Take Steps to Prevent Plumbing Leaks

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/ Clarkston can help at the drop of a hat when you experience any water emergency.

Plumbing leaks are no joke. They can spring up instantly and cause dramatic and costly damage before it can be brought under control.

In fact, the average household in the U.S. experiencing a leak loses 10,000 gallons of water per year—with over 1 trillion gallons nationwide combined yearly! While no one knows whether there is going to be an accident, there are still numerous methods to decrease the chance of a costly plumbing leak in the house.

By maintaining your plumbing, you can lower the risk of a plumbing leak and reduce the damage if one happens. Let’s consider what areas you can regularly inspect and maintain to prevent water damage in the home:

Appliance Water Supply Lines. Every appliance that uses water has water supply lines that are generally made up of plastic or metal tubing. As a result, it is critical to monitor these lines on a regular basis. Keep an eye out for corrosion, discoloration of the pipe itself and the flooring and walls around it, as well as calcium buildup in the supply line. One common modern preventive measure would be to consider upgrading to flexible stainless steel when replacing these lines.

Water Heater. Be sure to follow the maintenance instructions on your water heater carefully. A water heater can burst due to old age and devastatingly flood the room around it in minutes, potentially causing severe and costly damage to your home. A water heater should be inspected by a professional plumber every few years, and if it’s in a location where a leak would be truly devastating, consider installing a leak detector.

Drains. All sinks, disposals, showers, tubs and toilets should be consistently maintained and clean of debris. Make sure that you and other family members are aware of what should and should not be flushed or poured down the kitchen sink. Additionally, if you have a family member that is an over-consumer of toilet paper, consider installing a bidet to prevent build up in your pipes.

Finally, if a leak has sprung out of control, it’s important to know where the main water valve is and how to shut it off. It’s essential that everyone in the home is aware of how to shut the water main line off in the event of an emergency, considering you never know when the emergency can happen.

SERVPRO can help at the drop of a hat when you experience a water damage emergency. Call the experts at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/ Clarkston. We are available 24⁄7 to respond immediately and get the job done professionally.

Stopping Water Supply After Discovering a Leak

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976.

Stopping Water Supply After Discovering a Leak

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976.

Stopping Water Supply After Discovering a Leak

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976.

Steps to Take After a Water Loss

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

The annoyance and ruination of water damage happens to U.S. homeowners a troubling 14,000 times a day. Statistically speaking, it’s happening at least once somewhere in America while you read this paragraph. And there it goes again.

Obviously, we hope your home stays bone dry as long as you live there, but should the day arise when you need emergency assistance from SERVPRO, here’s how all that will go.

Emergency Contact. When you reach out in a panic, we’ll reassure you and walk you though some guiding questions to help us understand the situation and start putting a plan together. Then we’ll set a time to meet in person. All of this will happen quickly.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once we arrive on the scene, we can flesh out the plan and stop any water that may still be flowing. We’ll make sure you know if the encroaching water has created any hazards on your property, and we’ll also give you an idea of the items or materials that will likely need replacement.

Water Removal. You’ll never get all that water out with a bucket or a regular water vacuum. That’s why we bring our pumps to make quick work of it.

Damaged Material Removal. The items that are unable to be restored can now be hauled away, expediting the process of restoration for the items and materials that remain.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. Water damage can leave a yucky mess. We’ll use our tools and some old-fashioned elbow grease to rid your home of unwanted stains, smells and depending on the nature of your emergency, harmful contaminants.

Drying. It’s only a short while after water invades that mold begins to grow. Even after the water is pumped out, your home will need some dehumidifying and drying out.

Monitoring. We’ll be carefully watching the entire process, making sure every box is ticked and every surface is cleaned and dried. Don’t you worry about a thing.

Repairs and Construction. Now that everything is dry and in order, we can go about the finishing touches, which may range from replacing carpet to reconstructing entire rooms. Large or small, we’ll be there to oversee every aspect of your water damage restoration.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened.”

Steps to Take After a Water Loss

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

The annoyance and ruination of water damage happens to U.S. homeowners a troubling 14,000 times a day. Statistically speaking, it’s happening at least once somewhere in America while you read this paragraph. And there it goes again.

Obviously, we hope your home stays bone dry as long as you live there, but should the day arise when you need emergency assistance from SERVPRO, here’s how all that will go.

Emergency Contact. When you reach out in a panic, we’ll reassure you and walk you though some guiding questions to help us understand the situation and start putting a plan together. Then we’ll set a time to meet in person. All of this will happen quickly.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once we arrive on the scene, we can flesh out the plan and stop any water that may still be flowing. We’ll make sure you know if the encroaching water has created any hazards on your property, and we’ll also give you an idea of the items or materials that will likely need replacement.

Water Removal. You’ll never get all that water out with a bucket or a regular water vacuum. That’s why we bring our pumps to make quick work of it.

Damaged Material Removal. The items that are unable to be restored can now be hauled away, expediting the process of restoration for the items and materials that remain.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. Water damage can leave a yucky mess. We’ll use our tools and some old-fashioned elbow grease to rid your home of unwanted stains, smells and depending on the nature of your emergency, harmful contaminants.

Drying. It’s only a short while after water invades that mold begins to grow. Even after the water is pumped out, your home will need some dehumidifying and drying out.

Monitoring. We’ll be carefully watching the entire process, making sure every box is ticked and every surface is cleaned and dried. Don’t you worry about a thing.

Repairs and Construction. Now that everything is dry and in order, we can go about the finishing touches, which may range from replacing carpet to reconstructing entire rooms. Large or small, we’ll be there to oversee every aspect of your water damage restoration.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened.”

Steps to Take After a Water Loss

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

The annoyance and ruination of water damage happens to U.S. homeowners a troubling 14,000 times a day. Statistically speaking, it’s happening at least once somewhere in America while you read this paragraph. And there it goes again.

Obviously, we hope your home stays bone dry as long as you live there, but should the day arise when you need emergency assistance from SERVPRO, here’s how all that will go.

Emergency Contact. When you reach out in a panic, we’ll reassure you and walk you though some guiding questions to help us understand the situation and start putting a plan together. Then we’ll set a time to meet in person. All of this will happen quickly.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once we arrive on the scene, we can flesh out the plan and stop any water that may still be flowing. We’ll make sure you know if the encroaching water has created any hazards on your property, and we’ll also give you an idea of the items or materials that will likely need replacement.

Water Removal. You’ll never get all that water out with a bucket or a regular water vacuum. That’s why we bring our pumps to make quick work of it.

Damaged Material Removal. The items that are unable to be restored can now be hauled away, expediting the process of restoration for the items and materials that remain.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. Water damage can leave a yucky mess. We’ll use our tools and some old-fashioned elbow grease to rid your home of unwanted stains, smells and depending on the nature of your emergency, harmful contaminants.

Drying. It’s only a short while after water invades that mold begins to grow. Even after the water is pumped out, your home will need some dehumidifying and drying out.

Monitoring. We’ll be carefully watching the entire process, making sure every box is ticked and every surface is cleaned and dried. Don’t you worry about a thing.

Repairs and Construction. Now that everything is dry and in order, we can go about the finishing touches, which may range from replacing carpet to reconstructing entire rooms. Large or small, we’ll be there to oversee every aspect of your water damage restoration.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened.”

What's Next After a Water Loss? Check Out These Tips!

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

WATER DAMAGE TIPS

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood 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.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

OUR SERVICES

• Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
• Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
• Structural Restoration Services.
• Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders

Our goal is to help you through the cleanup process and help make it “Like it never even happened.”  Please call us today at (770) 496-1976.

What's Next After a Water Loss? Check Out These Tips!

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

WATER DAMAGE TIPS

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood 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.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

OUR SERVICES

• Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
• Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
• Structural Restoration Services.
• Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders

Our goal is to help you through the cleanup process and help make it “Like it never even happened.”  Please call us today at (770) 496-1976.

What's Next After a Water Loss? Check Out These Tips!

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

WATER DAMAGE TIPS

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood 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.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

OUR SERVICES

• Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
• Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
• Structural Restoration Services.
• Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders

Our goal is to help you through the cleanup process and help make it “Like it never even happened.”  Please call us today at (770) 496-1976.

Water Damage in Your Home

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is an increasingly common problem, but did you know that one of the most common causes of water leaks comes from right inside the home?

Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines utilize large volumes of water each day, leading to water damage that often remains hidden for a while before homeowners are ever made aware. Fortunately, we’ve got the guide to help you check and prevent leaks from getting out of hand.

Common Appliances That Lead to Water Damage

Hot Water Heater
Hot water heaters are typically designed to last for up to 15 years, but leaks can begin much earlier. Because of their design, faulty materials or installation can cause the heater’s elements to break down over time. Staying aware of how it’s operating and replacing on schedule is important for prevention.

Refrigerator
The most common type of water line that runs to a refrigerator is a kind made of bendable plastic, which is a material prone to tears and sealant issues. Because of this, hidden leaks can arise. Due to the fact that refrigerators are rarely moved, these leaks can go on for a long time before homeowners are aware. Regular inspections are the best prevention method.

Dishwasher
Along the same vein, dishwashers are typically only moved when they need replacement, which can reveal water damage years in the making. Make a point to check behind yours often, especially because there are many situations where water damage is not covered by insurance and it is better to catch it early to avoid serious issues.

Washing Machine
Washing machines are one of the most common places for homeowners to get leaks. They are so prone to them that experts recommend checking their hoses for leaks once a month at minimum. The hoses should also be replaced every five years regardless of if they have visible aging.

Air Conditioner
HVAC units commonly create condensation, and as long as they are draining properly, there is no cause for concern. Unfortunately, once an issue arises with this system, water can become backlogged in and around the unit and cause damage. Keeping up with your recommended maintenance is the best prevention method, as well as checking the unit for anything amiss.

If your home has been impacted by water damage or you’d like to put a plan in place in case it happens to you, contact us at 770-496-1976 to learn how we can help.

A Water Loss Can Easily Turn into Mold

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most important things about water damage is to treat it quickly. Whether you have sustained a busted pipe or something more serious, if the water damage reached your carpets and was not treated professionally, you still have damage happening right beneath your feet. Mold is growing in your carpets, and you need to take care of it. As Soon As Possible.

Mold can start within 24-48 hours of the time of loss in the right environment and conditions. Your home offers a constant food supply to the mold spores. Mold spores feed on wood, drywall, insulation, paper and anything it can get attached on. After a day or more, the mold starts colonizing, creating those big black stains we all know from photos (or from our home, if luck wasn't on our side).

Mold Is Dangerous, Even When Hidden

In most cases, mold will be discovered after it colonizes, and by then its growth is rapid. If you suspect you have mold, you should call a mold expert to check it out. Whether it's a water damage certified technician, a home inspector or an industrial hygienist. The mold usually grows where water damage hit, or where high humidity is found. If water leaked on your carpet - that's where the mold will start growing.

To protect your carpets from mold after they're flooded by water, you should follow the steps below. If it already happened, and you missed one of the steps, you should check your carpets for dark stains or moldy smell. You don't want mold growing under your carpets, in your floors and all around your home.

Steps to prevent mold after water damage:

1. Stop the water source - first thing first. Stop the water from flowing in and get them out of your home. If it's a leaky pipe or a broken appliance, close the water main. If it's the roof, try and see if you can get a roofing company to come for an emergency service and close the gap. Once you've stopped the water from coming, you need to get it out.
2. Extract the water - to prevent further damage and minimize long term effects, it's important to get the water out. If it's a small amount, you can blot it out or use a mop to absorb it (if on the floor and not carpets). If it's a large amount, get a water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston to help you with it.
3. Get it Dry – Fast! - If you have fans, or you know where you can rent drying fans - go for it. If you need some help with drying your home, we'd be glad to help as well. Call us and let us know what you need. It's important to have the property dried as fast as you can to avoid mold growth, as well as the water being absorbed in carpets, floors, rugs or other items. It's also recommended to use dehumidifiers to lower the humidity in the affected area, especially if you can't air it out properly.
4. Steam clean everything you can - carpets, rugs, flooring, furniture - if it had water get to it you want it professionally cleaned right now, before the mold gets comfortable and colonizes. Once the mold sets in, that item is probably lost and will need to be replaced.
5. Sanitize the affected area - if you hired a professional damage restoration company, they'll do it as part of the water mitigation process. If you didn't, and decided to solve the issue yourself, you should clean anything that met the water.

