Restoring Landscaping After Water Damage: Lawn, Garden, and Soil

6/12/2024 (Permalink)

In this blog, we discuss effective strategies for restoring your landscaping after water damage and bringing your outdoor space back to life.

Water damage can extend beyond the interior of your home and affect your outdoor landscaping, including your lawn, garden, and soil. When faced with water-damaged landscaping, knowing how to restore these outdoor areas is essential for maintaining the beauty and health of your property. In this blog, we will discuss effective strategies for restoring your landscaping after water damage and bringing your outdoor space back to life.

Assessing the Damage

Before beginning the restoration process, assess the extent of the water damage to your lawn, garden, and soil. Look for signs of standing water, soil erosion, sediment deposition, and any visible damage to plants, grass, or landscaping features. Understanding the scope of the damage will help guide your restoration efforts.

Drainage and Water Removal

If there is standing water on your lawn or garden, proper drainage is essential for preventing further damage and promoting recovery. Use tools like shovels, rakes, and aeration devices to improve drainage and facilitate water removal from waterlogged areas. Creating channels for water to flow away from the affected areas can help prevent soil saturation and promote drying.

Soil Aeration and Compaction Relief

Water damage can lead to soil compaction, which hinders proper water and air circulation to the roots of your plants. Utilize aeration tools to loosen compacted soil and improve its ability to absorb water and nutrients. This will encourage healthier growth and recovery for your lawn and garden.

Remove Debris and Contaminants

Clear debris, sediments, and any contaminants that may have been deposited on your lawn and in your garden as a result of water damage. Carefully remove any foreign materials to prevent smothering and damaging your plants and grass.

Reseeding and Planting

If water damage has caused significant damage to your lawn or garden, reseeding and replanting may be necessary to restore the greenery and vibrancy of your landscaping. Choose appropriate grass, plants, and flowers suited for your climate and soil conditions. Proper preparation of the soil, including adding organic matter and nutrients, will help promote successful growth and recovery.

Fertilization and Soil Amendments

After water damage, your soil may benefit from fertilization and soil amendments to replenish essential nutrients and promote healthy plant growth. Utilize fertilizers and organic amendments to restore the soil's fertility and support the recovery of your landscaping.

Professional Assistance for Restoration

In some cases, water damage to your landscaping may be extensive and require professional assistance for comprehensive restoration. If you are dealing with severe landscape damage, consider reaching out to experienced restoration professionals who specialize in restoring water-damaged outdoor areas. Their expertise and resources can help ensure a successful recovery for your landscaping.

Monitoring and Maintenance

After implementing restoration efforts, monitor the progress of your lawn, garden, and soil recovery. Proper maintenance, including regular watering, mulching, and weed control, will be essential for supporting the ongoing health and restoration of your landscaping.

In conclusion, restoring your landscaping after water damage is vital for preserving the beauty and integrity of your outdoor space. By taking proactive steps to assess the damage, improve drainage, rejuvenate the soil, and promote plant recovery, you can effectively restore your lawn, garden, and soil. Remember, if you require professional assistance for the restoration of water-damaged landscaping, contact SERVPRO® for expert guidance and support. Our experienced professionals can help you navigate the restoration process and bring your outdoor space back to life.

What Happens When I Have Water Damage?

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Nobody likes the unexpected. It can be scary and overwhelming, in worst cases, time consuming and costly. SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova will try and ease the unexpected blow. We're a team of highly trained individuals with specialized equipment, tools, and skills needed to make sure that your water damage is taken care of swiftly and adequately.

What Can You Expect When You Call Us?

One of our employees will first take your call; we'll take your name, number, and address down and then ask detailed questions to know exactly what your situation looks like. As we hang up the phone with you, we'll dispatch a team out to your home and/or business so they can be on-site as quickly as possible. Additionally, you'll be assigned an admin within the office to take care of your job – they will give you updates and work with your insurance provider.

