Recent Water Damage Posts
Tips for Frozen Pipes
11/7/2023 (Permalink)
A split from a frozen Pipe
If a person thinks about the many aspects of water, it is really fascinating. How something that is so essential for your life can also be deadly. Water can also cause major damage in homes. Anywhere there is a water source, there is the potential to have problems in the home, particularly in the winter. With us living in Wyoming, there is always a risk of frozen and broken pipes. When water freezes it expands, and it puts tremendous pressure on the pipes which can cause them to break. Preparing your property to withstand cold temperatures can prevent many pipe breaks. Unfortunately, extreme weather conditions can exceed the capabilities of freeze protection. If temperatures are subzero and the wind is blowing, there could be weak spots where the cold air can reach the pipes. Pipes that freeze most frequently are ones with direct exposure to severe temperatures such as hose bibs and sprinkler lines. Pipes in unheated interior areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets are also susceptible. And pipes that run against an outside wall that has little or no insulation may freeze through conduction. It is still highly recommended to take reasonable precautions to prevent frozen pipes. If there are water supply lines in the garage, it is best to keep the garage doors closed as much as possible. In subzero temperatures, open cabinets to kitchen and bathroom sinks so the warm air can circulate around the plumbing. It can also help to leave the faucet on a little, and allow a trickle of cold water to flow. Its best to make sure that the thermostat is between 68F-70F at least until the temperatures get out of the subzero range. If the property going to be vacant, make sure the thermostat is no lower than 55F. It is a good idea to have someone check in on the property regularly to make sure there are no problems that arise.If your pipes happen to freeze, you can apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, a hair dryer, or a space heater (Keep away from flammable materials). Do not use a gas torch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or anything with an open flame.If there is water damage in your home due to a broken pipe, please don’t hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO of Casper. We are here for you 24/7, 365 Days a year.
Care for Your Water Heater
3/17/2022 (Permalink)
A homeowner that is maintaining his water heater.
Most people think that once their new water heater is installed, that it does not require routine maintenance. But that is incorrect. There are a few things you should do to maximize your water heater’s efficiency and longevity.
Here are some maintenance tips:
1. Test the Temperature-Pressure Release (TPR) Valve
Shut off the power (or gas control) and the cold water supply valve. Place a bucket under the pipe connected to the TPR valve. Lift the valve’s tab to let some water out, then let it go. If the water keeps flowing, drain a little bit more water and install a new one.
2. Check the Anode Rod
Connect a hose to the tanks drain cock and let out a few gallons of water. Get a 1 1/16-inch socket and place it on the rod’s hex head on top of the water heater, and unscrew the rod. If its less than an ½ inch thick, or coated with calcium, it is a good time to buy a new one. If you install a new rod, make sure you apply teflon tape the threads, and securely tighten the new anode rod.
3. Flush the Tank of Sediments
As you are working on the heater and already have some of the water drained, drain the rest of the tank into a bucket. Stir up the sediment on the bottom of tank by briefly opening the cold water supply valve. Drain and repeat until clean water comes out.
4. Adjust the Temperature
When you have located the temperature dial, unscrew its cover. Adjust the dial to 120 degrees. For every 10 degrees the temperature is lowered, you can save up to 5 percent in energy costs.
If you are not going to be home for a few days, turn the water heater down or off. This will help save money as well.
5. Insulate the pipes and water heater body
Buy 3/8 – inch thick foam pipe insulation that fits the pipes. Buy enough to cover the hot and cold water pipes. Insulating the cold pipe will help with condensation during the summer time. When wrapping the water heater with an insulation blanket, do not cover the top of the unit.
Be sure to check on your water heater regularly for any rusting, calcium build up, or malfunctions. It is easy for the bottom to rust out, or one of the fittings to rust on the top of the unit and cause a water damage.
Contents Affected By Water Damage
3/1/2022 (Permalink)
Water Damaged Contents
When a water damage happens, it can be devastating. The flooring, walls, and sometimes contents can get wet and damaged. Unfortunately, if a water damage should happen, any contents in contact with the floor typically get affected as well. I’m going to give you tips on how to protect your home’s contents until help arrives.
If there is furniture sitting on wet carpet, place aluminum foil, tupperware lids, or unfinished wood blocks underneath the feet. This will help get the furniture out of direct contact with the carpet, and will help prevent futher damage to furniture legs, and protect the carpet from furniture stains.
