Water Heater Maintenance is a Must

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

This water heater began leaking due to damage within the tank.

Regardless of what kind of water heater tank you have in your home, every system requires regular maintenance. Typically, industry standards promote that homeowners should have their water heaters checked at least one to two times yearly. The most important part of water heater maintenance is making sure that you flush the tank. If the tank does not get flushed, sediment can build up inside your water heater tank. If sediment build up in your tank goes undealt with, this can lead to eventual loss of water pressure and corrosion. This corrosion can cause holes in your tank. Once there are holes in your tank the water heater will have to be replaced.  

How Do I Know When to Service my Water Heater? 

There will be signs to indicate that your water heater needs servicing. The signs differentiate depending on the type of water heater you have. For an electric water heater, you should notice that you do not have enough hot water for a typical length of time in the shower. Water may start off as very warm but quickly gets cold. A gas water heater, however, either works or they do not. When a gas water heater needs servicing, you will most likely notice that you are not getting any hot water at all. Finally, a tankless water heater will typically just stop working when it needs servicing. You may also hear strange noises coming from the tank's motor, this is also an indication that your tank needs servicing.  

What Do I Do If My Water Heater Leaks in My Home? 

If your water heater leaks into your home and you are facing a water disaster do not fear. Shut off your main water line and call SERVPRO of Columbia County at 706-750-0200 to start the mitigation process. We are Here to Help® 24/7/365! 

Leaking Air Conditioner? Call SERVPRO®!

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

Summer is just around the corner and the familiar sound of humming air conditioners have already permeated the Georgia air. Everyone loves air conditioning, especially during these hot summer months, but there can be a major downside to these life-saving devices: they can leak. At SERVPRO®, we get a lot a calls each summer from customers who are dealing with water damage caused by their air conditioning units. If you start to see puddling near your air conditioner, don’t worry—SERVPRO® is, “Here to help.®”

Identify the Signs

When your air conditioner unit begins to leak, it’s crucial to address the problem promptly to prevent secondary damage to you home. Sometimes it is not obvious when your AC unit is leaking, here are some tell-tale signs that can help you identify those pesky leaks:

• Formation of frost/ice on the unit
• Puddles around the unit
• Water stains nearby the unit
• Musty odors

Why Your AC is Leaking

There are five common reasons why your air conditioner is leaking.

1. Frozen coils
2. Loose drain pans
3. Broken air handlers
4. Drain pipe clogs
5. Broken seals

If you, like many Georgians, are experiencing an air conditioner leak, don’t wait – call SERVPRO® of Columbia County a call at 706-868-5441. Our team can be at your home the same day to help you get your home back to preloss condition.

Rain in Your Basement

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Rain, Rain, and More Rain

This time of year, there is an abundance of water due to the seasonal rain. Therefore, it is no surprise that many houses experience water damage problems. Unfortunately, you may discover some of that water leaking into your basement after a hefty dose of rainfall.

Ideally, your sump pump should be able to keep water out of your basement; however, they can sometimes daily due to the rapid flow of the incoming water. It is always recommended, especially this time of year, to clear any debris from the sump pump’s drain pipe. You should also ensure that the sump pump is working properly. A quick way of telling if it is working properly is listening for a consistent humming noise. It could be a good idea to keep a utility pump on hand as back up if the sump pump does fail for whatever reason. Water coming into the basement where the walls meet the floor is an indicator of groundwater being pushed up by hydrostatic pressure. In this situation, you will need to unclog your foot drains and if the problem persists, call a plumber.

Who to Call? 

If your home has suffered from water damage, you’ll want the help of experienced professionals. A trusted company with well-trained staffed equipped with the proper tools to locate the problem and safely dry out your home. SERVPRO® of Columbia County is your local solution to your problem.

Are you experiencing water in your basement or anywhere else in your home, give SERVPRO® of Columbia County a call at 706-868-5441, we are available “24/7/365.®”

The First Steps to Take During a Water Loss

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most serious and most common emergencies your home can ever experience. Whether you’re facing a storm, flood, HVAC leak, weakened roof, busted pipes, sewage back up, or overflowing appliances, it can be distressing and threaten the value and safety of your home. It is essential to address emergency water damage quickly to prevent further property damage. If you are facing a water disaster, keep these steps in mind:

1. Protect Yourself and Your Possessions
   • Shut off the electricity by switching off the circuit breakers and unplugging devices – only when safe to do so.
   • If you’re in danger of flooding, evacuate the flooded area until authorities deem it safe to return.
   • Rescue the most valuable items, such as documents and electronics first. Keeping them in areas that would be hard for water to reach would be the best practice.
2. Stop the Water Damage
   • The most common culprit of water damage is from a busted pipe or hot water leak, make sure you know where your shut-off valves are, and use them.
   • If a flood is predicted, take preventative steps such as sandbagging and ditching; for the worst case scenario, prepare to evacuate.
   • Keep an eye out for a leaky ceiling!
   • Pay attention to signs of mold – foul odors, discolored ceilings, and baseboards are among them!
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
   • Call as soon as possible after the damage occurs, find out what steps the insurance company requires you to take.
   • Get an adjuster on site as soon as possible to document the damage.
   • Take photos of the damaged areas and any affected valuable items.
   • Keep detailed records and receipts.
4. Call SERVPRO® of Columbia County
   • The sooner we are on site after a water loss, the better. If it is within the first 24 hours, it would normally take 3-4 day to dry out the home and eliminate the potential risk of mold and mildew
   • We will access the furniture and items in your home, and begin restoring them as needed.
   • We will utilize our professional grade equipment such as air movers and dehumidifies to ensure that the damaged areas are being properly dried.

If you are in need of water mitigation services, contact us at 706-864-5441. We are “Faster to any sized disaster.®”

Water Damage and Carpets: What You Need to Know

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you have gone through a water loss, you likely know how quickly the water spreads throughout the home. Often times, you may not discover a water loss until you walk across your soaked carpet. Don’t stress, however, and certainly do not start pulling up your carpets! Sometimes the carpet can be salvaged if you involve SERVPRO® of Columbia County early on in the process.

The Questions to Ask

1. How long has the water damage been present?
   • If the water has not been cleaned within the first 48-72 hours of the loss occurring, there is a chance of microbial growth occurring. This means that most of the carpet will need to be removed and replaced for health and safety purposes. Generally, the rule of thumb is to replace the carpet if it has been exposed to water for more than two days.
2. How much water was the carpet exposed to?
   • If there are just a few wet spots from water damage, that can be easily dried without replacing the carpet. However, if the carpet is completely soddened with water, there is a chance it has soaked through to the padding, which can lead to damage sub-floor. It would be best to consult with SERVPRO® on the actions we would recommend taking.

Calling SERVPRO® of Columbia County immediately after discovering water damage will give you the best chance at salvaging your carpets. Regardless of the size and scope of the damage, we will get your home back to preloss condition as quickly as possible. Contact us at 706-868-5441, we are “Here to help.®”

The Long-Term Effects of Water Damage

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO® Technician removes damaged flooring, revealing the subfloor and saturated subfloor.

The Usual Suspects of Water Damage

Water damage has several opportunities to occur within your home. The most common causes of water damage are from broken fixtures and appliances. Leaks from dishwashers and washing machines are often the source to major water damage, and it could be sometime before a homeowner may recognize that there is an ongoing leak. Unfortunately, there is always a danger of damage to a home as long as there are pipes and appliances that use water.