Once we get to your home, we will extract any standing water that needs to be removed using either a handheld extractor or an extractor that we can ride on. We will then place fans and dehumidifiers to help with the drying process.

In the next few days, we will continue to monitor the drying process, making sure that we inspect all possible affected areas for water damage. If you find yourself with an unexpected water loss, give SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova a call at (901) 382-0900! We'll help make it "Like it never even happened."

4 Tips For Flood Protection

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Flood Protection

When heavy rains descend, your building in Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, may be in danger of flood damage. To avoid having to put your business on hold for massive flood cleanup, follow these tips to protect your building from significant damage.

1. Inspect Building Frequently

You are likely sticking to a seasonal inspection schedule, but if the forecast indicates that a strong storm is approaching, it makes sense to inspect it again. Look at your exterior walls, foundation, and roof to see if there're any cracks where water could get in. If you find any problems, contact storm damage experts for repairs that can be done before the storm hits.

2. Keep Drainage System Clean

Giving excess water a place to go is vital to keeping it out of your building. Gutters and downspouts should always be kept free of debris, particularly during storm season. Directing the downpour away from the roof and base of your building can help prevent flood damage.

3. Test Basement Pumps

If there's flooding in your basement, you will inevitably need storm cleanup. You can lower your costs by making sure your sump pump is working. These pumps are designed to start getting rid of water as soon as the sensors are triggered. Regular testing, particularly before a major storm hits, is advisable.

4. Have an Emergency Plan

If your building floods, an emergency plan can help everyone understand clearly what they are supposed to do. Make sure it is up to date and that all employees have access to the latest version. Assign tasks that designate what each person needs to do in the event of a flood emergency.You may not be able to avoid all flood damage in your building during a, particularly aggressive storm. You can minimize its effects, however, by taking the necessary precautions. These tips help ensure that your building is as flood-resistant as possible.

What You Need To Know About Commercial Water Damage

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Experiencing water damage at your or Bartlett, TN or Cordova, TN business can be stressful, especially when it affects equipment and inventory. Many water emergencies are the result of a plumbing mishap and are graded into different categories. A Category 1 water emergency originates from a clean water source; however, there are a few facts you may want to be aware of to ensure proper cleanup.

Water Appliances Are A Common Leak Source

When a Category 1 flood occurs, the origin point is usually an appliance that dispenses water, such as a breakroom sink, an automatic ice maker, or a water cooler. Supply line leaks and breakage are often responsible. You can stem the water flow by shutting off the main water supply valve and sealing off the area until help arrives.

Sanitary Water Can Degrade Quickly 

Although Category 1 flood events have a clean water source, such as a broken pipe in your restaurant's kitchen, the resulting standing water can break down rapidly due to bacteria formation. Humidity and the introduction of dirt and debris from people's shoes as they attempt to clean up the mess. It is a good idea to call in flood damage and remediation service as quickly as possible to prevent water stagnation.

Mold Growth May Still Occur 

Unlike Category 3 water, which contains toxins and unsanitary debris, Category 1 can be simpler to deal with cleanup efforts. However, it is essential to remember that mold growth may occur days to weeks later if it is not adequately cleaned and dried. Mold grows in humid, moist areas and can flourish undetected behind drywall and underneath carpet padding. Ask your remediation technicians how to prevent this issue and whether your building is vulnerable after a Category 1 flood.

Clean water flooding at your Bartlett, TN, or Cordova, TN, business may not seem too serious at first. However, there're a few dangers connected with such an event, and knowing what to expect can help you protect the future of your commercial building.

3 Reasons You Need to Replace Your Pipes

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Reasons to Upgrade Your Plumbing System to Something New

While the plumbing system in your Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, building is made to last, whether made from steel or polybutylene, it certainly won't last forever. It may cost some time and money, but it is a good idea to have these replaced occasionally. Here are a few reasons to upgrade to something new.