If there are affected contents that are nonporous (items that can not soak up water, such as plastics, glass, etc.) use a towel to wipe the items off. With fabric materials, get as much water out of them first. Then, if they are machine washable, run them through the washer and dryer. If there are contents that are porous (items that can soak up water, such as wood, paper, area rugs, etc.) it is best to get them laid out in an unaffected area so they can start air drying. Porous materials that contain organic materials need attention right away so the damage does not get worse. If allowed to stay wet, these materials have a high risk of developing mold growth.
The tips that where given above is based water damage caused by clean water. Flood water and sewage backups potentially contain hazardous substances, and should not be handled without proper protection and safety precautions. If you have a loss that is from sewage or flooding, please consult the professionals first. Your safety is our top concern.
Roof Leaks
1/28/2022 (Permalink)
A wood ceiling in an attic showing signs of a roof leak for a long period of time.
There are many sources in a home that can create water damage. There could be a broken pipe, washing machine malfunction, a water heater failure, among others. But another source some don’t think about until it happens is the roof. Typically, home or business owners do not climb their building to visually inspect their on a regular basis. Until there is water dripping, or dark discoloration forming on the ceiling, it’s easy not knowing if there is missing shingles or areas that have worn over time.
Performing inspections on the property from time to time would help identify problem areas in advance. A good place to start an inspection is the attic (if the building has one), as it rarely gets checked. Look at the decking and trusses, and see if there are any signs of water staining or water dripping. When cleaning out the gutters in the fall on some roofs, it is a great time to look at the overall condition of the roof. Inspect the shingles for any damage, as well as the edges.
The most common sign of roof leaks are water marks or stains on the ceiling, water running down the wall, or bubbling paint on the ceiling or wall. If there is a slow leak for an extended period of time, there could be a musty odor. This can be a sign of fungal growth or rot.
If you had a roof leak and need structural drying, call SERVPRO of Casper today!
Water Damage Time Line
1/10/2022 (Permalink)
A black and white clock
Water emergencies come at the most inconvenient time. So when you have had a long day at work and come home to a soggy basement, it’s the last thing you want to deal with. Just know that SERVPRO of Casper is here to help. We provide emergency response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Flooding and water damage can be very invasive. Water can quickly spread throughout your home and absorb into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Casper will arrive quickly, and start the water extraction process almost immediately. Our rapid response helps minimize the damage and the restoration costs.
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
Water quickly spreads throughout your property
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, and paint begins to blister.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
Mold may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase, walls and flooring, and possibly other building materials will need replaced.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
If you have questions about your water damage, please call SERVPRO of Casper today at 307-235-6558.
How to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
10/13/2021 (Permalink)
A water faucet that is dripping water, with an explanation on how to keep pipes from freezing.
Living in Wyoming, it’s common knowledge that during the winter, freezing temperatures will happen. Depending on the duration and severity of a freeze event, frozen and broken pipes can be a common problem. But there are a few precautions that can help keep your pipes from freezing.
Leave faucets dripping-
Having a trickle of cold water flowing through your pipes will keep water moving. Moving water is more resistant to freezing.
Open Cabinet Doors-
When temperatures are freezing, opening the cabinet doors on sinks such as kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, or laundry wash tubs will help reduce risk of freezing. This measure is especially important if the sinks are located along an exterior wall. Sometimes there could be a cool breeze finding its way in through the pipes, or a crack in the foundation. Opening the cabinet doors introduces heated air into the cabinet space, and warms the exposed plumbing.
Wrap Your Pipes-
Pipes that are at risk for freezing should be wrapped in heat tape, or pipe insulation. This will help add extra freeze resistance to your pipes.
Keep heat to 55F or higher-
If you plan on leaving your home for a day trip, vacation, or vacating your house for any reason, you should not leave your temperature any lower than 55 degrees F. This temperature provides a base level of warmth to prevent freezing in the home.
If your pipes freeze and break and it causes a water damage, SERVPRO of Casper is here for you 24/7. Call us anytime at 307-235-6558.
Ways to Prevent Sewer Backup
10/7/2021 (Permalink)
A pipe that is broken with tree roots.
There are several different kinds of water intrusions that can happen in your home. When it comes to damage caused by a sewage backup, it can be more complicated than a basic pipe leak. In some cases, there can be actual human waste on your floor. Affected materials need to be removed, which can be more costly. Here are a few ways that a sewer backup can cause flooding in your basement.
Blockage -
Blockage is the leading cause of sewer line backups. Items such as feminine products, paper products that are non-flushable, and grease are common culprits. Grease may be a liquid when it’s poured down the drain, but it can still solidify and expand when cooled. This can cause blockage in your pipes.