What Water Damage Can do to Your Home

When a flood does occur, it can harm the home’s fixtures and cause long-term damage. Pooled water can seep into the carpets and flooring, ruin your furniture, soak into drywall and insulation, and even cause mold to grow, especially if it is stagnant. Even if the water is believed to have been cleaned up, there is still a chance that the materials are damp. That is why it is important to have the areas affected removed and properly mitigated. Not removing affected or waterlogged items could lead to microbial growth. Additionally, if left to fester, odor can develop and permeate throughout the entire home.

How SERVPRO® Can Solve Your Problems

SERVPRO® of Columbia County is prepared to access the damage, perform water extraction, make necessary demolition as well as removal of affected materials, and place professional drying equipment. Our Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT) utilize the best stain removal strategies, including spot cleaning when the affected items such as carpets, rugs, drapes, and upholstery furniture are still wet. However, the longer these items are left to absorb the water, the more difficult it becomes to restore.

Another issue with extenuating water damage is the development of pungent odors. The odor can develop with a clean water loss or otherwise, if the water is left to stagnate for long. In addition to extraction, our trained SERVPRO® technicians can use dehumidification to remove any traces of excess moisture that is causing these bad odors. A technician may also use air scrubbers to extract the contaminated air. If the odor persists, we can apply a chemical process for its elimination.

Have you experienced what you believe to be long-term effects of water damage? SERVPRO® of Columbia County is, “Here to help®” no matter the crisis. Contact us at 706-868-5441 for more information and advice on how to move forward.

Keep Your Basement Safe From Floods

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Preventative Basement Flooding Tips 

According to FEMA all areas in the United States are susceptible to flooding issues. Annually, more than 60% of American homes suffer from below-ground wetness. Water seeps into basements through cracks in the walls or flooring, through windows and doors and through sewer lines. However, there are some preventative measures you can take to prevent basement flooding such as:  

1. Installing a Sump Pump: What is a sump pump and what does it do? A sump pump moves water from your basement and out of your home. A sump is a naturally created pit, or hole, that is carved beneath the main surface of your basement floor. This hole is known as a basin, and it is where the sump pump is stored. A sump pump has valves that sense water levels and pressures rising and removes the excess water away from the home.  
2. Install a Backwater Valve: Backwater valves close off the drain to sewer lines. A backwater valve is a great investment for a home that is connected to a municipal sewer system. Backwater valves are installed in the main outgoing sewage line from your home, usually under a basement floor, and flow sewage out of your home and never into it.
3. Grade Around the Home’s Foundation: The key benefit of grading around your home is grading prevents water from flowing back into your home’s foundation. Excess water and the weight of water can break down the foundation wall, which causes cracks and structural damage.

Pro Tip: When testing your grading levels, pour a bucket of water slowly onto the surface of your driveway or patio and see which way the water runs. If the water begins to travel towards your home, you know you have some grading work to do.  

1. Seal Your Basement: Sealing any potential or existing openings to your basement means installing weather stripping around doors and caulking any windows. An easy step, but a commonly forgotten one as well.
2. Keep Gutters Clear & Use Downspout Extensions: Keeping gutters clear and free of debris can consist of two separate methods- regularly cleaning gutters by hand or installing roof gutter covers. A gutter cover is a covering installed on the top of your gutters, typically made up of mesh material that allows water to pour off the roof while still blocking large pieces of debris.   Downspout extensions are also inexpensive additions to your home’s gutter system that could save you tons of money from preventative water damage. If you happen to see water pooling around your downspout, adding extensions will move the water away from the foundation to prevent any damage.
3. Keep Landscaping Updated: Even though plants absorb water from soil, they can also cause unwanted water intrusions in your basement. If landscaping is too close to the foundation, roots may penetrate through, which could lead to cracks or bowing walls allowing water in.

SERVPRO® Can Handle Any Water Job, Big or Small! Our crews are here for you 24/7/365, call us today at 706-868-5441 to schedule a consultation today!  

Clogged Gutters Caused Water Damage to My Home

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Different Types of Damage Clogged Gutters Create

As winter turns into spring there are several home improvement chores that collect on your list. One of the most important is cleaning out your gutters. Staying on top of gutter cleanings helps you to avoid potential problems that can be created if your gutters become clogged. Examples of home damage due to clogged gutters range from roof leaks to foundation damage. To help you understand the importance of staying on top of your gutters, SERVPRO® of Columbia County has compromised a list of types of water damage caused by clogged gutters.

1. Roof Leaks: When water backs up in your gutters, the edging of the roof’s surface and sheeting can become damaged- causing rotting. If you see a stain on your ceiling it is usually because there is a leak in your roof somewhere. If this happens you need to investigate where the damage is to your roof and replace the damaged shingles, or even potentially the whole roof. More than the work water damage creates, if the water has been left unattended to, mold can begin to grow and spread. Leaving you with an additional host of problems to get rid of.
2. Gutter Damage: If your gutter becomes clogged with debris and water, it becomes very heavy. If this happens, your gutters may begin to detach entirely from the side of your home. This creates gaps in your gutter system.
3. Foundation Damage: Clogged gutters may cause overflowing water to collect around the ground beneath it. The large puddles of water can seep through cracks and pores in concrete and begin to deteriorate the foundation of the home. If this goes untreated for a long amount of time structural damage may occur, which can cause your house to shift under its own weight.
4. Damage To Siding and Paneling: When water spills over the gutters the water will seep down into the window frames and siding. This causes the wood there to rot and weaken, resulting in your siding and wood framing needing to be replaced.

Gutter Maintenance and Repair Tips

Average cost of replacement gutter installation can be between $800-$1,000. However, with proper gutter maintenance you can avoid unnecessary cost. Keeping your gutters clean and in good condition should be at the top of your home maintenance list. The best tip for gutter maintenance is to make sure you are inspecting and cleaning them at least twice a year. Well-kept gutters also ensure that your home remains safe during heavy storms and rainfall, as well as help to prevent problems such as unwanted pests and mold. Here are a few tips on how to properly maintain your gutter health, and tools you may need while doing so:

• Make sure you have all necessary equipment before beginning a gutter clean out. This includes thick work gloves, non-slip shoes and safety goggles.
• You will need a tall ladder to reach the gutters. Be sure that you place the ladder on an even surface to prevent rocking or tilting, and always have someone manning the ladder at the bottom to ensure it stay in place.
• With gloved hands use a plastic shovel to remove any debris from the gutter. It is helpful to have a bucket at the bottom of the ladder that you can drop waste into. Follow up with a garden hose with an attached spray nozzle to clean out any remaining trash.
• Be sure to inspect your gutters after cleaning them. This means checking for signs of rust or leaking.

Water Damage To Your Home After Gutter Damage Build Up? Give us a call at 706-868-5441 to schedule a consultation today. SERVPRO of Columbia County is always Here To Help®

Help Is on The Way With SERVPRO

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

A toilet leak caused the ceiling to fall through to the floor below. Our goal always to arrive quickly to help begin the restorative process!

Taking Your Life Back After a Major Water Damage

As a homeowner, when your home experiences a water damage from a storm, flood, or plumbing problem, you not only want your home fixed but you want your life back.

