How To Stop A Tankless Toilet From Flushing Constantly

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Tankless Toilet

If your commercial tankless toilet is continuously flushing, there may be a problem with the flushometer. The flushometer is the mechanism that flushes the toilet. If the flushing does not stop, the toilet may overflow and that could result in damages.

First Step:

If the toilet won't stop flushing, try these steps first:

• Turn off the water

• Remove the cover

• Clean the gasket

• Reinstall the gasket

• Replace the gasket if flushing continues

Turn Off Water to Access the Gasket:

To access the gasket, you should first turn off the water. You will then need to remove the cover on the flushometer. You will first need to unscrew the cover on the side of the flushometer and then use a wrench to remove the lid on top. This will expose the gasket, allowing you to remove and clean it.

Clean the Gasket:

The gaskets in flushometers can become covered with sediment due to their constant exposure to water. You should carefully clean the gasket. This includes using a small instrument, such as a needle, to clean out the weep hole. Doing this will improve the vacuum created by the gasket and hopefully stop the continuous flushing.

Reinstall and Test

After cleaning the gasket, you should put it back in its place and reattach the cover. Then turn the water back on and flush the toilet. If the flushing continues, you may have to replace the gasket or call a plumber.

If cleaning or replacing the gasket does not work, call your local plumber so your toilet does not cause a water damage on your property. If a water damage should occur call SERVPRO of Casper for your restoration needs at 307-235-6558.

Hotel Water Damage

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Bathroom, and hall floor with standing water.

We received a call from a local hotel around 8:00 at night to respond to a water damage emergency. The hotel had checked a guest into a room on the 4^th floor. The guest overflowed the bathtub, and it ran down all four floors. To make matters worse, the hotel had recently completed extensive renovations on two of the floors. We were asked to extract the standing water, and use equipment to stabilize the situation for the night. Our crew arrived quickly, removed the excess water, and placed dehumidifiers in the affected areas.

The next day, the hotel authorized complete water damage services. Our crew returned, did more water extraction, pulled vinyl baseboard, and placed air movers. We were able to get all the affected areas dry in 4-5 days. Because this hotel contacted us right away, we were able to save more materials, they got their rooms back quickly, and their customers got a good night’s sleep.

If you have a water damage, call SERVPRO of Casper right away. The longer it soaks, the more extensive the damage can become.

Commercial Sprinkler System

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial sprinkler head

A commercial sprinkler system is a critical protective system in a variety of buildings. They are in hotels, restaurant, schools, and other facilities. The following are 4 reasons why it is important to have a sprinkler system in a commercial or multiple-dwelling setting.

Sprinklers Save Lives:

Having a sprinkler system can help buy time for people to evacuate from the property safely. The National Fire Protection Services has no more than two deaths per year on record with a building that has a functional sprinkler system.

Reduces Damage:

A functional sprinkler system can not only save lives, but it can save the property as well. There will still be some fire, smoke damage, and the obvious water damage, but the property will still be standing and the damage will be limited.

Reduces Insurance Premiums:

Not only can a sprinkler save lives, and the property, but some insurance companies will offer a discount on the premiums due to reduced risk.

Low Maintenance:

After the system has been installed, the required upkeep is very low. The requirement for a sprinkler system is to do an annual inspection. A qualified profession will make sure all the heads and the rest of the system are in good working order.

If your sprinkler system should go off, it is important to remove the water quickly. SERVPRO of Casper can help you get your facility back in good order.

Commercial Water Sources

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water lines for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Commercial properties contain a myriad of water sources. Kitchens, restrooms, laundry rooms, and utility areas have an assortment of sinks, fixtures, supply lines, appliances, and drains. Each of these items can potentially fail, resulting in water damage.

Good maintenance and inspection practices can help reduce the risk of water damage. But despite the best preventative measures, indoor water leaks and breakages are inevitable. When water damage occurs, timely response is critical.

Water spreads quickly throughout commercial structures. It tends to follow cracks, and creases in flooring. It also readily soaks into absorbent materials, such as carpet, pad, and drywall.

Never wait to get help. The sooner water removal services begin, the faster everything will dry. It will also reduce the amount of damage to materials by limiting water migration, and will help save you money.

Having a water damage or sewer back up can be overwhelming and stressful. Finding all hidden water, and properly drying out your facility, is very important. That is where SERVPRO of Casper comes in. We have IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified technicians on call 24/7, that can respond quickly to mitigate the damage and save your property.

Disasters in the Healthcare Facilities

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Wet tile that fell from the ceiling on a wet floor.

Disasters at healthcare facilities are complex. So when it comes to flood or fire in a medical facility not only does affect the employees, but it also affects the patients. So we like to get in and out as fast as possible to so there is little disruption. We understand that there is special training to handle regulated medical waste and comply with HIPPA regulations. Whether we’re dealing with a small medical office or a large hospital campus, SERVPRO of Casper works quickly and efficiently to assess your needs.