1. They're Old

One apparent reason to have your pipes replaced is, they have gotten old. Even the most sturdy system will deteriorate over time. How long your system will last before you need to install new plumbing will depend on the materials used, so it is a good idea to keep this information in mind. Whatever the material, if it has been several decades since your pipes were installed, it's probably time to have them replaced.

2. They're Damaged

Broken pipes can cause massive water damage, so you should have them replaced as quickly as possible. Pipes can break as the result of deterioration, freezing during cold weather, or even the growth of tree roots nearby. If your pipes are relatively new, you will likely not need to replace the whole system and focus only on the affected area.

3. They're Made from Polybutylene

If your plumbing system was installed between the 1970s and 1990s, they were possibly made with Polybutylene (PB) pipes. PB pipes were often used because they were easy to install and were relatively inexpensive. However, over time, it became apparent that they broke too quickly and could leach chemicals into the water. If you have PB pipes, replace them as soon as possible.

While you should try to replace your pipes before they cause any damage, accidents can happen. If you have suffered from water damage to your business, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova can help. They can perform cleanup and repairs to restore your building quickly.

Key Restoration Tips After Home Water Damage

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

When the water in home reservoirs leaks, it can cause water damage. Since water can be destructive, avoiding leakages in your home is imperative. When water gets into drywall, it can seep through the interior walls and create some unsightly patches on the floors, ceilings, and gypsum boards. Some walls can collapse, depending on the extent of the damage. Professional contractors can repair the walls and ceilings since they have the expertise to undertake the job. The following tips will help you to enjoy a certain degree of success during home restoration:

Find the Water Leak

If you have a leaky faucet or tap, finding the leak is relatively easy. If the water in the home plumbing systems starts to leak, identifying the faulty valves is easy. However, if pipes are leaking within the walls, a plumber might have to cut some sections to determine the problem. Other signs of leakages come from the roof. If the roof is leaking, a roofing contractor can find the leak by undertaking a thorough inspection. Since the water will flow by gravity, identifying the source of the leak can be quite tricky. Besides, the sloping roofs pose many threats and risks, including slip and fall accidents. The ceiling will show the signs of leakages if they start to develop such patches and cracks. The ceiling will sag and crumble under the weight of the water. Home repair after water damage varies depending on the problem. It is critical to engage a competent home repair contractor in solving the problem completely. If the water in home plumbing installations leaks, the cost of restoration depends on the extent of water damage. Drying after water cleanup can also help prevent flood damage if you encounter a water leak in a home or commercial premises.

Flood Damage Mitigation

One of the specific mitigation procedures is to pinpoint the problem. Undertaking the repairs and restoration can be futile if you do not identify the source of the problem. Pinpointing the leaky toilet, burst pipe, or leaky roof is the first step towards eliminating the problem. Once you stop the leakage, you need to pump the water. When the leakage of water in business appliances occurs, you should act fast. The size of your pump will depend on the amount of water.

In some cases, you might require truck-mounted water extractors to pump the water. Once you remove the water, you need to dry the walls and floors and eliminate the excess moisture. Such moisture can encourage mildew and mold growth in your home, causing costly losses to your home. Home restoration can be cheap if you take critical mitigation initiatives seriously. Once you undertake the water cleanup, drying is imperative if you want to eliminate the moisture.

Identify the Nature of Flood Damage

A home inspector comes in handy when it comes to estimating the cost of drying and water cleanup. The seepage of water in business parking and basements can cause damage. Remember that you might not see the water in hidden areas such as crawlspaces. A thorough inspection will help identify all the wet areas and guarantee success during the restoration and repair. Wet wood can develop molds and mildew in several days. Wood can also rot very fast if the water in business plumbing systems gets to the floor. If you do not immediately address the issue, you might have to spend a home repair fortune.