In a situation such as this, timing means everything. A faster response time to your water damage issue could help prevent extensive damages. SERVPRO places high importance on fast response times and assuring your property receives the highest level of care and restoration.

Any Size Disaster

At SERVPRO of Columbia County, our crews are equipped with the knowledge and equipment necessary for restoring your home to preloss condition. Pre-loss condition meaning your home will become unrecognizable to having experienced a water damage through the restorative processes set forth by our team.

Working quickly is one of our goals. Not only do our highly regimented processes assure that your home is restored professionally, but we also work quickly. Restoring quickly means your life can regain a sense of normalcy. We understand that experiencing a water damage can be a traumatic event and we never want to extend the aggravation by working for an extended period.

Drying Processes

After the bulk of the water has been removed using extraction equipment, our specialists use industry-leading drying equipment to remove the water you can’t see. This will target water within materials to bring these materials back to their normal moisture level. This equipment is normally placed during the first visit to your property. The type and amount of equipment is based on your unique situation and industry standards. To assure that your home is drying correctly, our crews will monitor the process and check drying performance and make any necessary changes. This step is critical to dry your property most effectively.

Need Our Help? Call our team today for advice after a loss, or to dispatch a crew for immediate help at 706-868-5441

Tub Overflow Causing Water Damage is Common - SERVPRO Can Help

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Holiday Prepping Can Be Distracting

Preparing for the Holidays, scheduling when to pick up the in-laws from the airport, prepping Thanksgiving dinner, helping children with their pre-Holiday school projects, all can be a major distraction. Distractions are a major cause for when a call to SERVPRO is not far away. Whether is a kitchen fire from unattended food on the stove top, or from a tub overflow from staying too long on the phone with family and forgetting the tub was running – or mischievous children turning on the faucet and letting water overflow; SERVPRO can help pick up the pieces.

Other than simple mistakes like not minding the running tub water, instances such as clogged drains, misdirected shower water, or cracked or deteriorated overflower gaskets can contribute to the tub overflow water damages.

What To Do Until Help Arrives

After calling for a SERVPRO team to be dispatched to help extract standing water – 706-868-5441 – know that help is immediately on the way. While crews race over, there are a couple measures you can take to assure that your home and belongs have its best chance of being restore quickly. Such as, mopping excess water until help arrives, picking up sentimental items off the floor and placing in a dry area that will likely not be affected by the standing water, and if your water source is coming from a pipe, turning off the water immediately can help prevent further damage.

Next Steps . . .

Another smart decision towards to the restoration of your home, is to notify your insurance company. Your insurance company likely will need to be involved in the water restoration process and unless your loss is classified as self-pay, you will need to include your insurance agent as they will play a major role in the claims process.

Need SERVPRO Help? Call our office for dispatching or a crew or scheduling at 706-848-5441

Emergency Water Damage Relief in Evans SERVPRO®

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® crews aim to be as less invasive as possible during the drying process. Our Injectidry systems help to dry behind sheetrock and baseboards.

Suspicious of a Water Leak? What to Look For

In an emergency water damage situation, first stop the leak! Our SERVPRO® of Columbia County crews can then help extract standing water in your Evans home and help identify the location and source of your water leak. Water leaks can come from under stink piping, loose pipe fittings, or from more obvious signs of water damage such as toilet, tub, and sink overflows, burst water heaters, and more. If you are suspicious, you have a water leak, you can identify common water damage signs through the following:

• Wood rot
• Buckling floors
• Dampness
• Visible Mold
• Musty Odors
• Standing water in your crawlspace

SERVPRO® Process for Emergency Water Damage Cleanup

1 Hour: Within 1 hour of notice of your loss, SERVPRO® of Columbia County crews will mobilize to help you during your emergency.

4 Hours: Within 4 hours of a notice of your loss, SERVPRO® of Columbia County crews will arrive on-site to begin mitigation services. Reacting quickly to the first sign of a water loss is important to minimizing what could be costly damages.

8 Hours: With 8 hours of on-site arrival time, our crews will perform a verbal briefing of the scope and will communicate to correct on-sit contacts and your insurance adjuster the status.

Performing Quality Control of the SERVPRO® Process

Our crews will help identify the source of moisture in your home. For restoration work to begin, we must first help stop the source and check for contaminated water. Additionally, crews will help to properly restore your home after being able to quickly identify the type of water affecting your home. For example, categories of clean, gray and black water all have different levels of response protocols. Our protocols are industry standard, although our thoroughness, professionalism, and communication with you and your adjuster make SERVPRO® of Columbia County a premier provider of restoration services.

Need Water Damage Help immediately?

Our teams can help your through what can be an overwhelming process. Call our office for more information and to learn more about the next steps for our water loss restoration process at 706-868-5441.

Pipe Burst in Grovetown, GA SERVPRO® of Columbia County Can Help

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Our Excellent Team of Professionals are Ready to Answer Your Emergency Call 24/7!

Grovetown is Growing

Grovetown is an ever-growing city with idyllic neighborhoods, commercial business growth, and the increasing need for more infrastructure. With such a high growth rate, Grovetown’s need for SERVPRO® of Columbia County services has also increased. New home builds have been a significant source of reported water leaks. Newer homes are far from expected to have a water damage, which may be a contributing factor as to why new homeowners do not look for warning signs.

Common Signs of Water Damages

A few common signs that a new homeowner should watch for to combat potential water damage instances are the following:

• Buckling Flooring could raise the concern of moisture in your crawlspace.
• Standing water in your crawlspace.
• Wet insulation.
• Mold growth in your crawlspace or closets.
• Dark or wet spots on sheetrock on walls and ceilings.

These warning signs are for any homeowner to watch for to protect their property. Another healthy practice for any homeowner is to conduct routine expectations of your home to be able to help pinpoint when any potential issues have occurred.

Fixing the Mess Left Behind from a Pipe Burst

A pipe burst or leak in your home can lead to extensive damages and as a homeowner, avoiding damages altogether should be the goal, hence routine structure checks on your home or business. At SERVPRO® we understand that your home reflects you, and if your home is affected by a water damage, you would want your home restored to preloss condition. If you find yourself amid a water damage incident, trust that SERVPRO® of Columbia County crews will aim to restore your home completely.

Think You Need SERVPRO® Services?

Call our office at 706-868-5441 to ask advice and to schedule your consultation appointment.

Is Water Damaging the Foundation of Your Augusta Home?

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Contact our team of experts at SERVPRO for assistance with water damage remediation services in your home.

Moisture Retention in Concrete Slab Foundations of Augusta Homes

Many of the newly constructed and aging homes of Augusta have concrete slab foundations instead of crawl spaces. This base has become a standard in construction for its simplicity and less time spent constructing supports for the house and encasement for the crawlspace. However, for as less likely that groundwater can pool beneath your home like it can with the alternative, there are still potential water concerns for concrete slabs that every homeowner should know.

Identifying problems with your concrete slab and potential water damage that could affect your Augusta home, as a result, might seem more complicated than it is. Most residents can see the outside perimeter of their concrete slab, allowing you to see compromised areas. Our SERVPRO team has witnessed how water damage can adversely affect concrete, as it can do the same thing to blockwork foundations for basement walls in other areas.

