Prevent Water Intrusion from Snowmelt

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

The Perfect Weather Conditions

The areas of Omaha, Bennington, Fremont, Elkhorn, Valley, Waterloo, and Blair have seen heavy amounts of snowfall this winter. As spring finally approaches, the forecast of warmer temperatures and rain showers creates the perfect scenario for water intrusion in your home. Unfortunately, some leaks may or may not be immediately noticeable. It is wise to intentionally inspect lower-traffic areas on a regular basis—such as storage rooms in the basement or attic—for potential water leakage. Catching a leak early is important for minimizing long-term damage.

Some Tips

Leaks from snowmelt and trapped rain-water runoff can enter your home from both above and below. Frozen drain pipes, blocked drainage systems, and ice dams are common culprits. Raking the snow from the roof of your house is a first step in helping prevent water damage. Additionally, cutting channels through ice dams on the roof by applying calcium chloride is sometimes an effective option.

Snow removal on the ground is another important preventative measure. Clearing a 5-foot path around the perimeter of your home helps prevent snowmelt and rain water from seeping into your house at ground level. Many times, homeowners will discover water in their basement due to unknown leaks in the foundation. Removing packed snow from drainage areas allows water to run away from your home instead of into it.

The Inevitable

Sometimes water damage from a snowy winter season is inevitable. If you discover a water leak, it is important to start the drying process immediately. This will aid in preventing further damage to your home, such as a future mold problem.

Call Us Today

The team at SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is trained in proper drying techniques. If you find water damage anywhere in your home, our team is ready to assist you. Call us at 402-800-2134.

Some Common Causes of Water Damage

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

Listed below are some of the main causes of water damage in a home:

Appliance malfunction-

            Some appliances that regularly malfunction include washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers. All three of these common household machines use water and leak on occasions, so it is good to be on the lookout to make sure they aren’t leaking. To prevent water damage from these appliances, inspect the area around these machines at least every month and be sure to keep up the maintenance of all household machines.

Leaky pipes/ plumbing valves-

            When a pipe starts to leak or break you may not always notice it right away. Sometimes a break results in a slow leak that eventually causes extensive water damage to your property and belongings. This problem may not seem very serious at first but can lead to major issues down the road. When you suspect something is wrong pay attention to these 7 signs. Changes in water pressure, changes of water color, sewage smell, puddles under sinks, hearing constant water, pipes making noises, and spikes in the water bill.

Roofing Leaks-

            Water damage from roof leaks can cause all sorts of problems if you don’t spot the issue soon enough. Some problems include mold, rotted framing, destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings. Some signs to look for are changes to flooring, walls, or ceiling.

Yikes!! Water Loss in Your Valley Property!! Quick, Call SERVPRO

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

Efficient Water Removal Services for Your Valley Home

When it comes to a disaster that threatens your Valley residence, time is not on your side. From the moment that a water loss incident occurs, for example, damages spread quickly throughout your property and can prove challenging for a homeowner to contend with on their own. The best solution in these circumstances is to seek the experience and equipment available to our restoration technicians.

Much like with ground-water flooding, substantial water loss incidents that originate from inside of your Valley home require immediate attention and water removal services. Our SERVPRO technicians are available 24/7 to help you mitigate this situation and prevent it from getting out of control, causing irreparable damage to the structure of your house and the contents within it.

From the moment our experienced team arrives at your home, we work to determine the source of the damage and verify that it has been resolved.  Extraction is the primary component of our water loss mitigation process, utilizing multiple pieces of our industry-leading equipment. Portable pumps and wet-vacs can work to pull up most of the excess, then tools like our heated air movers and dehumidifiers can force saturated materials to relinquish their stored water. This approach can help to preserve materials in your home at-risk of degradation and weakening from prolonged saturation.

As with any substantial water loss incident, time is of the essence to get the problems addressed and to lessen the impact of the effects that come with it. With significant structural concerns and secondary effects like mold growth to worry about, proper removal and drying are invaluable. We typically complete significant water loss episodes with an antimicrobial spray and deodorization treatments.

 Our SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest emergency response team is available 24/7 to help you clean up the mess and set things back to the way that they used to be, "Like it never even happened." Our trained and experienced technicians are available anytime that you need us by calling(402) 800-2134.

WELCOME, to the City of Valley, NE

Why You Need SERVPRO To Remove Water Quickly And Thoroughly From Your Hardwood Floors In Valley

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Hardwood Floor Water Cleanup In Valley

Cleaning up water from a small flooding incident in Valley might seem to be a simple task. Getting out a mop and bucket or a shop vac is definitely not going to be the solution for restoring a hardwood floor.  Not only will the water that goes between the seams continue to migrate, seeping into joints between floorboards and soaking the subfloor, but the hardwood boards themselves also absorb a significant amount of moisture, especially when they remain wet for an extended period.  This type of moisture saturation needs professional cleanup and restorative drying to prevent long-term damage to hardwood floors. We can help.