A reliable mitigation program must seek to prevent water damage in the future. After completing the repair, you can safeguard your home from such damage in the future by inspecting your plumbing system often, repairing your roof, and improving your drainage system. Protect your home from water damage in the future by undertaking a comprehensive inspection. The best way to deal with water damage is to call a professional plumber. A reputable contractor has the equipment you need for drying, water cleanup, and any other problem you might encounter when the water in business establishments leaks. Contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova for additional information on water damage.

Does My Carpet Need to Be Replaced? Professional Water Extraction and Cleaning

5/22/2022 (Permalink)

Professional Water Extraction and Cleaning

If a pipe breaks, a tub overflows, or dishwasher leaks water can spread quickly throughout your home. Moisture from one of these instances can soak into the carpet, damaging the porous fibers.

What does water do to a carpet?

If the water saturates the carpet, padding will disintegrate and glues will weaken, causing the backing to peel away from the fibers. The moisture also causes microbes to develop on the surface of the subfloor. Water will ruin the whole carpet if left too long, so how long is too long? How would a person know if a carpet is salvageable or not?

The answer depends on a few factors. A professional restoration company will examine the cause of water damage and determine if the water is Category 1, 2, or 3. These categories describe the levels of toxicity of the water. Flood water and sewage water are seen as unsafe and are categorized differently than tap water overflowing from a sink or bathtub.

A professional will also lift the different layers for cleaning and drying. The carpet padding will likely be thrown out, no matter how long it’s been sitting, because it is relatively inexpensive to replace. This saves a lot of time, effort, and money cleaning a potential breeding ground for microbial growth. 

In general, many carpets can be restored by professional technicians without needing replacement—even when water seeps deep into the fibers. 

Water Extraction

After technicians inspect the danger and its source, lift layers, and remove pieces, they will extract water from the carpet fibers using specialized equipment. This equipment pulls the water up through a vacuum and sends it to a tank. Heavy-duty weighted extraction tools will be used for highly saturated carpets. Weighted extraction tools use the operator's weight to compress the carpet, allowing more moisture to be extracted.

Drying

After water extraction, a professional will set up drying equipment. Air movers—SERVPRO’s name for industrial, high-powered, blower fans—push air in a circular motion speeding up the evaporation process. Dehumidifiers are simultaneously set up to pull moisture out of the environment and lower the property’s relative humidity.

Finally, a professional will disinfect the carpet. For additional information, call our office today at (901) 754-9061!

Benefits of Large Loss For Your Commercial Business

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Large Loss Restoration of Your Commercial Property

Large Loss Restoration of Your Commercial Property

When a property is affected by a disaster, catastrophic loss occurs. Whether the large, commercial property sustains water, fire, or storm damage, there will be many different moving parts involved to restore the business to its preloss condition. Employing a restoration company that offers significant loss response can be useful for insurance agents and business owners alike. A professional like SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova will be able to make the process run smoothly since we work with the insurance directly and handle all parts of most large loss jobs in-house.

Our services include water extraction, board-up services, HEPA filtration, mold remediation, fire cleanup, contents cleaning, odor removal, biohazard cleanup, construction, and much more.

1. Experts Are Equipped With the Right Tools

When a major disaster strikes a large geographic area, it's common for restoration experts to be overwhelmed with requests and phone calls. Some local restoration companies may not be equipped to handle all types of disasters or at a large scale, and these companies may not have access to specialized tools.

A restoration company with a broad reach and the resources of 18 other locations, can bring in experts with the necessary tools to assist in the cleanup and restoration process of even the biggest and most complex jobs.

2. Experience to Handle Catastrophes

Whether a catastrophic loss occurs due to flooding, storm damage, or a fire, it's essential for business owners and insurance agents alike to know that the professionals restoring commercial properties are experienced. One person alone may not have the experience to respond to a major disaster. However, when numerous people assist in responding to a disaster, everyone's combined experience makes the loss response team equipped to manage many aspects of commercial property damage. 

