A Frozen Hose Can Spell Big Water Damage Trouble For Your Home In Chesterton

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

A Frozen Hose Outside Can Cause Water Damage Inside In Chesterton

The majority of owners understand the importance of weatherizing their homes long before winter's worst months hit the Chesterton area. While the interior pipes receive insulating wraps to keep them from freezing, a forgotten hose outside can ruin all the best efforts.

A frozen hose can cause water damage to your Chesterton home. This can happen when ice inside the hose swells up and moves into the water pipes inside the home, creating a blockage. When this blockage causes too much pressure, the pipes on the other side break.

If this happens in your basement, you might not realize it until long after the event. This can lead to several feet of standing water in your basement. We can pump this out with our truck-mounted pumps. It is much faster than allowing a sump pump to do the work. An added benefit is that we can then begin working on preventing as much water damage as possible. Finished basements require more restoration work than unfinished basements do, of course, but we need to get either type dry again.

When water soaks into materials like drywall, and they begin to swell, their removal and replacement need to happen to restore the area. Ground floors that become drenched by frozen pipes also require the same, but with electrical outlets in mind. While these certainly exist in the basement, occupants are not as tempted to use possibly compromised outlets downstairs as they are upstairs. We mark affected outlets, minimizing the danger involved. If needed, we have access to portable power sources, keeping our work on schedule.

Working as quickly as possible, we can keep water damage from spreading to other places in your house. This requires the use of machines to dry walls and pull moisture out of the air. While this takes time to complete, we want to assure you that we carry out our work using the most efficient methods possible. Our experience and training mean that not only do we prevent additional damage while mitigating existing problems, we also succeed in making everything just “Like it never even happened” for you.

SERVPRO® of Porter County is always here for you when you need someone skilled at protecting your home from water damage and other disasters. We know these happen when you least expect them, so we are always here, 24/7, every day of the year. Call us at (219) 476-1883.

Click here for more about Chesterton.

The Use of Air Movers Stops Water Damage from Spreading within a House in Valparaiso

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

The convenience of a bathroom on every level of your Valparaiso home also means that disasters caused by water can happen in upstairs areas that might have otherwise never experienced problems. Many newly constructed homes house the water heater in the attic area or in another enclosed space overhead, as opposed in the basement.

When an upper-level bathroom's fixtures or pipes overflow or leak in a house in Valparaiso, water damage can spread downward quite rapidly. We use air movers and Injectidry systems to stop this from spreading after we arrive at your front door. 

Forcing air into enclosed wall cavities and across their exteriors means that water continually evaporates. Because of this steady evaporation, water cannot spread deeper into materials or spread to currently dry areas. Seepage stops, and drying begins.

With overhead leaks, water can end up inside not only walls but also inside the ceiling of the downstairs rooms and hallways. We drain this trapped water and then again use an Injectidry system to remove the remaining moisture. Although we must drain small weep holes initially to drain the water, we often use an already-existing hole, often for the room's lighting fixture, to insert the flexible tubing for the Injectidry system. 

In a hallway, an overhead fixture might not exist. Our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) might use the area behind a smoke detector for this, or some other inconspicuous area. If our work leaves the area marred, our building services department can assist in restoring the area near completion of the job.

Another factor in restoring homes with water damage involves their HVAC and electrical systems. Ventilation ducts, once damp, can harbor microbial infestations, and this can lead to odors and unwanted health effects. Electrical wiring can short out when damp. Light switches might begin failing or working oddly. Our building services can help with these issues, also. Our Odor Control Technician works with customers closely to eliminate odors from water, fire, and other causes. 

SERVPRO® of Porter County trains our WRTs in how to use air movers and our other pieces of water damage restoration equipment and related tools helping your home's damage remain a temporary event with no long-lasting impact on your property. We answer our 24-hour services line, (219) 476-1883, every day of the year, helping ensure We're Faster To Any Size Disaster to all our customers across Portage, Chesterton, and Kouts.  

To learn more about Valparaiso, click here.

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Valparaiso Water Damage? DIY or Call SERVPRO?

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Use Quality Products and Equipment on Water Damage in Your Valparaiso Home

Regardless of the type of water damage you suffer from on your property in Valparaiso, it helps to have a restoration professional at your side. You never want to put you or your family in harm's way; we can help you avoid hazards that often occur after water intrudes. Take advantage of years of experience and valuable training.