When you need water cleanup in your Valley home, the moisture you see is just part of the problem. Construction materials almost always absorb moisture, swelling and even crumbling. The damage frequently shows up in hidden spots behind walls, above ceilings, and beneath floors. Our trained and certified technicians use advanced moisture monitoring tools to locate hidden water before we employ effective water removal and structural drying techniques.

If you try to do water cleanup yourself, an unfortunate result can be permanent hardwood floor damage. Some of the water you toiled hard to mop and vacuum up can flow down into the subfloor during your efforts. Mopping and a household wet vacuum is an inadequate response to gravity and the tendency of cellulose-based building materials to take the water into their fibers. SERVPRO has specialized equipment and well-prepared crews who take water cleanup to another level.

The planks of hardwood floors become deformed when excess moisture lingers, referred to as "cupping." After an assessment by our crew chief, SERVPRO employees take the steps necessary to remediate the damage done and restore your floors. Our service vehicles have industrial level pumps, extractors, air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers onboard. We also innovative floor mat drying systems, that lay flat on the floor, pulling water from all levels of your particular flooring configuration.

The floor drying mats clean up and remove water through a vacuum created when SERVPRO technicians secure the mats to the wet floor and connect them to powerful extraction equipment.  Our high-powered extractors create a high vacuum that extracts the moisture and draws warm, very dry air into all of the micro spaces around the floorboards. This process accelerates the drying of hardwood floors significantly, removing the moisture often before permanent damage can occur, and saving many hardwood floors that might otherwise have to be replaced.  This represents not only a significant cost savings but also significantly reduces the disruption that tearing our your floors would cause to your home life.

Throughout the process, trained SERVPRO technicians monitor moisture levels and reposition the mats to clean up the remaining water quickly and thoroughly. Failing to reduce the moisture at each level risks continued warping, buckling, crowing, or cupping of the top layer of hardwood.

When you need water cleanup for hardwood floors, SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is ready with trained technicians and cutting-edge equipment. Call  (402) 800-2134 as soon as practical to arrange for an assessment and development of a water cleanup plan.

Click here for more about Valley.

Rely On SERVPRO For Efficient Water Cleanup In Elkhorn

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

Rely On SERVPRO For Efficient Water Cleanup

The extent to which a water event can cause damage to your Elkhorn home can be shocking. Water can cause great destruction to the building materials that make up the structure and finishes of your home. Fast and thorough water removal can halt or slow the harm, but requires the skilled technicians and advanced equipment we can offer to be properly remediated.

When a pipe bursts or an appliance fails in your Elkhorn home, water cleanup needs to happen right away. Most homeowners do not have access to, nor know how to operate the high-efficiency equipment necessary to get the water out of a residence quickly. A household shop vac cannot remove the vast amounts of water an appliance like a water heater or washer can flood throughout a home, especially if it takes a while for your to locate and turn off the supply line. Our vehicles carry commercial pumps and extractors for our crews to collect and dispose of significant quantities of water in a short time frame.  Responding quickly is important because the longer standing water remains in the structure, the more damage it will do.

When SERVPRO arrives after a water loss, our experienced crew chief uses training and experience to devise a plan to clean up and then dry out the water damage. Responding to water crises is one of our core services, so our crew reacts swiftly, but with attention to the details that makes every job unique. Cleaning up water within the first few hours reduces the risk of microbial growth that increases in potential and severity the longer the water remains.

When you hire SERVPRO to clean up a water loss, you can expect both removal of the moisture and professional structural drying. If you skip the drying step the chance of progressive water and secondary damage is high. Many building materials, including drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, and flooring, to name a few, absorb water and then begin the process of deterioration fast. Materials swell and warp, losing their strength and developing odors and an unsightly appearance. Our ability to clean up the water and then use air movement, heat, and dehumidification to dry structural components means your home recovers from most of the water’s destructive power.

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest should be your first call at (402) 800-2134 if you need fast, professional water cleanup. Let our experts respond with their skills, knowledge, and specialized equipment.

Click here for more about Elkhorn.

Some Mistakes After Water Damage in Valley That You Should Avoid

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO for an Efficient Response to Your Valley Water Removal Needs

When an appliance leaks or a tub overflows in your Valley home, sometimes the quantity of water that escapes can be deceiving. Depending on the elapsed time between the leak and it's discovery, dozens or even thousands of gallons might be finding their way throughout your home or business. Commercial capacity water removal equipment is required, and we have it available to help you.

Your home can be recovered entirely, after water removal in Valley and structural drying. The key is following the flow of the water, then extracting and drying it completely regardless of where it moves. Our crew members master IICRC training, receiving certification as Water Restoration Technicians. This course teaches the industry standards, preparing our crew chief to devise an effective drying plan and our crew members to carry the plan to completion.