As concrete remains perpetually exposed to groundwater and moisture, the slab itself begins to allow moisture penetration and absorption over time. Water saturation of your concrete foundation can cause multiple problems for your house if it does not get corrected. The first of these concerns is the degradation of the concrete itself over an extended period, eventually causing the solid slab to split, crack and separate from itself. A foundation split into two parts can cause significant structural concerns for the house sitting on top.

Moisture penetration can also lead to mold growth for the exposed flooring supports and main level structural elements near the damp base of your property. A spreading organism like this can pose potential health effects for exposed humans and pets and degrade and ruin construction materials hosting a colony.

Our SERVPRO professionals can help assess the situation with your concrete slab and offer diversion solutions for water and work to pull the moisture from this slab to prevent structural failures or microbial growth.

If you suspect water penetration and saturation of your concrete foundation, give our SERVPRO of Columbia County rapid response team a call today at (706) 868-5441.

What to Expect After a Martinez Water Damage?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

After this beautiful kitchen had a water loss, SERVPRO drying equipment was placed to help salvage their hardwood flooring.

Water Damage Stage - Where Are You At?

Every water loss is unique in how the loss occurred, type of materials affected, and to amount of square footage on-site was disturbed. The single most important factor to restoring your home is a fast response time. We encourage you to communicate when your water loss first occurred to your local SERVPRO® of Columbia County team so we can determine the stage of potential damage your property has undergone.

Water losses demand a fast response to resolve most of the damage within the first couple of days, and this involves multiple mitigation tactics. Through notifying your insurance company and SERVPRO® of Columbia County promptly, you place your home on the road to being restored properly and efficiently.

Restore – Not Replace!

Protecting your property and your belongings means selecting SERVPRO® of Columbia County’s in-house restoration team to clean both structure and contents. We aim to Restore – Not Replace. For you, this may mean that there could be very minimal structural changes during your water loss Martinez process such as only removing baseboards, or only some pieces of flooring pulled to properly dry the structure.

Because of our advanced technology, we can mitigate quickly and more efficiently while being less invasive.

Protecting your property and your contents often involves several steps. After discovering the stage your property is at; we can begin one of the following process solutions to restore your home:

• Extraction – Removes standing water trapped in your home using multiple different attachment tools and high-powered extraction machines.
• Controlled Demolition – When specific materials are too damaged and wet to dry and still retain the proper structural integrity of your home, our crews begin a process of 'controlled demolition' where they, along with your insurance determine the damages, then discard these damaged elements of your home to prepare for replacement.
• Content Management – We aim to protect your belongings. As a method to do such, our teams work with your insurance to sort through and determine what is salvageable for restoring your items to preloss condition. Items we specifically search for restoring are often keepsakes, heirlooms, and other sentimental items.
• Repairs – Often water losses occur not from negligence, but from broken plumbing or sink fixtures. If this is the case for your home, repairs may be a necessary part in the restoration process.
• Cleaning – Typically as a last step in our process, the Cleaning Stage helps your home to appear "Like it never even happened."® Part of the Cleaning Stage is to remove any debris and clean the structure to remove any hazards on-site.

Experienced a Home Water Damage Martinez? Give our SERVPRO® of Columbia County team a call at (706) 868-5441 to start mitigation after a water loss in your home.

Pipe Burst? SERVPRO® of Columbia County Can Help Begin Cleanup

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

After extracting water from a water loss, Drying Equipment (pictured) is placed to finish the drying process.

FAST Reaction Means FAST Recovery

What’s Important? Reaction time. Reacting quickly to an emergency for all forms of water damages, such as burst pipes, toilet overflows, and roof leaks is vital to reducing your Evans home or business’ chance of secondary damage. A burst pipe can be devastating if not take care of properly. Normal water pressure coupled with aging pipes can lead to pipe bursts and mean extensive damage if not reported quickly.

SERVPRO of Columbia County® can help to restore your home and bring normality back to your life. Our crews are trained in cleanup & restoration of both residential and commercial properties for any size water loss, as our crews follow IICRC protocol. IICRC protocol is a highly regimented system of how to approach, mitigate, and repair a structure after a loss. SERVPRO® crews also follow the 1-4-8 guideline. The 1-4-8 guideline helps to assure timely, seamless communication between homeowner, insurance adjuster, and SERVPRO®.

Moisture Detection and Meters

SERVPRO® Moisture Meters help our crews see beyond your home or business’ walls and flooring. This is important as we can avoid pulling back baseboards, sheetrock, and flooring as we inspect the loss and potential loss areas. Devices such as our FLIR Imaging cameras detect temperatures, this is important as a found change in temperature behind materials could mean moisture we cannot see beyond the surface. With advanced equipment such as the thermal imaging cameras, we can quickly help target the source of a water loss so we can react as necessary to lessen business disruption and/or downtime.

How We Can Help

Beyond identifying the source of your water loss, SERVPRO® provides industry-leading restoration for your business. If you experience a water loss, and need expert advice and assessment, call our team at 706-868-5441.

To Learn More, please visit SERVPROcolumbiacounty.com

Calculation is Everything in Martinez Water Damage Mitigation

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Are you having water damage problems? Call SERVPRO to mitigate all of your water damage needs.

We Calculate Water Damage Mitigation Equipment Settings in Martinez

One thing people do not often realize about water damage cleanup is that to be effective, every piece of equipment should be carefully placed and calibrated. Correct water remediation is not as simple as putting on a fan, placing a dehumidifier, and opening the window.

If you need water damage mitigation in Martinez, you can rely on SERVPRO to carry out the calculations. Why is this important? Because incorrectly calibrated equipment could cause:

• Warping or cracking of wood floors or furniture.
• Incomplete drying inside walls and under floors.
• Leftover damp patches that carry a risk of fungal growth.
• Textiles are left slightly damp and start to smell moldy.

We train our SERVPRO technicians to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. The standards cover how to calculate things such as pump needs, which air movers to use, dehumidifier settings, and air filtration. Because our techs calculate everything using measurable data and no guesswork, you are guaranteed the best results.

For a thorough and reliable water damage mitigation service, call SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441.

Can Evans Outdoor Faucets Create a Need for Water Removal?

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and training to restore your home to pre-damage condition after water damage strikes.

SERVPRO Helps Evans Households with Water Removal

Evans is a friendly suburb of Augusta, a large and lively city situated just two hours drive from Atlanta, Georgia. Evans is a great place to live or stay for a vacation, giving visitors easy access to all of Augusta’s amenities.

The area has a long history. Its closeness to the Savannah River made it a rich source of fish, and there is native history going back hundreds of years. In 1735, James Oglethorpe, who founded Savannah, sent people to explore the upper Savannah River area. Oglethorpe named the town after Princess Augusta, who was the wife of King George III. Augusta proliferated and became a famous market town in the area. With a canal, dams, and factories, Augusta was a center for industry and has continued to thrive.

Enjoy Historic Canal Walks Near Evans

Evans is conveniently located for the Augusta Canal. Builders finished their work on the canal in 1845. Townsfolk constructed the canal for three key reasons:

• To drive the local grist and sawmills.
• To make it easier for the manufacturers in the area to transport goods.
• To provide the town with a municipal water supply.

This does not seem terribly exciting, but in fact, the Augusta Canal is quite unusual! It is the only canal in the United States that remains in contiguous use for all three of its intended purposes.