Collapsed Piping -
A collapsed pipe is not as common, but it is still possible. If you have clay piping, with time they can start to decay and fall apart. Tree roots can repeatedly puncture the piping, compromising the integrity of the pipe and causing a collapse. Collapsed sewer lines can be corrected by replacement, but it is both expensive and intrusive.
Roots -
Tree roots can be a nightmare for a homeowner. If you live in an area were there are old trees, or a lot of trees, it is best to get your sewer line cleaned out once a year. Tree roots can puncture the walls of your pipes, or they can fill the pipe up to where there is no room for the waste to go, which can cause a back up.
If a sewage backup occurs in your basement, Call SERVPRO of Casper anytime for immediate assistance at 307-235-6558.
Water Damage in Crawlspaces
4/2/2021 (Permalink)
Flooded Crawlspace
Water Damage in Crawlspaces
When water is able to enter the crawlspace under a home, it can cause substantial damage. Here are some of the common ways that water intrudes a crawlspace, as well as measures to prevent it from happening.
You want the ground to slope away from your home, creating positive drainage. If water pools up around the foundation it can over saturate the ground, and there’s a risk of it seeping through the foundation and going into your home.
If you live near a stream or river, you are at risk of flooding. Storms or large amounts of run-off can cause streams to come out of their banks, and reach nearby structures. It doesn’t necessarily mean you will encounter flooding inside the living space of your home. But the water can seep through the foundation and go into your crawl space.
The groundwater table varies greatly in Casper, from neighborhood to neighborhood. If you live in a low-lying area with a high water table, your crawl space could have continuous water intrusion problems. Sump pumps and drain tiles may help relieve the problem.
It is common for household plumbing to run through crawlspace areas, as it allows easy access to all rooms in the home. At any time, pipes can develop cracks or pin-hole leaks. Because these types of leaks are slow, and homeowners rarely go into their crawlspace, large amounts of water can accumulate over time. The increased humidity in the crawlspace may cause condensation on wood framing, which could encourage mold growth. The best way to avoid these problems is to inspect crawlspaces on a monthly basis.
Downspouts and gutters are designed to collect water from the roof and direct it away from the house. If a gutter becomes blocked, or a downspout is disconnected, the water may build up along the edges of the house. This water eventually enters the crawspace through foundational seepage. Keeping gutters free of debris, and repairing damage when it is discovered, will help keep the water away from your home.
If you should get water in your crawlspace, SERVPRO of Casper can help. Call us for a free inspection, or emergency service.
Hardwood Flooring drying
2/11/2021 (Permalink)
A wet hardwood with rescue mats to help dry the floor.
When a water damage affects your home, multiple types of flooring material can be affected. Some types of materials, such as glue-down carpeting, can be relatively simple to dry. Others can be more difficult to fully dry, and may require specialty equipment. Take hardwood flooring, for example. Water can seep into the grooves, and absorb into the plant cells of the hardwood floor, causing deep penetration and binding. SERVPRO of Casper has highly-trained technicians with the most up-to-date equipment to help get your hardwood floors dry.
Hardwood flooring is an expensive investment. When they get wet from a water damage, we follow a set of steps to ensure your hardwood flooring is dried effectively.
Step 1: Inspection
We look at the wood floors, paying close attention to signs of any buckling or warping. If there is severe buckling or warping, the floor may not be restorable. But under many circumstances, we are able to save them.
Step 2: Extraction
If there is standing water on the surface, we use our truck-mounted extraction system to remove the water. Then, we address the water that has soaked into the wood flooring. We use specialized wood floor “rescue” mats, connected to the truck-mounted extractor, to suck out the rest of the water. We continue this process until there is no more water coming out of the flooring.
Step 3: Drying
Once all the water is removed from the affected area, we set up the drying system. We use the same rescue mats and connect a specialty blower to them. The blower creates negative air pressure, drawing air through the boards, which removes additional moisture from the wood.
Step 4: Monitoring
Once the hardwood drying system is running, we return on a daily basis to monitor the progress of the floors. Hardwood floors must be monitored closely to prevent over-drying. Once the moisture content in the affected wood reaches equilibrium with the rest of the wood flooring in the home, we remove the drying system from your home. It is recommended that the flooring be allowed to rest without any further repairs for 45 days, to ensure that all of the wood returns to full equilibrium with the home environment. After that, any necessary sanding and refinishing may be done to complete the restoration process.
If you have questions about the process on drying your hardwood flooring, feel free to call us at 307-235-6558.
Storm Flooding
1/21/2021 (Permalink)
A road affected by spring flooding
As we approach Spring, the rainy season is right around the corner. No matter where you live there is a good chance your town or city has flooded before, or could possibly flood. There several critical things you need to know about flood water, and the associated dangers.
