The Dangers of DIY Sewage Cleanup: Why It's Best to Call in the Professionals

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Whether you live in Franklin, TN or surrounding areas, SERVPRO of Williamson County is ready to respond to your call 24/7/365.

Experiencing a sewage backup in your home or business can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. While it may be tempting to try to tackle the problem yourself to save some money, attempting a DIY sewage cleanup can be hazardous and ultimately, more costly in the long run. In this blog post, we will explore the dangers of attempting to clean up sewage on your own and explain why it's best to call in professionals like SERVPRO of Williamson County water damage restoration and sewage cleanup services.

Understanding the Health Risks Associated with DIY Sewage Cleanup

Sewage backups can be both hazardous and potentially deadly when homeowners attempt to address the issue themselves. Sewage can consist of greywater (from utilities like sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers) or, even worse, black water, which is the water used to flush toilets mixed with the human waste that it flushes away. Besides human waste, chemical compounds and cleansers in sewage produce phosphorus and nitrogen pollution that can damage waterways and pose serious risks when entering your home. Sewage backups in your home can result from various causes, such as clogs in the home's drain pipes, tree roots, damaged sewer lines, and more.

Sewage contains up to one million microorganisms per millimeter of waste, some of which are vital for breaking down solid waste. However, pathogenic bacteria are also present and can cause health problems such as Hepatitis A and Encephalitis. Due to its ability to seep into porous materials, sewage is challenging to clean up by hand.

Furthermore, sewage contains parasitic microorganisms, such as polio, adenovirus, and enteric cytopathic human orphan (ECHO) viruses, which can cause severe health issues in humans. While the ratio of viruses to bacteria is relatively small, they are still harmful to your health. Wastewater also hosts pathogenic and saprophytic bacteria, including E. coli, Giardia Lamblia, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Direct exposure to these toxins can lead to intestinal diseases, typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery. That is why coming into contact with sewage without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following proper procedures can pose a severe threat to your health.

Mold growth is another significant risk when attempting DIY sewage cleanup. Mold exposure can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Flooding provides ideal conditions for mold to develop, as it only needs moisture, organic material, and optimal temperature. Alarmingly, mold can grow within just 24 to 48 hours of the incident.

However, the greatest danger is sometimes not the risk of disease, but the risk of electrocution or explosion. Never enter a flooded area or light matches until the utility companies have shut off the electric and gas service. If you detect or smell gas, immediately evacuate your home and notify the gas company. You should also enter your home with caution if you did not turn off the main power switch before the flooding occurred. Touching electrical lines, wires, equipment, and fixtures during and after a flood can be dangerous.

Addressing the underlying plumbing issue is crucial to prevent future sewage backups. Failing to fix the problem correctly can lead to recurring spills and increased costs. It's worth noting that most home insurance policies cover sewage cleanup, so hiring professionals like SERVPRO of Williamson County is a practical and cost-effective solution.

The Importance of Proper Protective Gear and Equipment in Sewage Cleanup

Handling human waste or sewage comes with an increased risk of illness from waterborne diseases. Anyone involved in sewage cleanup must follow proper hygiene practices and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of contracting diseases such as the ones mentioned earlier in this article. SERVPRO restoration technicians are trained to prioritize health and safety while dealing with sewage cleanup tasks.

Basic Hygiene Practices for Restoration Technicians

• Always wash hands with soap and water after handling human waste or sewage, before eating or drinking, and before and after using the toilet.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes, nose, or open sores and cuts while handling human waste or sewage.
• Keep open sores, cuts, and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages.
• Use waterproof gloves to prevent cuts and contact with human waste or sewage.
• Wear rubber boots at the worksite and during transport of human waste or sewage.
• Refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco or gum while handling human waste or sewage.
• Gently flush eyes with safe water if human waste or sewage contacts them.

Restoration techs who handle human waste or sewage are always provided with proper PPE, training on how to use it, and handwashing facilities. The following PPE is typically required for restoration technicians handling human waste or sewage:

• Goggles: to protect eyes from splashes of human waste or sewage.
• Protective face mask or splash-proof face shield: to protect nose and mouth from splashes of human waste or sewage.
• Liquid-repellent coveralls: to keep human waste or sewage off clothing.
• Waterproof gloves: to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage.
• Rubber boots: to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage.

To further protect restoration technicians from exposure, employees are typically required to have their Tetanus vaccinations up to date, and in most cases polio, typhoid fever, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B vaccinations as well. Adhering to these best practices and procedures ensures the health and safety of workers handling sewage cleanup tasks. That is also why sewage cleanup and related water damage restoration can become more expensive and dangerous for a DIY restorer.

The Role of Industry Standards and Certification in Professional Sewage Cleanup Services

Professional water damage restoration and sewage cleanup companies like SERVPRO of Williamson County adhere to strict industry standards and guidelines to ensure that their work is effective, safe, and compliant with local regulations. Many restoration companies hold certifications from organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which sets forth best practices for handling sewage cleanup projects.

The IICRC establishes and promotes globally recognized standards, including the IICRC S500 and IICRC S520, for water damage restoration and mold remediation, respectively. The IICRC S500 focuses on principles of water damage restoration, safety, and health, while the IICRC S520 covers mold remediation and abatement procedures. These standards provide a comprehensive framework for professionals to follow when dealing with sewage cleanup and water damage restoration projects.

By hiring a certified professional, you can be confident that your property will be cleaned and restored according to the highest standards of quality and safety. Certified professionals undergo rigorous training and examinations to demonstrate their competence in adhering to industry standards. Additionally, many professional sewage cleanup companies maintain affiliations with other relevant industry organizations, such as the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), further ensuring their commitment to upholding best practices.

When you choose a professional sewage cleanup service with IICRC certification and affiliations to relevant industry organizations, you can trust that your property will be restored with the utmost care, professionalism, and adherence to industry guidelines. This not only guarantees the safety and health of those using the property but also provides peace of mind that the cleanup process will be completed with the highest level of expertise. This total peace of mind can be lacking in a DIY sewage cleanup project.