Types of facilities we can work on:

• Hospitals

• Assisted Living Centers

• Outpatient Surgical Centers

• Hospice Facilities

• Senior Living Facilities

• Medical Office Buildings

Regardless of the cause, size of the loss, or the size of your facility. SERVPRO of Casper are available day or night to help you with the damage. 307-235-6558

Hearing Protection

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

A caution sign about wearing hearing protection.

The 5 senses are important to a human. When you lose one of them, it can make things hard. Gradual loss of hearing is common for working people. It can create difficulties in both a person’s professional and personal life. It’s not impossible to still have a good quality of life if you lose one your hearing, but it does come without its challenges. While some factors in hearing loss may be out of your control, there are many mitigating measures that can be taken to preserve your hearing.

Some indicators that you may be suffering hearing damage in the workplace:

- Hearing ringing or humming in your ears when you leave the workplace

- Having to shout to be heard by a coworker an arm’s length away due to ambient noise

- Experiencing temporary hearing loss when leaving work

How to protect your hearing:

- Identify noise-producing tasks

- Wear hearing protection

- Make hearing protection conveniently available in the workplace

- Reduce equipment noise

- Limit your exposure, if possible

- Have your hearing tested regularly by a qualified audiologist

- Do not allow children to enter noisy work areas

Types of hearing Protection:

Formable Earplugs

Premolded Earplugs

Canal Caps

Earmuffs

Do everything in your power to protect your hearing, because once its gone, its gone.

Saving Money

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

A coin jar with a tree coming out of the top.

When you own or operate a small business, you typically don’t have unlimited financial resources to stay afloat. It is critical to manage your expenses so you can control cash outflow from your company. If your business is in a commercial building, your utility bills can make up a large amount of your monthly expenses. Managing and reducing energy consumption is a sure way to lower your bills, and keep more money in your business.

- Insulation Saves Energy

One fairly inexpensive way to reduce energy costs is insulating your property. You can save up to 10% of your energy bill by installing proper insulation and sealing your building. Sealing drafty windows is a great start, as well as adding insulation to exterior walls. Additionally, sealing around plumbing penetrations and correcting leaks in HVAC ducts is helpful.

- Turn Off Lights and Computers

At the end of the business day, have your employees power down their computers, and turn off all lights. Modern laptop computers and LED lighting consume far less electricity than their older counterparts. However, they still use a small amount of energy. Fully shutting off computers and lights can still result in savings in the long run.

- Utilize Smart Building Technology

Modern building controls, including programmable thermostats, are a great way to limit energy consumption. Smart thermostats can help you build a heating and cooling schedule that keeps your employees comfortable during business hours, while cutting back on usage during times that nobody is present. Motion-sensing light switches turn lights on when people are in a room, and automatically turn them off when no motion is detected. This minimizes electrical consumption, and cuts down your electric bill.

- Maintain your HVAC system

Dirty HVAC systems consume more energy to operate than a clean, well-maintained system. Clogged filters, dirty refrigeration coils, and dust buildup in the supply and return ducts all add resistance to airflow. The blowers have to work harder to push air, and consume more power as a result. Changing filters regularly, and scheduling periodic duct cleaning, can save you money in the form of reduced utility bills.

SERVPRO of Casper can address your HVAC cleaning needs. We have the tools and training to keep your HVAC system running cleanly and efficiently, so you can keep a handle on energy consumption expenses in your business.

3 reasons your fridge may leak

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

A kitchen that has standing water on the floor.

Your kitchen has a lot of appliances and fixtures that can develop water leaks. The sink, refrigerator, dishwasher, and water cooler are all potential sources of water damage. One of the most concerning appliances in this respect is the refrigerator. Refrigerator and ice maker troubles tend to start as very small leaks. Most leakage occurs in the back, normally out-of-view. A leak can continue for a long time before it is noticeable, and has caused substantial damage. The three most common sources of leakage from a refrigerator are improper leveling, drain blockage, or the water supply line for the ice maker.

- Refrigerator Leveling Problems -

If you get a new refrigerator, or installing new flooring, you should always double-check the level of the refrigerator when you put it back. The front of the refrigerator should be between a quarter-inch and half-inch higher than the back. This helps front-to-back tilt and enables coolant to flow freely. If coolant cannot circulate properly, it may pool in the pipes and force the fridge to work harder. This can create extra condensation around the coils, resulting in water dripping on the floor.

- Inspecting for Defrost Drain Blockage -

The defrost drain (located on the back of a freezer or refrigerator), should be checked to make sure it is not blocked by ice or debris. Flush out the drain hole with 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed into hot (but not boiling) water. As a preventative measure, you can perform this flush once or twice a year.

