooding. These include:

An expert knows exactly what is needed and isn't needed.

If you are in the middle of a water emergency, it can be hard to know what needs to be done and what can wait. This is where expert help comes in handy. Experienced technicians have seen it all before and know what steps need to take place immediately, and which ones can wait until later. They will also know how best to handle your belongings so they aren't damaged during the drying process.

Experts also understand that sometimes there isn't any visible sign of water damage while hidden areas still have it. Hidden mold spores are especially dangerous because they're not visible and can cause long-term damage if not treated properly right away!

They have the right equipment to extract and dry.

Having the right equipment to extract and dry is essential. If you have a professional come in, they will have the right equipment to extract and dry. This is important because it will help you get your job done faster.

When it comes to water damage repair services, hiring an experienced company that has been around for many years is always best. Finding a local business with reviews online can be helpful when determining which companies offer these services at affordable rates while also offering quality service (and not just cheap prices) — this way you'll know that your needs will be met by someone who knows what they're doing!

They know the best method of drying to prevent secondary damage.

It's important to understand that there are various drying methods and the best way to dry depends on the type of material, the extent of damage, and the size of the area. For instance, if there is mold growth due to standing water and humidity, you may want an expert like us who has experience in eliminating mold as well as drying out your property after a flood or storm.

While some people believe that using fans will be enough to dry out their home after a flood, this isn't always true. In fact, using fans can lead to secondary damage because they can blow around debris or other items throughout your home and cause more damage.

They can identify hidden water damage and mold.

You can’t see mold, but it can be in places that are hard to spot. Mold can grow behind walls and under carpets, so it’s important that a water damage specialist inspects these areas as well. When you call us for help with your water cleanup, we will perform thorough inspections of all of these areas before making any repairs or replacements.

They can save you time, which saves you money.

A pro is trained to handle the situation quickly and efficiently, which will save you time and money. Water damage can cause a host of problems that may not be immediately apparent. For example, mold growth is a common side effect of water damage that can cause significant damage if not addressed properly.

An expert knows how to properly document their work for insurance claims.

If you're thinking about making a claim, a water cleanup specialist knows how to properly document their work for insurance claims to ensure that you get the proper compensation. Documentation is also important for future reference so that if any problems arise in the future, the issue can be fixed quickly and with the least amount of hassle or expense. Documentation is needed for upgrades and maintenance work as well because it will help determine what needs to be replaced or repaired before fixing it.

It's always better to call an expert!

In the event of a water disaster, it's always better to call an expert! The pros are trained in handling your situation and have the right equipment on hand to help you get back on track quickly. They can save you time, and money and even prevent secondary damage.

A water damage specialist is the only person who can properly clean up the mess and make sure that your home or business is safe to occupy. The more you know about how these professionals do their job, the more confident you will be when hiring one for your own needs. If you need help finding a water damage expert in your area, please contact us today.

What is Water Extraction and Why is it Necessary?

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Water extraction is a necessary service for those who have had water damage in their home or business.

Water extraction is the process of removing water from a building, whether it's a single room or an entire mansion. Extraction can be necessary for everything from homes to offices to factories and warehouses. There are many reasons for this, including floods, storms, leaks, and other types of water damage. Extraction is also necessary in cases where there's been a broken pipe or burst pipe that has resulted in flooding throughout a structure.

Water Extraction

Water extraction is a process that removes water from a building. It is often necessary after flooding or fires because it removes the water and helps prevent mold and mildew growth. Water removal also prevents structural damage to homes.

Another reason why water extraction is needed: when you think about the amount of time it takes for water to dissipate from your home, you may be surprised at how much moisture remains in the walls and on surfaces such as floors and ceilings after all this time. If left unchecked, these residuals can cause mold and mildew growth - which can worsen if not properly addressed.

Water removal will help prevent all these issues so that your property returns back to normal quickly!

How To Find A Water Extraction Company?