These days, the Augusta canal provides lots of lovely nature walks. It is Georgia’s first national heritage area. As well as strolling along the canal, visitors can ride along the bike trails or even take a guided boat tour on the canal. The more adventurous visitor can enjoy some time kayaking along the canal! Or if you are looking for rest and relaxation, why not visit Savannah Rapids Pavilion? This lush 33-acre park beside the canal headgates offers stunning views over Reed Creek Falls and a sheltered place to enjoy a snack and watch the world go by.

Discover History and Art Around the Canal

The Augusta Canal offers some lovely opportunities to learn about history, and get involved with the current day Augusta community:

• Be sure to visit the Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill. Enjoy an hour-long guided tour where you will learn about the canal, its history, and its present-day place in the city.
• Take a stroll around Augusta’s RiverWalk, where you can enjoy views of the Savannah River, stop at one of many children’s playgrounds, or enjoy the regular farmers’ market.
• Arts in the Heart is a yearly Augusta arts festival downtown and beside the river and canal. Enjoy entertainment, food, music, and crafts from local artists.

Why Should Evans Homeowners be Careful About their Outdoor Faucets?

When you think of potential leak risks in your home, you probably think of overflowing tubs or broken appliances. But it is also a good idea to check your outdoor faucet regularly for signs of leaks.

The most commonplace that an outdoor faucet will leak into your home is the basement. If you call SERVPRO, we can:

• Use monitoring equipment to examine the basement ceiling and walls for damage.
• Check inside the walls for signs of damp.
• Dry the area and use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold.

If you are worried about your outdoor faucet causing water problems in your basement, call SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441.

What Happens to Your Basement During Water Damage Restoration?

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Excess water? Team SERVPRO can help with water damage remediation including providing photos and documentation for insurance purposes.

SERVPRO dries out Augusta basements

Basements are particularly susceptible to water damage. Many people keep some appliances in the basement, which could leak. Basements can also suffer damage due to water leaks from the garden or because of heavy rain.

If you are worried about water damage restoration in your Augusta basement, SERVPRO is here to help. Call us as soon as you notice signs of water in your basement. We can assist with many aspects of water damage remediation in your finished basement:

• Evacuating as much water as possible using pumps and vacuums.
• Using extractors to press water from soaked carpets and rugs.
• Deep cleaning carpets and textiles.
• Applying odor-eating pellets, fogging, or spot cleaning to get rid of damp smells.
• Applying antimicrobial treatments where necessary.

We train our technicians to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards, so you can rest assured we know the most effective techniques for your unique situation. We can check hollow cinder block cells for moisture retention and eliminate if present. The goal is to prevent mold proliferation and ongoing secondary water damage.

SERVPRO can also liaise with your insurance company and provide photographs or inventories of damaged items if needed.

For help with water damage restoration in your basement, call SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441.

What to Do Before We Arrive for Water Removal in Evans

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Our crews routinely check moisture levels during a water loss to better communicate the drying process.

Got Water? What First!

Having the surprise of water damage in an Evans home or business can be unsettling. We are here to help guide you through what can often be an intimidating process. First, find the source of the excess water. You can start by calling your local SERVPRO® or local plumber to find the source. Next, experts can assist with stopping the leak in a timely manner to help prevent extensive damage. Additionally, SERVPRO® of Columbia County can begin the drying process.

Inspections and Estimates

Assuming that the source of a water leak from your home or business has been identified, an inspection can be conducted. After the cause of the water damage has been found and stopped, you then would need to call your local SERVPRO® of Columbia County to come inspect and see what the best route for removal and extraction of the property would be. An estimate will better equip you for understanding the extent of any water damage to your Evans home. After deciding what would be the best way to remove the water, SERVPRO® of Columbia County crew chiefs and technicians would then come and start the mitigation process.

Why Mitigation?

Effective removal of water is especially important to prevent any further damage to your property. In addition, mitigation of the water is also important to control moisture levels and contamination of the property and its contents. If damage is not contained, they then have the potential to affect other areas of the property and cause more damage.

Seeking Need Expert Help?

If you have experienced water damage to your Evans home the best thing to do is to call your local SERVPRO® of Columbia County at 706-868-5441 – We can assure that your house is restored and back to normal as quickly as possible.

Explore Augusta's History From the Industrial Revolution to the Modern Era

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community at the Enterprise Mill guided tours.

Learn About Augusta's Industrial Past with a Canal Trip from the Enterprise Mill this November.

What are national heritage areas?

Heritage sites teach us about the unique history and circumstances that create the communities we live in today. Throughout November, the Enterprise Mill at 1450 Greene Street runs a guided tour along the Canal to describe our commerce's unique industrial heritage. Boats set sail from the former Textile mill at the heart of trading in the American South. Boat trips include admission to the Rotary Club of Augusta Centennial Theatre and the Canal gift shop to buy souvenirs of your trip. 

Are there restrictions for tours?

• Ensure that you and your family are safe this November by following the guidelines for Enterprise Mill tours:
• All visitors are required to wear face coverings while on the Canal and in the discovery center.
• Ticket limitations apply to ensure safe, social distancing in all areas of the heritage site.
• Phone-ahead to reserve a spot and reduce the amount of physical exchange needed to tour the Canal.

If you find yourself suffering from water intrusion on your personal property this November, contact SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441.

How Do You Get Professional Help With Water Damage Restoration in Grovetown?

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Specialists Professionally Restore Your Grovetown Property.

Property owners in Grovetown are familiar with water damage from flooding and other weather-related disasters. This intrusive type of water damage is stressful and frustrating. SERVPRO professionals are on hand 24 hours a day to respond quickly to any water disaster. They do everything from extracting water to professionally restoring your property.

What Happens When You Call Your Grovetown Water Restoration Specialists?

Before SERVPRO certified technicians begin restoring your home, your team needs to rid you home of water. Your team accomplishes this quickly and efficiently with the following steps:

• Ensure the water source is stopped.
• Inspect and assess water damage with water detection equipment.
• Remove water with pumps and extractors. They use professional extracting equipment to remove most of the water from your home.
• Clean contaminated areas. If your water intrusion involves contaminated water, affected areas are decontaminated before drying.
• Dry areas with high volume air movers and dehumidifiers. Air movers are placed strategically to blow air to walls, ceilings, carpets, and more. Dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air.
• Clean and sanitize affected areas. 

Your SERVPRO certified team will then begin the restoration process.

What Water Damage Restoration Services Does Your Grovetown SERVPRO Provide?

Emergency services may be required to enable work on your home. These services include:

• Pack-Out and Move-Out services 
• Providing temporary warehouse space
• Covering open areas
• Temporary fencing

Many repairs and services are done by your highly trained team. Some of these are:

• Cleaning and restoring your furniture
• Mold remediation 
• Drywall removal and installation
• Hard flooring repair
• Painting
• Carpet and pad removal and installation

Your trusted restoration specialist also supervises extensive home repair and rebuilding.

The completed disaster-to-finished restoration service saves you time, money, and frustration. When your team finishes the job, your home looks and feels the way it did before your water intrusion happened. Act quickly to mitigate water damage and have your home professionally restored. Call SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441 when disaster strikes.

Click here for more information about Grovetown.

Local Grovetown Water Cleanup Services Near Me?

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Columbia County Can Send Water Cleanup Technicians to You Today!