- Checking the Water Supply Line -

Flow problems on your water dispenser, or erratic ice production, could be signs of a leaking supply line. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and inspecting the line and its connections. Be careful not to pull the refrigerator too far away, as it could put strain on the fittings, and cause damage.

If you notice floor swelling or warping around your refrigerator, or paint bubbling on the surrounding walls, you should perform the above inspections to find what is causing the damage. Once you have the source of the water stopped, contact SERVPRO of Casper to evaluate and repair the damaged area.

Commercial Duct Cleaning

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Before and after on duct cleaning

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a commercial building serves an important function. The HVAC system brings in heating and cooling throughout your facility. As any employer knows, it’s important to keep your employees comfortable and happy. Regular cleaning of your HVAC ducts is an important maintenance measure in your building. Here’s why:

Air Duct Cleaning Improves the Quality of Indoor Air

Having your air ducts cleaned it decreases the number of airborne particles in your building. As air passes through the HVAC system, contaminants such as dust and pollen accumulate in the ducts. An excessive amount of these substances can cause allergies or “hay fever” symptoms in some people. Frequent changing of filters helps control this problem, but some particles get past the filters. Duct cleaning reduces the amount of these fine particulates in the system, leaving you with healthier air. We use specialized tools (such as air whips and rotary brushes) to agitate the dust from the duct walls, and a HEPA-filtered vacuum unit to collect it from your system.

Air Duct Cleaning Conserves Energy

A clean HVAC system simply works more efficiently than a dirty one. If properly and thoroughly cleaned, it can reduce the costs of running your HVAC system. It can also increase the useful life of your air conditioner and furnace. Performing routine commercial air duct cleaning can help improve airflow, and help your system to work more effectively, and use less energy.

SERVPRO of Casper specializes in cleaning commercial and industrial air ducts. Call our office today to set up your free estimate at 307-235-6558.

Commercial Delaminated Carpet

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Delaminated Carpet

In many water-damaged homes, we are able to dry and restore the carpeting. But in some cases, water damage may cause delamination of the carpet.

Delamination in carpeting means that the adhesive holding the secondary backing on the carpeting has failed. The secondary backing separates from the carpet. The main purpose of the secondary backing is to give the carpet strength, and allow it to be stretched onto tackless strips. If delamination occurs, the carpet no longer has any structural strength, and cannot be stretched or secured.

Carpet delamination can be caused by several things. Heavy foot traffic, combined with years of wear, can cause the adhesive to crumble, resulting in delamination in the traffic lanes. Poor or defective manufacturing can cause premature delamination. A water damage does not necessarily cause the adhesive to fail. But if a carpet is subjected to multiple water damage incidents, or prolonged soaking in water, delamination is possible.

If we discover carpet delamination during water damage remediation, that carpeting is generally not restorable. It is more effective in that situation to remove and dispose of the carpet and pad, and focus on drying the remaining structural materials. If we remove the carpet, we save samples of it, in case your insurance company requests it. We also communicate with your insurance about why the carpeting needed to be removed.

When you have a water damage, you can count on SERVPRO professionals to evaluate the condition of your carpeting, and choose the best restoration path for your individual situation. For a free water damage evaluation, contact us anytime at 307-235-6558.

Fire Drill

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Signs that says FIre Drill

When owning or managing a business, an important safety precaution in your company is to do regular fire drills. Not only will regular drills teach new employees what to do, but it will help keep everyone informed of any changes, and to keep the proper steps in mind. With fire drills, repetition is key. By making it a habit, everyone will be be able to perform the drill without even thinking of it. They say it is good to remember the “Seven P’s” (Proper prior planning and preparation prevents poor performance). If you never have done a fire drill, or led a fire drill, here are a few steps on what to do.

Develop a detailed fire evacuation plan

You want to come up with various scenarios, considering where a fire might start in your business. Are there areas of the building at a higher risk for fire? Also, are you located in an area where a wildfire may threaten your business?

Key points in a commercial fire plan:

- Establish roles and responsibilities for the fire evacuation team

- Create a communication plan

- Plan and map out routes

- Know your tools such as fire detectors, fire alarms and fire extinguishers

- Rehearse fire drills at least twice per year

- Make sure to follow-up and report using a modern employee notification system so you can determine the safety of all employees

Setting goals

You will want to set standards and goals for the fire drill. If you include these things on your first drill, you can see about making improvement on subsequent drills. Some of the metrics that should be considered:

- Time to evacuate

- Time to report completion of the drill

- Successful shutdown of critical equipment, if applicable

Rehearse the fire drill

Doing rehearsal drills will reduce the complexity of the full drill. This should start with just the team leaders participating in the rehearsal, either in-person, or in the form of a table-top exercise. By starting this way, you can identify weaknesses in the plan, and be prepared for any confusion and questions. Once the rehearsals have corrected any problems, you should do a full rehearsal with as many employees as possible. The key to a successful fire drill is communication. Effective communication with your employees during the drill can prevent confusion.