Having advanced equipment and professional products available to deal with water damage in your Valparaiso home can often make a massive difference in the quality of your restoration. Homeowners that do not follow the proper use of products and equipment can unwittingly cause additional damage. We highly recommend you call a local restoration expert for help.

By calling a professional, you gain access to skilled workers with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), like the technicians offered at SERVPRO. Our highly trained technicians use moisture detectors, moisture meters, hygrometers, dehumidifiers, air movers, and water extractors of all shapes and sizes. The proper equipment and training help improve the quality of the services we offer, as well as the results you receive.

SERVPRO also follows strict safety procedures and uses specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe, secure working environment. Different types of:
Gloves
Eyewear and goggles
Respirators and masks
Rubber boots
Full-body suits, Tyvek
 We also use electrical circuit testers and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) on all restoration equipment to help avoid any electrical hazards that may arise.

SERVPRO technicians train year round to provide you with quality restoration services you can trust. Every member of our restoration team takes part in our employee certification training program (ECTP) as well as ongoing specialization training in various areas. We can help you find quality solutions that fit your unique situation and provide suggestions that help limit future problems.

Call our staff at SERVPRO of Porter County with any questions you might have or to start your home’s water damage restoration service, today. We have entire emergency response teams available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year for your convenience. Think ahead, prepare your homes in Portage, Chesterton, and Kouts against future water damage issues now. (219) 476-1883

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Why SERVPRO? We Extract Water Rapidly & Efficiently in Porter County

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

We will be there every step of the way for your water loss. Clean up of minor spills and quickly discovered leaks are certainly within the DIY capabilities of a homeowner who has a bucket and a mop. On the other hand, if a major plumbing fail or an appliance malfunction pours gallons of water into your home, you need to find trustworthy professional help. Not only are the quantities of water in these cases substantial, but the migration of the fluid into building cavities and materials is also a concern. 

We Extract Water Rapidly and Efficiently in Porter County

All it takes is a broken dishwasher hose, a ruptured water heater, or a clogged toilet to require significant water removal. Our ability to respond fast with a well-trained and equipped crew is why we can extract large amounts of water safely and to dry out spaces thoroughly. Investment in training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) aligns with investment in up to date, commercial-grade equipment and products to provide our customers with results that meet or exceed industry best practices.

We Follow Research-Based Protocols

A solid understanding of the science of drying, psychrometry, is why SERVPRO of Porter County efforts in removing water and returning your home to preloss condition are successful. Research demonstrates that the more liquid water initially removed, the faster and more efficient drying operations can be. Our submersible pumps clear out water deeper than two inches. Wanded extractors then take on the task of removing as much of the remaining fluids as possible. 

We Are Skilled at Moisture Detection and Monitoring

Mastery of IICRC coursework in the tracing of water migration combined with decades of experience in detection implementation are why SERVPRO can go that extra mile for our customers. Surfaces can look dry, yet hide caches of water in cavities or absorbed into the structural components. We use thermal imaging to find temperature disparities that signal trapped water and moisture meters to set drying goal baselines. Controlled demolition techniques like flood cuts or weep holes release hidden water. Air movers and heaters accelerate evaporation, moving water into the air for our commercial dehumidifiers’ collection and disposal.

Dependable and experienced workers and top-notch equipment are why SERVPRO of Porter County meets your water removal needs fast. Contact us today! We are faster to any disaster and ready to make things "Like it never even happened." 

Got A Plumbing Leak in your Chesterton Home? You Need the Team at SERVPRO Right Away!

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water Removal Services And Preventative Plumbing Maintenance For Your Chesterton Home

Having any plumbing leak in your Chesterton home can cause a massive problem for you. Preventative maintenance to the plumbing in your home can help to avoid many of these water damage emergencies. No one wants to come home to water flooding their bathroom floor.

If you do experience a plumbing leak of any kind, you need professional water cleanup services in your Chesterton home. You want to get the water cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent additional damage, so contact our staff at SERVPRO. We work fast but efficiently to get the plumbing problem fixed, clean up the water, and dry your home back out.

To prevent plumbing leaks, start by fixing any leaky shower heads or faucets. They not only waste much water and raise your water bill, but if you do not fix them, the drip can worsen over time, which can create water damage. To stop this, regularly check your faucets for leaks and make any needed repairs. Check underneath sinks as well for any drips or water stains.

