The Risks of Ignoring Water Damage On Your Property

9/23/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur in many ways, from natural disasters to leaking plumbing and bursting pipes. Whether you’ve experienced an overflowing toilet, a rupturing water heater, or, in more extreme cases, an external flood, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible. The damage from a water disaster can cause irreversible risks that worsen the longer you wait to restore your property. Let’s look at the risks of ignoring water damage in your home. 

Mold and Mildew Growth from Water Damage 

One of the most significant risks of water damage is mold and mildew growth. If untreated, water can quickly lead to mold growth—in as little as 24 hours after the damage occurs. Mold and mildew grow in dark and moist spaces, such as basements, attics, and walls. Mold specifically can trigger different health issues, such as allergies, lethargy, and even skin irritation. Our water damage restoration team at SERVPRO can look for mold during our restoration process and remove any present.  

Water Damage Can Cause Unpleasant Lingering Odors 

Another side effect of water damage is unpleasant odors lingering on your property. Various things can lead to odors that may be difficult to live with, and they are closely related to mold and mildew growth. If you detect any new musty odors in a particular room or area of your home, this could be a sign that the water damage caused mold or mildew growth. Some other odors may also be present, depending on the category of water damage (i.e., clean water, grey water, or black water). 

Structural Elements Weakened By Water Damage 

When water saturates building materials such as wood, it can cause the structure of your home to weaken rather quickly. Wall studs, wooden flooring, and other elements may begin to rot, making your home susceptible to pest contamination. A weakened floor may not support appliances after a specific time, causing it to give way. Water damage is not something to ignore and can leave your home vulnerable to decay if left untreated. 

Water Damage Causes Faulty Electrical Circuits 

Another significant risk of water damage is its impact on electrical circuits. As we all know, water and electricity do not mix. Water damage can compromise the electrical circuits in your home, and although electrical wiring has a waterproof coating, the connections are not waterproof. Exposed electrical wiring with water damage may cause a power outage or even an electrical fire. If rodents had previously chewed on any wiring, the waterproof coating would be stripped and exposed to water. 

Increased Utility Costs from Water Damage

Believe it or not, water damage can affect your power usage and utility bills. HVAC systems are particularly vulnerable to water damage and require cleaning to ensure no water contamination exists within specific areas like vents and ductwork. Your AC system may work less efficiently than previously, and your heating system can also be left in less-than-ideal conditions from water saturation.     

Work with the Water Damage Restoration Experts in Parsippany, NJ, and Montville, NJ 

At SERVPRO, we provide 24/7 emergency restoration services to get your home back to normal. You can give us a call or fill out our online form to schedule a water damage service and remove the water once and for all from your home. We work with homeowners and business owners to remove the water from your home and restore it to pre-disaster conditions. 

Tips for Addressing a Water Leak in Your Home | SERVPRO of Parsippany, Montville

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Are you experiencing an unwanted water leak in your home? We got just the team to help. Call SERVPRO of Parsippany, Montville today!

Being a homeowner can be so rewarding, but it can also be really frustrating! Home accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and leave you with serious trouble. This is especially true when it comes to water incidents and disasters. 

No one wants to come home to water all over the kitchen floor or to discover a mysterious puddle in the utility room, but quick action can help you avoid lasting or more serious damage.

Our water damage restoration team explains more below about the impact of water and what to do if a leak happens at your home. 

Discovering the Leak 

Water has the unique ability to leak and spread throughout your home without much warning. It can seep silently down your walls or under your floor, and you often won’t notice it until the water spot has started to affect the color of your walls or the integrity of your floor. 

If you notice a water spot or feel that the floorboards are a little squishier than you remember, it’s time to do some investigating.

A single cracked pipe or loose fitting on a water line can lead to water disasters, but it can also be something as simple as a hairline crack in your roof line that is inviting rainwater into your home. Either way, catching it quickly is key to preventing further issues like structural damage, mildew and even mold growth. 

What to Do First

Your first goal when discovering a water problem is to locate the source of the leak and stop the flow of water. If a water disaster occurs due to a manmade accident like a leaky pipe, turn off the connecting water valve right away. 

If the issue is coming from roof damage and you can’t go outside to investigate until the weather improves, set out a bucket to catch the water and stop the problem from getting worse. 

After that, consider shutting off electricity to the affected space. If the water compromised your electrical system as it was leaking and dripping everywhere, the water that is now on your floors could be electrically charged. Stay out of the water and get us on the phone right away. 

The Water Extraction Process
The main focus of any water disaster is to control the situation and be sure that we get every last bit of lingering moisture. Even just a tiny damp spot can lead to a mold problem that overtakes your entire room. 

We will get to work drying up all of the excess water, and we can even use our thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture behind your walls. 

Once the water is gone, we can get to work on any repairs! This can include wall or carpet replacement, floor repair and even ceiling reconstruction. We are ready to help make your water disaster a thing of the past. 

Water can leak into virtually every area of your home. Contact SERVPRO of Parsippany, Montville right away.

SERVPRO's Storm Team is Prepared For Hurricane Season 2022

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Storm Team is prepared for hurricane season 2022. Call Us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

June 2022 saw several new records set for temperatures across the country. Experts believe this marks the beginning for a very hot summer. In cities across the south, records have been broken for consecutive days with low temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. Even at night, no relief from heat is available. These areas are susceptible to flash floods due to the prolonged drought and high heat. This is due to the fact that hardened, dry ground won't absorb water as quickly as it needs if a storm or large rain comes through states like Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia. These areas are often hit by heavy rainfall during hurricane seasons. In fact, it is the slow moving tropical storms or hurricanes carrying lots of moisture that have caused the largest property damage to homes and commercial buildings in the United States. It's impossible to prepare for these types storms. The only thing that can be done is to listen to your local authorities and to be ready to move if your home or commercial property is in danger of flooding or storms. We are always available to help if any damage is caused. Our storm management and disaster restoration experts are available to assist you in New England, New York, and anywhere else in the nation if needed.

24/7 Water Damage Response Team

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Parsippany/Montville provides water damage repair and clean up services 24 hours, 7 days a week.

SERVPRO is synonymous with Water Damage Restoration. We are the experts when it comes to water damage restoration and repair. Our decades of experience in water damage repair and reconstruction is well-thought and calculated. To prevent property and building materials from being lost to water damage, we employ the most up-to-date technology. We constantly train to improve our ability to repair and restore property that has been damaged by water.