Once you and your employees are proficient in the primary fire drill, start working on other scenarios. You want to consider fires in different locations, exits that are not working, and different possible disasters that require evacuation, so you can be prepared for anything.

Appoint observers

When you conduct a fire drill at work, you should choose a few people that are not on your team to be observers. Your observers should be looking for the following:

- Large groups moving slowly or talking with each other

- People on cell phones or using other mobile devices

- Unhelpful behavior such as grabbing coats, purses, and bags

- Difficulties for people with disabilities such as hard-to-open doors or slippery stairs

- Employees who choose a different exit rather than the one closest to their work station

Once the fire drill is all done, you and your team should sit down and do an AAR (After Action Review). Some good points to discuss:

- Did employees close the doors upon exiting rooms?

- Were employees calm and confident?

- Did everyone meet at their assigned meeting spot?

- Was the fire alarm reset and the alarm company notified of the drill (if applicable)?

- Did the building facilities, i.e. doors, alarms, automated voice commands work correctly?

Holiday Light Safety

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Christmas Lights

The holidays are here, and everyone is excited to start decorating. People are putting up Christmas trees, decorations, and hanging up lights throughout the house. With all the excitement, safety precautions are often forgotten. Here are a few things you may not think of, but should consider when decorating for your holiday season.

- Inspect each set of lights, even if they are new. Check for broken or cracked sockets, loose connections, or frayed wires. Discard any damaged cords.

- Plug in and inspect the lights before hanging them up.

- Make sure your lights have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label on them.

- Watch young children around lights and decorations, as they can easily grab and swallow them.

- Unplug all decorative lights, such as the Christmas tree, and the outdoor decorative lighting, before leaving the house or going to bed.

- If you buy an artificial tree, make sure that it has the flame-resistant label on it.

- When shopping for lights, choose LED. They last longer, and the bulbs don’t get hot to the touch.

- When using an extension cord for your outdoor lighting, use a 3 prong grounded extension with a UL label.

- Never overload outlets or extension cords.

- Cords need to stay out of water, and away from metal objects.

- Before using an extension cord, make sure the cord is fully uncoiled.

- Never place extension cords under rugs and doors or through windows where they can get pinched.

There’s a lot to look for when inspecting Christmas decorations, but taking that extra couple of minutes could help prevent an accident from happening.

Hotel's First Impressions

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

A hotel room with a freshly made bed with a tv, desk, and a beautiful view.

When operating a hotel you know that first impressions are everything! What does a guest see when they first walk into your lobby? What do they see (or smell) when they step into their hotel room for the first time? It is very important it is to make sure your guest rooms and facility are clean, and look their very best. By having a facility that looks and smells good, you are well on your way to developing a guest that will come back time after time, and possibly refer their friends and family to stay at your place. SERVPRO of Casper offers a variety of services to help freshen up your hotel, and strengthen your first impression.

There are a wide variety of materials and surfaces in your hotel that we can clean and deodorize. Here’s a list of some of the things we can clean:

• Carpets
• Upholstery
• Area Rugs
• Drapes
• Tile
• HVAC and Duct Cleaning

If your hotel needs some freshening up, have some comfort knowing that SERVPRO of Casper has the training and tools to get your hotel looking and smelling its very best!

Spring Cleaning 2 of 2

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Supplies for Spring Cleaning

In the last blog, we talked about strategy when it comes to commercial spring cleaning. In this blog, I’ll give you a list of services that are recommended. Most of these items are commonly thought of during spring cleaning in a commercial setting. But some of them are often forgotten.

Flooring

• Deep-clean carpets to remove stains.
• Deep-clean floor mats before storing.
• Move file cabinets, conference tables, desks, and other large furniture items to clean the whole floor.
• Clean baseboards and corners with a high-powered vacuum.
• Buff and scrub tile and concrete.
• Consider re-finishing and re-sealing floors for a renewed appearance.
• Look for fire or safety hazards on the floor. Remove any floor or stairway blockages.
• Inspect tile for breaks, dents, or cracks.

Walls

• Look for chips or cracks. You will have to evaluate if a small coat of paint will fix the problem, or more work will be necessary.
• Clean all windows inside and out to remove dust and marks. If some of the windows are too high, you may have to hire a window cleaning company.
• Dust and wash all blinds and drapes. This is usually forgotten during the weekly cleanings.
• Dust light fixtures and door tops.
• Knock down “dust bunnies” and spider webs from high corners and sides.

Furniture  

Deep-clean upholstery. Not only does it remove dirt and stains, but it helps with the appearance and smell.