Envision your Grovetown kitchen flooded with a sudsy puddle of water, originating from your dishwasher. When you asked your teenager to put a load of dishes in, you did not expect them to put dish soap into the washing tray. Unfortunately, their mistake has caused a mess in the middle of your kitchen, which seems somewhat daunting to approach. 

SERVPRO can provide swift local Grovetown water cleanup services to your home to tackle the mess for you. It does not matter to us if your accident happens on the weekend or during the night. We are here to serve you, no matter when you need it. 

What Can I Do in the Meantime? 

While waiting for our technicians, you can do a few helpful things to reduce the amount of water leaking from your dishwasher. To start, you can: 

• Turn off the dishwasher
• Shut off the water to your home
• Put any pets away, so we have free access to your home 

At SERVPRO, we use industry-grade advanced technology, and it makes it easier for us to bring the devices into your home if we don't have to worry about any pets escaping. 

What Devices Can Cleanup the Water in my Kitchen? 

Our IICRC certified water damage remediation technicians (WRT) are trained to use many devices that aid in our restoration process. In your home, we could set up:

• Wet/dry vacuums 
• Air movers
• Dehumidifiers 

Our goal is to remove as much water as possible from your property and return your home to its appropriate moisture levels. To do so, we use many devices in conjunction, which supply dry air continuously. Furthermore, we have technology such as moisture probes to look for moisture spots beneath flooring and between walls. When it comes to us, we're as thorough as we can be to return your home to you in its preloss state.  

If your home requires water cleanup services, get help now. Speak with SERVPRO of Columbia County by dialing (706) 868-5441. No matter the time, we're available for you. 

Can Water Leaks Cause Long-term Property Damage in Martinez?

7/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is an Expert in Water Cleanup That Can Ensure your Seminole Home is Safe From Long-term Exposure.

What effect does moisture have in my home?

When water enters your Martinez home, it can begin to affect furnishings, textiles, and building materials that cannot sustain exposure to moisture. The knock-on effect of dampness in the home can lead to microbial growth, which includes viruses, fungi, and bacteria. While water leaks may not be immediately noticeable, a homeowner should be aware of unpleasant odors, discoloration of paintwork, or cracking in regions of the home, which can be symptoms of an internal water leak. Usually, these symptoms are enough to justify bringing in a professional water technician to inspect the property. Early diagnosis and intervention in a water issue can limit costly expenses and damage to structure or contents.

How do you dry out a property to prevent damages?

The crucial step in water mitigation for your Martinez home is to dry the property thoroughly and repair the source of water. SERVPRO technicians use a range of water detection equipment to trace the water supply back to its source. From there, we can work outwardly to ascertain the extent of the damage. Our water restoration technicians can begin work before an estimate to ensure that your property does not suffer further exposure to moisture. Our primary means of drying a property rely on using dehumidification, air-moving, or extraction equipment. This equipment can be set up in line with proper drying guidelines to ensure that our work is complete in a timely fashion with minimum inconvenience to your everyday life.

What are the stages of water repair?

• Inspect the property thoroughly to find the source of water and the surrounding area
• Establish drying controls to remove moisture from an indoor space
• Refinish or repair any items, building materials or contents that are affected by the water intrusion

Restoring a home from water exposure is essential to avoiding expensive long-term costs. Contact SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441

Click here for more information about Martinez.

What Is Expected During Water Mitigation for My Martinez Home?

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Water losses demand a fast response to resolve most of the damage within the first couple of days, and this involves multiple mitigation tactics. 

If you have not needed professional water restoration services in the past for your Martinez home, it is possible that you do not know all of the steps and stages that make up the complete recovery process. Knowing what to expect when you hire professionals to repair and restore your home after an unexpected disaster can ensure that you provide the appropriate space and opportunity for technicians to get the work done as efficiently as possible.

There are many stages of water mitigationfor Martinez homes and businesses, so our professionals work at this phase for an extended period. The objective of mitigation is to reduce the overall loss in the property so the customer does not pay as much for restoration and recovery as they otherwise would. Protecting the property and its contents involves several steps that begin as soon as our professionals arrive at the damaged site. The most general and typical of mitigation solutions include:

• Extraction - Water removal is a fundamental element of mitigation because it eliminates standing water throughout the property using several tools. 
• Controlled Demolition - When specific structural elements are too damaged to dry and restore, the only suitable solution that remains is to discard these materials and replace them at a later time.
• Content Management - Protecting your personal belongings is also a vital service during the mitigation phase, so losses do not include irreplaceable possessions and keepsakes.
• Repairs - If the water damage originated from places like your plumbing or sink fixtures, repairs might be necessary during this initial phase of restoration.

• Cleaning – Cleaning takes place during the latter stages of recovery, but there are some steps like debris removal that occur first.

Give our SERVPRO of Columbia County team a call at (706) 868-5441 to start mitigation after a water loss in your home.

We Had a Pipe Burst – How Can I Start the Cleanup?

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

A burst pipe can quickly cause a lot of water damage. Call SERVPRO for fast, effective remediation.

SERVPRO Acts Quickly in Evans to Help You with Professional Water Mitigation 

Many people think that water damage to the home only happens with a storm or flood. However, a burst pipe sends a massive amount of water throughout your interior within minutes. Because of the nature of the emergency, it needs attention as soon as possible. Whenever you are faced with such a crisis in your Evans home, having expert technicians on speed dial gets you the prompt response. This immediate attention to the water damage is where SERVPRO is available to help, and we are available 24/7 for emergency water cleanup and restoration services in Evans. 

Can I Clean Up the Water with My Wet Vac? 

Professional water mitigation in Evans is elemental for protecting the structure of your home and all contents whenever you have a burst pipe. Even though this is clean water, it migrates to dry spaces and leaves behind hidden pockets of moisture. It could lead to a wide variety of secondary damage if not addressed with the right techniques, including: 

• Drywall that deteriorates and begins to crumble
• Wood framing that begins to warp
• Metal supports that start to rust and corrode
• Hardwood flooring that begins to cup and buckle
• Ceiling tiles that begin to sag and breakdown
• Wallpaper or paint that begins to blister or peel
• Subflooring that begins to weaken and deteriorate 

Are There Timeframes on Water Cleanup? 

Water mitigation must take place promptly to keep secondary damage from occurring throughout the loss zone in your home. Never take your time to begin the cleanup, or the effect of the water loss becomes immense. Our experts at SERVPRO know all the standard timelines to follow and what to expect the longer that water sits stagnant within the home. Even waiting for a few hours can lead to extensive and irreversible damage in some cases. The timeframes for the onset of water damage include: 

• Within Hours –Water migrates from the point of origin and begins to saturate structural components and contents. Carpets and other floor coverings become stained from finished or painted furniture. Items throughout the home, including electronics, documents, pictures, and books, are in immediate danger before they become ruined.
• Within 24 Hours –Water causes any plaster or sheetrock in your home swells and crumble. Upholstery on your furniture may stretch to the seams ripping point while the padding takes on moisture. Wood furniture warps and any metal items begin to tarnish or rust. This period is when the mold can set in.
• Within a Week –Window and door casings become distorted. Laminate flooring may delaminate, or hardwood flooring warps. Any wet carpeting becomes a breeding ground for mildew and mold, starting to take over other organic surfaces.
• Past a Week –The growth of bacteria and mold poses a real hazardous threat. The building's overall structural integrity becomes compromised and multiplying the expense to restore the home. 