Finding the Right Sewage Cleanup Company: Questions to Ask and Factors to Consider

When looking for a professional sewage cleanup company, it's essential to do your research and ask the right questions. Some factors to consider include:

• Experience and expertise: Look for a company that specializes in water damage restoration and sewage cleanup, with a track record of successful projects.
• Certification and training: Make sure the technicians are trained and certified by reputable industry organizations like the IICRC.
• Insurance and liability coverage: Verify that the company has proper insurance coverage to protect you from potential liability.
• Availability and response time: Choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency services and can respond quickly to your needs.

Attempting a DIY sewage cleanup can be dangerous and may result in long-term damage to your property and health risks for you and your family. Instead, trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Williamson County for comprehensive water damage restoration and sewage cleanup services. Our certified technicians have the experience, equipment, and expertise to ensure that your home or business is thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and restored to its pre-damage condition.

By choosing a professional sewage cleanup company like SERVPRO of Williamson County, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property is in the hands of experienced and certified experts who are committed to delivering the highest quality service.

Don't put your health and property at risk by attempting a DIY sewage cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Williamson County today at (615) 790-9634 for more information on our water damage restoration and sewage cleanup services. Let our team of restoration professionals help make it "Like it never even happened."

4 Advanced Home Maintenance Tips That Can Save You Thousands of Dollars in Property Damage: SERVPRO of Williamson County

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Williamson County keeps its trucks ready to respond immediately to your water damage emergency.

Did you know? An average of 14,000 people experience home water damage emergencies every day.

Water damage is a serious problem that can be expensive and inconvenient in your home or business in Franklin, TN. SERVPRO of Williamson County frequently finds that careful housekeeping may help to minimize the danger and costs of water damage repair. The process of water damage restoration, while unpleasant, may be reduced by implementing some basic housekeeping techniques.

1) Inspect & clean the HVAC condensation lines to prevent leaks or flooding.

HVAC condensation lines tend to leak water when clogged and on especially hot months, this can cause water damage and flooding in surrounding areas of your home. Inspect your condensation lines every month and clean them as needed.

You should pour one-half cup of plain, white vinegar four times a year down your condensate drain to clear out gunk and debris. Bleach should not be used since it might spill onto your metal drain pan and cause deterioration and issues. If you find excessive debris or mold, our SERVPRO professionals can help you cleanup any water damage.

2) Inspect and clean the roof and gutters of debris and check attics for signs of water damage.

Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to back up and overflow onto your roof, which can damage the roofing material and seep into the home.

Check for leaking flashing around vents, valleys, chimneys, pipes, and skylights. Any place where your roof has holes or joins is a potential source of leaks later on down the road. If this flashing becomes bent, rusted, or loses its seal, it might allow water to enter your property.

Examine your attic for moisture or mold growth. If you detect damp, damaged, or moldy insulation, rotted or discolored boards or ceiling panels, or puckering in the sheetrock, you may have a leak on your hands.

3) Have a professional inspect your plumbing system

One of the best ways to avoid needing emergency water repair is by scheduling plumbing maintenance. Maintenance allows a plumber to check your plumbing system for any developing corrosion or pinhole leaks that you may not notice otherwise. They can also try to determine when your plumbing system will need repairs, so you aren't caught off guard by any water leaks in the future.

Meanwhile, avoid flushing unusual or insoluble objects down toilet drains to prevent clogging that leads to floods. If you experience three or more water leaks in less than six months, your pipes may need to be replaced.

4) Test your sump pump thoroughly for possible water leak issues

A sump pump protects your home from heavy rains and rising waters that leave behind enormous repair costs and structural damages. 

Conclusion

It is important to be proactive about home maintenance and repairs in order to prevent water damage events from happening in the first place. However, if a water damage event does occur, it is important to have a plan in place for how to deal with the aftermath. Our team of experts at SERVPRO of Williamson County is Here to Help!

Call us today: (615) 790-9634

Understanding Secondary Water Damage

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Mold on hardwood floors.

When you have a plumbing emergency in College Grove, TN, that causes water damage in your home, proper cleanup is essential. If your cleaning is only surface-level, long-term secondary damage can set in, leading to more problems down the road. High humidity from water that is not properly removed can lead to black mold and other issues over time.

Understanding Secondary Effects of Water Damage

While it’s impossible to tell exactly what secondary effects will look like, there are a few known processes that happen when water is not removed and secondary issues set in.

• Black mold growth in humid, warm areas where water is trapped
  
• Atmospheric problems from mold spores and abnormal humidity
  
• Warping of wood materials and visible damage to surfaces from long-term water exposure
  
• Degradation of concrete, drywall, and other building materials over time
  
  

Depending on the extent of the damage and the level of cleanup applied, these effects could show up as structural weakening, stains, abnormal humidity levels, or a variety of other conditions.

Repairing Damage From Humidity

Working with a restoration cleaning service that understands water damage cleanup is the best way to repair secondary damage. This damage includes some hazards that might require special certifications for procedures like mold removal, so it is important to check for those credentials when you pick out a service provider.

Preventing Secondary Water Damage

If you want to make sure you do everything you can do to prevent secondary water damage from showing up years later, you need to work with water damage remediation professionals in College Grove, TN, who understand both the primary and secondary effects of water damage, and who have the certifications to handle both. That way, you can be sure your initial cleanup team understands black mold, high humidity, and other forms of secondary damage and acts to prevent or repair them during the cleanup process.

Why a Basement Floods and What You Should Do About It

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Brentwood, TN.

What Causes Basement Flooding and What You Can Do About It

Typically, the best way to deal with flooding in your basement in Brentwood, TN, is prevention. By understanding the usual causes of water retention in the lower floors of your home, you can take the necessary maintenance steps to ensure that your property stays dry for years to come.

1. Location and Climate Factors

A primary cause of excess water is above-average rainfall. Choosing to reside in a coastal area, for example, can increase the risk of a basement flood. Even in dryer climates, laying your home’s foundation on a low-lying or sloped part of the property can cause water to pool under walls and seep through the outer layers of the building.