Wipe down and sanitize all desks.

Wipe down conference room tables, trophy cases, and other shelving units.

Bathrooms

• Deep clean the floor and baseboards. If the flooring is tile, scrub the grout.
• Sanitize and deep clean all surfaces with bleach-based products.
• Replace toilet paper, paper towels, and soaps.
• Clean all trash cans, including the small ones in the stalls.

Breakroom

• Clean all trash cans.
• Deep-clean all appliances inside and out, including refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces on tables and chairs.
• Sort all items in the refrigerator. Remove old, expired foods and condiments.

Other

• Dust and clean computers. Unplug the keyboards and shake them upside-down over a trash can. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down screens.
• Disinfect surfaces that people touch on a regular basis, such as door handles/knobs, elevator buttons, and handrails.

Commercial Spring Cleaning 1 of 2

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Road sign saying Spring Cleaning Ahead

Spring Cleaning Checklist For Your Commercial Building (1 of 2)

Commercial spring cleaning is different from residential spring cleaning. There is typically more square footage to clean, and more organization and participants is necessary.

You should start off by creating a checklist for each room you want to have cleaned, and what day you want to do that cleaning. Once you have compiled your list, you should communicate it to all parties involved (email is a great way of doing this). Your employees should have advance notice when their area will be cleaned, and what is going to be done in their area. This will also give them enough time to get their stuff cleaned up, and if necessary, removed and boxed up from their shelves and desks. By being organized and staying in contact with the proper people, your cleaning will get done more efficiently.  Please check out my next blog on some ideas on what type of spring cleaning to do.

How To Keep You From Getting Back Pain

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Examples of how to limit your back pain

According to Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 1 million workers account for nearly 20 percent of all injuries in the work place. Your back is one of the most important parts of your body, and a back injury creates a number of limitations. It is very easy to strain or otherwise hurt your back. Here are some leading causes, and prevention ideas.

Common causes of back pain at work:

• Force - Exerting too much force can hurt your back, such as lifting, or moving heavy items.
• Repetition - Repeating certain movements, those involving twisting or turning, can injure your spine.
• Inactivity - An inactive job such as a desk job can contribute to back pain as well. If you have poor posture, or sit still all day with inadequate back support, you can encounter back problems.

Back pain prevention:

• Pay attention to posture – When standing, balance your weight evenly on your feet. To promote good posture when sitting, don’t slouch. Pick a chair that supports your back. Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet rest flat on the floor, and your thighs are parallel to the floor. Make sure there is nothing bulky in your back pocket such as a wallet or cell phone, as it can put extra pressure on your buttocks and lower back.
• Lift properly – When lifting heavy objects, lift with your legs, don’t twist, and tighten your core muscles. When carrying heavy objects, hold the object close to your body. If an object is too heavy to lift alone, get a second person to assist.
• Modify repetitive tasks – When lifting heavy objects, use a lifting device if available. If you are in a physically demanding job, try alternating between heavily-physical and less-physical activities. If you have a desk job, make sure your computer, chair, and key board are at the appropriate height. Avoid excessive bending, twisting and reaching. Limit the time you spend carrying heavy briefcases, purses, and bags.
• Listen to your body – If you sit for a prolonged period, its best to change your position often. Taking short walks periodically will stretch your muscles and relieve physical tension.

Back pain can plague your work, and make your free time less enjoyable. If something is aggravating your back, change your position or the task you are performing. Even the smallest preventative efforts can help prevent chronic back pain and spinal injuries.

Time table for water damages

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

A clock with a second hand

There is never a convenient time for a water damage, especially when it comes to businesses.  Water can quickly migrate throughout your building; it can soak into walls, flooring, furniture, and more. When you call SERVPRO of Casper, we will respond to your location right away. We will assess the loss and make sure there is no hidden water in other rooms. From there, we will start extracting any standing water and any water trapped in your carpet. By having a rapid response to your commercial water damage, the total extent of the loss can be reduced, and help save money on your claim. Here is a rough time table of damage caused by water as it dwells in a structure:

Within Minutes:

• Water spreads throughout your property
• Water absorbs into the walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Paper goods like photographs and books can start to swell and warp

Hours 1-24:

• Metal surfaces begin to rust
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and cause staining
• Paint begins to blister

48 Hours – 1 week

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Mold may start growing
• Doors, windows, and framing studs swell and warp
• Wood flooring swells and warps
• Microbial contamination is possible

More than 1 week

• Restoration time and costs increases, with more materials needing replaced
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose increased risks to occupants

 SERVPRO of Casper is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays. We can rapidly respond to stop further damage, and get your business back to work.