3. Timely Reactions

When widespread damage occurs to an area, other local restoration companies may not assess quickly enough to be a real help. Unfortunately, a slow response can cause a property to acquire more issues, such as mold growth and structural damage. With our 24 hour emergency response, however, professionals can quickly assess a property, and take next steps. After a thorough assessment, experts can begin restoration. So, the faster the professional gets to the job site, the faster your commercial property can be restored to its preloss condition.

There is a reason SERVPRO has ranked number one in the industry for over 20 years. We stand with our work because we really are “here to help.”

SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile Helps Prepare Your Company for Emergencies

We want to help your business to be ready for the damaging effects of fire, water, and storm. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate action plan.

Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage affects your business. 

The Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is a tablet and phone application that allows you to take photographs of important safety and emergency features in your business. Each photograph will have a written explanation of how to turn off the different utility systems. One of our SERVPRO employees will walk you through your business’s safety features and help you establish a plan in preparation for an emergency. Remember Murphy’s law—If anything can go wrong, it will. So, we want to make sure you are not caught unawares. 

For additional information regarding SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile, contact SERVPRO of East Memphis at (901) 382-0900.

Protect Your Home Against Wind Damage

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

When storms hit anywhere in the United States, our SERVPRO team can scale our resources to handle even the largest storm or flooding disaster.

Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms

While thunderstorms are the most common source of wind and storm damage, winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are more severe and may be more costly. Still, thunderstorms are responsible for a lot of damage, such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding. Either way, billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year. While understanding the nature of wind damage can’t stop them from happening, it can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.

What You Need to Know

Flying Debris is a Damage Risk

Flying debris can cause more damage than strong winds themselves. Damage can result from plants or other unsecured structures and objects. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris in your homes such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans are either secured or brought inside. Bonus tip: For severe weather, secure your doors and windows, too.

A Well-Designed Roofing System Does Wonders

Apply roof deck, shingles, or membrane over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the structure in a strong wind. Roofing material should latch to the deck.

The construction phase of building a structure is the most influential piece in reducing damage caused by storms. Loosely connected shingles will lift from the deck, so fasten that siding down. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a stronger storm-resistant structure.

Monitor and Maintain Your Trees.

Falling trees and tree limbs are another significant type of damage to structures in a windstorm. Maintain your trees by removing dead limbs. In addition, remove the entire tree if it is dead. Healthy trees should have strong enough roots to withstand fairly strong winds, but dead trees will not.

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

What happens after the storm? 

First, close any openings as soon as possible. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common source of water damage in these situations. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that cuts to size and nail it over the opening. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close-up, if needed, so contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

If the damage is too much to handle on your own, contact a restoration professional as soon as you can to help limit and repair damage and respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Faster Response

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quickly to your area with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Resources to Scale Up for Large Disasters

When storms hit anywhere in the United States, our SERVPRO team can scale our resources to handle even the largest storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1900 franchises across the country as well as our elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Why Memphis Fabrication Plant Calls SERVPRO to Extract Water

3/13/2022 (Permalink)

We are proud to help businesses in this community with commercial water removal methods continue serving the public.

Flood water and storm damage events at commercial properties often involve numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we are dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova quickly assesses each unique situation and isolates the damaged area for cleanup. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility and make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Unique Challenges of Restoring Commercial Property

Our professionals at SERVPRO are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. 

Why Memphis Fabrication Plant Calls SERVPRO to Extract Water

Once a factory or other assembly plant sustains water loss, drying the area to protect employee health and safety, machinery, and productivity is a priority. Drains are a simple solution to water removal or rerouting, but they can only do so much when massive amounts of water are present in multiple areas. For instance, overhead water sources can ruin machines and other equipment by forming pools of water in the depressions of equipment.

Water Extraction

Removing the water from where it would otherwise remain trapped prevents corrosion of metal and keeps microbial infestations from developing. When your equipment retains water, we suction it out with specialty tools like water and other material extractors, helping ensure that employees can continue their jobs with little interruption from us. Then, if the machinery's maintenance instructions call for it, we will even wipe machines with oil to prevent rust and protect equipment from possible problems. 