2. Basement Drainage

Should your home sit near or on the water table, a basement drainage system and sump pump will likely be necessary to prevent excess dampness in the flooring. If the pump system breaks down due to electrical or plumbing problems, contact a qualified professional who can perform wiring or pipe repair. A powered mechanism for removing water from the basement after flooding is the most robust method for the prevention of property damage.

3. Sources of Leakage

Sometimes the biggest issues facing the homeowner lie in the ingress of water. Cracked walls or insufficient sealants and waterproof coatings can allow water that would otherwise drain away to enter the basement. Improperly positioned or damaged gutters and downspouts can divert water toward the house rather than into the yard. Gutters can also become clogged with leaves or other material, causing them to overflow. Gaps in roofing tiles or shingles can also cause undesirable water redirection, especially in periods of extreme rain or snowmelt. Controlling the water volume before it reaches the basement is often the best preventative measure.

Following the above checklist of troubleshooting tips will usually stop the problem before it begins. Should you experience unavoidable flooding and require basement cleanup and decontamination, contact a company that specializes in that process.

Home Maintenance Tips to Help You Prevent a Water Damage Event

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Picture of a flooded home

With winter quickly approaching it is now a critical time to make sure your house is ready to withstand the harsh conditions Mother Nature may throw at it. Flood risk can be a real concern with weather changes, so let’s dive into the areas of your house that are the most susceptible and how you can make sure your house stays warm and more importantly dry. We will work from the outside, then move to the inside of your house, let’s go.

Outside Home Maintenance

Make sure your gutters are clear of debris and that your downspouts carry the water at least two (2) feet away from your house. Make sure the water is not pooling on around your foundation, if this does occur you will need to speak to a professional to make sure your landscape is at a decline moving away from your house. This ensures that water will travel away from your house, saving you from potential problems in the future. Another issue to consider are ice dams. This protection prevents water from backing up and leaking into your attic. If you live in an area where this may be an issue, you should consider adding ice dam protection to the boundary of your roof.

If you have a chimney, inspect it. Chimneys are great for warming up the house on a cold winter night, but they are still a giant hole in your roof that is often not as weathered sealed as your windows and doors.  Make sure the chimney cap is firmly attached and that there are no loose or cracked bricks or mortar. And if you see cracks in the chimney mortar, consider a repoint service to prevent water entry. On the roof, consider inspecting for loose, broken, or cracked shingles. If your roof is not weather-tight, then water damage can occur.

Staying outside, you will also want to inspect the perimeter of your house for any cracking. Over time your house will settle, and with winter temperatures expanding and contracting your exterior, cracking can occur. You can purchase (relatively cheaply) exterior caulk to fill in these areas. Another cheap measure to take is to buy faucet cover protectors. They slide over your outside water faucet and insulate it so it will not freeze and burst your pipes.

Inside Home Maintenance

it is often pushed aside, but check your attic, crawlspace, etc. While they are often overlooked, they are often the first place you will see water damage. Consider bringing a flashlight to shine a light on those hard-to-see spaces. Also, make sure you check the roof framing and insulation for dampness.

Other key items to monitor are your appliances. Several of our team members were in the Army, where they had Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) every Monday. On these weekly inspections, they checked their equipment every week. That way, they knew what had to be fixed immediately and could plan for fixes or maintenance that was not mission essential.

For water heaters, one of the more common water-damage-causing appliances, it’s recommended they are drained and refilled yearly. Twice yearly if you have hard water. If you’re considering changing your refrigerator, consider paying a few more dollars for a new water supply line to help you ensure years of no leaks and, hopefully, no worries.

If you’ve had your appliances for more than 5 years, go ahead and switch out old hoses, lines, and plumbing. You change your car oil routinely, so why not consider replacing your water lines as well?

A small leak from a water line can cause major water damage to your home if left unattended. Continue to monitor your house, especially areas you may not think about all that often. A little preventative maintenance will pay off with years of no water damage. It will also help you ensure proper insurance coverage, in case any surprise water damage event does occur.

Emergency Ready Plan

Lastly, we recommend having a plan. No matter how much you try to prevent water damage issues, you may one day have some sort of water damage in your home.

We recommend having a plan for when that happens. This is why SERVPRO of Williamson County has a great asset called the Emergency Ready Program (ERP). This is an app-based program where SERVPRO will locate your water, electrical, gas shutoffs. Also, included are any emergency numbers that you will need. This helps business owners and commercial property owners have a plan when disaster strikes. For more information, please reach out to your local SERVPRO of Williamson County.

4 Key Practices To Keep Toilets From Clogging at Your Business

9/26/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of your best efforts, you could still end up with sewage backup.

As a business, your restrooms are used by both employees and customers. It’s important that these facilities are appropriately designed and adequately equipped for proper use. Here are four ways to help prevent a clogged toilet from happening at your College Grove, TN, business.

1. Make Sure Your Facilities Are Adequate

Certain toilets are more prone to flushing problems than others. For example, early generation low-flow models clog more often because of poorly designed flow pressure.

As a cheaper alternative to replacing models, a different brand of toilet paper that’s thinner may be worth trying. If clogs still regularly occur afterward, it is likely more economical to replace the toilet rather than treat any water damage from the repeated toilet overflow.

2. Keep Non-Flushable Offerings Away From the Toilets

To encourage proper disposal, sanitary supplies offered in your business bathrooms should be kept away from any toilets. Complimentary items like cotton tips, diapers, or tampons should instead be kept near trash cans. A clogged toilet is less likely when flushing trash becomes a hassle instead of a convenience.

3. Place Several Accessible and Regularly Emptied Waste Bins

A trash can that isn’t overflowing is likely to be used to throw away anything not soiled. It’s good practice to put a small bin in each toilet area to give an option to people who decide to throw something away while still maintaining privacy. It’s important that these bins are also regularly emptied to maintain them as a usable option for disposal.

4. Post Signs

A posted reminder over the toilet to use the trash may do wonders at stopping any unwanted behavior. People may not evaluate the consequences of flushing something down your pipes, so a courteous reminder of the risks will often encourage people to behave appropriately.