Commercial Winter Safety

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

A sunny day with fall color trees

Winter weather in Wyoming can be unpredictable, so it’s very important to make sure you are prepared for any type of weather condition. In the winter we fight with snow accumulation, blowing snow, and severe temperatures. If you own a commercial property, you want to make sure you have a good winter contingency plan. This becomes especially important if you have employees. Preparedness makes things less difficult for you and your staff.

Stock Up

   If you have an occupied structure, you should have emergency kits in place, in case anyone gets stranded. Here are a few suggested items to have in your kits:

• Food and water
• Supplies for basic first aid
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• A whistle

Condition of Your Building

    Make sure that your building is well-maintained so there are no structure damage or potential leak points. It is important to keep up with routine housekeeping tasks, such as clearing of the traffic lanes, and no sharp edges or protrusions that could cause an injury. In case of power failure, it is good to ensure that there are extra blankets stored away, and a light source nearby such as a flashlight. 

Think About Your Employees

    If you know that severe temperatures and snow are coming, it would be good to evaluate the situation and decide if it’s appropriate for employees to come to work. You don’t want your employees taking unnecessary risks on bad roads, or getting snowed in at your facility.

With some preparatory measures, your commercial building can be ready for whatever happens. If your building sustains any damages caused by winter conditions, know that SERVPRO of Casper is always here for you.

Commercial Sprinkler Protection

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water coming out of the suppression system.

Winter is here, and so are the freezing temperatures. Frigid conditions can freeze and damage internal plumbing systems. This can also affect larger commercial systems, such as fire suppression system pipes.  Depending on pressure, a fire suppression sprinkler head can release up to almost 4 gallons per minute. Broken sprinkler pipes can deliver even more, causing substantial water damage in a commercial building in a short amount of time.

Having fire suppression systems inspected on regular basis is an important way to prevent such damage. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) recommends that these systems are inspected 4 times a year. A qualified inspector will check the main components of the system such as the sprinkler heads, valves, and piping to ensure everything is in good working order.

Making a plan in case of an emergency is very important. SERVPRO of Casper will build an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your commercial property at no cost to you. If your building sustains water damage from your suppression system (or any other cause), you will have a guide to utility shut-offs for your building, and key emergency contacts, ready at hand. Call SERVPRO of Casper today to arrange for a free Profile.

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

Most people are very conscientious about maintaining the carpeting in their homes. But when was the last time you looked at the carpet in your business? Clean carpets in an office brighten up the general appearance of every room. It also makes the business more appealing to customers. In addition to cleaning, routine maintenance is key in extending the life of wall-to-wall carpeting.

Carpet manufacturers agree that the measures you take between regular carpet cleanings can expand the life of your carpet. Your carpet collects settled debris from the air, and residues tracked in from outside shoes. It collects dust, dirt, gases, animal and human hair, and many other soils.

The good news is that about 80% of the soils in the carpet are dry soil. These are materials that can easily be removed by vacuuming. By doing some of these preventive maintenance actions, you can help the life of your carpet.

• Regular vacuuming (By vacuuming you can pull up 80% of soils in the carpet). Twice per week is ideal.
• Spot Removal, as needed
• Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of outdoor soil tracked onto the carpet

If you would like a free estimate for your commercial carpet cleaning, call SERVPRO of Casper today at 307-235-6558.

Document Restoration

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Document Restoration

When a commercial water damage occurs, documents and files may get wet. Depending on the type of business and the nature of the documents, these may be critical to your clients, and the operation of your business. SERVPRO of Casper offers document drying services in these situations. Your documents are packaged, frozen, and shipped to our document drying center. Once they arrive at the center, they are freeze-dried to remove all water from them. While documents typically cannot be fully restored, the freeze-drying method prevents further damage, and typically brings the documents to a usable condition. Here are few common questions about document drying:

Is Document Restoration HIPAA Certified?  

Yes, all members of the Document Restoration team are HIPAA Master Certified. The facility is monitored with a 24/7 surveillance. For highly-sensitive documents, dedicated courier service can be utilized.

Should you create your own inventory?

SERVPRO will perform an inventory, but it’s always a good idea for you to do your own inventory as well.

Do we pack-out documents on the loss site?

We typically do not pack-out documents, but if you need assistance with pack-out, please let us know. We are always happy to help.

Are we able to restore more than just paper documents?

We can restore photos, photo albums, yearbooks, and more.

How long does the process take?

The average time frame of completion is around 3-60 days. The time completion will depend on the quantity of the job, services being completed, and how much damage is sustained.

If you end up with water-damaged paperwork and need our assistance, call SERVPRO of Casper at 307-235-6558.

Commercial Water Damage Casper WY

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Pumping out 250.000 gallons of water.