WE WILL MAKE SURE THE MOLD IS GONE

If you still feel like your clean-up wasn't enough, or you feel there is mold hiding somewhere - contact us at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We'd be more than happy to pay you a visit and provide a professional opinion on the matter.

Remember, it's very dangerous to have mold in your home - mold can have very serious side effects on you and your health. Get your mold remediated as soon as you can.

Water Damage in Your Home

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is an increasingly common problem, but did you know that one of the most common causes of water leaks comes from right inside the home?

Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines utilize large volumes of water each day, leading to water damage that often remains hidden for a while before homeowners are ever made aware. Fortunately, we’ve got the guide to help you check and prevent leaks from getting out of hand.

Common Appliances That Lead to Water Damage

Hot Water Heater
Hot water heaters are typically designed to last for up to 15 years, but leaks can begin much earlier. Because of their design, faulty materials or installation can cause the heater’s elements to break down over time. Staying aware of how it’s operating and replacing on schedule is important for prevention.

Refrigerator
The most common type of water line that runs to a refrigerator is a kind made of bendable plastic, which is a material prone to tears and sealant issues. Because of this, hidden leaks can arise. Due to the fact that refrigerators are rarely moved, these leaks can go on for a long time before homeowners are aware. Regular inspections are the best prevention method.

Dishwasher
Along the same vein, dishwashers are typically only moved when they need replacement, which can reveal water damage years in the making. Make a point to check behind yours often, especially because there are many situations where water damage is not covered by insurance and it is better to catch it early to avoid serious issues.

Washing Machine
Washing machines are one of the most common places for homeowners to get leaks. They are so prone to them that experts recommend checking their hoses for leaks once a month at minimum. The hoses should also be replaced every five years regardless of if they have visible aging.

Air Conditioner
HVAC units commonly create condensation, and as long as they are draining properly, there is no cause for concern. Unfortunately, once an issue arises with this system, water can become backlogged in and around the unit and cause damage. Keeping up with your recommended maintenance is the best prevention method, as well as checking the unit for anything amiss.

If your home has been impacted by water damage or you’d like to put a plan in place in case it happens to you, contact us at 770-496-1976 to learn how we can help.

A Water Loss Can Easily Turn into Mold

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most important things about water damage is to treat it quickly. Whether you have sustained a busted pipe or something more serious, if the water damage reached your carpets and was not treated professionally, you still have damage happening right beneath your feet. Mold is growing in your carpets, and you need to take care of it. As Soon As Possible.

Mold can start within 24-48 hours of the time of loss in the right environment and conditions. Your home offers a constant food supply to the mold spores. Mold spores feed on wood, drywall, insulation, paper and anything it can get attached on. After a day or more, the mold starts colonizing, creating those big black stains we all know from photos (or from our home, if luck wasn't on our side).

Mold Is Dangerous, Even When Hidden

In most cases, mold will be discovered after it colonizes, and by then its growth is rapid. If you suspect you have mold, you should call a mold expert to check it out. Whether it's a water damage certified technician, a home inspector or an industrial hygienist. The mold usually grows where water damage hit, or where high humidity is found. If water leaked on your carpet - that's where the mold will start growing.

To protect your carpets from mold after they're flooded by water, you should follow the steps below. If it already happened, and you missed one of the steps, you should check your carpets for dark stains or moldy smell. You don't want mold growing under your carpets, in your floors and all around your home.

Steps to prevent mold after water damage:

1. Stop the water source - first thing first. Stop the water from flowing in and get them out of your home. If it's a leaky pipe or a broken appliance, close the water main. If it's the roof, try and see if you can get a roofing company to come for an emergency service and close the gap. Once you've stopped the water from coming, you need to get it out.
2. Extract the water - to prevent further damage and minimize long term effects, it's important to get the water out. If it's a small amount, you can blot it out or use a mop to absorb it (if on the floor and not carpets). If it's a large amount, get a water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston to help you with it.
3. Get it Dry – Fast! - If you have fans, or you know where you can rent drying fans - go for it. If you need some help with drying your home, we'd be glad to help as well. Call us and let us know what you need. It's important to have the property dried as fast as you can to avoid mold growth, as well as the water being absorbed in carpets, floors, rugs or other items. It's also recommended to use dehumidifiers to lower the humidity in the affected area, especially if you can't air it out properly.
4. Steam clean everything you can - carpets, rugs, flooring, furniture - if it had water get to it you want it professionally cleaned right now, before the mold gets comfortable and colonizes. Once the mold sets in, that item is probably lost and will need to be replaced.
5. Sanitize the affected area - if you hired a professional damage restoration company, they'll do it as part of the water mitigation process. If you didn't, and decided to solve the issue yourself, you should clean anything that met the water.

WE WILL MAKE SURE THE MOLD IS GONE

If you still feel like your clean-up wasn't enough, or you feel there is mold hiding somewhere - contact us at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We'd be more than happy to pay you a visit and provide a professional opinion on the matter.

Remember, it's very dangerous to have mold in your home - mold can have very serious side effects on you and your health. Get your mold remediated as soon as you can.

Water Damage in Your Home

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is an increasingly common problem, but did you know that one of the most common causes of water leaks comes from right inside the home?

Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines utilize large volumes of water each day, leading to water damage that often remains hidden for a while before homeowners are ever made aware. Fortunately, we’ve got the guide to help you check and prevent leaks from getting out of hand.

Common Appliances That Lead to Water Damage

Hot Water Heater
Hot water heaters are typically designed to last for up to 15 years, but leaks can begin much earlier. Because of their design, faulty materials or installation can cause the heater’s elements to break down over time. Staying aware of how it’s operating and replacing on schedule is important for prevention.

Refrigerator
The most common type of water line that runs to a refrigerator is a kind made of bendable plastic, which is a material prone to tears and sealant issues. Because of this, hidden leaks can arise. Due to the fact that refrigerators are rarely moved, these leaks can go on for a long time before homeowners are aware. Regular inspections are the best prevention method.

Dishwasher
Along the same vein, dishwashers are typically only moved when they need replacement, which can reveal water damage years in the making. Make a point to check behind yours often, especially because there are many situations where water damage is not covered by insurance and it is better to catch it early to avoid serious issues.

Washing Machine
Washing machines are one of the most common places for homeowners to get leaks. They are so prone to them that experts recommend checking their hoses for leaks once a month at minimum. The hoses should also be replaced every five years regardless of if they have visible aging.

Air Conditioner
HVAC units commonly create condensation, and as long as they are draining properly, there is no cause for concern. Unfortunately, once an issue arises with this system, water can become backlogged in and around the unit and cause damage. Keeping up with your recommended maintenance is the best prevention method, as well as checking the unit for anything amiss.

If your home has been impacted by water damage or you’d like to put a plan in place in case it happens to you, contact us at 770-496-1976 to learn how we can help.

A Water Loss Can Easily Turn into Mold

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most important things about water damage is to treat it quickly. Whether you have sustained a busted pipe or something more serious, if the water damage reached your carpets and was not treated professionally, you still have damage happening right beneath your feet. Mold is growing in your carpets, and you need to take care of it. As Soon As Possible.

Mold can start within 24-48 hours of the time of loss in the right environment and conditions. Your home offers a constant food supply to the mold spores. Mold spores feed on wood, drywall, insulation, paper and anything it can get attached on. After a day or more, the mold starts colonizing, creating those big black stains we all know from photos (or from our home, if luck wasn't on our side).

Mold Is Dangerous, Even When Hidden

In most cases, mold will be discovered after it colonizes, and by then its growth is rapid. If you suspect you have mold, you should call a mold expert to check it out. Whether it's a water damage certified technician, a home inspector or an industrial hygienist. The mold usually grows where water damage hit, or where high humidity is found. If water leaked on your carpet - that's where the mold will start growing.

To protect your carpets from mold after they're flooded by water, you should follow the steps below. If it already happened, and you missed one of the steps, you should check your carpets for dark stains or moldy smell. You don't want mold growing under your carpets, in your floors and all around your home.

Steps to prevent mold after water damage:

1. Stop the water source - first thing first. Stop the water from flowing in and get them out of your home. If it's a leaky pipe or a broken appliance, close the water main. If it's the roof, try and see if you can get a roofing company to come for an emergency service and close the gap. Once you've stopped the water from coming, you need to get it out.
2. Extract the water - to prevent further damage and minimize long term effects, it's important to get the water out. If it's a small amount, you can blot it out or use a mop to absorb it (if on the floor and not carpets). If it's a large amount, get a water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston to help you with it.
3. Get it Dry – Fast! - If you have fans, or you know where you can rent drying fans - go for it. If you need some help with drying your home, we'd be glad to help as well. Call us and let us know what you need. It's important to have the property dried as fast as you can to avoid mold growth, as well as the water being absorbed in carpets, floors, rugs or other items. It's also recommended to use dehumidifiers to lower the humidity in the affected area, especially if you can't air it out properly.
4. Steam clean everything you can - carpets, rugs, flooring, furniture - if it had water get to it you want it professionally cleaned right now, before the mold gets comfortable and colonizes. Once the mold sets in, that item is probably lost and will need to be replaced.
5. Sanitize the affected area - if you hired a professional damage restoration company, they'll do it as part of the water mitigation process. If you didn't, and decided to solve the issue yourself, you should clean anything that met the water.

WE WILL MAKE SURE THE MOLD IS GONE

If you still feel like your clean-up wasn't enough, or you feel there is mold hiding somewhere - contact us at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We'd be more than happy to pay you a visit and provide a professional opinion on the matter.

Remember, it's very dangerous to have mold in your home - mold can have very serious side effects on you and your health. Get your mold remediated as soon as you can.

A Timeline on What a Water Loss can Affect in your Home.

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston provides 24-hour fire, water and mold restoration services in the Stone Mountain area.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston provides emergency restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage can be very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston 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 – 770-496-1976

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.

A Timeline on What a Water Loss can Affect in your Home.

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston provides 24-hour fire, water and mold restoration services in the Stone Mountain area.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston provides emergency restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage can be very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston 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 – 770-496-1976

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.

A Timeline on What a Water Loss can Affect in your Home.

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston provides 24-hour fire, water and mold restoration services in the Stone Mountain area.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston provides emergency restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage can be very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston 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 – 770-496-1976

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.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston's Guide to Follow When Your Water Heater Breaks.

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Waking up is hard to do. You need to get out of your cozy bed, go wash up, get dressed and get some coffee in you before you start your day. Now think of getting out of bed, as hard as that is, walking slowly to the shower, opening the hot water, and waiting for it to run so you can hop in, and nothing happens.

Water stays cold as ice, you realize you can't hit the shower this morning, and you try to figure out what just happened. Could you have forgotten to turn on the water heater? Could it be broken? Time to check it out.

As you walk downstairs you hear a low trickling noise as if a faucet is open somewhere. You keep going, and as you approach the basement, you hear it louder - there is water running somewhere over there. Question is - where? As you reach the last step, you put your foot down and immediately realize you haven't even opened your eyes properly. You're standing in a big pond, which was once your basement. No hot shower today. What now then?

First thing - close the water source. Whether it's the water heater, a pipe or a water leaking in from a window, make sure no more water can get in. Close the water mains, shut down any valve leading to the affected area, and close the window if that was the source of the water.

Second thing you do is take care of all that water. Water spreads fast and has the power to cause lots and lots of trouble over time. If you don't have a water drain in the basement, it's time to call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976.

Water leaks and floods should be taken care of as fast as possible. The reason is that most homes aren't waterproof on the inside. Standing water will ruin your carpets, floors, furniture, and even get into drywall if given the opportunity. Moreover, the standing water becomes a health hazard after a while, even if they came from a clean source (also called Category 1 water damage). Another reason for you to hurry is mold and how fast mold can start to grow after your basement suffered from a water damage.

Our franchise SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston offers a 24/7 response to all your water damage requirements and needs, providing you a quick and thorough solution to your problem. We'll get your life back to normal in no time.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston's Guide to Follow When Your Water Heater Breaks.

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Waking up is hard to do. You need to get out of your cozy bed, go wash up, get dressed and get some coffee in you before you start your day. Now think of getting out of bed, as hard as that is, walking slowly to the shower, opening the hot water, and waiting for it to run so you can hop in, and nothing happens.