Don’t drive in flooded areas:
Floodwater can pose a drowning risk
Always follow warnings about flooded roads
Do NOT drive into flooded areas; vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. Vehicles can be swept away and may stall out.
Stay out of floodwater:
Flood waters contain many substances that are potentially harmful to your health. Here is a list of some of these hazardous items:
Downed power lines
Human and livestock waste
Household, medical, and industrial hazardous waste
Other contaminants that can lead to illness
Physical objects such as lumber, vehicles, and debris
Wild or stray animals such as rodents and snakes
Exposures to contaminated floodwater can cause:
Wound infections
Skin rash
Gastrointestinal illness
Tetanus
If you come in contact with floodwater:
alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer
Take care of wounds and seek medical attention if necessary
Wash contaminated clothes with hot water and detergent, or consider disposal
If you have to enter flood water, be sure to wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles
A leaky Shower
1/6/2021 (Permalink)
A leaky faucet with words that says "Leaking Shower Faucet?"
In most homes, the shower gets used on a daily basis. In many cases, it gets used multiple times a day. There is always a chance of a pipe leak, or water seeping through damaged caulking. A leak can cause a lot of damage if not taken care of in a timely manner. Here are few signs of a leaky shower.
Mold. If you clean your bathroom frequently but you still see mold outside of the tub, or if you see mold-like staining forming around the joints in the caulk or grout.
Damaged Flooring. Most bathroom floors are designed to with stand occasional water exposure. So normal exposure from water drips from getting out of the shower, or splashes from the sink typically don’t have an effect on the flooring. But if your bathroom floor is cracking, staining, or warping, that is a sign that something is not right, and you should check for leaks.
Damaged Walls. Signs of a water leak include warping, staining or browning, or bulges in surrounding drywall. Regular bathroom moisture shouldn’t cause this kind of damage.
Stained or damaged ceilings below bathrooms. If you see the ceiling in the room under your bathroom sagging, or blistering or forming a brownish stain, or blistering, you most definitely have a leakage problem. It is best to have a plumber inspect for hidden leaks.
Musty, earthy smells. Mold can create a musty odor. If you don’t see any signs of water damage, but there is a strong earthy or musty odor present, it is possible that there is a hidden mold problem. A small leak can create water damage and microbial growth inside wall cavities and under tubs without leaking into visible areas. It may be necessary to contact a plumber or other professional to determine the cause of the odor.
If you have a water or mold problem, call SERVPRO of Casper anytime. We are always here to help.
Reasons for Sump Pump failure 1 of 2
6/23/2020 (Permalink)
An installed sump pump
Depending on where your home is located and how it is built, a sump pump may be an important part of protecting your home from water intrusion. In some homes, the sump pump may never need to operate, or may only operate annually during a wet, rainy season. In other homes that are located near a drainage or an area with a high water table, the sump pump may need to evacuate water frequently. It’s very important to keep your sump pump maintained, whether it runs regularly or not. You don’t want to get into a situation where you need it and it’s not working. Here are a few reasons why your sump pump could fail.
- Power Failure
Power failures can sometimes happen during a bad rain storm. If the rainfall is heavy, and your sump pump is not working, you could end up with a flooded basement or crawlspace. A good way to prevent this from happening is to keep a backup generator on hand. By doing this, you can continue to power your sump pump to keep the water at bay.
- Overwhelmed Pump
Your sump pump can get easily overwhelmed by the volume of water if your sump pump is too small.
If your sump pump is too big, it can overwork and it will have a shorter lifespan. If you have questions on what size of sump pump is best for your needs, contact a local plumber.
- Frozen or Clogged Discharge Pipe
If your sump pump discharge is frozen or clogged, flood water will flow back into your basement. Since you can’t keep that pipe from freezing, you can have a specialty discharge line installed that allows water to exit your basement. A way to keep your discharge line from clogging is to install a protective grate on it.
- Lack of Maintenance
Your sump pump needs a good cleaning and some quarterly maintenance. You can run vinegar solution through your sump pump, and making sure the float switch motion is not restricted. Clean all the vents on your sump pump and the air holes on your discharge line. If your sump pump rarely runs, it is a good idea to pour a five-gallon bucket of water into the sump on a quarterly basis. This exercises the pump, and prevents seizing from lack of use.
- Old Age
With years of use and wear and tear, eventually your sump pump will give out. Sump pumps should be replaced every 7-10 years.
Reasons for Sump Pump failure 2 of 2
6/23/2020 (Permalink)
A replaced sum pump, with the failed one sitting next to it.