There are several common disasters that can cause water damage. For example, flooding and storms can occur at any time and in any area. Rainwater and other harmful sources of water can get into your property after a storm damages it. This will cause mold growth and other damage to your property. Our project managers will respond quickly and work tirelessly to avoid as much damage as possible.

Water damage can also be caused by leaking pipes and backups. If this happens, your property will once again become saturated with bacterial and waste-laden water. This will make it difficult to clean and remove any building materials. The water supply is clean in the event of a burst or leaking water pipe. If you act quickly, our equipment and knowledge can help you avoid any unnecessary construction or material removal.

We offer free on-site estimates to help you quickly start restoration services if your property has suffered water damage. We can work with insurance companies and provide daily updates and communication as we restore property to preloss condition. We are available around the clock and can be reached at any hour.

When Water Damages Your Parsippany Property Who Do You Call?

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Services Are Available 24/7. Call us today.

After water damage to your property, it is almost always necessary to hire restoration and water damage professionals. This is especially true if your property has carpets, flooring, or drywall that has taken on water. If these materials are already dampened with moisture, you must quickly and thoroughly extract it. Otherwise, mold growth is almost inevitable. Furniture and cabinetry/particleboard materials can easily absorb water. 

Our SERVPRO office will help you attempt to save any wet items and materials before determining if they are beyond repair avoiding waste and over expenditures. If they feel that this will help you save money or avoid the need to tear down/destroy wet materials, our technicians will be there quickly. Usually, they will arrive within two hours. We will provide the equipment necessary to begin drying and we will coordinate with your insurance provider so all actions are documented, transparent and covered by your policy.

We will remove any standing water as soon as we arrive. We may find that we can remove waterlogged areas of carpets, insulation and drywall to allow us to extract moisture faster and save you from the headaches and stress of mold growth.

After the water has been removed from the property, we extract the water using various equipment. This is done to get the property back to its normal humidity level so that reconstruction can start.

Call us immediately if you have water damage to your commercial or residential property.

Get Prompt Water Damage Repair in Morris Plains

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes happen. SERVPRO is always standing by to dry your home.

SERVPRO Offers Efficient Water Damage Restoration in Morris Plains

Your home may have sustained a water loss event due to a water leak or burst pipe. If that is the case, SERVPRO is there to help. We can provide you with effective and swift water damage restoration to eliminate the disruptions and stress you might be facing. Our techs can detect the source of the leak through our access and trace service. Leaks often originate from hidden pipework that is challenging to pinpoint. 

Our team uses various methods to accurately identify the source so that we can choose the most effective remedial action to perform water damage repair in your Morris Plains residence. At times, the leak can cause additional disruption to your home, like removing flooring or tiles. Our SERVPRO technicians have powerful pumps that remove water quickly to reduce the destruction.

Our water damage technicians examine the flooring, walls, and cabinets for water damage and moisture. We determine if these building materials need to be removed. If the carpeting is damp and is likely to be the breeding ground for mold, we can remove and replace it. We can also dry carpeting and pad without removing the padding. This technique is referred to as in-place drying, and it has some advantages such as: 

• Homeowners do not experience much destruction.
• No need to remove furniture from the area
• Carpets suffer less destruction
  

The walls behind the cabinet can take time to dry because of the several layers of drywall and cabinet back. The way cabinets are constructed influences drying times and techniques. Our SERVPRO technicians can drill holes to enable air circulation in the wall cavity if the cabinets do not have a back. Once the walls are dry, we cover or patch the holes. Cabinets with a back take longer to dry due to the many layers that need to be dried.

With SERVPRO’s quick response, we can restore your walls, flooring, and possessions. Our certified technicians get to your home with confidence and knowledge backed by decades of field experience, along with proven water restoration techniques.

For assistance with water damage remediation and repairs, call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Can SERVPRO Protect Wet Carpets in Montville Homes?

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Carpets with water damage have a chance of being saved. SERVPRO techs are ready at a moment's notice for any size water damage restoration job.

Through Extraction, Drying, and Cleaning, We can Restore Wet Carpets in Montville Properties.

Wet carpets are a common obstacle when water damage incidents occur in area homes. Because this is a popular flooring type, our SERVPRO professionals have several strategies to address these possible concerns and preserve the flooring material whenever possible rather than removing and discarding it. 

Inspecting the Damage and Creating a Restoration Plan

The entire process of water cleanup in Montville hinges on a detailed estimate and restoration plan created during an inspection phase. Our production manager can work with the customer to determine pre-existing conditions and new damages to create a recovery plan that suits the property. 

Carpet Wands and Deep Extraction Options 

There are several water removal tools available for saturated carpets. Affected both the carpet and padding layer underneath requires powerful extractors in our inventory, beginning with carpet wands and even stronger deep extraction attachments used in conjunction with truck-mount pumps in our Green Fleet. 

Checking for Staining of the Carpet

Carpeted floors are sensitive to bleeding colors, dyes, and staining damages resulting from prolonged moisture exposure. When contents and furniture do not get relocated, the persistent moisture or dampness of the carpet layer can allow these items to stain the surface. Carpet cleaning strategies can be vital in improving the color fastness and feel of carpeted floors, but stains might be impossible to overcome if not caught immediately. Some sources for this include:

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Newspapers

Cleaning up after water damage or flooding in area homes involves several practices and pieces of equipment. As leading water restoration experts, our SERVPRO of East Central Morris County team can prioritize a fast arrival so vital mitigation and emergency services get started. Call (973) 887-9100 to make water damage "Like it never even happened."

How Does Building Material Choice Impact Water Damage in Morris Plains Homes?

7/18/2021 (Permalink)

Don’t face water damage alone. Partner with Team SERVPRO for effective cleanup and remediation services.

SERVPRO’s Extensive Experience Delivering Water Removal Services Leads to Better Understanding of Damages

In your house, there are sections such as the floors where personal preferences largely influence the choice of material. For instance, you might opt for hardwood, tiles, carpet, or laminated wood. You may only realize the hidden merits or demerits of your choice when there is a significant water leak in your Morris Plains home.

Materials are vulnerable to moisture exposure in different ways. Therefore, the water damage in your Morris Plains homes may also depend on how you react after the intrusion. Some materials, such as carpets tend to absorb moisture quickly but can be fully restored through drying. On the other hand, laminate wood flooring is not restorable once it absorbs significant moisture. If you call SERVPRO immediately after the water spills, we can give you advice on how different materials are likely to behave so that you plan the response better.