Water stays cold as ice, you realize you can't hit the shower this morning, and you try to figure out what just happened. Could you have forgotten to turn on the water heater? Could it be broken? Time to check it out.

As you walk downstairs you hear a low trickling noise as if a faucet is open somewhere. You keep going, and as you approach the basement, you hear it louder - there is water running somewhere over there. Question is - where? As you reach the last step, you put your foot down and immediately realize you haven't even opened your eyes properly. You're standing in a big pond, which was once your basement. No hot shower today. What now then?

First thing - close the water source. Whether it's the water heater, a pipe or a water leaking in from a window, make sure no more water can get in. Close the water mains, shut down any valve leading to the affected area, and close the window if that was the source of the water.

Second thing you do is take care of all that water. Water spreads fast and has the power to cause lots and lots of trouble over time. If you don't have a water drain in the basement, it's time to call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976.

Water leaks and floods should be taken care of as fast as possible. The reason is that most homes aren't waterproof on the inside. Standing water will ruin your carpets, floors, furniture, and even get into drywall if given the opportunity. Moreover, the standing water becomes a health hazard after a while, even if they came from a clean source (also called Category 1 water damage). Another reason for you to hurry is mold and how fast mold can start to grow after your basement suffered from a water damage.

Our franchise SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston offers a 24/7 response to all your water damage requirements and needs, providing you a quick and thorough solution to your problem. We'll get your life back to normal in no time.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston's Guide to Follow When Your Water Heater Breaks.

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Waking up is hard to do. You need to get out of your cozy bed, go wash up, get dressed and get some coffee in you before you start your day. Now think of getting out of bed, as hard as that is, walking slowly to the shower, opening the hot water, and waiting for it to run so you can hop in, and nothing happens.

Water stays cold as ice, you realize you can't hit the shower this morning, and you try to figure out what just happened. Could you have forgotten to turn on the water heater? Could it be broken? Time to check it out.

As you walk downstairs you hear a low trickling noise as if a faucet is open somewhere. You keep going, and as you approach the basement, you hear it louder - there is water running somewhere over there. Question is - where? As you reach the last step, you put your foot down and immediately realize you haven't even opened your eyes properly. You're standing in a big pond, which was once your basement. No hot shower today. What now then?

First thing - close the water source. Whether it's the water heater, a pipe or a water leaking in from a window, make sure no more water can get in. Close the water mains, shut down any valve leading to the affected area, and close the window if that was the source of the water.

Second thing you do is take care of all that water. Water spreads fast and has the power to cause lots and lots of trouble over time. If you don't have a water drain in the basement, it's time to call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976.

Water leaks and floods should be taken care of as fast as possible. The reason is that most homes aren't waterproof on the inside. Standing water will ruin your carpets, floors, furniture, and even get into drywall if given the opportunity. Moreover, the standing water becomes a health hazard after a while, even if they came from a clean source (also called Category 1 water damage). Another reason for you to hurry is mold and how fast mold can start to grow after your basement suffered from a water damage.

Our franchise SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston offers a 24/7 response to all your water damage requirements and needs, providing you a quick and thorough solution to your problem. We'll get your life back to normal in no time.

Heavy Rainfall in the Forecast, It could cause a Water Loss in Your Home

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Basements are prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. While heavy rainfall is the most often cause of flooding, there are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

• A sewer pipe that is blocked or cracked
• Surface water from heavy rains that can pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity.

Please contact the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are here to help!

Heavy Rainfall in the Forecast, It could cause a Water Loss in Your Home

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Basements are prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. While heavy rainfall is the most often cause of flooding, there are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

• A sewer pipe that is blocked or cracked
• Surface water from heavy rains that can pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity.

Please contact the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are here to help!

Heavy Rainfall in the Forecast, It could cause a Water Loss in Your Home

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Basements are prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. While heavy rainfall is the most often cause of flooding, there are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

• A sewer pipe that is blocked or cracked
• Surface water from heavy rains that can pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity.

Please contact the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are here to help!

Do's and Do Not's after your water loss SERVPRO of Stone Mountain

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

WATER DAMAGE TIPS

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood 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.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

OUR SERVICES

• Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
• Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
• Structural Restoration Services.
• Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders

Our goal is to help you through the cleanup process and help make it "Like it never even happened."^®  Please call us today at (770) 496-1976.

Do's and Do Not's after your water loss SERVPRO of Stone Mountain

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

WATER DAMAGE TIPS

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood 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.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

OUR SERVICES

• Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
• Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
• Structural Restoration Services.
• Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders

Our goal is to help you through the cleanup process and help make it "Like it never even happened."^®  Please call us today at (770) 496-1976.

Do's and Do Not's after your water loss SERVPRO of Stone Mountain

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

WATER DAMAGE TIPS

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood 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.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

OUR SERVICES

• Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
• Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
• Structural Restoration Services.
• Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders

Our goal is to help you through the cleanup process and help make it "Like it never even happened."^®  Please call us today at (770) 496-1976.

Water Damage Restoration

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROstonemountainclarkston.com.

Faulty Water Heaters

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water can damage your home in many ways. Most of the time it's an external threat, but sometimes a leak from inside can cause just as much, or even more, damage.  When a leak develops, the water might not come rushing out at once. Most of the time it's a slow leak that may go unnoticed for days.

If the water heater is located on an upper floor, the damage will be even more extensive, since water always flows downhill. The leaking water heater on a second floor can cause extensive damage to both walls and flooring as the water seeks the lowest spot in the building or home.

Fortunately, there are steps people can take to minimize the risk of a water heater causing damage to their home or business.  The first thing people need to do is regularly inspect the water heater and the pipes around the unit for any signs of leakage, moisture, mold, mineral buildup and corrosion.  Putting in an inexpensive drip pan below the water heater that drains to the outside of the property can help prevent thousands of dollars in water damage in many cases.

Age is also a big factor. Many water heater manufacturers estimate the lifespan of these appliances to be 8 to 12 years, so replacing a unit when it is nearing this age can be a good insurance policy against unwanted damage.

What to look for:

• Water doesn't get as hot as it used to.
• There's rust in water coming from your faucets or on your clothes.
• Your hot water heater makes cracking and popping sounds when it's heating.
• There's a metallic taste in your hot water.
• Rust is forming on the outside bottom of your water heater.
• A puddle is forming under your hot water heater.
• The burner units have become clogged or rusty.

Unfortunately, leaking water heaters result in countless insurance claims each year. If a small leak goes unnoticed – occurring while you are on vacation, for example – the damage can quickly escalate into a major claim. Call SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 if you experience water damage caused by a faulty hot water heater.

Water Damage Restoration

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROstonemountainclarkston.com.

Faulty Water Heaters

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water can damage your home in many ways. Most of the time it's an external threat, but sometimes a leak from inside can cause just as much, or even more, damage.  When a leak develops, the water might not come rushing out at once. Most of the time it's a slow leak that may go unnoticed for days.

If the water heater is located on an upper floor, the damage will be even more extensive, since water always flows downhill. The leaking water heater on a second floor can cause extensive damage to both walls and flooring as the water seeks the lowest spot in the building or home.

Fortunately, there are steps people can take to minimize the risk of a water heater causing damage to their home or business.  The first thing people need to do is regularly inspect the water heater and the pipes around the unit for any signs of leakage, moisture, mold, mineral buildup and corrosion.  Putting in an inexpensive drip pan below the water heater that drains to the outside of the property can help prevent thousands of dollars in water damage in many cases.

Age is also a big factor. Many water heater manufacturers estimate the lifespan of these appliances to be 8 to 12 years, so replacing a unit when it is nearing this age can be a good insurance policy against unwanted damage.

What to look for:

• Water doesn't get as hot as it used to.
• There's rust in water coming from your faucets or on your clothes.
• Your hot water heater makes cracking and popping sounds when it's heating.
• There's a metallic taste in your hot water.
• Rust is forming on the outside bottom of your water heater.
• A puddle is forming under your hot water heater.
• The burner units have become clogged or rusty.

Unfortunately, leaking water heaters result in countless insurance claims each year. If a small leak goes unnoticed – occurring while you are on vacation, for example – the damage can quickly escalate into a major claim. Call SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 if you experience water damage caused by a faulty hot water heater.

Water Damage Restoration

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROstonemountainclarkston.com.

Faulty Water Heaters

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water can damage your home in many ways. Most of the time it's an external threat, but sometimes a leak from inside can cause just as much, or even more, damage.  When a leak develops, the water might not come rushing out at once. Most of the time it's a slow leak that may go unnoticed for days.

If the water heater is located on an upper floor, the damage will be even more extensive, since water always flows downhill. The leaking water heater on a second floor can cause extensive damage to both walls and flooring as the water seeks the lowest spot in the building or home.

Fortunately, there are steps people can take to minimize the risk of a water heater causing damage to their home or business.  The first thing people need to do is regularly inspect the water heater and the pipes around the unit for any signs of leakage, moisture, mold, mineral buildup and corrosion.  Putting in an inexpensive drip pan below the water heater that drains to the outside of the property can help prevent thousands of dollars in water damage in many cases.

Age is also a big factor. Many water heater manufacturers estimate the lifespan of these appliances to be 8 to 12 years, so replacing a unit when it is nearing this age can be a good insurance policy against unwanted damage.

What to look for:

• Water doesn't get as hot as it used to.
• There's rust in water coming from your faucets or on your clothes.
• Your hot water heater makes cracking and popping sounds when it's heating.
• There's a metallic taste in your hot water.
• Rust is forming on the outside bottom of your water heater.
• A puddle is forming under your hot water heater.
• The burner units have become clogged or rusty.

Unfortunately, leaking water heaters result in countless insurance claims each year. If a small leak goes unnoticed – occurring while you are on vacation, for example – the damage can quickly escalate into a major claim. Call SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 if you experience water damage caused by a faulty hot water heater.

Water Mitigation Technician Explained

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians are well qualified to assist you in restoring your home after water damage occurs.

A water mitigation technician works, usually in connection with a water-damage restoration team, to mitigate water damage to your home. If your home is subject to serious water damage, due to burst pipes, flooding, fire-extinguishing water hoses or some other unforeseen catastrophe, it can be a real problem. Your house will be a mess, carpets and furniture can be soaked, and valuables can be damaged, sometimes beyond repair.

A technician from your water-damage restoration company works to dry and remove as much of this water as possible from your home and salvage your possessions to the best of his ability. They are able to do this due to a combination of sophisticated drying equipment provided by the water-damage restoration contractor, combined with expertly trained technicians.

These technicians understand the different types of water damage, such as damage from sanitary water, gray water or black water. They can determine how severe your water damage is, such as damage that only affects part of a room, damage that affects an entire room, damage where ceilings, walls, carpet and insulation are fully saturated, and specialty drying situations.

Do I need a Water Mitigation Technician?

You can certainly try to clean up the water without the help of a water-damage restoration company, but your best chance of getting your life back to normal as quickly as possible is through hiring water mitigation professionals. In addition to saving you a lot of labor and heartache, an experienced, quality water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South knows the fastest way to effectively dry your home. They can also determine the best way to save salvageable property and how to deal with problems like mold and bacteria. They also know how to work with your insurance and can make that part a smooth process as well.

Where Do I Find a Water Mitigation Technician?

If you need water damage restoration, you can contact our franchises SERVPRO of Stone Mountain right now. We offer 24/7 emergency water mitigation restoration services. You can contact us at (770)496-1976 for all your emergency needs.

Water Mitigation Technician Explained

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians are well qualified to assist you in restoring your home after water damage occurs.

A water mitigation technician works, usually in connection with a water-damage restoration team, to mitigate water damage to your home. If your home is subject to serious water damage, due to burst pipes, flooding, fire-extinguishing water hoses or some other unforeseen catastrophe, it can be a real problem. Your house will be a mess, carpets and furniture can be soaked, and valuables can be damaged, sometimes beyond repair.

A technician from your water-damage restoration company works to dry and remove as much of this water as possible from your home and salvage your possessions to the best of his ability. They are able to do this due to a combination of sophisticated drying equipment provided by the water-damage restoration contractor, combined with expertly trained technicians.

These technicians understand the different types of water damage, such as damage from sanitary water, gray water or black water. They can determine how severe your water damage is, such as damage that only affects part of a room, damage that affects an entire room, damage where ceilings, walls, carpet and insulation are fully saturated, and specialty drying situations.