- Did Not Install a Check Valve on the Discharge Line
When the check valve is not installed on your sump pump’s discharge line, a back flow of water can cause the pump impeller to rotate backwards and unscrew off the motor shaft. If this occurs, the motor in your sump pump will sound like it is running, but it will not be pumping any water out the discharge line. A check valve is the best way to prevent this type of back flow problem.
- No Air Relief Hole in Discharge Line
A hole should be drilled between the pump and the check valve to prevent air pressure from building up. Without the relief hole, pressure will build up in the discharge line and force the sump pump to work harder. This additional burden on the sump pump will result in a shorter overall life.
- Setting Your Sump Pump in Gravel or Dirt
Some will pack their sump pumps in gravel or dirt to make it a snug fit. The gravel or dirt may cause the sump pump to fail, because the on/off switch and the float arm will be interfered with.
- Product Defect
It’s unlikely, but your sump pump could be defective. If you install it yourself, you will want to test it immediately to make sure it’s working. If it’s not, take it back to the store where you bought it, and exchange it for a different one.
- Improper Installation
If you have ruled other problems out, you should look to make sure your sump pump is installed correctly. Having the installation inspected by a licensed plumber can help determine if the sump pump will work properly when needed.
We hope you never have a sump pump problem that results in water damage. But if something should happen, just know SERVPRO of Casper is here for you anytime, day or night.
Hardwood Drying
2/26/2020 (Permalink)
A specialty mat system and an air mover drying out the wet hardwood flooring
There’s a misconception that when hardwood flooring gets wet, it must be removed because it’s ruined. Frequently, that’s not the case. SERVPRO of Casper has the tools and training to evaluate and dry out hardwood flooring. We use specialized drying mat systems and balanced dehumidification to dry hardwood quickly, saving you the time and expense of flooring replacement. When evaluating water-damaged hardwood flooring, the length of time it has been wet is a critical factor. If the flooring is allowed to dwell in water for too long, it is possible for the boards to cup, warp, and possibly break. Rapid response is critical to success in saving hardwood.
When we respond to a water damage with affected hardwood flooring, we perform a preliminary inspection. What areas are wet? How long have they been wet? And specifically how wet is it? We use a combination of flooring extraction mats, and a powerful truck-mounted extraction unit to pull as much free water out of the flooring system as possible. After that’s done, we set up our drying equipment, and start the drying process. We return to the site daily to monitor the progress of the drying, using meters specially-designed for hardwood. Once the moisture level in the wood reaches an acceptable level, the hardwood flooring can be inspected by a flooring contractor.
Water Damage Sources
2/13/2020 (Permalink)
A water heater with a hole in the pipe and water bursting out.
When a water damage happens in your home, several factors must be evaluated quickly. One of the key factors is the source of the water intrusion. When it comes to finding the source, it is good to start checking pipes.
- Sink pipe
- Toilet supply line
- Water heater
- Water softener
- Washing machine lines and connections
- Ice maker line
- Dishwasher
Another source could be flooding, or ground water.
- Is water coming in from the foundation?
- Is it coming from the window, or around a window frame?
- If you have a sump pump, is it coming from the hole where the sump is?
When you have a water loss, it’s important to find where the source is. It helps not only the contractors address the issue quickly, but it also helps the insurance adjusters that are investigating the claim. If the source is a pipe break, you should shut off your water as close to the source as possible.
Once you have figured out where the water is coming from, and you have stopped it from coming in, you should contact a qualified plumber. Then you need to call your insurance company, and a qualified restoration company to start the water removal and structural drying processes.
Do's and Don't for drain back up's
1/3/2020 (Permalink)
A drain that has had back up water come through
Most homeowners have never worked in the disaster restoration industry. When their home is damaged by contaminated water (such as sewage, drain back-ups, or outside floodwater), it seems that the first step is to grab a shop vacuum and start sucking up the mess. However, there are many more steps and precautions that need to be taken when dealing with contaminated water. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts if your home is affected by contaminated water:
Do:
- Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage
- Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items
Don’t:
- Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas
- Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air
- Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants
- Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas
The best course of action for a contaminated water damage is to have it professionally mitigated. The experts at SERVPRO of Casper can assess the damage to your home, develop a plan of action, and clean up the damage safely and effectively.