Check any exposed pipes and appliances for leaks. Your refrigerator, disposal, or water heater can be a source of leaks. Visible signs such as puddles of water or stains on the ceilings or walls are a clear indicator there is an issue. Be on the lookout for mold as well, which can begin growing when there is a moisture problem. SERVPRO technicians can help you clean up any water damage, including mold. We can even find any hidden moisture with special moisture sensors.

If you have a leaky toilet, get it fixed right away. A faulty seal around the valve seat can make your toilet run even when not being flushed. Gunk, over time, forms around the flapper and valve seat. The gunk stops the flatter from sealing correctly, causing the water to run continuously.

Check any hoses, such as on your washing machine, for brittleness, cracks, or leaking. Replace the hoses as needed. Failure to do so can have gallons of water pouring out into your home if the hoses fail.

SERVPRO of Porter County understands that a water damage emergency in your home in Hebron, Kouts, or Portage is not always avoidable. That is why we are available any day of the week, at any time, so give us a call at (219) 476-1883 whenever you need.

Click here for more about Chesterton.

Why sewer cleanup process is so important so trust SERVPRO

6/26/2022 (Permalink)

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are ready to get things back to "Like it never even happened."

Chesterton Property Owners Save Money By Calling SERVPRO for Water Damage Mitigation

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

Common Water Damage Misconceptions in Chesterton Homes

Your home can suffer the effects of a water loss incident at any time. With so many potential causes for a disaster like this from equipment malfunctions to leaking fixtures, it is likely that many homeowners inevitably experience the effects from a water loss incident during the life of their homes. Knowing what to do to recover the damage can be vital to protecting the investment that you have made in your property, but also to saving you money by allowing the work to happen more quickly.

There are many misconceptions that Chesterton homeowners believe when faced with water damages. While it is common for homeowners and property owners to educate themselves on what their home needs after an emergency, it is also misleading many in the area with bad information. Our SERVPRO professionals have advanced tools to help put your mind at ease after a water loss incident and work quickly to restore the property from the effects of water damage to structural elements and contents.

A common misconception that homeowners believe about water loss incidents is that once surface water gets cleaned up that the crisis is behind them. Unfortunately, water penetrates materials quickly and begins to saturate into structural elements, carpeting, drywall, and other exposed surfaces on contact. It is possible not even to know water damage persists in your home in affected materials until degradation continues or signs of rust or mold growth appear.

Another misconception about water loss events is that professional restoration is not necessary to overcome the effects. Our SERVPRO team can address the full scope of the damages, even offering thermal imagery to determine lingering moisture pockets, all to ensure that the cleanup and drying is thorough and efficient for our customers. DIY restoration cannot guarantee the elimination of saturation and moisture pockets.

While you might find yourself tempted by the possibility of saving money by avoiding professional restoration, keep in mind that allowing moisture to continue often leads to the production of mold colonies, which are a risk to your home and its occupants. Give our SERVPRO of Porter County rapid response team a call today at (219) 476-1883.

Signs of Possible Imminent Water Damage in Your Westville Home

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Scaling in Plumbing Can Cause Water Damage to Westville Homes 

While many homeowners do not consider the condition of the indoor plumbing in their Westville home until there is a problem, understanding its status and integrity can help you to determine when servicing is a wise decision. Often homeowners learn too late that their plumbing has degraded to the point of failure. Worse still, some problems can occur to your pipes that you cannot see with the naked eye like scaling and buildup.
 
Knowing what can happen within the pipes of your home can help you to prevent unnecessary water damage in Westville, or at least prepare to act quickly if it does occur. The supply of water into your property comes with minerals that either could not get removed during treatment and cleaning or were determined beneficial to leave in the supply. Iron, manganese, and calcium are examples of minerals that can deposit themselves on the lining of the plumbing and begin to build up to the point of obstruction.
 
You can often tell that certain substances are in the water coming into your home by buildup on fixtures or staining in sinks and bathtubs. While this does not necessarily indicate that buildup is throttling the water through the pipes, it can let you know that the possibility exists. Inspections of the pipes by our SERVPRO contractors can help to note specific problem areas.
 
The risk with scaling and buildup is an increase in the pressure within the line as water struggles to move through a shrinking space. This pressure difference can cause damage to the lines, permitting leaks, separations, and other concerns. Our SERVPRO rapid response team can identify the source of the break quickly, even within wall cavities, with the use of our leak detection equipment. Our professionals can dry out the damaged elements quickly to preserve construction materials and prevent unnecessary reconstruction when possible.
 