One of the ways we help our employees to help you is by investing in state of the art equipment. SERVPRO service vehicles will arrive at your home loaded with submersible pumps, truck-mounted water extractors, commercial grade air movers, and advanced dehumidifiers. Not a second is lost after our expert assessment. Our crew will jump to the task right away, proficient with the equipment and the confidence that comes from training and previous experience with a successful outcome over a thousand of times.

Essential to the best result is the regular and consistent use of moisture measuring and monitoring devices. SERVPRO technicians follow the lead of the project manager who determines drying goals for each structural element. Psychrometrics is the science of drying, achieving a balance of air movement, temperature, and humidity to hasten the evaporation of moisture from building materials. Our employees must demonstrate the practical application of psychrometrics during the certification process, and then bring that skill to your home while remediating a water loss.

We measure the moisture content of the walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces and materials affected. Because water can seep into cavities between walls, under floors, and in a range of open recesses, SERVPRO technicians also learn to use infrared scanning devices that locate this hidden water, using various techniques to release the water or otherwise make it accessible for removal.

When water intrudes into your home in Valley, contact SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest to assist in professional water removal. Call (402) 800-2134 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to schedule an assessment and the commencement of removal services.

Click here for more information on the city of Valley.

Tips for Water Damage

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

In the event of a water damage weather it be from an inside source for example a pipe bursting or it be from an outside source like let's say a window well for your basement, either way we are here. One good tip for any water damage need is to turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building/home, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.  Please DO NOT use your TV or other appliances while standing on wet carpets/floors, especially wet concrete floors, or turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Also DO NOT enter rooms where the ceiling is visibly sagging from water. The first thing to always think about is safety and if it doesn't look safe don't enter the space.

Patience and Persistence Count in Omaha Water Removal Scenario

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Professional Technicians, Equipment, and Experience for Mitigating a Water Loss

Although it is critical that water mitigation proceeds with due speed in your Omaha home, rushing the procedure is not consistent with the best practices established by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Remediation of the harm done by water begins with thorough water removal, employing the most efficient equipment available. Our water removal crews are IICRC certified and our equipment top-notch.
 
When we receive a call for water removal in Omaha, one of the first concerns for our professional team is getting the moisture off, and out, of floors and floor coverings. A comprehensive plan to remove as much water as possible with pumps and extractors is usually the most efficient way to manage the crisis. Moving too quickly from extracting the liquid water to less effective drying techniques delays the completion of a water removal job overall and can expose structural components to secondary damage. Planning and execution both play a key role in successful water removal.
 
Drying techniques have their place in nearly all SERVPRO water loss remediations. Shortchanging water removal strategies to jump prematurely to structural drying, however, has the potential to compound the harm done to structural components and fixtures.
 
Research shows that extraction is literally 1200 times more effective than dehumidification when we manage water removal situations. Given this principle, expect SERVPRO crew members to spend as much time as necessary to pull the water out of the carpeting and padding. Introducing air movers and dehumidifiers when significant amounts of water linger in porous materials, like carpeting and upholstery, can prolong the drying process unreasonably. It is harder to achieve the equilibrium necessary among the air movers, dehumidifiers, and heaters when that residual moisture is in the mix. The SH Specific Humidity reduction to standard levels is crucial for water damage mitigation.
 
In some water losses, depending on the water category, carpet padding must be removed and discarded. Fortunately, padding is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, and its removal also allows for quicker and more complete extraction from the carpet by our SERVPRO crew. Items like upholstered furnishings can be packed out offsite for drying. Another option might be to build a mini-containment area in your home to focus on the drying of severely saturated items and to more quickly restore the home to its preloss condition.
 
Water removal requires the experience and training offered by the professionals at SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest. Call (402) 800-2134 as soon as possible to develop your personalized water remediation plan.

Tips if Water Damage Occurs in Your Home

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

In the event of a pipe bursting in your home or even something as tragic as an outside water source, you are going to want to make sure to shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. Dealing with an outside water source is always difficult, so put your stress into our hands. DO NOT enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist, and DO NOT enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. "Let's go out there and care!" Stay safe and prepare for the seasons. Follow our Facebook page SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest for more fun updates and tips on fire, water prevention.

Speed is Essential to a Successful Water Removal Project in Omaha

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Basement water damage can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO immediately after you notice flooding in your basement or crawl space.

SERVPRO Technicians Arrive Quickly to Dry Out Your Water Damaged Basement

The lower levels of most homes in Omaha contain several appliances and mechanical systems that can malfunction or overflow. These accidents occur without regard to a homeowner's schedule and present an overwhelming situation when discovered. Although it can be tempting to wade in and try to get rid of the damage without professional help, only water remediation experts have the equipment and training necessary to eliminate the problem.