Broad experience helps in dealing with many of the water-related situations that arise, including:

• Water clean up
• Leaking roof from storm
• Ceiling repairs from water damages

SERVPRO plans the right response depending on the materials you have in the affected sections of your home. For instance, in the case of laminate floorboards or laminated wood veneer and particle boards in cabinets, we prepare for a controlled demolition to remove the affected materials and to refinish the areas. 

Carpets are readily restorable by cleaning and drying. However, our SERVPRO technicians may need to remove the carpet and replace the pad for faster drying and to prevent secondary issues such as mold. 

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County has the right solutions for water damage regardless of the materials you have at your property. Call us at (973) 887-9100 to help you resolve any issue, “Like it never even happened.”

Will Water Damage Restoration Work Against Standing Water in a Morris Plains Basement?

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

If water has consumed your basement, call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County immediately.

SERVPRO Techs Can Remove Basement Flooding Quickly in Morris Plains

When water saturates a Morris Plains property from burst pipes, storm damage, or other reasons, the water tends to recede quickly into the structure. However, unless a basement has a heavy-duty sump pump, standing water may need professional help for removal. 

Water damage restoration in a Morris Plains basement by SERVPRO can result in a better outcome than DIY methods. Towles, rags, mops, and consumer wet/dry vacs cannot match the extraction power in SERVPRO equipment. In the case of standing water, the technicians have equipment that works inside, such as submersible pumps or from the outside of the worksite by using the pulling power in a truck-mounted extractor. 

It is not uncommon for standing water to wreck a finished basement. Once water wicks into sheetrock, the walls need removal to just over the waterline. The one benefit is that when it comes time for repairs to the structure, this SERVPRO location has a general contractor license #13VH06046200 and can handle any of the necessary reconstruction once the basement gets dried and disinfected.

Frequently Performed Rebuilding Actions

• Replacement of walls 
• Installation of carpet or other floorings
• Painting and cosmetic touches

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 for fast, professional water damage restoration in Morris Plains properties.

How Can Restoration Professionals in Morris Plains Protect My Contents through Water Mitigation

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

water damage restoration is no easy task. Call SERVPRO for the IICRC certified technicians and experience for your home.

SERVPRO Uses Water Mitigation Techniques to Protect the Possessions of Morris Plains Residents.

At any water restoration site protecting a customer's belongings are among the priorities. Sometimes mitigation for contents can be as simple as moving them from an affected area to a non-affected area of the property. This process is commonly referred to as content manipulation.

Other aspects of restoration may include:

• Water removal services
• Water damage repairs
• Water clean up

Some techniques for water mitigation in your Morris Plains home can be conducted while waiting for restoration professionals to arrive. Tieing up draperies, covering upholsteries, and blocking furniture above wet carpets or flooring can prevent expensive damages from occurring. A crew chief can direct mitigation to ensure your belongings remain protected throughout service.

• Some contents and furniture can suffer secondary water damage. These items can be treated with specialty services.
• Walls and vinyl floorings can be damaged by moving furniture incorrectly and may require production technicians to carry it out.
• Storage areas where vapor damage could occur should be cleared away from the room and put in a dry space.

We are respectful of belongings during restoration. Contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County for Water Mitigation at (973) 554-3701.

Morris Plains Residents can Learn New Ways to Handle Emotions

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community learning about emotional tools to help them!

Emotional Tools Help with Stress Overload and Getting Along with Others in Morris Plains

Work, family, school, friends, and neighbors can all bring happiness and satisfaction, but they often create situations that bring anxiety and friction, as well. Attending the “Building Your Emotional Toolbox” seminar on Zoom can help you increase your ability to cope with stressors encountered throughout life. Sign up for the seminar, which is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2021, by calling Debbie Walter at (908) 851-5450.

Coping with stress is only one area covered. Diane Lang, a trusted expert in actionable life-skills psychology, intends to also cover:

• Reframing your thoughts in a positive light,
• Channel angry feelings by getting to their cause,
• Finding the route to forgiveness, and
• Engaging in productive self-care.

Complete Mitigation of Water Damage Prepares Your Morris Plains Dwelling for Needed Repairs

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County ensures that each stage of the water mitigation process flows smoothly and efficiently, keeping overall restoration costs low and reasonable for our customers in Morris Plains. Call us at (973) 887-9100 for prompt, professional service.

Virtual Career Events for Morris Plains Residents Taking Place on November 29th.

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Explore Potential Careers in Local Government, Disaster Response, and Environmental Projects from the National Civilian Community Corps.

Careers in Local Government, Disaster Response, and Environmental Projects from the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Come to Morris Plains.

Temporary closures have affected the Morris County school districts, universities, and local jobs in the past month. On November 29th, the NCCC, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is hosting a virtual event for careers and working experience for a variety of industries within the sector of Disaster Response and Local Government. These events are designed to help Morris Plains residents as young as seventeen find experience career options. Programs can be used toward college credits or to gain unique networking opportunities. 

What are the benefits of career events?

• Virtual events ensure a safe experience for everyone interested in a career in environmental management or local governance.
• No education level restrictions or experience necessary to get involved in extensive infrastructure and management projects
• Gain some competitive edge over other applicants by offering direct working experience within your sector. 

If your home suffers water intrusion this winter it could cause more damage without vital mitigation and restoration. Contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 for assistance.

What Effect Does Moisture Have on Structural Elements in Morris Plains?

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 for professional water cleanup service.

Moisture Can Cause Water Damage to Morris Plains Homes That Experience Water Intrusions

Morris Plains is a quaint borough in New Jersey that is a bedroom community to many people commuting to New York City. Like any town, it has its share of burst pipes, faulty appliances, and water leaks. This can result in water damage not only to the content of the home but the structure as well. Getting professional help fast is key to preventing serious damage to the residence.

What is the Difference Between Primary & Secondary Damage?
Primary damage occurs when materials come in direct contact with water. Secondary damage takes place when materials get damaged by water vapor, mold infestations, and cosmetic changes that reduce the aesthetics of the surface material. Certain materials are more susceptible to secondary damage than others.

Primary Damage includes problems such as delamination of carpet backings, swelling or buckling of hardwood floors, and rusting of metal surfaces. Secondary damages may include moist and crumbling ceiling tiles, wallpaper softening, and mold growth.

You cannot prevent water damage from direct contact in every situation. But issues resulting from water vapor can be prevented by fast mitigation. SERVPRO technicians who provide water cleanup in Morris Plains use a precise ratio of air movers to dehumidifiers. This ensures the air movers do not push the moisture into the air faster than the dehumidifiers can remove it.