Do I need a Water Mitigation Technician?

You can certainly try to clean up the water without the help of a water-damage restoration company, but your best chance of getting your life back to normal as quickly as possible is through hiring water mitigation professionals. In addition to saving you a lot of labor and heartache, an experienced, quality water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South knows the fastest way to effectively dry your home. They can also determine the best way to save salvageable property and how to deal with problems like mold and bacteria. They also know how to work with your insurance and can make that part a smooth process as well.

Where Do I Find a Water Mitigation Technician?

If you need water damage restoration, you can contact our franchises SERVPRO of Stone Mountain right now. We offer 24/7 emergency water mitigation restoration services. You can contact us at (770)496-1976 for all your emergency needs.

Water Mitigation Technician Explained

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians are well qualified to assist you in restoring your home after water damage occurs.

A water mitigation technician works, usually in connection with a water-damage restoration team, to mitigate water damage to your home. If your home is subject to serious water damage, due to burst pipes, flooding, fire-extinguishing water hoses or some other unforeseen catastrophe, it can be a real problem. Your house will be a mess, carpets and furniture can be soaked, and valuables can be damaged, sometimes beyond repair.

A technician from your water-damage restoration company works to dry and remove as much of this water as possible from your home and salvage your possessions to the best of his ability. They are able to do this due to a combination of sophisticated drying equipment provided by the water-damage restoration contractor, combined with expertly trained technicians.

These technicians understand the different types of water damage, such as damage from sanitary water, gray water or black water. They can determine how severe your water damage is, such as damage that only affects part of a room, damage that affects an entire room, damage where ceilings, walls, carpet and insulation are fully saturated, and specialty drying situations.

Do I need a Water Mitigation Technician?

You can certainly try to clean up the water without the help of a water-damage restoration company, but your best chance of getting your life back to normal as quickly as possible is through hiring water mitigation professionals. In addition to saving you a lot of labor and heartache, an experienced, quality water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South knows the fastest way to effectively dry your home. They can also determine the best way to save salvageable property and how to deal with problems like mold and bacteria. They also know how to work with your insurance and can make that part a smooth process as well.

Where Do I Find a Water Mitigation Technician?

If you need water damage restoration, you can contact our franchises SERVPRO of Stone Mountain right now. We offer 24/7 emergency water mitigation restoration services. You can contact us at (770)496-1976 for all your emergency needs.

The 6 Steps to Water Restoration SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water loss in a home

There is nothing that can prepare you for the emotional impact of water damage, but you should act fast when it does happen.

You can call us 24 hours a day to set the restoration process in motion so you can recover as quickly as possible from water damage. Here’s what the process is like:

6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration

1. Initial Emergency Contact
There is no typical time for water damage to occur, which is why we are available 24 hours a day to answer your call for restoration. Over the phone, we will obtain pertinent details about your situation and draft a plan to ensure you receive the equipment and staff you need.

2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
Once we arrive at the scene, we will check immediately for safety hazards to ensure you are not in harm’s way, and stop any excess water flow if applicable. Then we will do a complete damage assessment and create a plan for restoration custom to your situation.

3. Moisture Extraction
Removing moisture from the impacted area is one of the highest priorities next to safety, which is why we move on to this step as quickly as possible. We have the equipment to remove hundreds of gallons of water at a time to ensure we can handle water damage of any size.

4. Dehumidifying and Drying
After removing the excess moisture from the area, we will start dehumidifying the air and drying out belongings and surfaces that have absorbed moisture. This is important because inadequate moisture removal can lead to strong odors and persistent mold and mildew growth on objects.

5. Cleaning Belongings
Items that have been impacted by water damage can be contaminated even if they have not absorbed water, which is why we clean everything that may have been infected. We practice the highest standards of sanitation and deodorization so you have no lingering reminders of the damages.

6. Restoration and Repair
You can not only count on us for moisture removal, but you can depend on us for a complete restoration process, including any structural or cosmetic repairs required. From patching drywall to installing new floor treatments, we can fully restore your home or office to how it was before the damage.

If your home has been water-damaged, you can count on us to help. Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at (770) 496-1976 to get the process started.

The 6 Steps to Water Restoration SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water loss in a home

There is nothing that can prepare you for the emotional impact of water damage, but you should act fast when it does happen.

You can call us 24 hours a day to set the restoration process in motion so you can recover as quickly as possible from water damage. Here’s what the process is like:

6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration

1. Initial Emergency Contact
There is no typical time for water damage to occur, which is why we are available 24 hours a day to answer your call for restoration. Over the phone, we will obtain pertinent details about your situation and draft a plan to ensure you receive the equipment and staff you need.

2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
Once we arrive at the scene, we will check immediately for safety hazards to ensure you are not in harm’s way, and stop any excess water flow if applicable. Then we will do a complete damage assessment and create a plan for restoration custom to your situation.

3. Moisture Extraction
Removing moisture from the impacted area is one of the highest priorities next to safety, which is why we move on to this step as quickly as possible. We have the equipment to remove hundreds of gallons of water at a time to ensure we can handle water damage of any size.

4. Dehumidifying and Drying
After removing the excess moisture from the area, we will start dehumidifying the air and drying out belongings and surfaces that have absorbed moisture. This is important because inadequate moisture removal can lead to strong odors and persistent mold and mildew growth on objects.

5. Cleaning Belongings
Items that have been impacted by water damage can be contaminated even if they have not absorbed water, which is why we clean everything that may have been infected. We practice the highest standards of sanitation and deodorization so you have no lingering reminders of the damages.

6. Restoration and Repair
You can not only count on us for moisture removal, but you can depend on us for a complete restoration process, including any structural or cosmetic repairs required. From patching drywall to installing new floor treatments, we can fully restore your home or office to how it was before the damage.

If your home has been water-damaged, you can count on us to help. Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at (770) 496-1976 to get the process started.

The 6 Steps to Water Restoration SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water loss in a home

There is nothing that can prepare you for the emotional impact of water damage, but you should act fast when it does happen.

You can call us 24 hours a day to set the restoration process in motion so you can recover as quickly as possible from water damage. Here’s what the process is like:

6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration

1. Initial Emergency Contact
There is no typical time for water damage to occur, which is why we are available 24 hours a day to answer your call for restoration. Over the phone, we will obtain pertinent details about your situation and draft a plan to ensure you receive the equipment and staff you need.

2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
Once we arrive at the scene, we will check immediately for safety hazards to ensure you are not in harm’s way, and stop any excess water flow if applicable. Then we will do a complete damage assessment and create a plan for restoration custom to your situation.

3. Moisture Extraction
Removing moisture from the impacted area is one of the highest priorities next to safety, which is why we move on to this step as quickly as possible. We have the equipment to remove hundreds of gallons of water at a time to ensure we can handle water damage of any size.

4. Dehumidifying and Drying
After removing the excess moisture from the area, we will start dehumidifying the air and drying out belongings and surfaces that have absorbed moisture. This is important because inadequate moisture removal can lead to strong odors and persistent mold and mildew growth on objects.

5. Cleaning Belongings
Items that have been impacted by water damage can be contaminated even if they have not absorbed water, which is why we clean everything that may have been infected. We practice the highest standards of sanitation and deodorization so you have no lingering reminders of the damages.

6. Restoration and Repair
You can not only count on us for moisture removal, but you can depend on us for a complete restoration process, including any structural or cosmetic repairs required. From patching drywall to installing new floor treatments, we can fully restore your home or office to how it was before the damage.

If your home has been water-damaged, you can count on us to help. Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at (770) 496-1976 to get the process started.

The Restoration Process for Water Damage

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in a retail store.

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION PROCESS

SERVPRO® has a six-step restoration process that all clients are brought through. This process assures that the home or office is always restored to a clean, sanitary state as quickly and as efficiently as possible. SERVPRO clients have had this six-step process applied to their water damage disasters.

The six-step process includes:

1) Initial contact

SERVPRO is proud to offer 24-hour emergency response. Here at SERVPRO, we understand that, when dealing with water damage emergencies, every minute counts. When you call, the SERVPRO representative will ask specific questions regarding your particular water damage emergency.

2) Inspection and assessment

The restoration process will officially begin with a detailed assessment of the damage by a SERVPRO professional. There are different classification levels of contamination that will determine what steps are required to complete the restoration.

3) Water extraction/removal

The water extraction process will remove the majority of the water from the home of office. If extensive restoration is needed, SERVPRO can conduct a “move out” to safely and efficiently move out belongings. SERVPRO professionals will inspect and determine if carpet or carpet padding will need to be replaced.

4) Drying/dehumidification

After the water removal process, floors and walls will need to be dried and dehumidified fully to prevent warping or potential mold damage. Using specialized equipment, SERVPRO professionals will remove the last trace amounts of moisture in the home or office.

5) Cleaning/sanitizing

After extracting the water and fully drying the surfaces, SERVPRO professionals will clean the surfaces as well as belongings like furniture and personal items that may have been damaged by the water. SERVPRO professionals will also deodorize with industrial scrubbers and fogging equipment.

6) Restoration

The final step in the process is restoration, which may include things like minor repair to drywall, installing new carpet, or other reconstruction.

SERVPRO’s professional water damage restoration experts have been trained to strict industry standards, and use state of the art industrial equipment. It’s SERVPRO’s goal to make it seem, “Like it never happened.”

Please contact the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston for any of your commercial needs.

The Restoration Process for Water Damage

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in a retail store.

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION PROCESS

SERVPRO® has a six-step restoration process that all clients are brought through. This process assures that the home or office is always restored to a clean, sanitary state as quickly and as efficiently as possible. SERVPRO clients have had this six-step process applied to their water damage disasters.

The six-step process includes:

1) Initial contact

SERVPRO is proud to offer 24-hour emergency response. Here at SERVPRO, we understand that, when dealing with water damage emergencies, every minute counts. When you call, the SERVPRO representative will ask specific questions regarding your particular water damage emergency.

2) Inspection and assessment

The restoration process will officially begin with a detailed assessment of the damage by a SERVPRO professional. There are different classification levels of contamination that will determine what steps are required to complete the restoration.

3) Water extraction/removal

The water extraction process will remove the majority of the water from the home of office. If extensive restoration is needed, SERVPRO can conduct a “move out” to safely and efficiently move out belongings. SERVPRO professionals will inspect and determine if carpet or carpet padding will need to be replaced.

4) Drying/dehumidification

After the water removal process, floors and walls will need to be dried and dehumidified fully to prevent warping or potential mold damage. Using specialized equipment, SERVPRO professionals will remove the last trace amounts of moisture in the home or office.

5) Cleaning/sanitizing

After extracting the water and fully drying the surfaces, SERVPRO professionals will clean the surfaces as well as belongings like furniture and personal items that may have been damaged by the water. SERVPRO professionals will also deodorize with industrial scrubbers and fogging equipment.

6) Restoration

The final step in the process is restoration, which may include things like minor repair to drywall, installing new carpet, or other reconstruction.

SERVPRO’s professional water damage restoration experts have been trained to strict industry standards, and use state of the art industrial equipment. It’s SERVPRO’s goal to make it seem, “Like it never happened.”

Please contact the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston for any of your commercial needs.

The Restoration Process for Water Damage

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in a retail store.

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION PROCESS

SERVPRO® has a six-step restoration process that all clients are brought through. This process assures that the home or office is always restored to a clean, sanitary state as quickly and as efficiently as possible. SERVPRO clients have had this six-step process applied to their water damage disasters.

The six-step process includes:

1) Initial contact

SERVPRO is proud to offer 24-hour emergency response. Here at SERVPRO, we understand that, when dealing with water damage emergencies, every minute counts. When you call, the SERVPRO representative will ask specific questions regarding your particular water damage emergency.

2) Inspection and assessment

The restoration process will officially begin with a detailed assessment of the damage by a SERVPRO professional. There are different classification levels of contamination that will determine what steps are required to complete the restoration.

3) Water extraction/removal

The water extraction process will remove the majority of the water from the home of office. If extensive restoration is needed, SERVPRO can conduct a “move out” to safely and efficiently move out belongings. SERVPRO professionals will inspect and determine if carpet or carpet padding will need to be replaced.