When water overflows from a washing machine, leaks from a water heater, or pours into a basement when an outdoor faucet freezes in cold weather and the supply pipe bursts, a home in Omaha needs immediate water removal. The equipment most homeowner's have available are not powerful enough to extricate possibly hundreds of gallons of water. A wet-dry vacuum and a mop and bucket are inadequate, unable to eradicate water within the 24 to 48-hour window recommended by industry standards to limit long-term and secondary damage. The high-efficiency submersible pumps and extractors used by professionals are crucial to fast water removal. 

The crews from SERVPRO are thoroughly trained in water removal techniques and in the operation of the heavy-duty equipment that delivers the needed results. Often power is cut off in the area where the water collects for safety reasons. Truck-mounted extractors and pumps, with gas-powered options, permit the technicians to complete water removal swiftly even without access to a home's electricity for a time.

Water removal in basements and crawl spaces can be tricky as pockets of moisture can hide behind walls and within the cells of cinder blocks. SERVPRO technicians receive extensive training in the use of advanced moisture metering and scanning devices to locate residual water. Strategies such as drilling small holes in mortar joints, cutting through wallboard or paneling or accessing water from above with long extraction wands ensure none remains to cause further damage and encourage mold growth.

Baseline moisture levels inform SERVPRO employees as they set drying goals. Throughout the removal process, the moisture levels are monitored to ensure their use of high-efficiency air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers result in proper drying to complete the remediation.

When water in a basement, crawl space or lower living level surprises you, SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest is up to the challenge. Call (402)8002134 for an inspection of the damage and creation of a plan to remove the water quickly and efficiently. 

Wood Flooring

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

The faster water is removed, the less damage occurs.  Wood flooring expands as it absorbs moisture.  Typically you would notice in wood flooring that it warps or buckles.  If proper drying is not done those floors may need to be removed.  There are two noticeable warping effects on wood floors, cupping and crowning.

Cupping:  this occurs when water is absorbed from the bottom of the wood.  The edges of the wood floor will slightly raise hence the name "cup" in cupping.  This is often fixed with sanding.

Crowing:  this occurs when the top of the wood contains more moisture than the sides and bottom.  This makes wood flooring arch in the middle.  If the bottom of the wood is over-dried this will occur.  You may not be able to sand this out and floors would need to be replaced at this point.

If you have an questions or concerns about your flooring and moisture contact SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest for any of your water, fire and mold needs.

SERVPRO Technicians Arrive Equipped to Dry Out Your Water Damaged Property

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest for an evaluation of your situation at (402) 800-2134.

Water intrusion into the basement or foundation of your Omaha home can be the result of a variety of causes.  Groundwater flooding is one cause, with an increased incidence of this when the ground becomes saturated with runoff from several storms in the space of a few days or weeks. Finding a reliable remediation company to help you restore the resulting water damage is the key to a satisfactory resolution.
 
When groundwater enters your building, the initial step in the remediation of the water damage in Omaha will usually be to extract standing water and pump it back outside from whence it came. Removing any standing water is necessary for SERVPRO employees to determine the extent of damage and whether any repairs or reconstruction will be required. Only when substances inside the building contaminate intruded groundwater is it necessary to retain the fluid for disposal in a sanitary sewer system. Such contaminating substances may include sewage backup, chemicals, or other hazards that cannot be spread back out on the ground.
 
Once the extraction is complete, the SERVPRO remediation team will address other questions to move the water damaged property back to preloss condition. Decisions must be made as to what materials can be remediated by the technicians. A detailed plan will be developed and discussed with the owner, and every step will be followed before the project is considered complete for the customer.
 
The SERVPRO remediation team members have received extensive training in sorting through water-damaged structural materials and personal possessions. Their education received guides their efforts as they help the homeowners understand which items that were damaged by the water can be cleaned and returned to preloss condition. They diligently make sure all articles and surfaces determined salvageable are restored. Materials and items too damaged with moisture or contaminants to remediate will be recommended for disposal.
 
The highly-qualified employees of SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest are ready to help community members move on after water damages foundations and basements. Call for an evaluation of your situation at (402) 800-2134.

Storms in Omaha Can Cause Water Damage

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you need our services, call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest at (402) 800-2134 today

This past summer we were reminded that storms can cause water damage and sometimes significant damage. In the Midwest, storms can develop and pop up with only a few hours’ notice. With that being said being prepared for this type of situation could keep you safe and even help with preventing damage to your property.

Sometimes these storms are able to bring hail, heavy winds, and a lot of rain in a short period of time. When this happens, you should be prepared for flash flooding especially when you’re in a flood zone. Some things to also look out for is branches that could fall down and hail.