Water damage restoration is a complex process, so it's important to find a company with experience in this field. If possible, ask for references from other clients who've used their services. You can also look at online reviews and ratings to get an idea of how they're viewed by previous customers.

Look for reliable companies with great reputations in the water damage restoration industry, as well as those that are licensed and insured (you will likely be required to have the same coverage).

Steps In The Water Extraction Process

When you need water extraction services in Wichita, KS, we follow a four-step process. The first step is to determine the extent of the damage. Then, we will extract the water from your carpet. Next, we will clean and disinfect the area. Finally, we will deodorize the area to remove any lingering odors

Why Is It Important To Contact A Professional?

Water extraction is a powerful tool, but it's not something to be taken lightly. The process of removing water from a home or business must be done with care and precision. A professional will have the training, equipment, and certification needed to do the job right. They also have insurance that covers any damage caused by their work (if you're hiring an independent contractor).

SERVPRO offers professional water extraction and carpet cleaning services.

If you have flood damage or water damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of NW Wichita is here to help. SERVPRO of NW Wichita can begin work immediately following your emergency event and can provide 24/7 services for water extraction and carpet cleaning services. We are also certified by the IICRC as Water Damage Restoration Specialists, which allows us to train our employees in the proper procedures for handling water removal and mold remediation.

Water extraction is a necessary service for those who have had water damage in their home or business. SERVPRO is the best option for water extraction and carpet cleaning services. If you need help removing excess moisture from your home or business, contact us today!

Questions You Might Be Afraid to Ask About Mold

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can be found anywhere including walls.

Frequently Asked Mold Questions

Mold, mold spores, and mold growth are not something to take lightly. If you think that you have a problem with mold in your home, it is important to know what types of mold might be growing in your house and how to prevent the growth of these fungi. Here are some frequently asked questions about indoor molds:

What is mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp areas. It can be found indoors and outdoors, but it's most common in basements, crawl spaces, and other parts of your home that are consistently damp. Mold spores exist almost everywhere—in the air we breathe, on surfaces we touch—but they need moisture to grow into colonies.

Mold growth is typically related to moisture problems such as leaky pipes or condensation from a humidifier or dehumidifier. These conditions allow mold spores to thrive wherever there is access to water.

Mold can also spread through dust particles carried by air currents throughout your home or workplace; this means you could have mold growing inside without realizing it until symptoms start showing up such as coughing fits when exposed for prolonged periods of time

How do I know if I have a mold problem?

Mold is a common problem in homes and businesses. It can be found anywhere there is moisture, including walls, floors, and carpets. Mold grows on surfaces where water has been trapped for several days or more. The most common sign of mold is a musty odor that lingers in the air despite ventilation efforts.

If you suspect you have a problem with mold or mildew in your home or office building, it's important to act quickly to prevent further damage. You may choose to clean up your own property without calling an expert first—but be sure to do so safely!

How can I prevent mold growth?

Here are some tips for preventing mold growth: 

• Reduce moisture levels. Mold growth is an insidious threat, and you may be able to take steps to prevent it from happening. A key factor in mold growth is humidity. You can reduce the amount of available moisture by:
• Using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air in your home.
• Keeping windows closed when it rains or snows outside, and keeping them open only in cooler seasons when the weather allows for it (for example, closing them during winter but opening them during spring).
• Don’t use fans in bathrooms or other rooms where you sweat frequently, such as kitchens or laundry rooms (sweat-soaked clothing may also contribute to higher humidity levels).
• Not leaving dishes full of water on countertops overnight—instead wiping off any spills before bedtime each night!

What should I do if I find mold in my house?

If you find mold in your home, it's important to clean it up quickly. 

Mold tends to grow on things like wood, fabric and paper products that are damp for long periods of time—basically anything that has been wet for more than 48 hours. These materials should be removed from the house as soon as possible and disposed of properly (i.e., not just tossed into a dumpster).

If there's visible mold on hard surfaces like walls or windowsills, use a household cleaner and scrub it away using a stiff brush or sponge until all signs of discoloration are gone; then dry thoroughly with a towel before allowing them back into contact with moisture again.