4) Drying/dehumidification

After the water removal process, floors and walls will need to be dried and dehumidified fully to prevent warping or potential mold damage. Using specialized equipment, SERVPRO professionals will remove the last trace amounts of moisture in the home or office.

5) Cleaning/sanitizing

After extracting the water and fully drying the surfaces, SERVPRO professionals will clean the surfaces as well as belongings like furniture and personal items that may have been damaged by the water. SERVPRO professionals will also deodorize with industrial scrubbers and fogging equipment.

6) Restoration

The final step in the process is restoration, which may include things like minor repair to drywall, installing new carpet, or other reconstruction.

SERVPRO’s professional water damage restoration experts have been trained to strict industry standards, and use state of the art industrial equipment. It’s SERVPRO’s goal to make it seem, “Like it never happened.”

Please contact the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston for any of your commercial needs.

SERVPRO® is Ready to Help 24/7 if Your Home Has Water Damage

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with water damage in your home quick action is critical.  Delaying drying service can increase damage caused to your property and cause mold and rot.  SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston always answers your call and will send professional help quickly to clean up the mess and help you through the disaster. 

What to Expect When You Call

When you call, we will ask many questions regarding the water damage.  These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources will be needed.

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water damaged home or business
• When did the water damage or flooding occur?
• What caused the water damage?
• What year was the home or building built?
• Is electricity available?
• What rooms are affected? 
• What type of flooring is in the affected areas?
• Does the home have a basement, a crawlspace or on a slab?

If your home or business experiences water damage, rest assured our staff and technicians are equipped with the knowledge and equipment to restore your property.  Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 to get immediate help. 

SERVPRO® is Ready to Help 24/7 if Your Home Has Water Damage

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with water damage in your home quick action is critical.  Delaying drying service can increase damage caused to your property and cause mold and rot.  SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston always answers your call and will send professional help quickly to clean up the mess and help you through the disaster. 

What to Expect When You Call

When you call, we will ask many questions regarding the water damage.  These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources will be needed.

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water damaged home or business
• When did the water damage or flooding occur?
• What caused the water damage?
• What year was the home or building built?
• Is electricity available?
• What rooms are affected? 
• What type of flooring is in the affected areas?
• Does the home have a basement, a crawlspace or on a slab?

If your home or business experiences water damage, rest assured our staff and technicians are equipped with the knowledge and equipment to restore your property.  Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 to get immediate help. 

SERVPRO® is Ready to Help 24/7 if Your Home Has Water Damage

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with water damage in your home quick action is critical.  Delaying drying service can increase damage caused to your property and cause mold and rot.  SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston always answers your call and will send professional help quickly to clean up the mess and help you through the disaster. 

What to Expect When You Call

When you call, we will ask many questions regarding the water damage.  These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources will be needed.

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water damaged home or business
• When did the water damage or flooding occur?
• What caused the water damage?
• What year was the home or building built?
• Is electricity available?
• What rooms are affected? 
• What type of flooring is in the affected areas?
• Does the home have a basement, a crawlspace or on a slab?

If your home or business experiences water damage, rest assured our staff and technicians are equipped with the knowledge and equipment to restore your property.  Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 to get immediate help. 

Ways To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know water damage can be one of the costliest and most common disasters your home may experience? Bursting pipes, malfunctioning appliances and storm damage are just some of the ways water can   your home! While water damage can be a common issue to deal with as a homeowner, there are things you can do to protect your home from and possibly avoid these tragic scenarios.

Not only will you find that water damage is a big headache to deal with, but it can also have a long-term impact on your home—namely, mold. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24–48 hours of water exposure, so it is important to prepare beforehand for the things that can cause it.

As you begin to think about ways to safeguard your home, break it down by areas of impact to make the task easier.

You can prevent water damage from happening in the basement by checking for water seepage. Look for vulnerable areas of the basement that may need resealing, make sure water drains away from your home, and install a backwater valve.

In the kitchen and bathrooms, water damage can occur due to plumbing and appliance failures.

Be sure to regularly:

• Inspect all appliances, correcting any issues with hoses and faucets
• Check all seals and caulking around your showers and tubs.
• Know where the main shut-off valve is in your home
• Only run the washing machine or dishwasher while you are home.

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. Working with SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston  simplifies the entire process of water damage from drying to insurance claims. Call on our highly trained experts who are here to make it "Like it never even happened." at 770-496-1976.

Ways To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know water damage can be one of the costliest and most common disasters your home may experience? Bursting pipes, malfunctioning appliances and storm damage are just some of the ways water can   your home! While water damage can be a common issue to deal with as a homeowner, there are things you can do to protect your home from and possibly avoid these tragic scenarios.

Not only will you find that water damage is a big headache to deal with, but it can also have a long-term impact on your home—namely, mold. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24–48 hours of water exposure, so it is important to prepare beforehand for the things that can cause it.

As you begin to think about ways to safeguard your home, break it down by areas of impact to make the task easier.

You can prevent water damage from happening in the basement by checking for water seepage. Look for vulnerable areas of the basement that may need resealing, make sure water drains away from your home, and install a backwater valve.

In the kitchen and bathrooms, water damage can occur due to plumbing and appliance failures.

Be sure to regularly:

• Inspect all appliances, correcting any issues with hoses and faucets
• Check all seals and caulking around your showers and tubs.
• Know where the main shut-off valve is in your home
• Only run the washing machine or dishwasher while you are home.

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. Working with SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston  simplifies the entire process of water damage from drying to insurance claims. Call on our highly trained experts who are here to make it "Like it never even happened." at 770-496-1976.

Ways To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know water damage can be one of the costliest and most common disasters your home may experience? Bursting pipes, malfunctioning appliances and storm damage are just some of the ways water can   your home! While water damage can be a common issue to deal with as a homeowner, there are things you can do to protect your home from and possibly avoid these tragic scenarios.

Not only will you find that water damage is a big headache to deal with, but it can also have a long-term impact on your home—namely, mold. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24–48 hours of water exposure, so it is important to prepare beforehand for the things that can cause it.

As you begin to think about ways to safeguard your home, break it down by areas of impact to make the task easier.

You can prevent water damage from happening in the basement by checking for water seepage. Look for vulnerable areas of the basement that may need resealing, make sure water drains away from your home, and install a backwater valve.

In the kitchen and bathrooms, water damage can occur due to plumbing and appliance failures.

Be sure to regularly:

• Inspect all appliances, correcting any issues with hoses and faucets
• Check all seals and caulking around your showers and tubs.
• Know where the main shut-off valve is in your home
• Only run the washing machine or dishwasher while you are home.

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. Working with SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston  simplifies the entire process of water damage from drying to insurance claims. Call on our highly trained experts who are here to make it "Like it never even happened." at 770-496-1976.

Continuing Education Classes: Helping Agents Understand about Water, Fire and Mold Damage

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Our most recent CE class in Tucker, GA.

SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston offers free Continuing Education Classes to insurance agents, adjusters and contractors in our territory.  We hold these classes at a local fire station, a classroom near our office in Stone Mountain or even in an agent’s office.  The classes vary in topic and are very informative.  The classes teach the participants the science behind what we do and the guidelines we must follow to get the property back to its former state before the water, fire or mold event occurred.

We teach Continuing Education Classes on the following topics:

• Restorative Drying for Water Damage
• Cleaning Smoke Damage Contents
• Understanding Property Fire Damage Restoration
• Biohazard Cleanup
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Ethics

Recently we hosted a class on Restorative Drying for Water Damage and were able to clear up questions about the different classes of water.  Determining the correct classification of water is imperative to forming an overall plan for successful remediation.

We will be hosting another Continuing Education Class in early September.  For more information, call us at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston, 770-496-1976.

Emergency Water Damage Tips | SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

We use industry specific meters to determine water migration.

WATER DAMAGE TIPS

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood 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.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

OUR SERVICES

• Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
• Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
• Structural Restoration Services.
• Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders

Our goal is to help you through the cleanup process and help make it “Like it never even happened^®.”  Please call us today at (770) 496-1976.

Continuing Education Classes: Helping Agents Understand about Water, Fire and Mold Damage

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Our most recent CE class in Tucker, GA.

SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston offers free Continuing Education Classes to insurance agents, adjusters and contractors in our territory.  We hold these classes at a local fire station, a classroom near our office in Stone Mountain or even in an agent’s office.  The classes vary in topic and are very informative.  The classes teach the participants the science behind what we do and the guidelines we must follow to get the property back to its former state before the water, fire or mold event occurred.

We teach Continuing Education Classes on the following topics:

• Restorative Drying for Water Damage
• Cleaning Smoke Damage Contents
• Understanding Property Fire Damage Restoration
• Biohazard Cleanup
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Ethics

Recently we hosted a class on Restorative Drying for Water Damage and were able to clear up questions about the different classes of water.  Determining the correct classification of water is imperative to forming an overall plan for successful remediation.

We will be hosting another Continuing Education Class in early September.  For more information, call us at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston, 770-496-1976.

Emergency Water Damage Tips | SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

We use industry specific meters to determine water migration.

WATER DAMAGE TIPS

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood 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.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

OUR SERVICES

• Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
• Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
• Structural Restoration Services.
• Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders

Our goal is to help you through the cleanup process and help make it “Like it never even happened^®.”  Please call us today at (770) 496-1976.

Continuing Education Classes: Helping Agents Understand about Water, Fire and Mold Damage

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Our most recent CE class in Tucker, GA.

SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston offers free Continuing Education Classes to insurance agents, adjusters and contractors in our territory.  We hold these classes at a local fire station, a classroom near our office in Stone Mountain or even in an agent’s office.  The classes vary in topic and are very informative.  The classes teach the participants the science behind what we do and the guidelines we must follow to get the property back to its former state before the water, fire or mold event occurred.

We teach Continuing Education Classes on the following topics:

• Restorative Drying for Water Damage
• Cleaning Smoke Damage Contents
• Understanding Property Fire Damage Restoration
• Biohazard Cleanup
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Ethics

Recently we hosted a class on Restorative Drying for Water Damage and were able to clear up questions about the different classes of water.  Determining the correct classification of water is imperative to forming an overall plan for successful remediation.

We will be hosting another Continuing Education Class in early September.  For more information, call us at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston, 770-496-1976.

Emergency Water Damage Tips | SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

We use industry specific meters to determine water migration.

WATER DAMAGE TIPS

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood 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.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

OUR SERVICES

• Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
• Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
• Structural Restoration Services.
• Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders

Our goal is to help you through the cleanup process and help make it “Like it never even happened^®.”  Please call us today at (770) 496-1976.

When Water Damage Strikes

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

One of the most important things about water damage is to treat it quickly. Whether you have sustained a busted pipe or something more serious, if the water damage reached your carpets and was not treated professionally, you still have damage happening right beneath your feet. Mold is growing in your carpets, and you need to take care of it. ASAP.

Mold can start within 24-48 hours of the time of loss in the right environment and conditions. Your home offers a constant food supply to the mold spores. Mold spores feed on wood, drywall, insulation, paper and anything it can get attached on. After a day or more, the mold starts colonizing, creating those big black stains we all know from photos (or from our home, if luck wasn't on our side).

Mold Is Dangerous, Even When Hidden

In most cases, mold will be discovered after it colonizes, and by then its growth is rapid. If you suspect you have mold, you should call a mold expert to check it out. Whether it's a water damage certified technician, a home inspector or an industrial hygienist. The mold usually grows where water damage hit, or where high humidity is found. If water leaked on your carpet - that's where the mold will start growing.

To protect your carpets from mold after they're flooded by water, you should follow the steps below. If it already happened, and you missed one of the steps, you should check your carpets for dark stains or moldy smell. You don't want mold growing under your carpets, in your floors and all around your home.