How to Prepare:

• Bring anything inside that you don’t want damaged
• Make sure gutters are flowing and foundation of home is pushing water away
• Trim trees so nothing is hanging over your home
• If you are in a flash flood zone or in an area prone to flooding, get to higher ground

Returning your home to its pre-flood condition takes a lot of time and effort, but it is necessary to prevent further damage or potential health hazards. A professional remediation service will not only restore all of the water damage but make sure you understand each action and why we do it. If you need our services, call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest at (402) 800-2134 today. We are here for you.

More Than Just Storms Lead to Water Removal in Omaha

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Leaks and other events can bring either a large amount or accumulating droplets of water into your home. Contact SERVPRO for remediation efforts.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Water Damage After Any Type of Incident

Even if your home has never been flooded, excess moisture may still be wearing down its materials and creating ever-costlier damage to your property. SERVPRO's water removal services in Omaha include more than just catastrophic water damage remediation. A significant proportion of our calls are for more moderate, subtle examples of water and moisture wreaking havoc in a home. Cases like these are some of the most common water removal projects we take on without any storms or flooding.
 
Excess Humidity
When a home's atmosphere is too humid as a result of excess water intrusion, airborne water droplets can start to cause damage to metals, wood, certain finishes, fabrics, and other materials common in American homes. Long periods of exposure to humid conditions can encourage mold growth in fabrics and building materials. In the course of standard water remediation techniques, we remove standing water first by pumping and extracting, then reduce the relative humidity in the air and the moisture content of materials by deploying air movers and dehumidifiers. This dehumidification process also improves overall indoor air quality (IAQ). SERVPRO offers various types of equipment such as low grain refrigerant (LGR) and silica gel based (desiccant) dehumidifiers.

Appliance Malfunctions
Even the most stalwart appliances can malfunction on occasion, and objects that use large volumes of water in their normal operation are susceptible to flooding or dampening the area around them. Even if no standing water is created, small mishaps can still saturate porous materials and cause long-term damage if the cause of the dampness is not addressed and a proper water restoration procedure conducted.
 
Leaks
Leaks and drips in other areas in your home can also develop into problems significant enough to warrant a full water removal effort.  Even small leaks are left unrepaired left unprepared for an extended period can allow the water to seep deeply into materials to create a soaked, mold-vulnerable area, often hidden behind walls or beneath flooring materials.
 
SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest provides water removal solution for most any water or flood problem you may have. For fast, 24/7 service, give us a call at (402) 800-2134.

Tricky Water Damage Issues In Your Historic Omaha Home

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest has experience restoring and preserving older homes no matter how the water damage occurred.

SERVPRO Helps Preserve Priceless Historical Structures

Older homes are the preference of many people including you and your family. Beautiful polished wood and original lathe and plaster walls give warmth and elegance modern materials can try to match while rarely succeeding. It is sometimes hard to give up modern conveniences when dealing with century-old plumbing, no matter how quaint, so you have rigged up a DIY shower in an upstairs bathroom, originally outfitted only with a huge bathtub. All seems to be going well, but you occasionally notice a musty smell in your bedroom, located next to the bathroom. One day after your morning shower you walk into the dining room downstairs and are surprised to feel a wetness on the hardwood floor. You look down and see that in addition to the dampness, the recently refinished honey oak hardwood floor is a bit darkened and cupping, the planks curving up and pulling away from each other in a two-foot line about six inches across. This degradation has been happening for awhile, you immediately realize.

When you look up a drop of water splashes onto your face. The high ceilings in this room were recently repainted with a stain blocking compound, covering decades of wear. You notice a swelling in the ceiling along with a two or three-foot line directly above the area of hardwood floor that is damp and wavy. There is no discoloration, yet, so you had not noticed this before. Your first impulse must be to get on the phone to our SERVPRO water damage professionals as soon as possible as you see evidence of the strange way water damage can manifest itself inside your stately Omaha home.
 
Not all severe water damage issues occur only after a harsh storm or rising flood waters. Sometimes it as insidious as old plumbing and worn caulk being pushed beyond their limits to keep water where you want it. Before you drive yourself mad trying to figure out a solution, invite us at SERVPRO to investigate the problem. Our technicians are highly qualified and continuously trained on the ways water flows, seeps, or trickles into your home. We will evaluate the situation and discover where the water was dripping through the ceiling. When we find the dried out caulk that allowed water to seep through the tile joint with the heritage tub, or the backflow through the diverter you installed to power the handheld shower head, we will give you options for repairing the situation. Then once we are confident the leak or seepage is resolved, we will dry out the wooden substructure between your bathroom and bedroom. This remediation action against mold is for household safety and to erase the musty smell. The ceiling will be dried and restored as will the flooring, which may need sanding or even replacement of a plank or two if the cupping is severe.
 