SERVPRO Equipment Enhances Air Quality

Air movers help us keep moisture from condensing on surfaces and direct water vapor toward desiccation machines. These machines draw moisture from the air and release dry, filtered air back into the area we are treating. This cycle cleans and dries the air.

Using our various machines and tools, we protect your equipment and building from harm. At SERVPRO, we are proud to help businesses in this community with commercial water removal methods continue serving the public. We want to ensure businesses stay afloat, operating, and contributing to the local economy; part of the way we do that is by getting involved to mitigate a storm or water disaster as soon as we can. Call us today to schedule a free estimate, (901) 382-0900. We are also available 24 hours for emergency service.

A Pipe Broke in Your Commercial Business?

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

For a commercial property owner, unexpected water problems can be a big issue. Fortunately, water damage professionals can help you assess, clean, and repair damages from any flooding or leaks you may have. Here are a few of the most common water problems a business may face from leaking pipes to foundation cracks.

1. Pipe Breaks

A pipe break can occur in several ways. Over time, the pipe can age and loosen in its fittings, or extensive use can lead to pinhole leaks. Extreme heat or cold can also affect a pipe’s integrity. A blocked pipe can lead to pressure buildup and eventually burst.

2. Plumbing Backup

Blocked plumbing can even lead to a toilet backup or sink overflow. When a pipe is blocked, water can take the shortest path out regardless of its intended flow path. Blockages can occur from several things, including the buildup of water minerals over time inside a pipe or someone pouring a solidifying material, such as plaster or grease, down a drain.

3. Weather

Extreme weather conditions can also lead to leaking pipes. Cold temperatures can cause the water in pipes to freeze and expand. The expansion puts pressure on the pipe and can create a crack or even cause it to burst. If you know cold weather is coming, you can check with a local professional what preventive measures to take.

4. Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks can become a problem leading to water damage. Water can seep through any cracks and pool, leading to further issues such as mold. Any cracks should be investigated and assessed as soon as possible to determine the best course of action.

Water damage can happen to a commercial property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova can fix the damage caused by leaking pipes, foundation cracks, backed up toilet, or weather, and help you repair your property.

Remedy Sprinkler Water Damage from Commercial Business Fire

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in a commercial business is devastating. Not only is the structural integrity of your building potentially compromised, but employees are out of work and your customers are not being served. And when you add additional damages from the sprinkler systems kicking on, the fire and water commercial damages compound quickly. A lot of companies cannot afford to close for a day, and SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova understands this. That is why we offer 24/7 commercial damage services to get commercial businesses back on their feet in as little time as possible.

For Example:

If a fire burns through a building and activates the sprinkler system, there is now both fire and water damage. This is often the case with fires since flames are smothered with water—and that water can be just as damaging or more damaging than the fire. 

We are a one-stop-shop.

Since SERVPRO has the knowledge, equipment, and staff to treat fire and water damages simultaneously, our commercial services reduce the cost that businesses pay because they don't need to look for multiple companies to take care of the different types of damages. SERVPRO even acts as a liaison between insurance companies and clients which makes working with us that much easier.

Unfortunately, disasters are not preventable, but companies like SERVPRO are there to make fire and water disasters “Like it never even happened,” with residential and commercial services. For questions regarding SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova commercial services, contact us at (901) 382-0900.

How to Restore Your Home After a Pipe Bursts

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

One thing that runs through your mind when you have a pipe break in your home or business—panic immediately. This water could destroy your property in a short amount of time. How do you stop the water? How are you going to remove all the water? What about damage to your home and the possessions that occupy it? The first step is to turn off the water supply. Next, it’s essential to act immediately to incur as little damage as possible.