The best option for a large mold problem is to call the professionals at SERVPRO of NW Wichita. You will definitely need professional help if there's hidden mold behind walls or ceilings where you can't see what's going on. 

Where should mold be tested?

Depending on where the mold is located, it's important to test for it there as well as in other areas of your home. Even if you don't see any visible signs of mold, it's still possible that some may exist somewhere else inside of your home and not just on the surface of something like floorboards or walls.

If you think you may have a problem with mold in your Wichita, KS home or business, call SERVPRO of NW Wichita. We have the training and expertise to safely remove mold and resolve the issue. Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which is important because it means that they know how to properly clean up water damage from all kinds of messes, including those caused by flooding or fire damage.

Can Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

Drain cleaners are a quick and easy way to clear a clogged drain, but they come with risks.

Drain Cleaners and Damaged Pipes

Drain cleaners work by filling your pipes with powerful chemicals that break down clogs. However, these same chemicals can damage your pipes if you don't take proper care. The best way to protect your pipes is to avoid using drain cleaners altogether—but if you do use one anyway, here's what you need to know:

Choosing a Drain Cleaner

If you have a drain clog, you're probably looking for a quick and easy solution. While there are plenty of options out there that will get the job done, some can be harmful to your pipes and septic tank. So before you run out and grab the first bottle you see in the store aisle, take some time to read the label and make sure it's safe for your home.

Drain cleaners contain sodium hydroxide, also known as lye. In addition to the chemical reaction that allows drain cleaners to dissolve clogs, they also cause corrosion in pipes and fixtures. The corrosion causes erosion of metal surfaces, which can lead to water leakage or blocked drains.

Drain Cleaners Damage Septic Systems, Tanks, and Pipes

Drain cleaners can damage pipes. Drain cleaners can also damage septic systems, as well as septic tanks. If you have a drainage system for your home or business, it's important to understand how drain cleaners work and what their effects are on the pipes, pumps, and other equipment that make up your system.

Alternative Options

The alternative solution is a plunger or plumber's snake. Plungers work by creating a vacuum suction that can break down blockages in sink drains and shower drains. You just have to stick the plunger over the drain opening and plunge up-and-down until you've cleared your clog! Plumbers' snakes are long flexible rods with small hooks on one end which are inserted into your pipes so they can pull out debris from within them like grease buildup from cooking oils (a common source of clogs). Both methods take more time than using chemical drain cleaners but will save you money on repairs later down the road when those corroded pipes start leaking water everywhere!

Drain cleaners are a quick and easy way to clear a clogged drain, but they come with risks. If you have any concerns about the safety of using them in your home or business, it’s best to avoid them altogether. There are other ways to remove blockages from your pipes that won't damage them—such as using a plunger or hiring professional plumbers—and these methods are usually much safer for both humans and their surroundings than harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach or lye-based products.

If you have a water leak from a clog, give SERVPRO of NW Wichita a call! We will have your Wichita home back to normal in no time!

How Much Revenue Can I Lose After a Fire Damage?

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage.

How Much Revenue Should I Expect to Lose Following a Fire?

Fire damage is a serious matter for businesses. Not only do you need to deal with the stress of trying to get back on your feet and replace what was lost, but you also have to think about the financial impact that it can have on your business. If you're wondering how much revenue you might lose because of this disaster, here are some things you should know

Lost Revenue in a Fire

In the unfortunate situation where a fire has damaged or destroyed your business, your finances are not only impacted by the restoration costs and lost items. The downtime caused by an event such as this can be very costly as well, when you consider that it can take weeks for a company to recover from even minor damages. The best way to mitigate financial loss is through insurance coverage—and there are several different policies that can help pay for the expenses associated with repairing or rebuilding after a fire damage event