Do not despair when your historic home shows signs of water damage. Call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest at (402) 800-2134 instead, relying on our track record in restoring and preserving older homes no matter how the water damage occurred.

Restoring Water Damage in Omaha Homes

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest today if you have water damage in your home

SERVPRO Technicians Report to the Flooded Scene with Equipment to Properly Dry Out the Property

Omaha homes are vulnerable to flooding from weather and more common accidents. It is especially true for carpets and wood floors. No matter where the water comes from, a professional restoration service can deal with removing, cleaning, and remediating the ill effects a flood causes.
 
Treating water damage to Omaha homes first requires stopping the flow and removal of any standing water as soon as possible. SERVPRO certifies each member of our 24-hour response team on every piece of equipment needed for this and every action we take to return a home to its original state.
 
Since most house flooding comes from failed plumbing, stopping it is relatively simple. Upon arrival to a job site, one of our technicians first turns off the water main to the house. With that accomplished, the response team performs a complete inspection. If the weather permits, we open every window and door to the residence to enable crossflow of air.
 
Now, SERVPRO technicians bring in the equipment needed to remove water; commercial grade pumps and water extraction wands. The pumps remove water down to the surface of carpets and floors and then we use the wands to draw out water trapped either in or under both.
 
Once the carpets are free of water, they are now light enough to lift. It allows technicians to examine the floor for any remaining moisture. If there is, we use a combination of air movers and exhaust fans to force warm, dry air under and over the carpet to dry it. If there is a pad underneath, they remove and dispose of it.
 
The same fans and air movers work well for wood floors as well to dry them. If a moisture meter test still indicates the presence of water, it may be necessary to drill holes into the floor in corners or under the baseboards to allow additional ventilation for drying. In cases where there is water pooled under the floorboards, SERVPRO technicians may have to remove one or two boards to use the extraction wands.
 
Most of the effects from water damage can be eliminated or significantly reduced by quickly removing the moisture and drying out the affected property. For more information about what SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest can do for your home, call us today at (402) 800-2134.

Winterize Your Home to Help Prevent Water Damage

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Protect your home from ice dams by cleaning your gutters before winter

Winter is right around the corner and from the looks of it so far it is coming quicker than expected. With this being said you have to be prepared before the real cold weather arrives. Most people don’t think about preparing their home for the winter because it isn’t something that we normally think about, but it should be. If you and your house are prepared this winter you most likely will avoid damage but if you don’t, you are putting yourself at risk for a variety of things that could happen. Today I am going to list a few things that you can check so you can be ready for winter and whatever it brings.

Trim Tree Branches

            Make sure tree branches are trimmed before the snow comes. Keep tree branches at least three feet from your home to prevent them from breaking and falling on your home.

Check the Roof

• Inspect broken or missing shingles
• Inspect rubber boots around vent pipes
• Cracked caulk or rust spots
• Check for moss or any decaying part of the roof

If you suspect this could be happening and don’t feel comfortable checking yourself, consult a specialized roof inspector.

Check Gutters and Downspouts

Clean out gutters and downspouts, otherwise they could cause ice dams or damage your foundation due to improper draining. Late Fall is a good time to go up to make sure everything is clean and working properly.

Insulate Windows

It is always good to double check your windows before the winter, check if there is a draft coming through. If there is, you may need to seal up any cracks with rope caulk, shrink film, or weather stripping. Doing this can also lower your energy costs.

Water Damage Remediation Process at Your Home

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

Leaking water heater

When pipes or a sump pump fails, or a bathtub overflows, rooms in your Omaha home can accumulate several inches or more of water quickly, filling surrounding wall spaces or other extended areas as well. In cases like this, you will need professional assistance. A significant amount of unwanted water requires powerful equipment and skilled operators to extract. We offer both the equipment and the certified work crews to remove water fast, no matter the source.
 
A common scenario is an aging water heater that cracks, pouring 50 gallons of hot water into your utility room. You may not realize it until you notice no water is coming from the hot water tap and investigate. Meanwhile, the water continues to run, accumulate and spread. Emergency water removal services from an experienced Omaha water damage restoration firm are necessary to remediate this situation. With SERVPRO's nearly 50 years in the business, engaging one of our crews is a solid choice for speedy resolution of your problem.
 
SERVPRO is a leader in the water damage restoration industry, staffed with highly qualified technicians and offering the latest in industrial strength equipment. Our team and truck will arrive ready to start the necessary work, with submersible pumps and powerful extractors.  Lack of electrical power is also a common problem when your home is several inches deep in water, but we bring the power with us.
 
An experienced project manager will assess your plight and soon the crew will commence pumping and extracting the water. Sometimes paints and other chemicals stored near the heater taint the water. SERVPRO has considerable familiarity with potentially contaminated water and collects and disposes of contaminated water according to waste disposal laws and guidelines.
 