We received a commercial water loss in Casper on a Saturday afternoon. The source seemed to be a broken pipe in the utility room. Most of the flooring in the structure has been affected, and condensation has started affecting other materials in the area. In the crawl space there is about 250,000 gallons of water. We are doing the restoration in stages. The first night, we ran two submersible pumps for a few hours, and did water extraction on the carpeted floors. We placed air movers, portable desiccant dehumidifiers, and 2 low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers. The following day, we continued to perform volume pumping in the crawlspace, and adjusted the drying equipment. On the third day, we continued the volume-pumping efforts, and made arrangements for larger commercial drying equipment to properly address the nature of this large water damage.

Renters Insurance

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

Renters Insurance

There are many renters out there that don’t understand renters insurance, or they don’t think that they need it. Here are 5 myths and facts about renter’s insurance. According to State Farm:

• MYTH: The landlord’s insurance covers your possessions. Don’t count on it. Most landlords’ insurance covers only the building and damages due to negligence. Coverage for some of the most common causes of property damage and loss, such as theft, vandalism, and fire, is entirely up to you. Without renter’s insurance, you may have to bear the financial burden of a loss on your own.
• MYTH: Renters insurance is expensive. In this case, the numbers speak for themselves. According to the IIABA, the average renter’s policy costs just $12 a month for up to $30,000 in personal property coverage. That’s solid coverage for less than the cost of a couple cups of coffee a week.
• Still concerned about price? Your insurer will work with you to find the combination of coverage and cost that suits your needs. You might even qualify for a discount by taking some simple home safety precautions or purchasing another policy, such as auto insurance, with the same insurer.
• MYTH: You don’t need insurance if your stuff isn’t expensive. Most renters’ belongings cost more than they think. In fact the average person has over $20,000 worth of belongings that are probably not covered by a landlord’s policy.
• Think that number is too high? Take a moment to add up the approximate cost of your computer, television, stereo, furniture, jewelry, and clothing. If a fire gutted your apartment tomorrow, would you have the cash to replace it all?
• MYTH: Renters insurance covers only your possessions. In fact, renters insurance covers much more than just your personal property. The average policy also includes up to $100,000 in liability coverage. That means in the event of a covered loss, your insurer will help cover the costs if you’re held responsible for injuring another person or damaging another person’s property, including our landlord’s. Moreover, this coverage applies whether the incident occurred within your residence or elsewhere.
• MYTH: Renter’s insurance is hard to get. The internet makes getting renter’s insurance easier than ever. You can research providers, compare quotes, and even find an agent online. Or, just as easily, you can place a quick call to an insurance representative. Answer a few questions and you’re likely to get a rate quote almost immediately.

List of Services that SERVPRO of Casper offers

9/28/2018 (Permalink)

A Cleaning To Do List!!

Some people may wonder what all SERVPRO of Casper can do for you. 

Here is a list of services we provide.

• Water Damage Restoration
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Commercial Restoration
• In-Place ( Top-Down) Drying Services
• Sewage Cleanup
• Bio Hazard Cleanup
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• Mold Remediation/Mitigation
• Fire/Smoke Restoration (Contents & Structure)
• Move-Out/Storage Services
• Duct/HVAC System Cleaning
• Deodorization
• Vandalism/Crime Scene Cleanup
• Temporary Heating Services
• Dryer Vent Cleaning
• Document Drying
• Dry-Cleaning of Drapery and Upholstery
• Dumpster/Debris Removal
• Furniture Restoration
• Moving Services
• One Time Clean
• Drapery Cleaning
• Area Rug Cleaning
• Blind Cleaning
• Power Scrubbing
• Strip and Waxing
• Scrub and Recoat
• Deodorization
• Ceiling Cleaning
• Hoarder Cleanup
• Pest Cleanup

If you’re in need of any of our services call us day or night. We are available 24/7, 365 day a year for emergencies.

Work Stress relief

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Just Breath!!!

According to the American Psychological Association, work-related stress unfortunately doesn’t just go away when you go home. When stress persists, it can take a toll on your health, and personal life.

A stressful work environment can cause headaches, stomachaches, sleep disturbances, short temper and difficulty concentrating. In worse cases, it can cause health problems such as anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and a weak immune system. It can lead to depression, obesity, and heart disease. Some take up smoking, drinking or even use drugs.

These are common sources of work stress:

• Low salaries
• Excessive workloads
• Few opportunities for growth or advancement
• Work that isn’t engaging or challenging
• Lack of social support
• Not having enough control over job-related decision
• Conflicting demands or unclear performance expectations

It is very important to control the stress and take the proper steps before it affects your life.

Track your stressors. Keep a journal for a week or two to identify which situations create the most stress and how you respond to them. Include the people and circumstance involved and the physical setting and how you reacted. Did you raise your voice? Get a snack from the vending machine? Go for a walk? By taking notes you find patterns among your stressors and your reactions to them.