What Does Your Team Do for Water Mitigation? 

We have crews ready to go day or night, which allows us to arrive at your property in as little as four hours or less. Once we arrive, the crew chief begins the assessment, and we investigate the Evans water damage. This initial assessment is crucial within the first couple of hours after the burst pipe incident. It allows us to use our specialized formulas and training to implement a plan that allows for efficient water removal and drying services. Our IICRC-certified team arrives with our Green Fleet of trucks, which come loaded with all of the latest technology and equipment for water restoration. 

How Can You Find Where the Water Went? 

Moisture travels to dry areas following the path of least resistance. The liquid can keep working on breaking down the structural and building materials if moisture areas are not found and dried. Our technicians use a variety of tools for finding moisture, including: 

• Moisture sensors
• Moisture meters
• Thermal imaging 

We gather data on all moisture within your home so that our Applied Structural Drying (ASD) technicians can select the best tools to meet drying goals. We use psychrometry to determine drying rates and the number of air movers and dehumidifiers to place in each room within the water loss zone. Similar materials are then tested in an unaffected area of the home to match humidity levels. 

Whether you have a small water mitigation project or a water loss that is much more involved, we have the crew, experience, and equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently. To have a team deployed to your home as soon as possible, call SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster! 

Water Damage In Your Augusta Residence

2/22/2020 (Permalink)

Do Not Get Stressed About Water Damage in Your Augusta Residence, Seek Professional Help

Water damage includes any kind of loss or destruction that excessive water intrusion causes. The damage can be instantaneous, such as the pooling of water on surfaces or could be slow like ruining surfaces through rusting of iron, rotting of wood, delaminating of carpets, and mold growth.

Water damage in your Augusta residence can also warp wood, shrink leather, and ruin electronics. The destruction can get worse if you delay restoration services. After such an incident, it is sensible to seek professional help from SERVPRO because we can immediately stop further damage. Our team of technicians is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Apart from following IICRC guidelines and processes, we also comply with all federal and state regulations when restoring properties.

Our technicians can assess your property and accurately determine the restoration efforts it needs. Safety hazards are usually present after water loss incidents. We take safety concerns seriously and address them before we begin remediation and restoration work. We take steps to maintain a safe environment for everyone on the worksite. Some of the things we do to ensure safety include:

    •    Looking out for potential electrical hazards.
    •    Covering tack strip to prevent injuries.
    •    Using ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on electrical equipment.
    •    Looking out for mold growth.

Our crew also considers how long the water has been in a building. We use advanced equipment that helps us in detecting moisture, extracting water, and drying affected structures and contents. We choose the appropriate extractor, depending on the severity of water damage and the affected surfaces. We can use a portable extractor to remove the water. This equipment is easy to take and operate in all affected areas of your property. The unit provides sufficient water removal that helps speed up the drying process.

The humidity left on the surfaces after water extraction can be exceptionally high. Ignoring moisture for an extended period can lead to mold development. We aim to keep our clients safe from mold infestation by offering same-day cleanup services. Our restoration process encompasses the prevention of mold damage and mold remediation if it is present.

Our SERVPRO technicians can use a venting box fan to dry the affected area. This device can move large volumes of dry air from outside to replace the humid air in the structure. It speeds up the evaporation process and reduces drying time by pushing moisture from the affected surfaces into the air as vapor. We can then use a refrigerant dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.

If you are dealing with a water intrusion incident in Evans, Martinez, or Grovetown, call SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441. We provide comprehensive services to deal with any water loss incident to make it seem, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Augusta click here.

What to Do Before We Arrive for Water Extraction in Augusta

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our team of professionals will help reduce the amount water loss in your home.

Small steps you can take before we arrive

As a homeowner, there are some steps you can take to reduce the amount of water loss that you suffer in your home before our team from SERVPRO arrives. For example, turning off the water supply to your home when there is damage stemming from a burst pipe or a busted supply line is an excellent place to start.

Other things that you can do before we arrive to assist with water extraction in Augusta is to pick up small items from the floors to save them. This includes items like rugs, smaller accent tables, benches, and decorative elements to keep them from becoming saturated with moisture. It is also best to be mindful of anything that may not be colorfast where ink could transfer onto other materials, including magazines, books, and newspapers. 

No matter what steps you take before SERVPRO arrives, safety is paramount. If electronics may have suffered water damage, never try to test them. You can speak with the team coordinator at SERVPRO regarding any potential safety concerns regarding electronics and more.

Once SERVPRO arrives on the scene, our extensive training and experience shine as we assess the level of water damage and quickly formulate a plan for water extraction. We must act swiftly and carefully to mitigate the damage and work to save you the costs involved in a significant water loss. We use specialized equipment such as pumps, vacuums, and air movers to ensure that all of the moisture is removed from the home so that the rebuilding process can begin. 

Because of materials such as sheetrock wicks water so quickly, SERVPRO removes any damaged areas and replaces it with all-new sheetrock. We provide homeowners with a smooth transition into any necessary repairs so that you can get your home back into its preloss condition as soon as possible. 

SERVPRO of Columbia County is available to help local property owners with water extraction 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All you have to do is give our team a call at (718) 868-5441, and we make it “Like it never even happened.”

More about Columbia County. 

Some Ways to Avoid Augusta Water Extraction Issues

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

Choosing the Right Pump for Water Loss in Augusta Homes

Having the right equipment for restoration tasks can make a substantial difference in the speed and efficiency of water loss recovery for Augusta properties. With considerable losses where pooling water is a concern, the right pump or extraction tool can make a positive difference in how successful restoration work becomes. With dozens of potential models ranging in size, versatility, and vacuum power, we must choose the unit that best suits the work to get done.

Before deploying any pump for water extraction in Augusta homes, several considerations must get made by both our project management and the experienced technicians working to restore the property. In many situations, only determining the necessary flow and rate of removal is insufficient for choosing among the types of extractors available to our SERVPRO team. Gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH) both play a role in how effective recovery is, but our technicians must also think about:

• The consistency of the water getting removed
• How deep the standing water is
• The vertical distance the fluid must get carried
• Air seepage
• Adequate electrical power
• Calculated removal rate required to control the water loss

In most situations, our electric submersible pump can do most of the work involved for removing standing water, at least down to around two inches in depth. When debris and other solids are present, our SERVPRO team must utilize stronger units like our trash pumps to move it. Same with substantial loss incidents with feet of standing water. With the right discharge design directly to a sanitary sewer system outside, a truck-mount pump in our Green Fleet can pull out water at a reliable 300 psi.

With extraction being such a vital element to restoring a home after a water loss incident, choosing the right tool for the job is essential. Our SERVPRO of Columbia County team has multiple units that can do the job, and that gets combined with our confident approach to cleaning and drying your home after a disaster. No matter how severe loss incidents can become, we can make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (706) 868-5441.

Click here for more about the city of Augusta.

SERVPRO Can Mitigate Water Loss by Controlling Dehumidification at Augusta Properties

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water Loss Means Moisture Damage in Augusta Properties--SERVPRO Has the Equipment for Mitigation

Keeping Tabs on Humidity During Augusta Water Damage Restorations

When we conduct water restorations in local homes, we keep a close eye on the levels of humidity throughout the building. Without careful observation, harmful humid conditions could rapidly increase the extent and severity of damage your home incurs. SERVPRO technicians receive extensive training in the math and science that enables them to monitor local humidity with utmost precision.