Do's and Don'ts of Clean Water Damage
1/3/2020 (Permalink)
A flooded living room
When you have a water damage in your home caused by clean water (such as a broken pipe or ice maker line), what should you do first? Grab a mop or a wet vacuum? Start tearing out wet carpet and walls? Some homeowners panic, and get very aggressive in removing wet materials. However, many of these wet materials can be dried out and saved, if handled by a professional mitigation company. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts, should you find that you have water damage (from a clean source) in your home:
Do:
- Shut off the source of water if possible, or contact a qualified plumber to stop the water source.
- Turn off circuit breakers from wet areas of the building, if the power distribution panel can safely be accessed.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to promote even drying.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
- Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off of damp floors.
- Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
- Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
Don’t:
- Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
- Enter affected areas if electrical outlets switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
- Leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.
- Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets, which can cause staining.
- Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
- Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
- Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
Contact the professional, certified technicians at SERVPRO of Casper for rapid response to your water damage issues, day or night.
Frozen Pipes
12/26/2019 (Permalink)
A pipe with a split in it with water spraying out.
Why Do Pipes Break in Freezing Temperatures?
When water in the pipes start to freeze it expands, and ice crystals can form inside causing water blockage. This causes an increase in pressure inside the pipe. If the pressure is too high for the pipe to contain, it will rupture.
Plastic (PEX) pipes are more resistant to freezing than copper. Copper lines are typically ½ inch to ¾ inch in diameter, which makes it quicker to freeze. If you have a boiler system and it fails, you still run the risk of freezing boiler pipes whether they are cast iron or not.
When you turn on your main water supply, the whole system is pressurized. If you turn on your outside faucet and you discover very low pressure or find water leaking into your home, turn off the faucet immediately. You may have a frost-free faucet that has ruptured. Turning off the faucet will stop the flow of water through the rupture point. Have a plumber inspect your faucet in this situation, to determine if your faucet requires replacement.
If you encounter a frozen pipe (that has not broken) in your home, take the following measures to safely thaw it:
- Turn off your water supply to the frozen pipe off. The pipe could still burst.
- Make sure your thermostat is up to 75 degrees.
- Open the faucet.
- Circulate warm air throughout the house. Use fans to move warm air to cold areas.
- Place a heater near the frozen area.
Make sure you check on it regularly not only to ensure the pipe is not broken, but to keep an eye on the space heater.
If you run into frozen pipes, or water damage from frozen pipes, Call SERVPRO of Casper at 307-235-6558. We can assess the water damage in your home, and develop a plan to dry your property quickly.
Water Damage Carpet
10/31/2019 (Permalink)
Water Damage carpet
During a water damage, a multitude of materials can be affected. One of the most common materials that gets affected is carpet.
The good news is that often, water-damaged carpeting can be saved. Through various methods, it is possible to rapidly dry the carpet, saving the substantial cost of replacement.
In most circumstances, the carpet is released from the tackless strip around the perimeter, and carpet pad is removed and disposed of. Then, extraction is performed to remove the excess water from the carpet. After that, we place air movers to blow warm, dry air between the carpet and subfloor. This “float” method dries both the carpet and padding at the same time. Once everything is dry, new carpet pad is installed, the carpet is stretched back into place, and the carpets are cleaned.
Sometimes, it is more beneficial to save both the carpet and pad. In this situation, “in-place” drying is performed. A weighted extractor is used to compress the carpet and pad, and remove the water from it. After that, air movers are used to blow warm, dry air across the top surface of the carpet. This method takes longer to dry, as multiple layers of material are being dried at the same time. However, this saves the additional time and labor of carpet pad and carpet reinstallation.
To have the highest chance of saving carpeting and other materials, it is important to start the drying process as soon as possible. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day to handle your water damage problems quickly. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Casper anytime, at 307-235-6558.
Leaky Roof
5/2/2019 (Permalink)
Leaky Roof
With the coming of Spring, the first property concern that comes to mind is typically Spring cleaning. But this is also an important time to perform seasonal inspections on your property. Checking sprinkler systems and frost-free faucets for ruptures can prevent a lot of property damage. This is also a great time to inspect the condition of your roof. You don’t want to find out later through musty odors and staining on your ceilings that you were missing shingles on your roof, or that you had some other roofing damage.
The best time to detect leaks in your roof is during spring rainfall. If a wet spot appears on your drywall, mark the area immediately, and place a bucket to catch any drips. You will need two companies to address the damage: A roofing contractor to address the leak in the roof, and a restoration company (such as SERVPRO) to dry out any wet areas in the home.
If you don’t want to wait for a rainstorm to diagnose leaks, you can spray a garden hose over any areas that you think could be weak. Have a helper observe inside the attic while you do this, to quickly identify any drips or wet surfaces from the testing.
If you have any concerns of having wet materials from a leaky roof, give SERVPRO of Casper a call. We can perform a free assessment, and perform structural drying as needed.