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance is a type of policy that covers revenue losses if you're unable to conduct normal operations due to damage caused by an insured peril like a fire. It usually includes reimbursement for lost profits during time spent out of business until repairs are complete (or while waiting on approval from insurance adjusters). Some options also cover additional expenses related to temporarily closing down due to unsafe conditions in order to maintain control over clean-up efforts at property locations during repair periods following major incidents such as these

In order to receive payment from your insurer, you must be able to prove that customers could not access your store or office because of the fire damage. It's also important that you file claims with your insurer as soon as possible after discovering that you have suffered from this type of loss; otherwise, it may end up costing more than necessary because there will be no proof available about how much revenue has been lost during this time period

Business Income Coverage 

Business income coverage offers assistance with paying employees' salaries during short-term absences due to substantial losses caused by specific types of incidents. These incidents can include fires within facilities owned/leased/rented by businesses operating within a variety of industries

We hope this article helped you gain a better understanding of how much revenue you could lose after a fire. It is our goal to educate and inform businesses so that they can make the best decisions for their business and employees

If your Wichita company has been affected by fire damage, call SERVPRO of Northwest Wichita today! We work closely with your insurance company to make sure you get everything covered that is supposed to be covered. We know that dealing with insurance can be stressful, so we are here to help make that a little bit easier for you. Let us help you get back to normal quickly. Call SERVPRO today. 

What To Know Before Buying a Home Fire Extinguisher

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

There are different classifications of fire extinguishers

Below Is Some Information That Will Help You Choose The Best Extinguisher For Your Home

A home fire can spread quickly and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Sometimes, blazes are so large and uncontrollable that the only thing you can do is get out of the house and contact fire restoration specialists.
However, if you have a proper fire extinguisher, you may be able to suppress small blazes before they greatly damage your Hutchinson, KS, house. There are several different sizes and types of extinguishers available, so it can sometimes be hard to tell which ones you need. 

Sizes
Fire extinguishers come in four main sizes. They are:

• 10-Pound
• Five-Pound
• Two-Pound
• Stovetop
  
  

In general, you want a larger extinguisher on each floor of your home. The 10-pound model is best for places where a fire may not be noticed right away, such as the workshop or garage. A five-pound fire extinguisher, meanwhile, should be stored laundry room or kitchen. Look for a rechargeable extinguisher with an easy-to-use hose.
Save the two-pound extinguisher for your car. This extinguisher can be disposable. Finally, get a stove-top extinguisher to mount on your range hood.

Classifications
There are three different classifications of fire extinguishers. Class A extinguishers should be used on combustibles such as paper, cloth, and wood. Class B extinguishers are designed for liquids as cooking oil and gas. Class C extinguishers, meanwhile, can put out fires caused by electricity.
Look for extinguishers with A, B, and C labels. The A and B designations each also include a number. The higher the number next to the A, the more effective the fire extinguisher is against blazes caused by combustibles. The number next to the B similarly specifies how well the device puts out liquid fires. The C label is not accompanied by a number.
As you develop your fire preparedness plan, be sure that you have fire extinguishers in your home. Extinguishers can suppress different kinds of blazes and limit the harm to your property.

3 Hidden Areas Mold Can Grow

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth on wall

Three Secret Places Mold Can Grow

Is your home in Wichita, KS, showing signs of mold growth? There is more to mold than meets the eye, and it's best to be informed about the hidden severities and damages it can cause.

1. Behind Walls
Moldy drywall is a serious issue, namely because there is often more to it than meets the eye. If mold is visible on your drywall, it's also likely that it is growing inside the wall as well. Usually, mold growth starts behind the wall where it's dark and humid, then it works its way out through the drywall. If you've had any water leaks in your home recently, the water may have settled behind the wall and encouraged the growth of mold.

2. Under Flooring
Mold around flooring follows the same trend as mold in and around drywall. Depending on the type of flooring you have, you may see the floor being to buckle if any water is present. Wood flooring is especially prone to this, so keep an eye out for any mold on wood. A spongey floor that gives under the weight of your foot is also a sign that water is present, and, thus, mold is able to grow as well. These are both indicators that you should call in a professional for proper mold inspection and cleanup.