After extracting standing water from the floors, our team continues to search for pockets of trapped moisture. Foundations and basements are often made of cinder block which can trap water in hidden cells. Partitions, drywall, and paneling also hold water, but we use penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters as well as infrared detection to identify unseen, trapped moisture. Drywall may have to be partially removed.  Extraction can also take place from above, or through holes drilled through wallboard or mortar joints to release water for removal.
 
The final step in a water removal and remediation process is choosing appropriate drying method to avoid secondary damage such as mold growth, crumbling building materials, and warped floors or supportive structures. SERVPRO crews use high-efficiency air movers, dehumidifiers, and injection drying systems to reduce moisture to normal levels.
 
SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest has the trained staff, equipment, and experience to remove water in your home quickly and efficiently. Call (402) 800-2134 to have a remediation team scheduled to begin work as soon as possible.

For more information regarding Omaha, click here.

Get Help with Water Damage in Your Omaha Area Home

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen water loss

Basements and crawl spaces in your home are some of the most common places in the house to have water damage, and they can also be some of the hardest to keep dry. Trying to fix the problem yourself is always difficult because the exact problem is not always clear.
 
Without professional training, locating drainage problems or water leaks in small confined areas of your Omaha area home often leads to additional water damage forming in areas that are even harder to reach. Water becomes your enemy when it plays a role in compromising the safety and security of your home.
 
Contacting expertly trained professionals within the water damage restoration industry, like SERVPRO, helps you deal with the consequences of water intruding in your home. Our technicians have years of experience and infrared moisture detectors to assist with locating moisture problems and can provide you with the water removal, restoration, cleaning and deodorization services you need to get back on your feet quickly.
 
SERVPRO can also help in situations where you notice a strange, musty odor in your crawl spaces, or find excessive moisture that can lead to damage from mold. Although internet self-help forums can be a great source of information, they are not always your best resource. Contacting a professional company to help eliminate problems that can lead to property damage from water or mold is your best bet.
 
We offer many services that assist with improving your indoor air quality including advanced air purification and water extraction equipment to help remove contaminants from your living environment. 

Contact SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest today for answers to your questions and further explanation of many of the services we have available for the greater Omaha area. (402) 800-2134.

How to Prevent Water damage

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

A flooded kitchen caused by a water loss

In today’s blog I am going to talk about the steps you can take to prevent water damage in your home.  Most of these things can be prevented with proper maintenance and attention but sometimes get overlooked by homeowners. Follow these tips to prevent a water loss in your home.

Main water shut off- This could be one of the most important steps of them all. Knowing where the main shut off is a must if a pipe happens to brake. Being able to stop the water right away can prevent a lot of damage.

Check appliances- Keep an eye on kitchen appliances like refrigerators and dish washers, as sometimes they are able to have leaks.

Investigate leaks- Look under sinks, check bathrooms and storage rooms regularly. It is essential to check these areas; the sooner you find out there is a leak the less damage it will cause.

Monitor water bill- If there is a random spike in your water bill this could mean you could have a major problem. Check your water bill month from month to make sure there are no major spikes.

Check water pressure- Check to make sure your water pressure is between 40-70psi; if it is set too high pipes may break.

Disconnect Hoses- This is extremely important to remember in the winter months. In freezing temps, the standing water in the hose can freeze back into the pipe, expand, and break the pipe. This will cause damage to walls, floor, and foundation.

Clean Gutters/ outside drainage- We have mentioned in past blogs about cleaning gutters and downspouts, so water is able to drain away from your home. If this isn’t maintained it can affect your foundation and leave water in your basement.

Call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest for Water Restoration Services

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded kitchen

A water problem can happen in your home or business without any notice. When and if that happens to you need help quick, call SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest! Our crew is highly trained in water damage restoration. We are equipped with the best equipment and knowledge in the industry to help restore your home in the event of a water loss or intrusion.  

During the water restoration process, we focus on establishing and tracking drying goals to make certain the structure and contents are handled appropriately. When dealing with valuable documents or personal belongings we treat them with the utmost care to bring them back to the condition they were originally in.

We are part of a national network of over 1,600 franchises with special disaster recover teams placed throughout the country. SERVPRO of Omaha Northwest can respond to your commercial or residential water loss regardless of the size or damage.

Water Damage or Flooding? Call Us Today (402) 800-2134

What Causes Water Damage?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Shown above is a kitchen that had a appliance issue, causing the entire area to flood

When you have a water loss it is important to catch it as fast as possible. When water pools up and soaks building materials it can cause a lot of damage and after the water has been sitting for some time materials will have to be replaced. If you have a water intrusion any standing water should be cleaned up immediately to prevent further damage. Water obviously can cause damage to your home but if action is taken place sooner than later it may be possible to dry instead of replacing, saving you money. Below listed are somethings that can cause water damage. 