Regardless of your best efforts, you could still end up with sewage backup. This water is contaminated and may need the equipment and expertise of a professional water damage cleanup service. Taking steps to prevent a clogged toilet can help lessen the likelihood of damage, so you should implement changes now to protect your business from unwanted, unsanitary flooding.

The Facts About Water Damage and Insurance Coverage

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Nolensville, TN.

You may not think much about your homeowner’s insurance coverage on a daily basis, but you’re sure grateful for it when you need it most. The right coverage can save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of hassles. Some people aren’t sure whether their policy covers a basement flood. If you’re wondering the same thing about your Nolensville, TN, home, it’s important to understand the limited benefits of your insurance plan.

What Your Insurance Won’t Cover

It’s first critical to know what a typical homeowner’s insurance coverage won’t take care of. There are a handful of issues you should be aware of if water gets into your house.

• You have water damage because of poorly maintained plumbing or appliances.

• You’ve got a flooded basement because of outside water or sewage line.

• Homeowner’s insurance won’t cover typical flooding, such as a basement flood, regardless of the cause, including storms, overflowing water or draining issues.

Coverage for Your Dwelling

While your insurance won’t take care of a flood, it should help you out if your home has sustained water damage because of a faulty appliance. For example, if your refrigerator leaks water onto your floor or if your washer hose breaks and spills water everywhere, your coverage should take effect. Your insurance will help pay for the repairs of this damage.

Personal Property

Similarly, if problems with appliances or pipes damage personal items such as computers or other electronics, your insurance should cover the costs. In these cases, it’s important to speak to your agent, who will help you determine the extent of your coverage.

Take Note of Damage

Before you call a restoration professional to clean up any damage, take photos and make a list of damaged items so you can provide these to your insurance agent.

While traditional homeowner’s insurance won’t cover a basement flood, it will help you out in other similar situations. Become familiar with your insurance today.

What To Do After Your Home Has Been Damaged by Water

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in College Grove, TN.

What To Do After Your Home Has Been Damaged by Water

Bursting pipes, broken appliances or even bad weather in College Grove, TN, can cause a lot of trouble for your home. If you've experienced damage from water, then you should take action quickly. If you're unsure of what to do, consider the following steps.

1. Turn off Water and Electricity
If the water is coming from bursting pipes or other plumbing issues, then one of the first things you should do is turn the water off to the building. If you don't, it may continue to fill your home. If the water has come into contact with electrical devices or outlets, use the breaker to turn the electricity to the house off to prevent a more hazardous situation.

2. Call Your Insurance Company
Depending on the details of your insurance policy, you will likely need to report water damage within a certain amount of time. Waiting too long to do so could affect the amount of money you receive or could cause your claim to be denied altogether. Calling sooner rather than later also allows you to complete the claims process more quickly.

3. Have Repairs Done
The sooner you can have repairs done on your house, the better. Allowing water to remain in the building for too long can lead to a variety of secondary damage, from rotting wood and rust to an infestation of mold. Materials like drywall, insulation and carpeting can absorb large amounts of water and may need to be replaced. A cleanup and restoration company can remove water, fix broken pipes and make necessary repairs to the building and your belongings
Taking the right steps after your home has been damaged by bursting pipes or severe weather is important for quickly returning your house to a safe environment. You should contact your insurance agent to begin the claims process as soon as possible as this money will help pay for necessary work. A professional service has the tools and experience to make any repairs you may need.

The 3 Main Goals of Plumbing Maintenance

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Thompson Station, TN.

A Plumbing Maintenance Program Has Three Main Goals

You have enough to do with your company in Thompson Station, TN, without having to worry about an expensive business claim. Your plumbing system provides many essential benefits. However, if it isn't working properly, you could face a business disruption as well as a host of other problems. Regular maintenance on your plumbing lines is probably the best way to avoid surprises and added expenses. When working with a licensed plumbing contractor, you can better plan your budget for the year. 

1. Avoiding Water Damage. Broken pipes and water leaks can be major or minor. A small problem will be contained in one area and can be fixed in a matter of hours. A larger problem can spill between floors and rooms and damage equipment, walls and flooring and even computer systems.

2. Limiting a Business Claim. You have commercial insurance for a reason, but you still want to avoid using it if possible. Repeated claims can drive up your premiums. It can also be a process that takes a lot of your time. Professional plumbing maintenance makes it less likely that you will have to claim damages from a major water leak.

3. Keeping Your employees and Customers Safe. If a pipe breaks in your building, you are suddenly faced with a potentially dangerous situation. Wayward water can create electrical hazards as well as trip and fall perils. If sewage water is present, it is important to make sure the water is not touched by human skin to prevent infections and other health issues.
Even in the best circumstances, water disasters happen from time to time. For help dealing with water issues, a professional water mitigation franchise such as SERVPRO is always Here to Help. In addition to cleaning up your property quickly and safely, franchise workers, as a preferred vendor for many insurance companies nationwide, can help you process a business claim with a minimum of trouble.

4 Tips to Prevent Water Damage

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Clean your gutters at least twice a year is essential to keep them working

Below Are Four Ways To Guard Against Common Sources Of Water Issues

Although some form of water damage to your Brentwood, TN, home may not be preventable, such as a broken pipe or mainline sewer backup, there are ways to avoid having excess water in a home. Below are four ways to guard against common sources of water issues.

1. Maintain Downspouts and Gutters
Gutters and downspouts are designed to keep rainwater flowing off the house instead of seeping into the roof and foundation. Although they may be easy to forget, leaves and other debris can quickly lead to a clog. Cleaning them at least twice a year is essential to keep them working right.

2. Repairs Cracks and Damaged Caulk
Whether your home is new or older, settling can create cracks or begin to damage caulking and other sealants. Taking an annual tour of your home to look for potential problem areas will help you eliminate sources for leaks to come in. If you see signs of mold, bubbling paint, or crumbly drywall, you may want to call a water damage and restoration company to inspect your home for hidden issues.

3. Ensure Proper Grading
One of the main culprits of water in a home is a foundation leak. Oftentimes, that is preventable by ensuring there is a proper slope away from it. If the ground adjacent to your home is heading toward the home, it results in water pooling. If the foundation has any small cracks, that water will find a way in.