3. Around Sinks
Water and moisture are ideal conditions for mold to grow. If you have a leaking sink, be sure to check the entire surroundings for mold growth. If there is mold visible on any surfaces, be sure to check under and around those surfaces thoroughly. Additionally, if you notice any unpleasant smells coming from your sink drain, it's almost certain that there is mold growing there. Garbage disposals are also prone to this if they are not cleaned regularly.
Mold can grow nearly anywhere given the right conditions, but if an informed homeowner can identify issues and call in a professional, mold can easily and safely be taken care of.

Ways to Prevent Flooded Toilets in Commercial Buildings

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

A clogged toilet at a commercial property is not only a nuisance

Techniques for Avoiding Flooded Toilets in Commercial Buildings

A clogged toilet at a commercial property in Emporia, KS, is not only a nuisance, but it can also turn into a serious problem. Bathrooms can fill with contaminated water, which is unsanitary and potentially harmful. Taking these preventative measures can help you avoid water damage in the building's restrooms.

Buy Thinner Toilet Paper

One of the main reasons that you have a toilet overflow is because it gets clogged up with too much toilet paper. Single-ply paper is thinner than what most people use at home, and it is not as likely to clog up. It is also used in commercial buildings because it is less expensive than the thicker paper.

Put in Waste Baskets

If people do not have somewhere to throw away their trash in the bathroom stall, they may just try flushing it down the commode. The system is not made to dispose of items such as sanitary napkins, so they end up causing a clogged toilet. Installing waste baskets in each stall gives people a discrete way to get rid of unwanted trash and can reduce bathroom flooding problems.

Put up Signs

Many people may not be aware of what can and cannot be flushed down a toilet. They flush damaging debris without even realizing the problems it can cause. Putting up signs that politely ask customers to dispose of feminine hygiene products in the waste baskets may save you from having to deal with another backed up commode. It may also be beneficial to give information on who to contact if someone does clog the toilet or sees that there is a flood in the restroom so that the problem can be taken care of right away.

Although these can help to prevent a clogged toilet from happening, there is no guarantee. If sewage problems do occur, it is best to call a professional restoration service right away. Getting the damage fixed immediately can help avoid further flooding and contamination of the area.

Tips on Flood Readiness for Your Business

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency resource box with water, flashlights, batteries and a first aid kit.

Unpredictable weather conditions can cause rising floodwaters and threaten your business with physical damage and loss of revenue. With preparation, your risk of significant damage lessens. Taking a few precautionary measures can save you from having to clean up major water damage and lose valuable time. Consider implementing the following:

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Whatever your existing risk level, you may experience less damage to your business if you prepare by:

• Compiling an emergency resource box or closet that includes water, flashlights, batteries and a first aid kit
• Signing up for emergency notification services in your area
• Finding phone numbers for a local water restoration company
• Keeping up with preventive maintenance practices, such as cleaning gutters and storm drains
• Posting building evacuation routes in a central location
  
  

The type of plan you require depends on your level of risk for severe weather and water damage.

Risk Assessment
Consult with your city planning department, local weather agencies and nearby property owners to determine the history of flooding in your area. Knowing your risk level helps you plan for any vulnerable elements related to your structure or location. Your business insurance agent may also be able to help you determine your risk, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides risk maps and other resources.

Staff Training
If you discover that you bear a flood risk, it is important to involve your workforce in emergency preparedness. From broken pipes to threatening floodwaters, your staff can be helpful in helping prevent serious water damage. A little preparation can teach them what to do and how to work together effectively in an emergency. Your local emergency response personnel or water remediation specialist may generally be willing to help you design a plan for your unique situation.
If your Wichita, KS, business endures a flood event, you will likely be glad you spent time preparing. Water cleanup and restoration can be disruptive, but adequate preparation can reduce the impact of severe weather on your property and your bottom line.