Take time to recharge. We need time to replenish and return to our pre-stress level of functioning. This requires “switching off” from work by having periods of time when you not engaging in work related activities, or thinking about them. When possible, take time off and unwind, so you come back to work feeling reinvigorated and ready to perform your best. When you’re not able to take time off, get a quick boost by turning off your smartphone and focus your attention on non-work activities for a while.

Learn how to relax. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness. Start by taking a few minutes each day to focus on a simple activity like breathing, walking, or enjoying a meal. Being able to focus on a simple activity without distraction will get stronger will practice. You will find that you can apply it many different aspects of your life.

Get some support.  Accepting help from trusted friends and family members can improve your ability to manage stress. Your employer may also have stress management resources available through them.

If you’re human, you’re going to have stress. But there is a healthy limit and an unhealthy limit. Don’t let it get to where it’s unhealthy!

Commercial Services

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Building

When it comes to commercial cleaning and restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. We are available 24/7 365 day. SERVPRO of Casper responds quickly to your business’s fire, water, and mold damage emergencies.

Here are some commercial services we provide:

• Commercial Restoration Services
• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm and Major Events

We also offer Commercial Cleaning Services. We have the specialized equipment, various products, and skilled cleaning methods to make your business look its very best.

• Commercial Cleaning Services
• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Bio-hazard and Sewage
• Post-Construction Cleanup
• Carpet, upholstery, area rugs, and drapes
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Casper is here for you to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Duct Cleaning

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Duct Cleaning in Casper, WY

Owners or maintenance mangers don’t really think about duct cleaning when it comes to their yearly deep clean of their building. But it is just as important as cleaning floors, baseboards, and windows.        

Poor indoor air quality, inefficient air filtration, and duct leaks can all result in dust entering the duct system. This dust can accumulate and start to break off and re-enter in the air. This is why workspaces become dusty faster.

Pest infestations are another reason to have your ducts cleaned. It’s not uncommon for mice, squirrels, bees, and other pests to find their way into the duct system. They leave behind nesting material, hair, and dead insects. Particles of these are then blown out into your workspace.           

When you get ready to do your deep cleaning for the year, call in the professionals at SERVPRO of Casper to inspect and clean your ducts.                                 

Commercial Safety Tips

3/28/2018 (Permalink)

Safety is everyone's responsibility

Whether you own a business or you’re an employee, safety is everyone’s responsibly. It is important to know where the exits are, where the fire extinguishers are, and how to use them. There are a lot of simple safety measures that can save someone from getting hurt, or worse.   Here are a few easy steps to help reduce the risk of accidents:

• Don’t allow trash and litter to accumulate unnecessarily
• Keep the office and dock areas neat and clean
• Know where fire alarm pull stations and extinguishers are located
• Make sure you know the different types of fire extinguishers and how to use them. Check extinguishers periodically to see if they are charged and well-marked.
• Store hazardous materials in designated areas
• Keep exits free of obstruction
• Make sure there are good connections and effective grounds in the wiring
• Smoke only where permitted
• Keep equipment clean and use it properly
• Handle flammable liquids with caution
• Know the proper exits and procedures in case of an emergency
• If you store hazardous materials properly, the chances of fire, spills, and accidents are greatly reduced. A leaking drum of lacquer thinner can be a fire hazard unless the right precautions are taken. Make sure you know the loading and storage chart so you don’t load non-compatible materials on the same trailer or in the same area of the terminal.
• Every terminal should have an emergency plan. In case of fire or other emergencies, procedures should outline who is to call the fire department and how the building is to be evacuated.
• When a fire or emergency evacuation does occur, don’t panic. Keep calm and follow instructions
• Following rules is not just the responsibility of the safety supervisor or the terminal manger, its everyone’s responsibility.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that everyone goes home safe and sound at the end of each work shift.

Area Rug Cleaning

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial or Residential Area Rug Cleaning

Area Rug Cleaning

Home and business owners typically think about the cleanliness of the carpets in their home or office. But area rugs and commercial walk-off mats are often overlooked. Ironically, the rugs and mats usually get more foot traffic than the carpets, and can develop a build-up of deeply-compacted soil. It is important to get them cleaned regularly, to prolong their life.  This is especially true of commercial walk-off mats. They are designed to capture outdoor soils from your footwear, so it is not tracked into the building. Cleaning these mats removes the buildup of soiling, so they can be more efficient in keeping the dirt out of your business.

            Soil protectant is a great add-on service after rug and mat cleaning. It will make them more resistant to permanent staining when an accidental spill or spot happens. Soil protectant can also prevent ordinary soils from strongly binding to the rug or mat fibers, making them more responsive to cleaning. It’s a great way to protect your investment!

            Whether it’s a sturdy commercial mat, or a delicate oriental rug, the professionals at SERVPRO of Casper have the tools and training to keep them looking their best. Call us at 307-235-6558 for a free evaluation and estimate.