4. Keep Tabs on the Plumbing System
Healthy plumbing is an essential component of daily life and the integrity of your home. Clogged sinks, rusty pipes, leaking toilets, and other issues can quickly add up. Instead of dealing with a massive pipe cleanup, ensure everyone in the home takes precautions when it comes to flushing or letting things go down the drain that shouldn’t. Monitoring your water bill is another way to know if you have a hidden leak that needs to be fixed.
Although water in home may not always be preventable, the above steps can help minimize a problem from happening.

3 Types of Contaminated Flood Water

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Category 1 water damage comes from a clean water source

Understand The Different Types Of Contaminated Water

Water damage can wreck havoc on your Leiper's Fork, TN, home. That being said, not every home flood is the same. Flood water is categorized by the types of contaminants present. Understanding the differences among the different types of contaminated water can help you remediate the damage more effectively.

1. Clean Water Floods
As their name implies, Category 1, or clean water floods, are categorized by an absence of contaminants. As the least dangerous types of floods, they typically originate from a supply line burst, a shower leak or some other type of clean water source. Just because these floods aren't as dangerous doesn't mean that they shouldn't still be taken seriously. A clean water flood can transform into a Category 2 flood if left untreated for too long.

2. Gray Water Floods
Gray water floods are also known as Category 2 floods. This flood contains mildly contaminated water, but nothing that could pose a biohazard risk. These floods are often caused when household appliances malfunction and flood, such as dishwashers and laundry machines. If left untreated for longer than 48 hours, a Category 2 flood will quickly become a dangerous Category 3 flood.

3. Black Water Floods
Category 3 floods, or black water floods, are the most dangerous of all. They are categorized by the presence of biohazards, such as human or animal fecal matter, raw sewage and dangerous chemicals or pesticides. You should never attempt to resolve a Category 3 flood by yourself, due to the possible health risks. Instead, you should contact water damage professionals as soon as you can. These floods are usually caused by toilet overflow, sewage back flow or a a flooding riverbank.
All types of floods are capable of inflicting serious amounts of damage. That being said, it's still important for you to learn the differences between the various types of contaminated water. Make sure to contact flood remediation experts for assistance, no matter which type of flood you're currently dealing with.

How To Figure Out Why Your Water Heater is Making Noise

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

If your water heater is making cracking, popping or rumbling noises, it's likely that you have some sediment built up

Common Causes of Noises In Water Heater

If the water heater in your home in Nolensville, TN, is making noises, it may be for very fixable reasons. Here are some common causes of the strange noises and how to fix them.

1. Sediment Buildup
If your water heater is making cracking, popping or rumbling noises, it's likely that you have some sediment built up. This is from minerals in hard water that either cake onto parts of the heater or build up in the water itself. If you're hearing cracking and popping, that's most likely from water forcing its way through the deposits on the heater's tubes, which means they either need to be cleaned or replaced. If your heater is making rumbling noises, it's most likely due to sediment in the water or on the bottom of the tank. This makes a lot of noise as the water is heated up, and usually requires a water heater flush with a deliming or descaling solution to get rid of it.

2. Moving Pipes
If you hear banging or knocking from inside your walls when you turn on the water heater, it's usually a signal that your pipes are moving around as water flows through them. This isn't so much a problem for your heater as it can be for your walls and the pipes themselves. They can damage the wall, or, in some cases, they can even break, which means you'll need to call a water damage remediation company. If you hear this happening, try padding the spots where the pipes are striking the wall.

3. Tight Valves
A high-pitched screeching sound is usually indicative that a valve isn't open all the way. This may be right near your heater, or it might be a faucet it leads to. Try to track down the source of the noise and then check your valves in that area to make sure they are loose enough.
While noises coming from your hot water heater can be unnerving, they are often easily fixed. Follow these tips to find the issue, and you'll have your heater running smoothly in no time.

Which Common Water Losses Are Covered by Insurance?

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Damaged pipes caused water damage to a building in Leiper's Fork, TN

Which Common Water Losses Are Covered by Insurance?

There are several common water losses that can affect a commercial business in Leiper's Fork, TN. Some, such as damaged pipes, may be covered by your commercial insurance policy. Other water emergencies, however, are excluded from coverage.

Excluded Perils
A flood is perhaps the most potentially damaging water loss not covered by insurance. In fact, many different types of water accumulations are excluded, such as:

• Mudflow
  
• Sewage or drain backup
  
• Waves
  
  

While typical commercial insurance does not cover flooding, you can purchase separate flood insurance to protect your building. Many insurers offer sewage backup endorsements, as well.
Insurance companies expect property owners to take care of the premises. Therefore, if your building has a slow leak from damaged pipes that lasts for at least two weeks, you will have to pay for emergency restoration services yourself.
Mold that grows following a water loss is often typically excluded, as well. Your policy may provide some coverage, but it is usually limited.

Covered Perils
While slowly leaking pipes are excluded from insurance, a burst pipe is typically covered. That is because insurance covers damage that results from a sudden peril. You can use your insurance to pay for both the cost of repairs and the expense of ripping any ceilings or walls to get to the source of the leak.
Keep in mind that pipes often burst due to freezing temperatures. If you fail to properly maintain the heat in your building, the insurance provider could deny your claim.
The harm that is caused by sprinklers or other fire protection systems should also be covered under your policy. This includes harm caused by the release of fire-suppressing foams or powders.
Damaged pipes are a common cause of water loss for businesses. If a pipe leaks over an extended period of time, you will likely be responsible for the cost of repairs. However, your insurance should cover any expenses that result from a sudden and accidental discharge of water.

How Basements Flood and What To Do About It

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

If you spot flooding in the basement, hire a professional right away to assess the damage

Of all the places in your home susceptible to flooding, your basement is at or near the top of the list. You may not even notice water damage for weeks or months when it occurs in this area. Understanding how floods can start here and how to react can spare you a lot of time, money, and stress.