Steps to prevent mold after water damage:

1. Stop the water source - first thing first. Stop the water from flowing in and get them out of your home. If it's a leaky pipe or a broken appliance, close the water main. If it's the roof, try and see if you can get a roofing company to come for an emergency service and close the gap. Once you've stopped the water from coming, you need to get it out.
2. Extract the water - to prevent further damage and minimize long term effects, it's important to get the water out. If it's a small amount, you can blot it out or use a mop to absorb it (if on the floor and not carpets). If it's a large amount, get a water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston to help you with it.
3. Get it Dry – Fast! - If you have fans, or you know where you can rent drying fans - go for it. If you need some help with drying your home, we'd be glad to help as well. Call us and let us know what you need. It's important to have the property dried as fast as you can to avoid mold growth, as well as the water being absorbed in carpets, floors, rugs or other items. It's also recommended to use dehumidifiers to lower the humidity in the affected area, especially if you can't air it out properly.
4. Steam clean everything you can - carpets, rugs, flooring, furniture - if it had water get to it you want it professionally cleaned right now, before the mold gets comfortable and colonizes. Once the mold sets in, that item is probably lost and will need to be replaced.
5. Sanitize the affected area - if you hired a professional damage restoration company, they'll do it as part of the water mitigation process. If you didn't, and decided to solve the issue yourself, you should clean anything that met the water.

WE WILL MAKE SURE THE MOLD IS GONE

If you still feel like your clean-up wasn't enough, or you feel there is mold hiding somewhere - contact us at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We'd be more than happy to pay you a visit and provide a professional opinion on the matter.

Remember, it's very dangerous to have mold in your home - mold can have very serious side effects on you and your health. Get your mold remediated as soon as you can.

When Water Damage Strikes

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

One of the most important things about water damage is to treat it quickly. Whether you have sustained a busted pipe or something more serious, if the water damage reached your carpets and was not treated professionally, you still have damage happening right beneath your feet. Mold is growing in your carpets, and you need to take care of it. ASAP.

Mold can start within 24-48 hours of the time of loss in the right environment and conditions. Your home offers a constant food supply to the mold spores. Mold spores feed on wood, drywall, insulation, paper and anything it can get attached on. After a day or more, the mold starts colonizing, creating those big black stains we all know from photos (or from our home, if luck wasn't on our side).

Mold Is Dangerous, Even When Hidden

In most cases, mold will be discovered after it colonizes, and by then its growth is rapid. If you suspect you have mold, you should call a mold expert to check it out. Whether it's a water damage certified technician, a home inspector or an industrial hygienist. The mold usually grows where water damage hit, or where high humidity is found. If water leaked on your carpet - that's where the mold will start growing.

To protect your carpets from mold after they're flooded by water, you should follow the steps below. If it already happened, and you missed one of the steps, you should check your carpets for dark stains or moldy smell. You don't want mold growing under your carpets, in your floors and all around your home.

Steps to prevent mold after water damage:

1. Stop the water source - first thing first. Stop the water from flowing in and get them out of your home. If it's a leaky pipe or a broken appliance, close the water main. If it's the roof, try and see if you can get a roofing company to come for an emergency service and close the gap. Once you've stopped the water from coming, you need to get it out.
2. Extract the water - to prevent further damage and minimize long term effects, it's important to get the water out. If it's a small amount, you can blot it out or use a mop to absorb it (if on the floor and not carpets). If it's a large amount, get a water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston to help you with it.
3. Get it Dry – Fast! - If you have fans, or you know where you can rent drying fans - go for it. If you need some help with drying your home, we'd be glad to help as well. Call us and let us know what you need. It's important to have the property dried as fast as you can to avoid mold growth, as well as the water being absorbed in carpets, floors, rugs or other items. It's also recommended to use dehumidifiers to lower the humidity in the affected area, especially if you can't air it out properly.
4. Steam clean everything you can - carpets, rugs, flooring, furniture - if it had water get to it you want it professionally cleaned right now, before the mold gets comfortable and colonizes. Once the mold sets in, that item is probably lost and will need to be replaced.
5. Sanitize the affected area - if you hired a professional damage restoration company, they'll do it as part of the water mitigation process. If you didn't, and decided to solve the issue yourself, you should clean anything that met the water.

WE WILL MAKE SURE THE MOLD IS GONE

If you still feel like your clean-up wasn't enough, or you feel there is mold hiding somewhere - contact us at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We'd be more than happy to pay you a visit and provide a professional opinion on the matter.

Remember, it's very dangerous to have mold in your home - mold can have very serious side effects on you and your health. Get your mold remediated as soon as you can.

When Water Damage Strikes

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

One of the most important things about water damage is to treat it quickly. Whether you have sustained a busted pipe or something more serious, if the water damage reached your carpets and was not treated professionally, you still have damage happening right beneath your feet. Mold is growing in your carpets, and you need to take care of it. ASAP.

Mold can start within 24-48 hours of the time of loss in the right environment and conditions. Your home offers a constant food supply to the mold spores. Mold spores feed on wood, drywall, insulation, paper and anything it can get attached on. After a day or more, the mold starts colonizing, creating those big black stains we all know from photos (or from our home, if luck wasn't on our side).

Mold Is Dangerous, Even When Hidden

In most cases, mold will be discovered after it colonizes, and by then its growth is rapid. If you suspect you have mold, you should call a mold expert to check it out. Whether it's a water damage certified technician, a home inspector or an industrial hygienist. The mold usually grows where water damage hit, or where high humidity is found. If water leaked on your carpet - that's where the mold will start growing.

To protect your carpets from mold after they're flooded by water, you should follow the steps below. If it already happened, and you missed one of the steps, you should check your carpets for dark stains or moldy smell. You don't want mold growing under your carpets, in your floors and all around your home.

Steps to prevent mold after water damage:

1. Stop the water source - first thing first. Stop the water from flowing in and get them out of your home. If it's a leaky pipe or a broken appliance, close the water main. If it's the roof, try and see if you can get a roofing company to come for an emergency service and close the gap. Once you've stopped the water from coming, you need to get it out.
2. Extract the water - to prevent further damage and minimize long term effects, it's important to get the water out. If it's a small amount, you can blot it out or use a mop to absorb it (if on the floor and not carpets). If it's a large amount, get a water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston to help you with it.
3. Get it Dry – Fast! - If you have fans, or you know where you can rent drying fans - go for it. If you need some help with drying your home, we'd be glad to help as well. Call us and let us know what you need. It's important to have the property dried as fast as you can to avoid mold growth, as well as the water being absorbed in carpets, floors, rugs or other items. It's also recommended to use dehumidifiers to lower the humidity in the affected area, especially if you can't air it out properly.
4. Steam clean everything you can - carpets, rugs, flooring, furniture - if it had water get to it you want it professionally cleaned right now, before the mold gets comfortable and colonizes. Once the mold sets in, that item is probably lost and will need to be replaced.
5. Sanitize the affected area - if you hired a professional damage restoration company, they'll do it as part of the water mitigation process. If you didn't, and decided to solve the issue yourself, you should clean anything that met the water.

WE WILL MAKE SURE THE MOLD IS GONE

If you still feel like your clean-up wasn't enough, or you feel there is mold hiding somewhere - contact us at SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We'd be more than happy to pay you a visit and provide a professional opinion on the matter.

Remember, it's very dangerous to have mold in your home - mold can have very serious side effects on you and your health. Get your mold remediated as soon as you can.

Oh No! A Pipe Burst, What Next?

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

It might be the sound of dripping water on the ceiling or behind a wall, or a mysterious puddle on the floor. Maybe you've noticed a decrease in water pressure when you turn on the hot water faucet, or no water flow whatsoever. These are all signs that a pipe may have burst.

It only takes a small hole to cause you big problems when the water starts to melt.

Pipe Bursts Can Be Destructive

They happen most often in the wintertime, when water freezes inside - outdoor plumbing or in pipes near exterior walls. As the water freezes, its volume can expand and it exerts pressure on the pipe's walls. The ice can block the pipe so that the water that is behind it adds even more pressure. Whether the pipe is copper, lead, or PVC, it can give way under the pressure. you may not become aware of the emergency until the weather warms up. Then your first sign might be wet ceilings or walls if the broken pipe is concealed from view.

What to do When a Pipe Bursts

1. If you discover a leak, try to discover where the leak seems to be coming from, and then turn off the water at the main water valve. That will stop the water flow and hopefully keep the damage down.
2. If possible, you may need to also turn off the electricity in the affected area.
3. Call a licensed plumber to repair the leak. Many plumbers have 24/hour availability in emergencies for plumbing repair. It is a good idea to keep a plumber's contact information handy just for these kinds of situations. The plumber will be able to replace the damaged pipes or fittings and turn your water back on.
4. Once the leak has been repaired, you may mitigation. Mitigation may include water extraction, removal of affected materials that may work as a moisture barrier and setting drying equipment.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

Here are a couple of things you can do to prevent cold weather emergencies:

1. If plumbing runs along an exterior wall, leave the water dripping in the faucet and open the under-sink cabinet to let the warmer indoor air in.
2. If the outdoor temperature is supposed to drop and you will be away, make sure before you go that the inside temperature will be maintained above 55 degrees in your absence.
3. Insulate pipes in unheated areas.

Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 for any water emergency needs.

Oh No! A Pipe Burst, What Next?

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

It might be the sound of dripping water on the ceiling or behind a wall, or a mysterious puddle on the floor. Maybe you've noticed a decrease in water pressure when you turn on the hot water faucet, or no water flow whatsoever. These are all signs that a pipe may have burst.

It only takes a small hole to cause you big problems when the water starts to melt.

Pipe Bursts Can Be Destructive

They happen most often in the wintertime, when water freezes inside - outdoor plumbing or in pipes near exterior walls. As the water freezes, its volume can expand and it exerts pressure on the pipe's walls. The ice can block the pipe so that the water that is behind it adds even more pressure. Whether the pipe is copper, lead, or PVC, it can give way under the pressure. you may not become aware of the emergency until the weather warms up. Then your first sign might be wet ceilings or walls if the broken pipe is concealed from view.

What to do When a Pipe Bursts

1. If you discover a leak, try to discover where the leak seems to be coming from, and then turn off the water at the main water valve. That will stop the water flow and hopefully keep the damage down.
2. If possible, you may need to also turn off the electricity in the affected area.
3. Call a licensed plumber to repair the leak. Many plumbers have 24/hour availability in emergencies for plumbing repair. It is a good idea to keep a plumber's contact information handy just for these kinds of situations. The plumber will be able to replace the damaged pipes or fittings and turn your water back on.
4. Once the leak has been repaired, you may mitigation. Mitigation may include water extraction, removal of affected materials that may work as a moisture barrier and setting drying equipment.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

Here are a couple of things you can do to prevent cold weather emergencies:

1. If plumbing runs along an exterior wall, leave the water dripping in the faucet and open the under-sink cabinet to let the warmer indoor air in.
2. If the outdoor temperature is supposed to drop and you will be away, make sure before you go that the inside temperature will be maintained above 55 degrees in your absence.
3. Insulate pipes in unheated areas.

Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 for any water emergency needs.

Oh No! A Pipe Burst, What Next?

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

It might be the sound of dripping water on the ceiling or behind a wall, or a mysterious puddle on the floor. Maybe you've noticed a decrease in water pressure when you turn on the hot water faucet, or no water flow whatsoever. These are all signs that a pipe may have burst.

It only takes a small hole to cause you big problems when the water starts to melt.

Pipe Bursts Can Be Destructive

They happen most often in the wintertime, when water freezes inside - outdoor plumbing or in pipes near exterior walls. As the water freezes, its volume can expand and it exerts pressure on the pipe's walls. The ice can block the pipe so that the water that is behind it adds even more pressure. Whether the pipe is copper, lead, or PVC, it can give way under the pressure. you may not become aware of the emergency until the weather warms up. Then your first sign might be wet ceilings or walls if the broken pipe is concealed from view.

What to do When a Pipe Bursts

1. If you discover a leak, try to discover where the leak seems to be coming from, and then turn off the water at the main water valve. That will stop the water flow and hopefully keep the damage down.
2. If possible, you may need to also turn off the electricity in the affected area.
3. Call a licensed plumber to repair the leak. Many plumbers have 24/hour availability in emergencies for plumbing repair. It is a good idea to keep a plumber's contact information handy just for these kinds of situations. The plumber will be able to replace the damaged pipes or fittings and turn your water back on.
4. Once the leak has been repaired, you may mitigation. Mitigation may include water extraction, removal of affected materials that may work as a moisture barrier and setting drying equipment.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

Here are a couple of things you can do to prevent cold weather emergencies:

1. If plumbing runs along an exterior wall, leave the water dripping in the faucet and open the under-sink cabinet to let the warmer indoor air in.
2. If the outdoor temperature is supposed to drop and you will be away, make sure before you go that the inside temperature will be maintained above 55 degrees in your absence.
3. Insulate pipes in unheated areas.

Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 for any water emergency needs.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Frigid winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze. While we can’t control the weather, there are things we can do to prevent pipes from freezing. We’ve pulled together tips to help prevent frozen pipes and a list of suggestions for you to follow if they do.

Frozen water pipes and the damage they can cause are a reality for thousands of people each year. That’s especially the case when you are at below freezing temperatures for an extended period of time.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety says a burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage. That’s because the damage can be extensive.

To prevent pipes from freezing and causing major damage, follow these steps:

• Drain water from pipes that are likely to freeze. This includes your swimming pool and sprinkler water supply lines.
• Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home, drain the hoses and store them in the garage. Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying these outdoor access points.
• Insulate the area around vents and light fixtures. This helps prevent heat from escaping into the attic.
• Seal any wall cracks. Be sure to pay careful attention to the areas around utility service lines.
• Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
• Allow your faucets to drip cold water on the coldest days. The movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.
• Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave your home.
• Ensure you have proper seals on all doors and windows.
• Place a 60-watt bulb in areas where you’re concerned about pipes freezing. Make sure there are no combustible materials near the bulb.
• Take swift action if the pipes located inside an exterior wall are freezing. Cut a hole in the wall toward the inside of the house to expose those pipes to warmer air.

Signs of frozen pipes One of the earliest signs of a frozen pipe is when no water comes out of your faucet when you turn it on. If you notice that, first head to the basement and check to see that the water is still turned on and that you don’t have a leak. Once you’ve confirmed these two things, continue your inspection to make sure one of your pipes has not burst.

If your search reveals that your pipes are frozen but none have ruptured, you have two choices:

1. Call a plumber to help thaw your frozen pipes. This is a good idea if you don’t think you can safely thaw the pipes yourself, you don’t know where the frozen pipes are or you can’t access the frozen area.
2. Attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself. Be aware this option can be dangerous if not done correctly.

If you attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep your faucet open. Water and steam will be created during the thawing process, and your pipes need an opening to discharge this. Keeping the faucet open also allows for moving water to run through the pipe, which will expedite the thawing process.
• Apply heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen. This can be done by wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe, scouring the area with a hair dryer or both. If you lack either of these items, using towels soaked in hot water will help as well. Never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heaters, a charcoal stove or any other open flame device to thaw your frozen pipes. You should also avoid using a space heater unless you are sure the area is clear of any flammable material.
• Continue applying heat until water flow returns to normal. Once you have successfully thawed the pipe, turn on other faucets in your home to check for any more frozen water pipes.

Make sure your home is protected. Contact SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 to make sure you have the coverage you, your family and home need.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Frigid winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze. While we can’t control the weather, there are things we can do to prevent pipes from freezing. We’ve pulled together tips to help prevent frozen pipes and a list of suggestions for you to follow if they do.

Frozen water pipes and the damage they can cause are a reality for thousands of people each year. That’s especially the case when you are at below freezing temperatures for an extended period of time.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety says a burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage. That’s because the damage can be extensive.

To prevent pipes from freezing and causing major damage, follow these steps:

• Drain water from pipes that are likely to freeze. This includes your swimming pool and sprinkler water supply lines.
• Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home, drain the hoses and store them in the garage. Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying these outdoor access points.
• Insulate the area around vents and light fixtures. This helps prevent heat from escaping into the attic.
• Seal any wall cracks. Be sure to pay careful attention to the areas around utility service lines.
• Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
• Allow your faucets to drip cold water on the coldest days. The movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.
• Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave your home.
• Ensure you have proper seals on all doors and windows.
• Place a 60-watt bulb in areas where you’re concerned about pipes freezing. Make sure there are no combustible materials near the bulb.
• Take swift action if the pipes located inside an exterior wall are freezing. Cut a hole in the wall toward the inside of the house to expose those pipes to warmer air.

Signs of frozen pipes One of the earliest signs of a frozen pipe is when no water comes out of your faucet when you turn it on. If you notice that, first head to the basement and check to see that the water is still turned on and that you don’t have a leak. Once you’ve confirmed these two things, continue your inspection to make sure one of your pipes has not burst.

If your search reveals that your pipes are frozen but none have ruptured, you have two choices:

1. Call a plumber to help thaw your frozen pipes. This is a good idea if you don’t think you can safely thaw the pipes yourself, you don’t know where the frozen pipes are or you can’t access the frozen area.
2. Attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself. Be aware this option can be dangerous if not done correctly.

If you attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep your faucet open. Water and steam will be created during the thawing process, and your pipes need an opening to discharge this. Keeping the faucet open also allows for moving water to run through the pipe, which will expedite the thawing process.
• Apply heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen. This can be done by wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe, scouring the area with a hair dryer or both. If you lack either of these items, using towels soaked in hot water will help as well. Never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heaters, a charcoal stove or any other open flame device to thaw your frozen pipes. You should also avoid using a space heater unless you are sure the area is clear of any flammable material.
• Continue applying heat until water flow returns to normal. Once you have successfully thawed the pipe, turn on other faucets in your home to check for any more frozen water pipes.

Make sure your home is protected. Contact SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 to make sure you have the coverage you, your family and home need.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Frigid winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze. While we can’t control the weather, there are things we can do to prevent pipes from freezing. We’ve pulled together tips to help prevent frozen pipes and a list of suggestions for you to follow if they do.

Frozen water pipes and the damage they can cause are a reality for thousands of people each year. That’s especially the case when you are at below freezing temperatures for an extended period of time.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety says a burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage. That’s because the damage can be extensive.

To prevent pipes from freezing and causing major damage, follow these steps:

• Drain water from pipes that are likely to freeze. This includes your swimming pool and sprinkler water supply lines.
• Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home, drain the hoses and store them in the garage. Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying these outdoor access points.
• Insulate the area around vents and light fixtures. This helps prevent heat from escaping into the attic.
• Seal any wall cracks. Be sure to pay careful attention to the areas around utility service lines.
• Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
• Allow your faucets to drip cold water on the coldest days. The movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.
• Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave your home.
• Ensure you have proper seals on all doors and windows.
• Place a 60-watt bulb in areas where you’re concerned about pipes freezing. Make sure there are no combustible materials near the bulb.
• Take swift action if the pipes located inside an exterior wall are freezing. Cut a hole in the wall toward the inside of the house to expose those pipes to warmer air.

Signs of frozen pipes One of the earliest signs of a frozen pipe is when no water comes out of your faucet when you turn it on. If you notice that, first head to the basement and check to see that the water is still turned on and that you don’t have a leak. Once you’ve confirmed these two things, continue your inspection to make sure one of your pipes has not burst.

If your search reveals that your pipes are frozen but none have ruptured, you have two choices:

1. Call a plumber to help thaw your frozen pipes. This is a good idea if you don’t think you can safely thaw the pipes yourself, you don’t know where the frozen pipes are or you can’t access the frozen area.
2. Attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself. Be aware this option can be dangerous if not done correctly.

If you attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep your faucet open. Water and steam will be created during the thawing process, and your pipes need an opening to discharge this. Keeping the faucet open also allows for moving water to run through the pipe, which will expedite the thawing process.
• Apply heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen. This can be done by wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe, scouring the area with a hair dryer or both. If you lack either of these items, using towels soaked in hot water will help as well. Never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heaters, a charcoal stove or any other open flame device to thaw your frozen pipes. You should also avoid using a space heater unless you are sure the area is clear of any flammable material.
• Continue applying heat until water flow returns to normal. Once you have successfully thawed the pipe, turn on other faucets in your home to check for any more frozen water pipes.

Make sure your home is protected. Contact SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 to make sure you have the coverage you, your family and home need.

What is a Water Mitigation Technician?

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

A water mitigation technician works, usually in connection with a water-damage restoration team, to mitigate water damage to your home. If your home is subject to serious water damage, due to burst pipes, flooding, fire-extinguishing water hoses or some other unforeseen catastrophe, it can be a real problem. Your house will be a mess, carpets and furniture can be soaked, and valuables can be damaged, sometimes beyond repair.

A technician from your water-damage restoration company works to dry and remove as much of this water as possible from your home and salvage your possessions to the best of his ability. They are able to do this due to a combination of sophisticated drying equipment provided by the water-damage restoration contractor, combined with expertly trained technicians.

These technicians understand the different types of water damage, such as damage from sanitary water, gray water or black water. They can determine how severe your water damage is, such as damage that only affects part of a room, damage that affects an entire room, damage where ceilings, walls, carpet and insulation are fully saturated, and specialty drying situations.

Do I need a Water Mitigation Technician?

You can certainly try to clean up the water without the help of a water-damage restoration company, but your best chance of getting your life back to normal as quickly as possible is through hiring water mitigation professionals. In addition to saving you a lot of labor and heartache, an experienced, quality water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston knows the fastest way to effectively dry your home. They can also determine the best way to save salvageable property and how to deal with problems like mold and bacteria. They also know how to work with your insurance and can make that part a smooth process as well.

Where Do I Find a Water Mitigation Technician?

If you need water damage restoration, you can contact SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston right now. We offer 24/7 emergency water mitigation restoration services. You can contact us at 770-496-1976 for all your emergency needs.

What is a Water Mitigation Technician?

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

A water mitigation technician works, usually in connection with a water-damage restoration team, to mitigate water damage to your home. If your home is subject to serious water damage, due to burst pipes, flooding, fire-extinguishing water hoses or some other unforeseen catastrophe, it can be a real problem. Your house will be a mess, carpets and furniture can be soaked, and valuables can be damaged, sometimes beyond repair.

A technician from your water-damage restoration company works to dry and remove as much of this water as possible from your home and salvage your possessions to the best of his ability. They are able to do this due to a combination of sophisticated drying equipment provided by the water-damage restoration contractor, combined with expertly trained technicians.

These technicians understand the different types of water damage, such as damage from sanitary water, gray water or black water. They can determine how severe your water damage is, such as damage that only affects part of a room, damage that affects an entire room, damage where ceilings, walls, carpet and insulation are fully saturated, and specialty drying situations.

Do I need a Water Mitigation Technician?

You can certainly try to clean up the water without the help of a water-damage restoration company, but your best chance of getting your life back to normal as quickly as possible is through hiring water mitigation professionals. In addition to saving you a lot of labor and heartache, an experienced, quality water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston knows the fastest way to effectively dry your home. They can also determine the best way to save salvageable property and how to deal with problems like mold and bacteria. They also know how to work with your insurance and can make that part a smooth process as well.

Where Do I Find a Water Mitigation Technician?

If you need water damage restoration, you can contact SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston right now. We offer 24/7 emergency water mitigation restoration services. You can contact us at 770-496-1976 for all your emergency needs.

What is a Water Mitigation Technician?

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

A water mitigation technician works, usually in connection with a water-damage restoration team, to mitigate water damage to your home. If your home is subject to serious water damage, due to burst pipes, flooding, fire-extinguishing water hoses or some other unforeseen catastrophe, it can be a real problem. Your house will be a mess, carpets and furniture can be soaked, and valuables can be damaged, sometimes beyond repair.

A technician from your water-damage restoration company works to dry and remove as much of this water as possible from your home and salvage your possessions to the best of his ability. They are able to do this due to a combination of sophisticated drying equipment provided by the water-damage restoration contractor, combined with expertly trained technicians.

These technicians understand the different types of water damage, such as damage from sanitary water, gray water or black water. They can determine how severe your water damage is, such as damage that only affects part of a room, damage that affects an entire room, damage where ceilings, walls, carpet and insulation are fully saturated, and specialty drying situations.

Do I need a Water Mitigation Technician?

You can certainly try to clean up the water without the help of a water-damage restoration company, but your best chance of getting your life back to normal as quickly as possible is through hiring water mitigation professionals. In addition to saving you a lot of labor and heartache, an experienced, quality water mitigation company like SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston knows the fastest way to effectively dry your home. They can also determine the best way to save salvageable property and how to deal with problems like mold and bacteria. They also know how to work with your insurance and can make that part a smooth process as well.

Where Do I Find a Water Mitigation Technician?

If you need water damage restoration, you can contact SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston right now. We offer 24/7 emergency water mitigation restoration services. You can contact us at 770-496-1976 for all your emergency needs.