1. Circulate the Air and Air Out the House

Opening windows and doors to the outside will circulate the air and air out the house. Ideally, the air outside will be warmer than the humid air inside the house. Turn on all fans so that the humid air can be blown outside.

2. Remove Standing Water

A pipe break means that you’ll have standing water in your home. A wet/dry vacuum is a safe and very effective method of removing standing water quickly. If you don’t have one, use a mop and some towels to soak up the water.

3. Dehumidify

Air conditioners are designed to remove moisture from the air, so your HVAC system can assist in the drying process. Dehumidifiers work best in an enclosed area, so at this point, you’ll want to close all windows and doors that lead to the outside. Also, close doors to the rooms that have a running dehumidifier. Regularly check and empty the water tanks.

4. Remove/Discard Affected Items

Mold can start growing within 24-hours of water exposure, so it’s important to start removing water-damaged items immediately. Water-logged carpet can be a huge problem, as water can easily soak through to the padding and even to the subfloor. This can cause mold growth and structural damage if not correctly handled.

After a pipe breaks in your home in Bartlett, TN, or Cordova, TN, you may feel inept performing the complete restoration process. Then, it’s time to hire water damage, cleanup professionals, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova. We respond immediately and are available 24/7, 7 days a week at (901) 382-0900.

What You Should Know About Drain Cleaners

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

No doubt, you have felt the frustration of dealing with a clogged sink or tub. Soap residue, food scraps, and hair can all contribute to a clogged drain, which can cause surface residue, bacteria, and odors, and painfully slow or not draining.

The best defense is to avoid putting problem items down your drains, including eggshells, potatoes, peaches, other food peelings, and hair or beard trimmings. If you decide to use a drain cleaner, you should know a few things about them.

Drain Cleaners

While they have their place, certain types of cleaners work better on certain kinds of clogs. There're four types:

Acid – Muriatic acid or sulfuric acid

Oxidizing – Nitrate-based, peroxides, bleaches

Caustic – Caustic potash or lye

Enzymatic – Eco-friendly, non-toxic enzymes and bacteria

Applications

If fat or grease-based blockage causes a clogged drain, skip the chemicals and call a local plumber in Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, in the beginning. Treated with cleaners, these clogs usually move deeper into the drain and require professional and expensive servicing.

Acid cleaners may do wonders for a clog, but they can eat through drain pipes, the fumes can burn the eyes and throat, and the acid can burn through skin and leave open sores. Acid cleaners should be used only as a last resort, preferably by a professional.

Oxidizing and caustic cleaners work by creating heat, which over time, breaks down the blockage until it can be flushed. Enzymatic uses bacteria and enzymes actually to eat through the blockage. They may take a bit longer but work well on food or organic clogs and tend to do an excellent job on toilet clogs.

With a bit of luck and care, your clogged drain may be resolved, but nobody wants to mess with goopy clogs or sewage if it fails or a pipe breaks, but if things go south, contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova to help set things right with your sewage cleanup.

What Happens When I Have Water Damage?

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Nobody likes the unexpected. It can be scary and overwhelming, in worst cases, time and cost-consuming. SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova will try and ease the unexpected blow. We're a team of highly trained individuals with specialized equipment, tools, and skills needed to make sure that your water damage is taken care of swiftly and adequately.

What Can You Expect When You Call Us?

One of our employees will first take your call; we'll take your name, number, and address down and then ask detailed questions to know exactly what your situation looks like. As we hang up the phone with you, we'll dispatch a team out to your home and business so they can be on-site as quickly as possible. Additionally, you'll be assigned an admin within the office to take care of your job – they will give you updates and work with your insurance provider.

Once we get to your home, we will extract any standing water that needs to be removed using either a handheld extractor or an extractor that we can ride on. We will then place fans and dehumidifiers to help with the drying process.

In the next few days, we will continue to monitor the drying process, and we will drill holes and pull baseboards if necessary. If you find yourself with an unexpected water loss, give SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova a call at (901) 382-0900!