How are Drywall & Insulation Impacted?
The insulating power of the home’s insulation gets lessened by moisture. Depending on the extent of the water damage and the type of insulation involved, it may need removing. Fiberglass insulation is made of a non-porous material that allows it to be dried successfully in many cases. This restores its effectiveness. There are mitigating factors that can prevent the successful drying of fiberglass installation, such as vapor barriers, which slow the process. It is challenging to dry insulation in ceiling cavities and enclosed walls. SERVPRO technicians have the equipment and experience to determine the best procedure for removing moisture from structural elements.

Drywall cavities require ventilation to dry properly. Technicians can implement techniques such as:
    •    Removing baseboards
    •    Drilling holes between the studs
    •    Forcing air into holes to increase evaporation
    •    Controlled demolition of saturated areas

Moisture meters help determine if there is moisture in the walls. Other detection equipment adds insight to the amount, water migration, and developing mold issues.

What Key Factors Play a Role in Drying?
Drying a home as quickly as possible is always our goal. But specific components play a role in how the building gets dried and by what methods. During water cleanup, SERVPRO crews take all aspects of the process into consideration to determine optimum drying procedures. This includes:
•    Extraction – Removing as much water as is possible by using pumps, extraction wands, rovers, and other equipment. It is easier to remove water physically than to remove it from the air.
•    Humidity – Relative humidity (RH) is the amount of moisture in the air, at a given temperature, at the moment tested. The ideal RH range is 30% - 60%.
•    Air Movement – Damp, humid air slows evaporation. Blowing warm, dry air with air movers helps push the damp air out and is crucial to proper drying.
•    Temperature – The temperature in the home needs to be between 70 degrees and 90 degrees. Technicians can use portable heaters or air conditioners to bring the residence to the required temperature.

Our technicians are well-trained in understanding the role each of these plays in water restoration to a home. Industrial strength equipment and advanced technology provide the tools in which to implement that knowledge. When you hire SERVPRO, you know you are getting a team with the experience and expertise to do the job well.

What Does Water Damage Do to Items Such as Furniture?
Not all water intrusions are severely damaging to the furniture, but it can have an impact, even in minor ways. Kitchens may have tables, chairs, and cabinets that come in contact with water. Couches, chairs, drapes, and carpets may be affected in other areas of the home. Moisture can cause:
    •    Stained upholstery
    •    Warped and buckled wood items
    •    Rusted metal if not dealt with promptly
    •    Waterlogged cushions and linens
    •    Potential mold growth on damp items

There is always the possibility of hidden water damage as moisture can migrate into unseen areas. This often impacts structural elements. It is critical to get professional water cleanup to avoid more significant problems than initially occurred. Let SERVPRO provide an assessment of your situation and recommend a course of water cleanup action.

Contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 for professional water cleanup service. We are licensed and bonded – Contractor Licenses: General: 13VH06046200.  We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Which Water Damage Restoration Steps Are Mandatory In Morris Plains Properties Affected By Leaks?

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Our water damage experts are trained in a wide variety of restoration needs, even upholstery and fabric cleaning and odor control. Call us today.

Trained Technicians from SERVPRO Help Evaluate Your Damaged Property Determining the Best Restoration Approach.

When you discover water leaking into your home, you have to find a way to restore normalcy. Removing the water pooling around through mopping or extraction is one of the likely responses. However, other equally crucial processes are necessary to help you accomplish the stated goal. SERVPRO helps homeowners in Morris Plains establish what is necessary to restore damage from water intrusions.

What follows extracting water from the affected house?

After extraction, water damage restoration from Morris Plains homes must address the moisture remnants in the house and the problems it is likely to cause. Some of the steps that help accomplish this include:

• Drying of wet materials
• Removal of deteriorated materials
• Deodorization

Is it necessary to interfere with the drying process?

Drying is a natural process since materials have to attain moisture equilibrium with the surrounding areas. For instance, wood has to lose absorbed water until its moisture content drops to around 10%. However, natural drying processes can take longer, leading to other problems such as mold development or rotting.

The temperature levels and air movements in affected areas determine how long the drying process takes since they affect the evaporation rate. Our SERVPRO technicians can boost air currents with air movers. We also exhaust warm air from dehumidifiers back into the rooms to heat the air.

How often is material removal necessary?

Sometimes water soaks into materials and leads to significant deterioration that cannot be reversed through drying. Such damage is prevalent in materials such as drywall or composites when exposed to water for extended periods. Removal of materials may also be suitable for offsite drying. For instance, removing a carpet for drying eases the process. Our SERVPRO technicians evaluate situations to determine when removal is necessary.

Restoration of water damage is easier when you know what to do. SERVPRO of East Central Morris County can send a skilled team to your house in a few hours to assist. Call us at (973) 887-9100. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Morris Plains.

What is the Best Way to Dry a Wall Behind My Kitchen Cabinets?

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

No matter when you make the call, we have the equipment and experienced technicians who can assist you.

Bring in SERVPRO to remove water from your Montville kitchen fast.

When the supply line to your fridge spews water or pipe bursts under the sink, it is not unusual to have a large amount of water collect under the cabinets. This is a problematic area to dry properly, and the situation can get compounded, mainly when water is within the wall cavity. Failure to extract and dry the moisture can lead to more costly issues, and that is why outsourcing the cleanup task is a good idea. 

How Do I Replace Sheetrock That Needs Water Damage Restoration Under My Sink?  

If sheetrock shows signs of moisture absorption such as buckling or warping, you need professional water damage restoration in your Montville home. Once water gets wicked into the building materials, it cannot get returned to a state for reuse and requires removal. In a kitchen or bathroom, this may involve SERVPRO technicians performing an action known as controlled demolition which includes:  

• Removal of damaged sheetrock  
• Drilling of weep holes for drainage  
• Pulling cabinets away from the wall to open it up  
• Removal of delaminated flooring under the cabinets

When SERVPRO techs need to remove installations such as cabinetry, you may feel your kitchen will never get returned to normal. However, once the techs complete the water extraction and drying phase of mitigation and verify it with their monitoring equipment, the actual restoration begins. With their general contractor license #13VH06046200, the techs have the experience and skill to repair and rebuild any part of the loss area, including proactive mold treatments and odor control. 

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 is available 24/7 for any size needed water damage restoration services. The techs can extract, dry, and repair the loss to your home and bring it back to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened.

Find out more about Montville.

What Can I Do to Clear My Home of Water After a Pipe Breaks?

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the specialist company to be called to mitigate your water issue in your Morris Plains home.