Buildup on the inside of your indoor plumbing might be challenging to diagnose, but knowing how to restore the damage to the property can help to protect your investment in your home. Give our SERVPRO of Porter County rapid response team a call anytime at (219) 476-1883.
 
Click here for more about Westville.

SERVPRO Is Porter County's 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today - 219-476-1883

SERVPRO of Porter County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 219-476-1883

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Porter County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Porter County

SERVPRO of Porter County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Who Do You Call? Valparaiso Properties Need SERVPRO for Water Loss Mitigation

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Removes Water from Valparaiso Homes to Mitigate Water Damage, Sorry Rubber Duckies!!

A Kitchen Leak Could Mean Water Damage for Your Valparaiso Home

The kitchen in your Valparaiso home is often a high traffic area with much activity throughout the day. From the meals that get prepared in the room to the work like washing the dishes and loading the appliances, even a minor incident in this room could be disastrous for the dynamics of your house. Even a leak in one of the fixtures, or from the dishwasher, could present a situation that needs immediate attention from trained restoration specialists like ours.

You might not think of a leak as something that leads to water damages for your Valparaiso home, but over even a brief period, the water can saturate into materials and cabinetry to pose a significant threat to the structural integrity of these items as well as potentially lead to secondary effects like mold growth. The best solution to prevent a persistent threat like this is to get the source repaired and the damage restored by our SERVPRO professionals.

We can help you to determine the source of the issue, even if it is inside of wall cavities. Many indoor plumbing networks get hidden behind the walls of your home for aesthetic reasons, but this can often prove problematic when you have to narrow down the origins of a water leak or pipe rupture. Our SERVPRO technicians have thermal imagery FLIR cameras, moisture sensors, and leak detection equipment to pinpoint an almost exact location of your water damage source to limit unnecessary material removal.

With saturation, materials can get affected without you realizing how severe the damage has become. Our professionals can draw out this moisture with the use of several pieces of our advanced equipment to remove the moisture and prevent the appropriate conditions existing to promote mold growth in your house. We carry industry-leading, pumps, air movers, axial fans, and several types of dehumidifiers along with IICRC certified technicians in our Green Fleet.

While you might not think of a leak or dripping fixture as a source of widespread water damage, this happens much more frequently than you might believe. If you encounter water damages of any kind, trust our SERVPRO of Porter County specialists to help make things right. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (219) 476-1883.

Click here to learn more about our area of Indiana.

Residents of Porter County: SERVPRO Specializes In Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 219-476-1883

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

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 219-476-1883

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

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Porter County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

SERVPRO Tips - Know When To Call The Professionals When Water Damage Hits

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

While some water-leakage problems in your home may leave you in need of professional water removal services, not all of them do. Sometimes, with a little guidance, you can clean up the water by yourself and avoid the extra cost of calling professionals to your home.  It all depends on the size of the leak, and if it has been allowed enough time to cause water damage. 

If you had not found the overflowing sink in your bathroom right away, you would have found yourself in need local Valparaiso water removal services. However, because you found the overflowing sink as soon as the problem started, you were able to stop the flow of water immediately. When it comes to water leaks, fast action is what minimizes damages. 

Most people would assume using some towels to clean up the puddle on your bathroom floor, along with a mop, would be sufficient enough job. However, here at SERVPRO, we recommend you take a few extra steps, to ensure that water damage doesn't become a possibility. The most important aspect of cleaning up a water spill is to ensure that no excess moisture remains behind and that you check underneath the sink-vanity as well. 

To clean up the water, using a mixture of towels and a mop is adequate. However, if you happen to own a wet/dry vacuum, it can help you clean up the spill faster. Once the water is gone, SERVPRO recommends for you to consider putting a space heater inside of your bathroom. The heater can help encourage any excess moisture left behind to evaporate, helping you avoid any water damage. It is especially wise to place it near the vanity, to ensure that hot and dry air is hitting the underside. Otherwise, it may be hard to remove all of the moisture adequately. 

When it comes to small water spills, it is always a possibility to remove the water yourself, so long as you do not wait too long. However, should you feel unsure about handling the water, or worried that you may not do the job well, you can always reach out for help and call SERVPRO. Remember, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

When you need professional water removal services, never wait. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Porter County by dialing (219) 476-1883. Whenever you need us, we are ready to help. 