Relative Humidity RH
The most well-known humidity metric that we keep an eye on during Augusta water damage restorations is relative humidity. This statistic tells us how much water is in the air relative to its volume and temperature. If a room is at 100% relative humidity, that means that the air cannot hold any more water, and all additional evaporation in the area ends up forming condensation on every possible surface. Literally, "raining inside the house." As temperature rises, relative humidity decreases, although that may not always be a good thing, as we'll discuss in a moment. In general, SERVPRO technicians try to control the relative humidity in your home without significantly altering the temperature.

Humidity Ratio - SH - Specific Humidity
The humidity ratio measures the total amount of moisture in the air of your home per unit volume. Keeping an eye on this statistic is essential since rising temperatures may lead to falling humidity. Without constant monitoring of the humidity ratio, it would be almost impossible to determine how much of that humidity change is due to the temperature or due to our water removal efforts. Plus, if your home still has a leak or pool of water somewhere that we have not yet found, the humidity ratio should rise and clue us into its existence.

How We Control Humidity
We monitor humidity and moisture constantly during water damage cleanup and restoration projects with the help of advanced tools such as moisture meters and Thermo hygrometers. Once we determine that the time is right to begin dehumidifying the area, we bring out our powerful thermal dehumidifiers that attract moisture from the air to be collected into removable buckets and bins.

Mitigate Water Damage with Monitoring
Keeping an eye on the moisture content in an enclosed system is crucial to extracting the water vapor within a practical time frame. More than liquid water can damage contents and building elements. Be wary of the water you cannot see!

SERVPRO of Columbia County provides 24/7 emergency services for victims of fire damage, water damage, and other home disasters. Call us at (706) 868-5441.

Become Familiar With Steps to Water Damage Remediation in Augusta

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

What Our Water Restorers Do When We First Arrive at Augusta Homes

Understanding what to expect from professional restoration professionals when they first arrive at your Augusta home can help you to be less stressed in an already tense situation. Our technicians can arrive quickly to the scene, often reaching your home within a few hours of your initial call and working to mitigate your losses. Mitigation is a critical step to water recovery because it can protect unaffected areas of your home and limit the exposure of your belongings.

Our water restoration professionals have strict protocols to follow through recovery and water removal for Augusta homes. As part of this commitment to offering our customers and clients expectation-exceeding work during their emergencies, we have established an intricate system to limit the time mitigation efforts take to complete. Our crew chief oversees both the inspection and assessment of your damaged property, but also helps to quickly determine the needed tools, equipment, and products necessary for mitigation.

With a deep inventory of recovery tools available to our SERVPRO professionals in water recovery, not every tool and machine is necessary for every job. Our narrowing of the required equipment helps us to bring all of these units into a designated area of the home near the damaged regions to serve as a fast access to all of the equipment, products, and devices that are vital to water loss restoration. We ensure that extraction happens as promptly as possible to protect your belongings and installed construction materials.

We work along with our customers to establish a relative timeline for the work to get performed so that our clients are more at ease. We also utilize software like DryBook that is exclusive to our SERVPRO brand to ensure that all parties involved, including you and your insurance company, stay informed about progress and milestones reached in the drying and extraction of your property.

Water loss incidents present a difficult situation, especially when standing water exists in the house. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and our SERVPRO of Columbia County professionals can help you to get back to life as usual. Give us a call whenever you need us at (706) 868-5441.

Click here to see more info about the city of Augusta.

Why Professional Restoration Services Are Needed For Your Augusta Home

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

Two Stage Removal and Drying Procedure for Water Damage in Augusta

Larger water loss recovery situations require industrial equipment to complete effectively. We focus on two critical areas in restoring this type of damage. The first is a removal process that is centered on getting gallons of water out of the home in a short space of time. This process can be a valuable mitigation task that prevents waterlogging or water migration issues. The second part of the process is to thoroughly dry the affected area using a combination of dehumidification and air-moving equipment. 

Homeowners with water damage in Augusta may want to begin the restoration procedure by removing items from the immediate vicinity. Place a tarp or waterproof covering in an unaffected area of the house or an outside area. Remove wet items, being careful to avoid dripping, and place them on your waterproof covering. These steps can prove vital in preventing permanent damages while you await the arrival of a SERVPRO professional. 

On arriving, your SERVPRO professional can block more cumbersome furniture to remove it from contact with water. Typically, the scale of water loss incidents is dependent on the amount of time furnishings have been exposed to moisture. Prolonged exposure can lead to substantial damages or permanent losses. By blocking furniture, we can reduce the expense of your claim, and remove damaged items from immediate danger while we create a strategy for removing excess water. 

The removal of excess moisture is done using a range of professional equipment. When standing water levels rise above two inches, we can pump the water out to an open sewer point using submersible gas pumps. Standing water levels below two inches respond better to water extraction units which can either be truck-mounted with large storage tanks, or portable for removing water from areas of restricted access. Portable extractors are especially useful in situations where water has migrated into crawlspaces or other tight to reach areas.

The next step is to dry the property. Excess quantities of water increase humidity. The removal process can also raise the temperature in your property, creating water evaporation, and raising the relative humidity. This causes a problem for a professional restorer because higher humidity levels can lead to mold growth. We can exchange moist internal air with drier outdoor air by placing box fans. Alternatively, in closed areas, dehumidification equipment can be used to bring the relative humidity back done to its natural level.

Water loss recovery needs immediate action using professional-grade equipment. Contact SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441 today to get a callout within four hours of notification of loss.

Click here to see more about Augusta. 

Avoid Summer Water Damage in Augusta!

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Rust and corrosion are a first sign that a water heater failure may be forthcoming. Be sure to have your plumber check for these warning signs.

Ahhhh, school is out and the summer months have arrived with an excitement that now fills the air!  It's also a great time to take necessary precaution when it comes to protecting your home from a water damage loss. 

If you live in Augusta, you know that the temperatures can skyrocket to 100+ degrees Fahrenheit on any given summer day! This can bring stresses to any plumbing components that are located in your attic space.  It is fairly common to see hot water heaters and water heater pipes fail when temps in the attic push into the 140-150F degree range.  

We recommend having a plumber to inspect your hot water heater and its plumbing connections.  Protect your home from water damage by making sure your hot water heater is tuned up and healthy!  Have a great summer, Augusta!

Simple Plumbing Upgrades to Avoid Water Damage Losses in Augusta

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

In serving the people of our city, we are often directly involved in some of the most stressful times of our customers' lives.  Our job is to make it "Like it never even happened," and to walk with you through each step of the restoration process. 

Unfortunately, we sometimes find that water damage could've been prevented.  One great way to prevent water damage is to make simple upgrades to the plumbing supply lines to your sinks, toilets, washing machines and ice makers. 

Over time, plastic and rubber materials can dry-rot and lose their structural strength that is needed to withstand the water pressure being exerted on them around the clock.  

ACTION:  Invest in "braided" supply lines at your local do-it-yourself retailer.  The cost is just a few dollars per line, and you can outfit your entire home for far less than the cost of your insurance deductible, should an old line decide to break.  Furthermore, you will have the peace of mind that you've put your best foot forward in preventing a water damage loss that might otherwise create a very stressful time in your life!