Water Damage Evaluation
1/7/2019 (Permalink)
Water Damage inspection
SERVPRO of Casper is trained and certified to clean and restore your home or business. There is a lot of steps we have to do to make sure your water is taken care of properly. The following are some of the steps we take to make sure you are taken care of properly.
- Identify the source
- Identify the type of water
- Perform emergency water extraction
- Measure temperature and humidity for drying analysis
- Survey the extent of damage and inspect the premises
- Move and block furniture
- Inspect carpet pad/carpet
- Apply necessary treatments
- Utilize drying equipment and monitor drying
- Dispose of non-restorable/contaminated buildings
If you have questions or would like help restoring your home or business after a water loss, call SERVPRO of Casper 307-235-6558
Things you need to consider
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
Flooded basement
If you come home from a long day at work or a weekend away, and you find there are multiple inches of water in the basement, your first instinct is to shut off the water supply. Before you decide to wade through the water to shut it off, be mindful what the source may be, and the possibility of an electrical current running through it.
Things you need to consider before wading through the water:
- Is the water contaminated?
- Is there furniture or debris that could make you slip and fall?
- Are there electrical shock hazards?
- In the event of outside flooding, is there more than 6 inches of water? (If it is, the moving current can be fast enough to knock down a grown man.)
If you have any questions about your water damage, give SERVPRO of Casper a call. We can come out and do a FREE evaluation.
Checking for water Leaks
12/10/2018 (Permalink)
Water leaks
When you have a water damage, the water can work its way into all kinds of materials. It can seep into flooring, baseboards, and drywall. SERVPRO of Casper has the tools and training to check all the materials to identify what is wet and what is not.
Timely mitigation helps ensure that damage is contained and reduces the chance of microbial growth. Contacting us right away not only saves you from having contractors in your house for an extended amount of time, but it also saves you money. Here is a list of important checks in your home or office that often go overlooked:
- Check roof for deterioration
- Check gutters and downspouts
- Check basements and crawl spaces for moisture
- Check appliances in kitchens, break rooms, and cafeterias
- Check sinks and toilets in bathrooms
- Check HVAC for leaks and blockages.
If you have any questions or concerns about some wet material, feel free to give us a call at 307-235-6558.
Tips for Frozen Pipes
11/5/2018 (Permalink)
Frozen Pipe
With winter comes freezing temperatures and frozen pipes. There are multiple reasons why and how pipes freeze in the winter.
Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem
When water freezes, it expands and puts a lot of pressure on any pipes or containers. With pipes, the pressure from the freezing water can cause them to break.
Pipes that freeze most frequently are:
- Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool lines, and water sprinkler lines.
- Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets.
- Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
How to Protect Pipes from Freezing
Before freezing temperatures, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:
- Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife and landscaping.
- Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
- Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
- When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe-even at a trickle-helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and the night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55F.
If you still have a pipe break despite these precautions, remember that SERVPRO of Casper is here for you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Different Stages of loss
9/28/2018 (Permalink)
Water Damage Stages
Here are the reasons you should mitigate your water damage sooner than later.
Water Damage Time Line
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 carpet
- 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 rust and corrode
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
- Paint begins to blister
- Wood flooring swells and warps
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible
After 1 week
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risk to occupants
SERVPRO of Casper specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. We respond promptly, and dry your home quickly, minimizing the damage that your home sustains.
Reasons to Call SERVPRO of Casper for your water damage
4/13/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Ready 24/7 365 days a year
Why call SERVPRO of Casper for your water damage?
When it comes to restoring your home properly, having well-trained experts on the job is critical.Our team members receive the best training in the industry. We send our employees to IICRC (Institute of inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) classes to get them certified as water restoration technicians (WRT). We also go above that and send some of our select technicians to more advanced drying classes, such as Applied Structural Drying (ASD) and Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS). Because the IICRC is the certifying body that establishes and maintains the standard for water damage restoration, it is important that certified technicians are on-site to address your water damage. They can ensure that all standards are met, and that your home is dried safely and effectively.
We have the most up-to-date equipment available in the restoration industry. From moisture meters and thermal imaging to find all of the hidden moisture, to high-efficiency air movers and dehumidifiers to dry it out quickly. We have an arsenal of specialty drying equipment as well, so we can tackle difficult drying projects such as hardwood floors and tile. And in order to ensure the air quality in your home when microbes may be present, we have large-capacity HEPA air filtration devices to scrub the air.