Bring in a SERVPRO Restoration Team to Remove Water from Your Morris Plains Residence

Regardless if it is a major pipe leak or a drip that goes unnoticed, water can cause a host of problems for a homeowner. Correcting them quickly and thoroughly is the best way to restore your Morris Plains home to a safe condition, ready to live in again.

How Do Your Teams get Started?

We bring in pumps to remove the standing water in your Morris Plains home. This initial action stops continuing damage to floors and any property underwater, such as carpets, bookcases, and other furniture. Technicians place items on blocks or pallets in a dry area so the water drains off and out of them. To keep carpet layers intact, they use air movers to force warm, dry air over them and underneath to dry the floor below as well.

Does Restoration always work? 

Not always, sometimes water damage to Morris Plains homes requires demolition and construction. SERVPRO technicians train to remove damaged items for disposal without causing additional damage in otherwise unaffected areas of your home.

No matter how much, or how little water was in your home, call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100. We are here for you.

A Pipe Burst in My Morris Plains Home, How Can I Clean Up the Water?

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO at (973) 887-9100, and we make it “Like it never even happened.”

We Have Skilled Technicians at SERVPRO that Can Come to Your Morris Plains Home for Professional Water Cleanup Services

A burst pipe in your home sends high-pressure water throughout your living space. Even if you turn off the water supply quickly, the chances are good that there is quite a bit of water to clean up. While you may have a mop and bucket, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to try to remove water, DIY methods do not address hidden moisture that may have wicked into unseen areas. This is when you need to call trained water restoration professionals that know how to handle moisture detection and microbial dangers.

What Does SERVPRO Do to Address Water Damage?
We arrive at your property in as little as four hours after being called for your emergency water cleanup in Morris Plains. Our crew performs an assessment that allows us to determine the best course of action for restoring your interior.

    •    We feature emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we are available on your schedule. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!
    •    We have teams featuring water restoration technicians (WRT) that are IICRC-Certified to tackle all water damage needs.
    •    We bring along advanced equipment and have the latest methods for prompt, efficient water cleanup and restoration services.

Once we understand the scope of your project, we get to work with submersible pumps or truck-mounted pumps to pull up standing water. We have light wands that allow us to extract moisture from saturated carpeting and the padding below. Any carpets that damaged beyond repair get disposed of properly and then entirely replaced.

No matter what you are facing with water loss, we are here to help you with speedy water cleanup to get your home back to normal. Call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100, and we make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Morris Plains click here.

Water Removal After DIY Cleanup in Morris Plains Home

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

We understand the need for rapid response and restoration to minimize the loss of your property. Call us right away we are available 24/7.

Why You Need Help From The Experts For Your Homes Water Mishaps 

Many homeowners choose to handle water damage in their homes themselves to save money. In some cases, this decision works, and in others, it can lead to even more loss. 

SERVPRO handled a water removal in a Morris Plains home that needed extra help. A toilet overflow in a finished basement bathroom left the water on the tile floor, and the homeowner assumed he had cleaned it up using a mop and dried the floor with fans. 

Signs Water Loss Remains

The next day, the homeowner noticed the tiles in the bathroom came loose. When delamination occurs, it is usually due to water seepage under the tile, and when the water contains sewage, the issue is even worse. SERVPRO technicians came out to inspect the loss area, and their moisture detection equipment confirmed the subfloor needed drying. A small amount ran behind the baseboards and wicked into the sheetrock.

How SERVPRO Addresses Embedded Moisture

The techs removed the loose tile and baseboards for water extraction and used their pumps to pull as much moisture out as possible from the subfloor and floor joint areas. Only about an inch of water wicked into the sheetrock, and the techs measured roughly six inches above the water line and cut it away evenly so repairs would be seamless. 

Complete Drying

The techs used air movers to quickly pull the embedded moisture out of the subfloor and wall cavities. The drying mats forced air into the subfloor and got moved periodically during the drying phase to ensure all areas attained drying goals. 

Preparations for Repairs 

For complete restoration, the bathroom needs to have the water loss areas cleaned and disinfected. SERVPRO techs have access to a wide array of antimicrobial and antibacterial cleaning agents that leave surfaces sanitized and ready for the installation of tile and sheetrock to bring the room to its preloss condition. With their general contractor license #13VH06046200, the techs can go from the restoration to rebuilding and complete the restoration services without the stress of finding and vetting an outside contractor.

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 for water removal needs of any size. The certified technicians are available 24/7 to make the water loss in your home, "Like it never even happened."

Learn more about Morris Plains.

Water Removal Projects In Morris Plains

1/19/2020 (Permalink)

We can help you return your home to its preloss state, “Like it never even happened.”

Water Removal Projects In Morris Plains Can Require Restoring Concrete Floors

If a pipe inside your Morris Plains house breaks overnight, it is possible that hundreds of gallons of water can pour into your structure. If water removal does not get conducted promptly, secondary damage such as mold growth can occur. Once moisture leaks out of your plumbing system, it will follow gravity and soak into your floors first. Since some floors are made of concrete, drying out cement can become necessary.

During most projects in Morris Plains, water removal can include both extraction and applied structural drying or ASD procedures. For example, if the liquid H2O in your garage is more than a couple of inches deep, then our SERVPRO technicians can set up a submersible pump to put the water into one of your sewage drains. After we extract all standing water, we can then set up drying equipment to remove the rest of the moisture.

In some situations, houses are built with carpet on top of concrete subfloors. When this is the case, carpet can trap moisture inside the concrete and cause mold to grow on your carpets' paper backing. When restoring rooms that have carpet laying on top of concrete, our SERVPRO team first uses our heavy-duty extractors to remove any moisture from the carpet. Then, we can remove part of your carpet and put an air mover underneath it so that your carpet "floats" and the concrete beneath it dries out.

In other scenarios, when your carpet gets heavily saturated, we can remove the floor coverings to better dry the concrete subfloor. When drying concrete floors, we set up air movers so that they create air circulation by pushing air in a counterclockwise motion. We then place dehumidifiers that remove moisture from the air and exhaust warm, dry air that gets used in the air circulation created by the air movers.

In some more severe situations where concrete gets saturated with water, desiccant dehumidifiers can get utilized. Desiccant machines are more effective than your basic dehumidifier and can pull moisture out of non-porous materials such as concrete.

If the plumbing ever fails inside your house, it is wise to take steps to remove all moisture from your contents and building materials as soon as possible. For professional assistance when restoring any type of water damage, call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 any day of the week. We can help you return your home to its preloss state, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Morris Plains click here.