Valparaiso, IN

When water damage strikes, do not go it alone! Call SERVPRO!

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Homeowners in cities like Valparaiso need to be nimble in protecting their homes. The elements can wreak havoc on our driveways, roofs, and gutters and failing to maintain the home can be a very risky proposition. It does not take a dramatic event to disrupt our ordinary lives; a small leak on the roof can go undetected for a while only to show itself when the next strong storm comes about, leaving an indoor waterfall in your living room. Your best approach is to be proactive in protecting your home, and that includes finding professional help.

SERVPRO is available to help if there ever is water damage to your Valparaiso home. Our expert crew is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency; all you need to do is call. Upon arrival at your home, we assess the damage and make a plan of action to remove any standing water. Prompt removal is essential to prevent the spread of mold and bacteria, which often happens when water is left unattended. To speed up the extraction process, we can use submersible pumps or truck mounted equipment depending on the volume of water we need to extract. For smaller water deposits our technicians rely on handheld tools to access crevices and hard to reach corners.

As we test the air quality of your home, we begin to incorporate drying equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers. Occasionally, we may drill small holes in your baseboards to encourage the movement of air within your wall cavities, all with the goal of thoroughly drying the structure and contents of your home. Our SERVPRO crew constantly monitors humidity levels by using state-of-the-art moisture sensors and adjust the equipment according to the readings. A successful job leaves the environment of your home balanced and at humidity levels appropriate to your building materials and furniture.

Do not rely on do-it-yourself solutions if you ever encounter water damage to your home. SERVPRO of Porter County has the training and experience you need to overcome the situation. Just reach out by calling (219) 476-1883, and we will help you leave your home "Like it never even happened."

For more on Valparaiso, click here. 

Ask The Experts: What Happens When Water Damage Hits Your Home?

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy rainstorms in the Chesterton area can mean you need to prepare yourself for flooding. Being prepared means making sure you are informed about the storm and the areas it is affecting, creating an emergency plan of communication, and knowing what to do when the flood is approaching your home.

Flooding and flood damage to your Chesterton home can be massive in a short amount of time. It is essential that as soon as the storms subside, you get in touch with a professional remediation company, such as SERVPRO, right away. We can help you get all the water out of your home and then dry it out so you and your family can return to a safe, dry home again.

You can reduce the risk of damage to your home by elevating utilities that are critical such as switches, electrical panels, wiring, sockets, heating systems, and appliances. If you live in an region with repeated flooding, think about elevating your whole structure. You should also make sure your basement is waterproofed, and your sump pump is working correctly. Install a battery backup as well in case you lose power.

SERVPRO technicians follow all safety procedures during a flooding emergency like this, including keeping you and your family out of the home while we work and wearing protective equipment. Floodwater can be contaminated by sewage and chemicals, or even animals. Our specialists want to ensure that everyone is kept safe.

We extract as much standing water as we can with powerful, truck-mounted pumps to remove the water as quickly as possible. Once this is complete, we can assess the rest of the damage and dry your structure out.

When floods are approaching, make sure to clear debris from downspouts and gutters and fuel tanks should be anchored. Move your valuables, furniture, and documents which are important to a safe place. You should keep copies of valuable documents like passports and birth certificates in a safe place that is dry, like a safe deposit box.

Building an emergency supply kit is also a good idea. Bottled water, food, medicines, first-aid supplies and a radio that is battery operated should be packed and ready to go when you are. Plan an evacuation route as well and practice it with your entire family, so everyone knows what to in the event of an emergency.

SERVPRO of Porter County is ready to help you restore your home in Portage, Kouts, or Valparaiso when floodwaters have invaded. Please give us a call at (219) 476-1883 as soon as the storm has subsided so we can help you avoid additional damage to your home.

Click here for more about Chesterton.

SERVPRO Tips: When your appliances attack

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Think about the last time your appliances were moved or inspected. Many of us don’t think about the household appliances that we use every single day. For most, they probably become a passing thought about how much wear and tear they are receiving.

Most of the appliances we use to make our everyday lives easier utilize water. This means they are prone to leaks at some point if they are not caught early on. Water damage can sit for ages before you as a homeowner realize. This is why regular inspections are important for prevention.