• Plumbing issues
• Leaking or bursting pipes
• Appliances
• HVAC issues
• Weather/ natural disasters

Plumbing Issues

These problems can occur at any moment and can cause serious damage. This could be leaking or bursting pipes and could even be a problem with the toilet. When this type of problem occurs, it is important to act fast. If this happens, turn off the water and clean up what you can. Once this is taken care of call a restoration company to assess the damage, so they can start the drying process.   

Appliances

Appliances that can cause water damage include washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters, and dishwashers.  They can cause problems as they get older including rusting pipes and weakened hoses. If you have older appliances it is important to keep an eye on them as they are more susceptible to break.

HVAC issues

HVAC units are another common cause of water damage. Particularly AC units can cause moisture build-up and eventually develop problems over time with mold/water-related issues.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

This photo shows what insulating a pipe looks like

In the winter months it is somewhat common for pipes to freeze when outside temperatures drop below freezing. In some cases, pipes go through areas of the home that are not heated which leaves them at a higher risk to break. When your pipes do freeze the water expands causing an increase in pressure and eventually a rupture. Listed below are some recommendations to prevent frozen pipes as well as some tips if your pipes do break.

Preventing Frozen Pipes:

If its common for your pipes to freeze there are a few things you can try to possibly prevent that from happening. This includes

• Insulating unprotected pipes
• Seal small cracks that lead outside
• Keep rooms with pipes up to temp
• Never completely turn off your heat when you leave the house for a long period of time.

If a pipe does break:

• Turn off main water
• Open faucet to release pressure
• Clean up standing water
• Bring in a professional restoration company to restore anything that got damaged by water.

How to Shut Off Water in Case of an Emergency

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

This picture shows what a typical water shut off looks like

Knowing where your main water shut off is essential. It can help you prevent major damage in case of an emergency. Things like a sewage back up, broken pipe, or broken seal can cause thousands in water damage if you aren’t able to shut your water off. In the winter months it is common for pipes to burst, severe cold weather can cause pipes to expand and break but being able to locate and turn off the valve can prevent some damage. It is also good to know where the main shut off is if you leave your house for a long period of time.

Steps to take if this happens to you

• Turn off your water main
• Drain the faucets to release the pressure
• Inspect and fix the broken pipe
• Bring in a professional drying crew

Properly restoring your home after a water damage event requires specialized equipment and products. This advanced equipment helps us to remove the water, even hidden moisture, quickly and efficiently. We then dry the structure with powerful dehumidifiers. Finally, our technicians will clean the affected area with professional grade cleaning and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety.

Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (402) 800-2134

Common Toilet Problems

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

There are a few main reasons that can cause a toilet to malfunction. These problems can be expensive and a hassle to deal with if it does happen. In fact, one of the top 5 causes of home water damage is caused by a toilet. This can be caused by tank issues, bad seals, or a clog. If the bathroom is located on the second level of your home you are left with a huge mess, affecting everything on the floors below. Listed below are some common causes of an overflowing toilet.

Clogged Pipes

One of the main reasons for clogged toilets is caused by using too much toilet paper. It is necessary to have a plunger on hand in case this does happen. With that being said, it usually happens with older low flowing toilets, but it can happen with conventional fixtures as well. If you aren’t able to fix the clog yourself, you should contact a professional to prevent any more damage.

Vents

A blocked vent could be another reason your toilet isn’t working properly. A plumbing vent usually has an outlet on the roof of your home that replaces the air that goes down your drain every time you flush. Sometime the vent gets blocked with debris on your roof and can cause issues like slow draining. Not only can it cause slow draining, but it can create pressure to your pipes from the lack of airflow.

Sewage pipes/ Septic Tank

Sewage pipes can get clogged over time, if this happens your toilet can overflow. It is important to make sure you are only flushing toilet paper down your toilet. If you have a septic tank you can experience the same issue as well, flushing debris that doesn’t belong can cause your tank to overflow.

How to Prevent Moisture in Your Home

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Most people think of water damage they usually think of flooding after storms. That isn’t always the case though, somethings you wouldn’t expect what may be causing moisture to build up in certain spaces in your home. Follow some of the tips below to help prevent moisture build-up in your home.

Humidity and Indoor Moisture

When warm air comes in contact with a cool surface it creates moisture. Things like showering, dishwashing, and cooking add moisture to the air. Cold water pipes that are uninsulated can also cause water droplets to accumulate in the summer. When condensation and water droplets occur, they can run down walls and into corners of your home. Once this happens, things can start to rot, paint can peel, and provide a good environment for mold to grow. 

Ways to reduce moisture

• Use a dehumidifier
• Run fans in the house
• Run the A/C
• Clean A/C filters
• Take colder/ shorter shower
• Cover pots while cooling
• Cover aquariums