When we arrive at your home, we thoroughly inspect the damage, and discuss our strategy for drying out your property. We explain the steps that we will perform to remove the water, as well as our plan for deploying equipment and starting the drying process. Once we are done with the emergency services portion of the job, we will visit the property daily to monitor the progress of the drying. We check the moisture content of the materials, and the temperature and humidity conditions to ensure optimal drying. As areas gradually become dry, we remove the equipment that is no longer needed, and take all drying equipment out when the process is complete.
By having the right people, tools, and training, the team at SERVPRO of Casper can properly assess the damage in your home, get the water out quickly, and thoroughly dry your property and belongings. Trust our experts to make your water damage “Like it never even happened.”
Water Categories
12/22/2017 (Permalink)
IICRC
When hiring a restoration company, you want to make sure that they can take care of your damage properly. It’s always a good idea to make sure the lead technician is IICRC-certified in the type of restoration you are having done (water damage, fire and smoke damage, etc.) It is especially important for water damages. Water damage mitigation that is improperly performed can cause health problems for your family in the future.
It is critical that the company working in your home or office is insured for this type of work, and they perform thorough background checks on their employees. SERVPRO of Casper meets all of these qualifications. With over 30 years of serving the people of Casper, and Natrona and Converse counties, we have developed a strong reputation of honesty and precise, high-quality workmanship.
The industry standard for water damage restoration is ANSI/IICRC Standard S500. There are a lot of technical matters in this standard that must be carefully adhered to. IICRC-certified technicians have been trained on this standard, and can bring your home or office back to a dry, safe, healthy state.
One example of a technical detail in the ANSI/IICRC Standard S500 is determining the category of water in the property. This helps establish the level of contamination in the water, and guides the decisions on what materials can be dried, versus what must be removed and disposed of.
Category 1 – This is a liquid from a clean and sanitary source, like faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains and broken pipes. This water has minimal contamination, but must be addressed quickly. If it is not cleaned up in a timely manner, category 1 water can degrade into category 2.
Category 2 – This is often referred to as gray water, and is described as having a level of contaminants that may causes illness or discomfort if ingested. Some sources could be dishwasher, washing machine drainage, sink drains, and toilet overflow that is NOT from beyond the trap, with some urine but no feces. Again, rapid removal and drying is important. Category 2 water that is allowed to dwell for a period of time can degrade into category 3 water.
Category 3 – This category of water is considered to be grossly unsanitary. Often referred to as black water, some sources could include sewer back up, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow from beyond the trap, and stagnant liquid that has started bacterial growth.
SERVPRO of Casper Technicians are IICRC-trained and certified, so they can determine what kind of loss you have and how to properly take care of it so you don’t have any further problems.
Frozen Pipes Part 1
12/21/2017 (Permalink)
Freezing Temperatures in Casper Wyoming
Frozen Pipes
Sometimes, customers don’t understand why their pipes break after there was frozen water in them. The reason is that water expands when its frozen, exerting a lot of pressure on the pipe that is holding it. With the water expanding in the pipe, it causes it to split and break.
The pipes that are more likely to freeze are:
- Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply line, and sprinkler lines.
- Water supply pipes in unheated interior area like basement and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinet.
- Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
How to Protect Pipes from Freezing
Here are some suggestions on how to protect your pipes from breaking, before the freezing temperatures arrive.
- Drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines. Follow the manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- Remove, drain and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
- Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- Check areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes, such as heat tape, pipe sleeve, and heat cable. Newspaper can provide some insulation and protection.
- Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
Frozen Pipes Part 2
12/21/2017 (Permalink)
Frozen pipes in Casper Wyoming
How to prevent Frozen Pipes
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage
- Open cabinet doors to kitchen and bathroom, and if there is a sink in the laundry room, to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. Remember, by opening the cabinet doors, you are exposing all the harmful chemicals stored in these areas. Be sure to move them away from kids and pets.
- When the weather is at freezing temperatures, let cold water drizzle from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Doing this helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature (70 degrees) during the day and night. Your heating bill may be higher, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (keep away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
- If you have a frozen pipe it’s a good idea to check the others. Weather that is cold enough to freeze a single pipe will often freeze multiple pipes in the structure.
Casper, Wyoming 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
6/7/2016 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Casper provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Casper, Glenrock, and Douglas.
SERVPRO of Casper is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with a flooded basement, home, or office, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – 307-235-6558
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Casper has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
· Your name and contact information
· Your insurance information (if applicable)
· The street address of the water-damaged home or business
· When did the flooding or water damage occur?
· What caused the water damage (if known)?
· Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Casper
SERVPRO of Casper specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
24/7 Emergency Service