Inspect These Appliances for Leaks Often

• Hot Water Heater
• The lifetime of a hot water heater will typically span 10 to 15 years, but leaks can start much earlier than this. The seals and pipes connected to the hot water heater can often break down, so keeping an eye out for any accumulation both during and after use is a smart move.
• Refrigerator
• The rarity with which refrigerators are moved can lead to secret water damage that festers for ages before it is brought to light. A refrigerator’s water lines are typically made from a soft plastic that can easily fail, so checking for leaks behind and under the fridge as part of your annual home maintenance is wise.
• Dishwasher
• A dishwasher’s tubing is just as problematic as a refrigerator, but is even more isolated and utilizes far more water. Additionally, homeowner’s insurance often does not cover water damage caused by older models of dishwashers, so regular checks are extremely important to keep up with.
• Washing Machine
• Washing machine hoses are some of the most common sources of leaks. Because they are notorious for this, it is recommended that they are inspected at least once a month by homeowners so you can be sure no issues have arisen. In addition to these regular checks, they should be fully replaced every five years in order to prevent hidden deterioration.
• Air Conditioner
• The drain in your HVAC unit is designed to keep condensation from pooling in and around the unit, but if this drain malfunctions, water damage can quickly be caused. Reference your manufacturer’s manual to determine how often your unit should be inspected and serviced—having a professional technician evaluate your machine is the best defense against HVAC-created water damage.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Tips: Avoiding water damage from a failing water heater

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage from a broken water heater can ruin a home quickly. Fortunately, before they break, these appliances give off warning signs their service life is coming to an end.

Homeowners can avoid water damage from their hot water tank if they pay attention to some of the most common issues that arise before failure, such as:

• There is only cold water emitted from the tap.
• The water gets warm but never hot and goes cold quickly.
• The water heater rumbles or knocks
• The hot water has a muddy look from the tap.
• The water from the tank appears to be rusty.
• You notice a metallic smell or taste, especially when taking a shower or bath.
• There is noticeable water leaking from the water heater.
• Your water has a metallic smell or taste.
• Water is leaking around your water heater.

Expect a Large Amount of Water

A small water tank holds on average around 50 to 60 gallons of water; larger residential sizes run 80-gallons or more. Now, imagine that water on your floor. When the location of the tank is in an upper story in the home, the amount of water on the floor can quickly affect the ceiling and things in lower levels of the house. 

Common Issues to Avoid

Fast extraction is necessary to limit the damage to the home. SERVPRO technicians use their detection equipment to determine if the water is within the floor joists or wall cavities, requiring additional actions such as removal of baseboards or weep holes to assist with drainage. 

At the first sign of water damage, contact SERVPRO! The technicians are available 24/7 to restore your home to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Tips: Many materials can be salvaged after a water incident

3/15/2020 (Permalink)

Hardwood surfaces tend to be finished with varnish making them non-porous and protecting them against damages from large quantities of moisture. If left in saturated condition for an extended period the varnish may wear, but generally organic materials require weeks to show signs of permanent damage. Carpeted properties, on the other hand, need immediate professional attention and can be up to 50% weaker when wet.

When looking for services providing water removal in Chesterton your primary concern should be protecting your fittings. Structures, more often than not, can sustain substantial quantities of water without showing signs of permanent damage. However, items like carpet or upholstery can be expensive to replace. SERVPRO operate with a restore over replace mentality to ensure your claim remains low and can prevent your insurance rate from rising.

Many materials can be salvaged after a water incident so using an honest, professional service is of real benefit. Where water has migrated beneath your carpets, the subfloor mat must be removed for disposal. However, carpets can be salvaged using rapid air movers. Your SERVPRO technician can attach the carpet to an air mover and blast hot air through it for an extended period. This method is kind to the carpet itself and exceptionally effective at removing moisture.

Once the fabric is sufficiently dry, your SERVPRO technician can apply a light anti-microbial treatment to the underside of your carpet. This helps to prevent mold growth if humidity levels rise during the summer months and ensure that the service we provide is a comprehensive one. The same approach can be used for other large fitted materials in your home.

Soft porous furniture can imbibe moisture quickly. This can cause obstacles further down the line as, although the surface appears dry, moisture resides deeper within. SERVPRO can use powerful water extractors with heated wands to help draw moisture out of upholstery and check the job is complete using accurate moisture meters.

Our approach is to both remove water and to restore your possessions in such a way as to limit the chances of secondary damages over time. Contact SERVPRO of Porter County at (219) 476-1883 today for a comprehensive inspection and service.

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