Montville House Leaky Roof or Water Damage? Call the Pros from SERVPRO for Full-Service Restoration

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Montville Water Damage Got You Down. Look-Up to SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Addressing Skylight Water Damage in a Montville Home   

One particularly tricky area of water damage that homeowners may be surprised by is the type that occurs due to loose window and skylight seals. Homeowners may not consider this risk often. Still, without occasional maintenance, window seals eventually loosen and allow water into the home. Not only does this create problems for homeowners, but it is challenging to clean without professional-grade mitigation.

If your Montville home needs water damage removed, certified SERVPRO professionals are more than happy to act with you and your insurance adjuster to restore your home to a preloss condition with state-of-the-art tools and techniques. If your home requires repairs after damage, your local SERVPRO also has a general contracting license (#13VH06046200), for a one-stop restoration and repair service.

Signs of a Damaged Skylight

Drafts
When your skylight is closed, you may notice a quiet whistling or rushing sound that can indicate damage that is inviting air to pass through it. This can weaken the insulation and ultimately increase your HVAC costs.

Cracks
This problem is much more easily detected and is most commonly caused by environmental issues like structures shifting over time, but it can also occasionally be prompted by a faulty installation.

Leaks
One of the best ways to mitigate leak-causing condensation developing on your Skylight is by ensuring that ventilation and humidity levels are adequate in the room. Often, skylights are placed in interior bathrooms to emit sunlight. These rooms are notorious for excess moisture from water usage and poor ventilation.

What SERVPRO Can Do

While cleaning and drying a water-affected area are crucial to keeping it safe for homeowners, proper home restoration procedures are vital to ensuring the space is comfortable and livable once more after a disaster. We can inspect the roof area around the skylight, and if damaged, we can repair or replace sheathing, shingles, and reseal the opening to keep out rain and moisture.

Restoration of a water affected home can include a variety of tasks, such as:

?    Floor cleanup, repair, and reinstallation of materials such as carpets, carpet pads, as well as hardwood and resilient and non-resilient flooring.
?    Removing and replacing contents for the installation or repair of floor coverings.
?    Repairing and replacing subflooring as needed.
?    Installing tack strips and re-seaming the carpet.
?    Cleanup, replacement, or refinishing of structural materials like walls, plates behind baseboards, insulation, ceilings, vapor barriers, and framing.

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County is a firm that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (973) 887-9100 today for lightning-fast damage cleanup.

You are HERE.

The Importance of Quick Water Removal in Your Morris Plains Home

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Unresolved water damage can become a breeding ground for mold. We were able to completely restore this room to its preloss condition.

Efficient Water Removal in Your Morris Plains Home Is Necessary to Dry Wet Walls  

It is impossible to predict when your home may sustain water damage. Damage from water occurs in both the evident and hard-to-reach spots. These places include underneath and behind cabinets, and inside of interior walls. Interior walls cannot withstand submersion in water. Even a small volume of water at the base of walls can turn into a big issue. 

Should you be dealing with a water loss problem, contact SERVPRO immediately to ensure effective water removal in your Morris Plains home. We can assist you to examine the affected areas, classify the damage, and create a plan to correct the destructive impact on different surfaces and items in your property. Our technicians can restore your property by taking several steps, including: 

• Removing and disposing of unsalvageable items
• Eliminating standing water
• Extracting water from carpeting, padding, or wood flooring
• Applying antimicrobial treatments to affected surfaces to prevent mold growth 

Generally, it does not take that long to remove water from a house. It’s the subsequent restoration work that takes some time because it needs proper completion. Rushing the work can cause missed water damage, and the results may not last. For instance, rebuilding a wall before the studs are completely dry could cause mold growth. 

Wet drywall is usually unsalvageable and requires replacement. Our SERVPRO restorers can remove the drywall and expose the wall cavity to airflow to help the other materials dry. Having suitable equipment for drying buildings makes the job easier, and using an axial air mover such as the Phoenix Focus Axial Air Mover is a great way to dry damp walls because of its structural design. It directs airflow towards challenging corners where the walls meet the floor. This air mover is easy to use because it dries in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. 

Our technicians can use dehumidifiers like the Phoenix R125 LGR dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. This dehumidifier is compact and lightweight, meaning it can fit anywhere we need to dry. It has a focused air outlet which directs air downward across damp surfaces to maximize drying power. 

When you need to dry your walls after a water intrusion incident, SERVPRO of East Central Morris County is ready to help. You can reach us at (973) 887-9100. We have the equipment and expertise to deal with the loss. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

More about Morris Plains.

Understanding Water Types

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Sewage Back up from SERVPRO East Central Morris County

When your home or business has a water damage it is critical to understand what type of water you are dealing with to ensure proper clean up. There are 3 types of water.

•  Clean Water is from broken pipes or other water sources or rainwater. 
• Gray Water which is slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing which makes it hazardous. 
• Black Water is highly contaminated and is filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals etc...Black water is typically caused by sewage or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by the trained professionals of SERVPRO of East Central Morris County. 

Damage from Clean Water

• Shut off water source if possible
• Turn off circuit breakers only if there is safe access to the breaker & do not enter rooms with standing water
• Remove as much excess water as possible 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery on blocks
• Remove any items that are sensitive to moisture
• Do not leave any books, magazines or colored items on the floor because they can cause staining. 
• Do not use your household vacuum to remove water
• If ceiling is wet do not turn on any fixtures. 

Damage From Contaminated Water

• Avoid all Contact with sewage and items contaminated by the sewage
• Do not walk through the contaminated are as to prevent spreading it to the unaffected areas
• Shut off your HVAC and do not use fans. 

If you have more questions or have a water issue call us today 973-887-9100 or email us SERVPRO9120@gmail.com 

5 Common Causes of Water Damage

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

kitchen cabinets damaged from standing water

Get to know some of the common causes of water damage so that you can do what you can to prevent it from happening on your property. 