Common Ways That Water Finds its Way Into Basements

Flooding can start at any place in your Brentwood, TN, home, and cause widespread damage. The basement often attracts water for various reasons. This can occur from the following culprits:

• Cracks in the foundation of the home
  
• Broken pipes
  Leaky or bursting appliances such as washers or water heaters
  
• Broken supply lines
  
• Sewer backups
  
  

Flood Prevention
Some incidents occur without warning, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk for a basement flood. Make sure you have a professional inspect your plumbing system at least once a year. A plumber can look for pipe leaks or sewer damage. If you spot an issue, repair it immediately. You should also maintain the rain gutters and downspouts on the home. Regular appliance maintenance is also critical. Other measures you can take include landscaping your yard and making sure your property slopes away from the house.

Call the Pros
For small-scale water issues, you should remove all items from the affected area and extract the water with a wet vacuum. However, for larger floods, you should contact a professional flood response team. Professional technicians can handle pipe repair and remove all water from the area. The pros have the right equipment to thoroughly dry the basement and sanitize any parts of the home that came into contact with the water.
If you spot flooding in the basement, hire a professional right away to assess the damage. You can also follow wise guidelines to reduce the chances of water infiltrating your property.

How To Prevent Toilet Clogs in Your Commercial Building

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Buy thinner toilet paper

How To Prevent Toilet Clogs in Your Commercial Building

A clogged toilet is not just an inconvenience for your employees. It could also cause a sewage backup in your commercial building. You might then have to temporarily shut down your Leiper's Fork, TN, office, or store while emergency restoration professionals clean up the mess.
Luckily, some clogs are preventable. Blockages often occur when workers or customers flush items down the toilet that do not belong there. There are some simple ways to prevent this from happening.

1. Provide Plenty of Wastebaskets
People may throw paper towels or feminine hygiene products in the toilet purely out of necessity. To prevent a clogged toilet, make sure there are numerous wastebaskets in the main area of each bathroom. You may even want to put smaller trash cans within each stall. The cans should be large enough to handle a sufficient amount of daily waste.
Workers may avoid using the cans if they are overflowing with trash. You should thus have a maintenance worker regularly empty each basket.
2. Hang Signs
Other employees or customers may simply throw certain paper items in the toilet because they are unaware those items could cause clogs. Place some signs in the bathroom reminding everyone to dispose of these products in the trash. You can make the signs yourself or order them from supply stores.
3. Buy Thinner Toilet Paper
Even the wrong bathroom tissue can cause a clogged toilet. While you and your family may prefer thick, high-quality toilet paper, this is not always suitable for a commercial bathroom that gets used frequently each day. Instead, opt for thinner bathroom tissue that is less likely to get stuck in the toilet.
The above steps can reduce the odds of paper towels, wipes, or feminine hygiene products clogging your commercial toilets. Still, even if you do provide wastebaskets, post signs, and switch to thinner bathroom tissue, a toilet overflow may occur. If you do experience a flood in your restrooms, restoration experts can efficiently clean up the mess.

Our Team Has The Right Equipment to Restore your Franklin Home

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Williamson County rapid response team a call anytime disaster strikes at (615) 790-9634.

Water Removal in Your Franklin Home After Toilet Overflow

While the toilet is not always talked heavily about, it is a staple and much-needed addition to your Franklin home. As these fixtures age, however, the components that allow it to function properly can jam or malfunction, causing several potential problems. While some of these might be a drawn-out refilling process that can affect your monthly water bill, more severe consequences might include overflowing of the reservoir when the float mechanism does not engage.

Overflowing reservoirs might not affect your Franklin home with contaminated water, but it does often require professional water removal and recovery.  Even with noticing the problem shortly after it begins, an instance like this can quickly cover the bathroom floor and affect cabinetry and the vanity as well. Our SERVPRO professionals can understand the importance of reacting quickly to this situation, and so our team arrives with the necessary equipment to quickly extract the excess.

The tile or laminate flooring likely installed in your bathroom can resist penetration from the pooling water, but saturation can still occur with these materials if the problem does not get addressed quickly enough. While each plank or tile itself works to resist absorbing the moisture, seams and grout joints are more penetrable. To protect your flooring from extensive damage, extraction must begin shortly after the situation gets discovered.

Our SERVPRO professionals can arrive with high-powered extraction equipment for severe damages like our gas-powered units. For smaller pools, we can also bring in our portable sump pumps and extraction wands. Once the excess has gotten removed from the flooring, we can set up our advanced drying equipment to protect and preserve exposed cabinetry, fixtures, and flooring. We can double check our drying efforts with our thermal imagery cameras to detect lingering moisture pockets that require added attention.

As traumatic as an overflowing reservoir might seem, the right professional assistance can make this water damage “Like it never even happened.” Give our SERVPRO of Williamson County rapid response team a call anytime disaster strikes at (615) 790-9634.

The city of Franklin, Tennessee has a unique blend of history and new growth click here to find more information.

Homeowner’s Insurance May Cover Damaged Pipes

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in Franklin, TN

The Following Are 3 Issues That Require Consideration

Water damage is a constant threat to your Franklin, TN, home. Insurance coverage usually makes a provision for the remediation of water damage if it occurs. In the case of a flood from a broken pipe, it may even cover some of the cost of the plumbing repairs. However, there are circumstances under which your insurer may refuse to help. The following are three issues that require consideration.

Was the problem preventable? It is a homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that the home water system is well-maintained. It is also essential to ensure that the plumbing is not susceptible to damage from external forces like cold weather. Periodic inspection of plumbing by a certified professional will help identify problems before they occur. Being a proactive homeowner keeps repair costs low and minimizes the chances of a plumbing emergency.
Was the problem reported promptly? It’s one thing to have an unknown plumbing problem in a hidden space. It is another to have one that you know about but choose to ignore. Even a small leak can cause extensive water damage and a mold problem. An insurance adjuster can quickly determine that there was a reporting delay. This negligence makes claim denial a real possibility.

Does the homeowner’s policy address this situation? Many homeowners don’t understand what their policies cover until they have a problem. That’s a bad time to discover that the coverage is inadequate. An important aspect of being proactive is knowing ahead of time what protections your policy provides. Will it help you respond to a flood from a plumbing failure? Will it pay to fix a broken pipe? The answer to these and other questions is there in the fine print of your policy.