What To Do When Your Water Heater Leaks

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Waking up is hard to do. You need to get out of your cozy bed, go wash up, get dressed and get some coffee in you before you start your day. Now think of getting out of bed, as hard as that is, walking slowly to the shower, opening the hot water, and waiting for it to run so you can hop in, and nothing happens.

Water stays cold as ice, you realize you can't hit the shower this morning, and you try to figure out what just happened. Could you have forgotten to turn on the water heater? Could it be broken? Time to check it out.

As you walk downstairs you hear a low trickling noise as if a faucet is open somewhere. You keep going, and as you approach the basement, you hear it louder - there is water running somewhere over there. Question is - where? As you reach the last step, you put your foot down and immediately realize you haven't even opened your eyes properly. You're standing in a big pond, which was once your basement. No hot shower today. What now then?

First thing - close the water source. Whether it's the water heater, a pipe or a water leaking in from a window, make sure no more water can get in. Close the water mains, shut down any valve leading to the affected area, and close the window if that was the source of the water.

Second thing you do is take care of all that water. Water spreads fast and has the power to cause lots and lots of trouble over time. If you don't have a water drain in the basement, it's time to call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976.

Water leaks and floods should be taken care of as fast as possible. The reason is that most homes aren't waterproof on the inside. Standing water will ruin your carpets, floors, furniture, and even get into drywall if given the opportunity. Moreover, the standing water becomes a health hazard after a while, even if they came from a clean source (also called Category 1 water damage). Another reason for you to hurry is mold and how fast mold can start to grow after your basement suffered from a water damage.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston offers a 24/7 response to all your water damage requirements and needs, providing you a quick and thorough solution to your problem. We'll get your life back to normal in no time.

What To Do When Your Water Heater Leaks

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Waking up is hard to do. You need to get out of your cozy bed, go wash up, get dressed and get some coffee in you before you start your day. Now think of getting out of bed, as hard as that is, walking slowly to the shower, opening the hot water, and waiting for it to run so you can hop in, and nothing happens.

Water stays cold as ice, you realize you can't hit the shower this morning, and you try to figure out what just happened. Could you have forgotten to turn on the water heater? Could it be broken? Time to check it out.

As you walk downstairs you hear a low trickling noise as if a faucet is open somewhere. You keep going, and as you approach the basement, you hear it louder - there is water running somewhere over there. Question is - where? As you reach the last step, you put your foot down and immediately realize you haven't even opened your eyes properly. You're standing in a big pond, which was once your basement. No hot shower today. What now then?

First thing - close the water source. Whether it's the water heater, a pipe or a water leaking in from a window, make sure no more water can get in. Close the water mains, shut down any valve leading to the affected area, and close the window if that was the source of the water.

Second thing you do is take care of all that water. Water spreads fast and has the power to cause lots and lots of trouble over time. If you don't have a water drain in the basement, it's time to call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976.

Water leaks and floods should be taken care of as fast as possible. The reason is that most homes aren't waterproof on the inside. Standing water will ruin your carpets, floors, furniture, and even get into drywall if given the opportunity. Moreover, the standing water becomes a health hazard after a while, even if they came from a clean source (also called Category 1 water damage). Another reason for you to hurry is mold and how fast mold can start to grow after your basement suffered from a water damage.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston offers a 24/7 response to all your water damage requirements and needs, providing you a quick and thorough solution to your problem. We'll get your life back to normal in no time.

What To Do When Your Water Heater Leaks

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Waking up is hard to do. You need to get out of your cozy bed, go wash up, get dressed and get some coffee in you before you start your day. Now think of getting out of bed, as hard as that is, walking slowly to the shower, opening the hot water, and waiting for it to run so you can hop in, and nothing happens.

Water stays cold as ice, you realize you can't hit the shower this morning, and you try to figure out what just happened. Could you have forgotten to turn on the water heater? Could it be broken? Time to check it out.

As you walk downstairs you hear a low trickling noise as if a faucet is open somewhere. You keep going, and as you approach the basement, you hear it louder - there is water running somewhere over there. Question is - where? As you reach the last step, you put your foot down and immediately realize you haven't even opened your eyes properly. You're standing in a big pond, which was once your basement. No hot shower today. What now then?

First thing - close the water source. Whether it's the water heater, a pipe or a water leaking in from a window, make sure no more water can get in. Close the water mains, shut down any valve leading to the affected area, and close the window if that was the source of the water.

Second thing you do is take care of all that water. Water spreads fast and has the power to cause lots and lots of trouble over time. If you don't have a water drain in the basement, it's time to call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976.

Water leaks and floods should be taken care of as fast as possible. The reason is that most homes aren't waterproof on the inside. Standing water will ruin your carpets, floors, furniture, and even get into drywall if given the opportunity. Moreover, the standing water becomes a health hazard after a while, even if they came from a clean source (also called Category 1 water damage). Another reason for you to hurry is mold and how fast mold can start to grow after your basement suffered from a water damage.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston offers a 24/7 response to all your water damage requirements and needs, providing you a quick and thorough solution to your problem. We'll get your life back to normal in no time.

What To Do When Your Sump Pump Fails?

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

In most cases sump pumps fail during rain events. When that happens, the water usually seeps in through the foundation or basement walls and begins pooling in the lowest area of the basement, gradually rising as more water comes in. So what do you do at that point? Here’s a couple of suggestions to assist you in navigating a difficult situation.

First, you’re going to need to get the sump pump fixed. A plumber is going to be necessary to get the sump pump back up and running. Immediately call a licensed plumber in your area and get on their schedule as quickly as possible. During rain events, it’s not unusual for many homes in the area to suffer the same fate as you, so plumbers will get booked up quickly. Act fast and call for their help!

Second, do the same with a certified water mitigation company.  Many times, it doesn’t make sense for a water mitigation company to come out immediately, because you’re paying them to pump out water as more water is coming in. It’s just an endless cycle that can cost you a lot of money without doing much in the way of saving your home. You may decide that’s worth the money to you, but in many cases, it makes more sense to try and manage things temporarily while you wait for a plumber to fix your sump pump. That said, even if the plumber fixes your sump pump you’re still going to need a restoration company to come in and remove any excess moisture and dry out the affected areas.

Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 for any of your mitigation needs.  

What To Do When Your Sump Pump Fails?

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

In most cases sump pumps fail during rain events. When that happens, the water usually seeps in through the foundation or basement walls and begins pooling in the lowest area of the basement, gradually rising as more water comes in. So what do you do at that point? Here’s a couple of suggestions to assist you in navigating a difficult situation.

First, you’re going to need to get the sump pump fixed. A plumber is going to be necessary to get the sump pump back up and running. Immediately call a licensed plumber in your area and get on their schedule as quickly as possible. During rain events, it’s not unusual for many homes in the area to suffer the same fate as you, so plumbers will get booked up quickly. Act fast and call for their help!

Second, do the same with a certified water mitigation company.  Many times, it doesn’t make sense for a water mitigation company to come out immediately, because you’re paying them to pump out water as more water is coming in. It’s just an endless cycle that can cost you a lot of money without doing much in the way of saving your home. You may decide that’s worth the money to you, but in many cases, it makes more sense to try and manage things temporarily while you wait for a plumber to fix your sump pump. That said, even if the plumber fixes your sump pump you’re still going to need a restoration company to come in and remove any excess moisture and dry out the affected areas.

Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 for any of your mitigation needs.  

What To Do When Your Sump Pump Fails?

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

In most cases sump pumps fail during rain events. When that happens, the water usually seeps in through the foundation or basement walls and begins pooling in the lowest area of the basement, gradually rising as more water comes in. So what do you do at that point? Here’s a couple of suggestions to assist you in navigating a difficult situation.

First, you’re going to need to get the sump pump fixed. A plumber is going to be necessary to get the sump pump back up and running. Immediately call a licensed plumber in your area and get on their schedule as quickly as possible. During rain events, it’s not unusual for many homes in the area to suffer the same fate as you, so plumbers will get booked up quickly. Act fast and call for their help!

Second, do the same with a certified water mitigation company.  Many times, it doesn’t make sense for a water mitigation company to come out immediately, because you’re paying them to pump out water as more water is coming in. It’s just an endless cycle that can cost you a lot of money without doing much in the way of saving your home. You may decide that’s worth the money to you, but in many cases, it makes more sense to try and manage things temporarily while you wait for a plumber to fix your sump pump. That said, even if the plumber fixes your sump pump you’re still going to need a restoration company to come in and remove any excess moisture and dry out the affected areas.

Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 for any of your mitigation needs.  

Water Damage Restoration

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston provides 24-hour fire, water and mold restoration services in Stone Mountain and the surrounding areas.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston 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 can be very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston 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 – 770-496-1976

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.

Water Damage Restoration

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston provides 24-hour fire, water and mold restoration services in Stone Mountain and the surrounding areas.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston 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 can be very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston 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 – 770-496-1976

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.

Water Damage Restoration

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston provides 24-hour fire, water and mold restoration services in Stone Mountain and the surrounding areas.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston 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 can be very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston 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 – 770-496-1976

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.

Basement Flooding

3/2/2018 (Permalink)

Basement Cleanup

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A sewer pipe that is blocked or cracked
• Surface water from heavy rains that can pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get. The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. 

Please contact the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are here to help!

Basement Flooding

3/2/2018 (Permalink)

Basement Cleanup

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A sewer pipe that is blocked or cracked
• Surface water from heavy rains that can pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get. The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. 

Please contact the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are here to help!

Basement Flooding

3/2/2018 (Permalink)

Basement Cleanup

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A sewer pipe that is blocked or cracked
• Surface water from heavy rains that can pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get. The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. 

Please contact the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are here to help!

When Winter Weather Strikes

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Winter weather can lead to water damage, roof damage, broken pipes & ice damming. SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston wants to make sure you are prepared for storms and know what to do in case you do have a damage! 

Tips for Preparing your Home for Winter Weather:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes. 
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of the home. 
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shutoff valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to "off".
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shutoff. 
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage. 
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.  
• Tips for Preparing your Business for Winter Weather: 

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and/or snow, can cause branches to fall which would cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries 
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.  
• Ask SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston about creating an Emergency Ready Profile for your business for any future or potential emergencies.   

If your Stone Mountain/Clarkston home or business experiences water damage, broken pipes or ice damming, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We'll make it "Like it never even happened." 

When Winter Weather Strikes

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Winter weather can lead to water damage, roof damage, broken pipes & ice damming. SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston wants to make sure you are prepared for storms and know what to do in case you do have a damage! 

Tips for Preparing your Home for Winter Weather:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes. 
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of the home. 
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shutoff valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to "off".
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shutoff. 
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage. 
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.  
• Tips for Preparing your Business for Winter Weather: 

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and/or snow, can cause branches to fall which would cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries 
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.  
• Ask SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston about creating an Emergency Ready Profile for your business for any future or potential emergencies.   

If your Stone Mountain/Clarkston home or business experiences water damage, broken pipes or ice damming, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We'll make it "Like it never even happened." 

When Winter Weather Strikes

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Winter weather can lead to water damage, roof damage, broken pipes & ice damming. SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston wants to make sure you are prepared for storms and know what to do in case you do have a damage! 

Tips for Preparing your Home for Winter Weather:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes. 
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of the home. 
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shutoff valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to "off".
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shutoff. 
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage. 
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.  
• Tips for Preparing your Business for Winter Weather: 

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and/or snow, can cause branches to fall which would cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries 
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.  
• Ask SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston about creating an Emergency Ready Profile for your business for any future or potential emergencies.   

If your Stone Mountain/Clarkston home or business experiences water damage, broken pipes or ice damming, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We'll make it "Like it never even happened." 

When Water Damage Occurs

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROstonemountainclarkston.com.

When Water Damage Occurs

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROstonemountainclarkston.com.

When Water Damage Occurs

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROstonemountainclarkston.com.

Discovering Water Damage in Your Home

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

Typical Water Valve Location Under a Toilet

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROstonemountainclarkston.com.

Discovering Water Damage in Your Home

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

Typical Water Valve Location Under a Toilet

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROstonemountainclarkston.com.

Discovering Water Damage in Your Home

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

Typical Water Valve Location Under a Toilet

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain / Clarkston, we are experts at mitigating water damages.  Our emergency services include extraction, removal of damaged debris, getting your home dry and providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at (770) 496-1976 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROstonemountainclarkston.com.