1. Broken Pipes – A broken pipe can do a lot of damage to your home in just a short amount of time. Before you know it, gallons short amount of time. Before you know of water could be spewing through your home. Pay close attention to any leaks, drips, and signs of deterioration. Have a plumber come out to your house for regular maintenance, and if there ever is a broken pipe, you can always turn the water off before the plumber arrives in order to avoid further damage.
2. Pinhole Leaks– common if a home has copper plumbing, a pinhole leak is a puncture of a copper pipe due to corrosion. If your home has a copper water system, check your pipes for signs of corrosion often.
3. Old/Faulty Appliances – If your fridge or washing machines aren’t maintained well, or have gotten too old, they could start to leak and create a significant amount of water damage in your home. It’s especially important to keep an eye on the appliances in your kitchen, as water damage caused by your fridge or dish washer can affect not just your floor, but your cabinets as well. Often times, leaks that go undetected for some time will cause significant water damage behind cabinets, which in turn can lead to mold if the problem goes unnoticed for an extended period.
4. Roof Leaks– We don’t typically see much rain here in Southern California, but when we do, a lot of homeowners tend to suffer water damage due to roof leaks. Check your roofs frequently and take care of any maintenance or repairs while the weather is still sunny. That way you won’t have to worry about your home flooding next time a storm hits.
5. Accidents – Sometimes luck just isn’t on your side and one tiny mistake can lead to a big problem. A clogged toilet or too much soap in the dishwasher or washing machine can have water coming across your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. These parts of the home are generally better equipped than the rest of the house to handle a larger spill, but water moves fast and could potentially cause damage to the walls, ceiling, or other rooms in the home. If an accident ever does occur that you think calls for a professional, call SERVPRO East Central Morris County at 973-887-9100 and we’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

The Science of Drying After Water Damage

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know there is a science behind the process of drying? Having this knowledge is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of East Central Morris County Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damage. If your home or business suffers from water damage, our team will:

1. Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
2. Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
3. Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help “speed up Mother Nature”? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material–but only if the air is, indeed, drier.

The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County has the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. Our technicians also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County has the training and equipment to help make water damage “Like it never even happened.” If your home or business has water damage, give us a call today at 425-367-4484.

Did you know that Water Damage has a timeline?

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Water damaged hardwood floors

Flooding and water emergencies don't wait for regular business hours and neither do we.  SERVPRO of East Central Morris County provides cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (Including all holidays).

Faster To Any Size Disaster                                          

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO  arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs..

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1-24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to blister.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Thank 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth and bio-hazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

What to do When there is Sewage in your Morris County Basement

8/8/2016 (Permalink)

Best sewage cleanup company in Morris Plains.

What to do when there is sewage in your basement

A sewer backing up, or contaminated water backing out of your tub, sink or toilet can be an absolute nightmare for Morris County homeowners. The truth is you can’t (and shouldn’t) do very much; sewage contaminated water is dangerous to your health and should be avoided at all costs. If you have water backing up out of toilet, sink or bathtub in your Morris County home, then follow these steps and call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County.

Your Game Plan

-Stay out of the area/avoid cross contamination

-Determine the source

-Arrange repair and cleanup services

-Call your Insurance Company

Keep Children and Pets away from sewer-water affected areas

Keep children and pets away the moment the sewer water is discovered, until the clean-up crew and sanitation is complete. Sewage is considered Category 3 water, more commonly known as black water. Category 3 water or Black water is defined by the IICRC as “the worst classification and is grossly unsanitary. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. It used to be called black water, and sources include sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth.” Keep children and pets away at all times and if you yourself must go in the area, wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching cuts, eyes, mouth or ears with your hands or any item that came in contact with the black water.

Risks of Sewage back up debris

Category 3 water/Raw sewage contains Diseases such as Hepatitis, Salmonella, E.Coli and Parasites just to name a few, would you risk cleaning this yourself without proper training or the tools and chemicals to do it correctly? These disease survive weeks even months if not properly killed. Doing it yourself, or hiring the wrong professional puts you, your family, pets and house guests at a great risk. Call SERVPRO to schedule emergency service to have the job taken care of like it never even happened.

Determine whether the waste is local (as in, from your own home) or from the sewer system also known as “backflow”

Determine the source of the sewage backup – if entering the area seems like it would be dangerous to your health (no proper protective equipment) then just skip on down to arrange services. IF you are able to do some inspecting, then determine the source by the amount and the flow rate. A Local waste product would be from a blockage, tree roots affecting plumbing lines or broken or collapsed lines on your property, this waste would be from your own home but is still considered a category 3. Backflow is when the sewer system in your neighborhood or municipality is overwhelmed, and it reverses in your pipes, causing it to erupt from toilets, sinks and tubs. This waste product is waste from all your neighbors and nearby buildings pouring into your home. This can happen from heavy rainflow overwhelming your municipality’s sewer system, causing it to backflow into your home. Regardless of the way it came in, the sewage needs to be immediately removed and sanitation needs to begin as soon as possible to reduce cost of clean up and more importantly minimize health risks.

Arrange Services with SERVPRO 

Call an Emergency Restoration company such as SERVPRO as we are IICRC Certified and specialize in cleaning up hazardous waste. Most contractors and plumbers do not have the capability to clean up the site after the repairs have been made, or at the very least inadequate equipment – and may not be approved by your insurance company if you choose to claim the loss.

SERVPRO also has a 1-4-8 policy, which means within 1 hour from notice of loss (When you call), a SERVPRO professional will contact you to arrange services. Within 4 hours of notice of loss, a SERVPRO professional will be onside to start mitigating services. Within 8 business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to your adjuster by a SERVPRO Professional. If any SERVPRO believes they are incapable of responding within this time frame, they will refer you to a SERVPRO who can so you are not left waiting!

Call your insurance company

Ask your agent if this is a covered loss, and what your deductible will be.  This can be done before or after calling SERVPRO as we accept all insurance plans and you can also pay yourself – whether you are covered or not, this will not affect your ability to receive service.

What to do while the Crew is at work

Once the services have been arranged, and the SERVPRO crew is at work, do your best to keep all equipment running, still keep children out of the area as well as pets and do not be afraid to ask questions. While your plumber is there ask if there are ways to prevent a Sewage back up or back flow from happening again and ask him about installing a Backflow valve.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today –(973) 887-9100

Sewage Backup Cleanup Company Is Ready To Help In Morris County NJ

5/19/2016 (Permalink)

Be Safe, call the professionals at SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100

Morris County Restoration

Sewage backup cleanup and removal is always a messy job. All you have to say is the sewage word and people know exactly what you are talking about. When it comes in contact with your homes flooring or contents is when you have a problem on your hands.

If a sewage line gets clogged or you just have a random backup is where we come in. We have the tools and knowledge to help you get everything cleaned up and sanitized as quickly as possible. Our technicians have been trained on how to clean up contaminated water and use the proper protection from what may it may contain. Not only does the look of sewage water scare people but the odor will definitely make you think twice about cleaning it up yourself. Most homeowner do call for advice if it is a small problem, but if you feel you’re over your head with the sewage overflow cleanup, we are ready to help.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (973) 887-9100

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

Understanding Water Types

4/20/2016 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. 

Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive:

Damage from Clean Water

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and table top items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is a potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to uncontaminated areas.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

When you have a water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at 973-887-9100

Frozen Pipes

2/12/2016 (Permalink)

With record low temperatures predicted for this weekend.. 

Here are three simple steps you can follow to help prevent water damage from occurring due to a pipe freeze:

1.  Keep your heat set above 60 degrees

2.  Open all cabinet doors where plumbing is located.  (For example, the cabinet under your kitchen sink.)

3.  Run a slow trickle of water through the faucet.

Remember, the first 48 hours of any water loss are the most important.  If you do experience a broken pipe, contact us at 973-887-9100. 

Parent’s House Had Water Heater Leak

9/1/2015 (Permalink)

When our parents get older, sometimes we take on responsibilities they can no longer handle themselves. This often means we care for their home and any damages that occur. When it comes to water damage, it is imperative that the problem is taken care of immediately; otherwise the risk of mold growth raises and that can contribute to more health problems. 

For one Morristown resident, he was the first person his parents called when they found water in their laundry room and bathroom. It was a weekend when they noticed it, and their son immediately looked online for the best water damage removal company. SERVPRO was the first on the list, so he dialed our call center, which sent him to us. SERVPRO of East Central Morris County knew we would be perfect for this job. 

Water damage is not something that can be put off, so we sent out our Production Manager to the job that same day, even though it was a weekend. He investigated the resulting damage from the leaking water heater and set up air movers and dehumidifiers to dry up the water and decrease the chance of mold growth.

We worked with the son of the homeowners to schedule a time for our trained technicians to come in and continue work on the water damage. When we arrived that Monday morning, we set to work immediately. We ended up having to remove the vinyl floor and baseboard trim in both the laundry room and bathroom.. We worked diligently to make sure that the remaining structure was dried safely, so the health of the homeowners would not be compromised.

Both the homeowners and their son were thrilled with our work. They gave us all 10s on our certificate of satisfaction, meaning we did a perfect job!    And, as is usually the case, their insurance company paid us directly for our work. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Central Morris County NJ is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Morris County community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Morris County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

9/1/2015 (Permalink)

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 Morris County New Jersey 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

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Please Call Us At - (973) 887-9100

We were onsite within an hour, to inspect the damage and to begin the Water extraction process.  In less than four days we had basement dry. We use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine you’re your home’s structure is actually dry. 

If Water damage is handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

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

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help – (973) 887-9100  

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Central Morris County NJ is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Morris County NJ community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Tips For Cleaning Your Home After Water Damage

9/1/2015 (Permalink)

Flooded basement with ceiling tiles down, SERVPRO of East Central Morris County responded Immediately and cleaned up and dried the home.

Water in unwanted places can cause a lot of damage. Not only can it ruin your prized possessions, but also the house in which they are stored. If you’re able to act quickly, you can minimize the damage and possibly save some of your possessions. Some of your success depends on how long the water’s been around, there might be pieces of furniture that can be saved, and sometimes, even carpet, but any electronics hit by water are probably doomed.

Don’t treat flood water in unwanted places lightly: even if it's just damp, it is the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold growth not only ruins walls, furniture, carpets, flooring, etc., it can lead to poor indoor air quality causing respiratory problems including asthma, and can lead to severe illness. Preventing mold growth is key to keeping your home’s air clean and healthy. So in addition to calling your insurance company, here are a few tips to deal with your flooded home and minimize the water damage. (Call your insurance company before you do anything, and tell them what you want to do.)

1.     Disconnect the power, unplug any electronics, and remove electronics, furniture and movable items immediately. The faster you get items out of water’s way, the more likely you’ll be able to save them. Definitely move all electrical items first, and if you can, turn off your power leading into the affected area, especially if water rises above electrical outlets. Pull up any carpets (wall to wall and area rugs) and under padding. You may be able to save the carpet if you get it cleaned and disinfected, however, it may shrink and be better off as an area rug afterwards. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to save the under padding, which acts like a sponge and absorbs a lot of water.

2.     Get rid of the water. There are several ways to get rid of the water. If you don’t have power, or are worried about loose wires, the old-fashioned, manual way will work. Use old towels, buckets and mops to soak up as much water as possible. As long as sewers in your neighborhood aren’t backed up, you can pour the water down the drain, otherwise, pour onto your lawn or other permeable surface. A wet/dry vacuum can be used too, note: be very careful to plug it into outlets far away from water. Don’t use an extension cord as the connection could also short out and give you a nasty shock. Water and electricity don’t mix! If your basement or other flooded area is overwhelming and you have power, consider renting (if available) a sump pump from your local Rent-all or hardware stores. Getting rid of all the water and drying out the area is the most important thing you can do to prevent mold growth.

3.     Dry out the affected area. Once you’ve mopped up all the water, use fans and a dehumidifier to help dry out the area. If it’s stopped raining, open windows to allow for air circulation and faster drying. You want to dry the area out as soon as possible. If the drywall was affected, you’ll probably have to cut away the areas that were touched by water as the drywall will crumble and the paper backing is a good source of food for mold. If you have baseboard trim, take it up first, and if it’s made from pressboard it will likely not be salvageable. If it was wood, you might be able to save it.

4.     Disinfect. After the area has dried out, including wood beams, insulation, drywall, etc., use a good disinfectant to get rid of any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, toilets, etc.  Disinfect all areas affected by the flood waters including walls and wood and non-upholstered furniture that sat in flood water.

5.     Prevent mold growth. After you’ve disinfected and let the area thoroughly dry out, apply a mold control agent to the affected area according to directions. Once a thin layer is applied, let it dry overnight. If you’re spraying an entire room, you might want to consider renting a mister from a hardware store such as Home Depot. It’s easy to use and very fast.

6.     Dispose of damaged items responsibly: you’ll be tempted to throw everything into a dumpster and send it all away and out of site. But if you can organize damaged goods into piles and take what you can to recycling centers, you will help alleviate the pressure on your local landfill site. Go to your city or town’s waste management website to find out where to recycle old paints, stains, adhesives and other toxic liquids, any damaged electronics from cell phones to TVs and computers, furniture, and even drywall. You can also look through Earth 911 to find recycling centers in your neighborhood

OF COURSE, IF ALL OF THIS SEEMS LIKE TOO MUCH OF A HEADACHE OR YOUR ATTEMPT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL YOU CAN ALWAYS CALL THE PROFESSIONALS HERE AT SERVPRO 973-887-9100

New Equipment

9/11/2014 (Permalink)

Faster to any any size disaster...

New equipment has arrived to service your water damage needs.  We keep current with the most advanced and efficent equipment available!