There is no way to know when a plumbing problem will flood your home or how bad it will be. It is good to know that there are local water damage remediation experts ready to step in and eliminate your problem. They are Here to Help.

How To Stop a Toilet That Keeps Running

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flushometer

There Are Ways to Stop a Toilet that Keeps Flushing

Your commercial building in Brentwood, TN, likely includes flushometers that control the various toilets in the facility. While flushometers use up less space and can even save water, they are not immune to problems. Toilet overflow or continuous flushing can still occur.
A constantly running toilet, in particular, can both annoy your employees and waste gallons of water. However, there are ways to stop a toilet that keeps flushing.

Automatic Flushometers

No matter what type of flushometer you have, you should start the repair process by turning off the water. Simply use a flat screwdriver to stop the water from flowing. If your flushometer works automatically, you should then follow the below steps:

1. Press and Hold Down the Manual Flush Button
   This will tell you whether or not there is a problem with the diaphragm kit. If you hear two clicks that are two seconds apart, replace or clean that kit.
   
2. Check the Solenoid
   The solenoid may also be causing the toilet to flush constantly. Check for any missing bowl rings and make sure the solenoid is tight enough.
   

Manual Flushometers

A manual flushometer also requires minimal effort to fix. After you turn off the water to prevent toilet overflow, you simply do the following:

1. Screw Off the Top Lid
   The flushometer lid comes off fairly easily. All you need is a wrench to loosen it.
   
2. Remove the Flange Cover
   Some water may splash out when you perform this step. You may want to protect yourself with gloves or a mask.
3. Clean or Replace the Gasket
   A manual flushometer that won't stop running likely has excess sediment on the gasket. Thoroughly clean the gasket before putting the flushometer back together. If that doesn’t fix the problem, consider replacing the gasket entirely.
   

While you can stop a running toilet on your own, larger problems such as a major toilet overflow require the help of professionals. If you encounter one of these messy bathroom situations, toilet flood cleanup specialists can assist with the restoration.

Our Specialists Explain Fast Extraction Techniques For Your Brentwood Apartment

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Give our technicians a call anytime that you need us at (615) 790-9634.

Fast Extraction Techniques For Damaged Brentwood Apartments

Apartment buildings in Brentwood dealing with the devastating effects of any loss incident can see these symptoms penetrate wall cavities and permeate shared construction elements to affect multiple units simultaneously. This situation is true when it comes to water loss incidents, as substantial events can allow for heavy pooling and standing water to remain in the apartment, which can move between units to cause more damage. We have experienced and dedicated professionals who can help.

When these damages occur, water removal is a vital service that your Brentwood apartment needs right away. The worse the conditions are in your property, the more that one can assume the incident and its symptoms have spread to the other residences that share walls and floors. Our SERVPRO professionals arrive with the full measure of our cleaning, drying, and extraction equipment, helping our entire roster on-site to begin vital mitigation and recovery work right away.

The objective of our professionals when we first reach a damaged apartment is to work to keep the situation from getting worse. Often mitigation can address the spread of effects, but our specialists do not fully understand the extent of the damage until we employ our advanced hygrometers, moisture content readers, and thermal imagery devices to note specifically the path that the water damage has taken throughout the building.

Standing water presents threats to not only the flooring and the structural integrity of specific areas of your apartment, but penetration of this flooring can lead to water damage in the level below you as well. We have an array of extraction tools capable of reaching inaccessible areas and powerful enough to remove standing water at a rate of 300 psi. We always have the right tool for the job.

Extraction is a vital component of recovery when water loss incidents affect apartment buildings. Our SERVPRO of Williamson County team can respond quickly to these emergencies with the experience and tools to help. Give our technicians a call anytime that you need us at (615) 790-9634.

Click here for more about Brentwood.

Take the Stress Out of Water Damage Remediation in Franklin With SERVPRO

4/21/2019 (Permalink)

If your fridge leaks due to a plumbing issue, water damage may quickly result. Contact SERVPRO to remediate the damage and help prevent mold.

Get Water Removal Services for Your Franklin Home After a Supply Line to the Refrigerator Breaks

One of the most common types of water loss in homes occurs due to the water line to the refrigerator breaking. When this occurs, a lot of water can spew in your kitchen and spread in other rooms in your home.

Plumbing supply lines have a significant amount of water pressure in them, meaning that a small hole could cause water to pool in your house. If water has pooled in your residence, using water removal services in Franklin is the right decision. The experienced professionals at SERVPRO can assist you to extract the water and restore your home to its pre-water damage condition. Our technicians can stop leak to prevent the situation from getting worse.

We can determine the scope of the water damage and contain the affected areas so that the water does not spread to other areas during the mitigation process. Water can spread and find its way into walls, floors, and other surfaces and this may not be apparent to the naked eye. SERVPRO technicians use infrared cameras and moisture meters to identify the affected areas. Proper containment keeps the destruction localized.

When dealing with significant water damage, it may be necessary to remove some materials like drywall, flooring, and subfloor from the affected areas to salvage the substructure and framing, and to prevent mold growth. Our technicians can inform you about the items that can remain unaffected, place them outside the affected area, and dispose of the damaged items.

We can use pumps to extract standing water from the affected area. After water removal, your flooring and walls may appear dry at first glance but are still wet. Porous building materials like wood and drywall can retain significant moisture. Our technicians can manipulate relative humidity and temperature to eliminate the remaining moisture. We use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove moisture from building materials and other difficult to access areas. Our technicians use moisture meters to monitor the process until the wet materials return to acceptable drying goals.

If water has pooled in your home due to a broken refrigerator supply line, SERVPRO of Williamson County can assist you in drying it out. Call us at (615) 790-9634. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and serve several local communities, including Franklin, Nolensville and Thompson Station.

Click here for more information about the city of Franklin.

How We Save Your Building Materials From Being A Loss In Franklin

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

We have the specialized equipment to restore your floors after your home has been effected by water damage. We are here for you 24/7 so call today.

Water Removal Crews In Franklin Talk About Mitigating Wet Hard Wood Floors

If a pipe ever breaks inside your Franklin home, many of your building materials can become damaged. When things get wet inside your house, it is wise to call in a professional water removal company such as SERVPRO. Our team knows that moisture follows gravity once it leaks out from its source. This can create problems with flooring materials including carpet, linoleum, and wooden floors. Whenever moisture negatively affects your building materials or contents, conducting water removal promptly can keep items from having to be removed and replaced.

In many cases, our SERVPRO technicians can remove the moisture from your building materials and save them from being counted as a loss. When arriving at a water removal project in Franklin, our team first secures the working area. If there are any potential hazards such as slip or fall dangers, we mitigate them before beginning any restoration procedures. Once the building is deemed secure for all of its occupants, we find the source of the moisture. We then either temporarily repair the leak ourselves or call in a certified plumber to fix the broken pipes.

Once we make it so that water stops spilling into your dwelling, we begin extracting it while it is still in liquid form. If there is a large amount of standing water on your hardwood floors, we vacuum it up using a truck-mounted extractor and extraction tools designed specifically for hard surfaces. Once all of the water we can extract gets pulled up out of the flooring materials, we begin the drying process.

In many cases, we can dry out most building materials using a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers. The air movers push the wet air away from the damp floor so that more moisture can evaporate out of the materials while the dehumidifiers handle water removal from the air. However, in more severe situations, other methods must get implemented so that the hardwood floors do not cup or buckle.

During severe cases, we use specialized drying mats to push water deep into the hardwood floor. If your wooden floors ever get wet during a plumbing failure, call SERVPRO of Williamson County at (615) 790-9634 any day of the week.

Franklin is a popular town to dine and shop, click here to find out where to park when visiting.

How Our InjectiDry System Can Save Your Water Damaged Wood Floors In Your Brentwood Home

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Protecting your hardwood flooring after a water loss incident is more intricate than it might initially appear.

Using Our InjectiDry System For Wood Floors In Brentwood Homes

Protecting hardwood flooring in your Brentwood home might become complicated when water loss incidents have occurred. While simple spills can get cleaned up quickly and dried up without incident, larger loss scenarios can cause pooling and saturation of this flooring material. Within only a few days, hardwood flooring can begin to warp and distort, causing irreparable damage and requiring removal and replacement to restore successfully. Our crew can respond quickly to emergencies like this to provide effective mitigation strategies designed to protect this flooring and other exposed materials throughout your property.

As soon as your hardwood flooring in your Brentwood home gets exposed to water damage effects like standing water, saturation begins almost immediately. Our SERVPRO team has a 24-hour response to water loss emergencies, offering effective mitigation strategies with our industry-leading equipment that can remove standing water quickly and begin the intricate process of restoring saturated hardwood flooring. One piece of equipment, in particular, is uniquely effective in the controlled drying process for this material, our injectidry system.

With this approach, we can combine the use of large drying mats with this advanced technology to regulate a steady draw of moisture from the damaged wood flooring. These mats are laid perpendicular to the seams of the planks, covering the largest overall area. Thick plastic sheeting covers the entire exposed area of flooring, keeping these mats and the injectidry unit covered to promote a unified drying effort.

During this process, our SERVPRO professionals must monitor the moisture content of the wood flooring. It is very easy with our advanced equipment to overly dry these planks, which can be as detrimental to their strength and function as allowing them to remain saturated. Once the moisture content has reached the desired levels, we can begin the removal of the drying mats and focus on cleaning the flooring.

Protecting your hardwood flooring after a water loss incident is more intricate than it might initially appear. Our SERVPRO of Williamson County water restoration technicians can arrive quickly with the tools to effectively protect your flooring and restore the other effects your home has experienced. Give our specialists a call anytime at (615) 790-9634.

Click here for more about Brentwood.

Understanding Why Your Sewer Backed Up

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

A damaged pipe may allow sewage to lek into your Brentwood,TN home

One important part of a residential sewer cleanup in Brentwood, TN, is figuring out why your home was flooded with sewage. Your team of water damage experts can help you figure out the source of the damage, which helps you create a better repair plan. You can also use this quick guide to learn more about the potential causes.

1. Damaged Pipes

A damaged pipe may allow sewage to leak into your home. If a tree root has cracked open the pipe in your yard, the sewage may fill the ground and travel into the lower levels of your home. In some cases, a pipe in your walls could have burst and unleashed sewer water.

2. Faulty Fixtures

A flooded toilet could also be the source of dirty flood water. While this water may not contain fecal matter, it may still have traces of urine from the bowl of the toilet. A broken or clogged toilet can cause the water to fill your bathroom.

3. Heavy Rainfall

When there's a lot of rain in Brentwood,TN, the water table level can rise exponentially. This extra water can flood into the city sewer line. When this line reaches its capacity, the water and sewage have to go somewhere. You may not think of a sewer cleanup being tied to a storm, but it does happen when the system gets overloaded.

4. Clogs

Clogs and blockages are another common cause of a sewer backup. The blockage could be located in your plumbing or it could be in the sewer main pipes. No matter where the clog is, it causes the same problem. The sewage leaving your house cannot travel past the clog. The pressure builds up and causes the contents of the pipes to travel backwards into your home.

Sewer doesn't often fill a home, but when it does you need to start sewer cleanup as soon as possible. Understanding the potential cause of your flooding can make creating a repair plan easier.

What do I do if I have water in my house?

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

If you come home from a long day at work and find that your home has been flooded, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Williamson County has teams available 24/7 that can be on site in the Brentwood area to help you. 

The first step is to get all of the water removed from the structure as soon as possible. If the water sits for too long it can begin to create secondary damages such as mold and other microbial growth. 

Once all of the visible water has been removed, SERVPRO of Williamson County will begin to place the drying equipment throughout your home. After a few days of monitoring and drying, our licensed technicians will come out and remove all of the equipment. 

If any of the structure has been damaged, SERVPRO of Williamson County can help with the repairs, to get your home back to pre loss condition. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at anytime, 24/7.