What to do when you house floods

2/22/2024 (Permalink)

How to Handle a Flood

Upon your home's safe return, you should give cleaning top priority if floodwaters from a storm or hurricane entered your home. It's crucial to wait for the all-clear from local authorities before returning home, though, as damage from a powerful storm like a hurricane can be hazardous.



What to Do If Your Home Floods

Remain Calm: It's critical to avoid becoming overly agitated. It will take time for your house to dry out and for the demolition and reconstruction to be completed. It's critical to get comfortable with the long term, anticipate any stress, and seek support or therapy as required.

Record Everything: Take pictures and videos of the water damage to start recording it for your filing.

Document everything. Begin by taking images and videos of the flood damage to use as evidence when filing an insurance claim. Contact your insurance carrier right away to initiate your claim. It's crucial to understand that if your home floods, your homeowners insurance policy will not cover water damage; only a private flood insurance policy or a National Flood Insurance Program policy would cover flood damage.

Reach Out for Assistance: Following a flood, most homeowners can handle the initial phases of removing water-soaked furniture, appliances, and carpet, as well as drywall. Volunteer organizations, religious groups, neighbors, friends, and contractors can all help folks who are unable to help themselves. Organizations like Team Rubicon, a non-profit that recruits, trains, and deploys military veterans for disaster response,Organizations such as Team Rubicon, a nonprofit that recruits, trains, and deploys military veterans for disaster relief, are frequently on the scene following disasters.


Additional Information

It's worth noting that SERVPRO, a firm specializing in storm damage cleanup and restoration, offers services for cleaning up and rebuilding properties damaged by natural disasters including floods, hurricanes, and storms. They provide superior equipment and decades of knowledge to assist restore properties to their preloss state.

Surviving a Chicago Winter

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Winterizing Your Home to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frigid temperatures are upon us, underscoring the importance of preparing your home for the cold to prevent the inconvenience and potential damage caused by frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, it can lead to burst pipes, water damage, and costly repairs. Here are some helpful tips to winterize your home and protect your plumbing system:

Insulate Exposed Pipes One of the most effective ways to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Use pipe insulation sleeves or wrapping material to cover exposed pipes in unheated areas such as the basement, crawl spaces, and attics.

Seal Leaks and Gaps Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks that could allow cold air to enter and affect your pipes. Seal these openings with caulk or insulation to prevent drafts, paying special attention to areas where pipes enter your home.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses Before the winter freeze sets in, disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain the water from them to prevent back pressure in the pipes inside your home. Store hoses in a dry place to prolong their lifespan.

Locate and Shut Off External Water Sources Turn off the water supply and drain the pipes if you have external water sources, such as sprinkler systems, to prevent water from freezing and causing damage to the system.

Keep Interior Temperatures Consistent Maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, especially during extremely cold nights, to prevent pipes from freezing. Set your thermostat to a temperature that will keep the interior warm enough.

Let Faucets Drip On exceptionally cold nights, allow faucets to drip slowly to prevent freezing by relieving pressure in the pipes, focusing on faucets located along exterior walls and those in colder areas of your home.

Use Heat Tape Consider using heat tape on vulnerable pipes for added protection, as it provides a constant source of low-level heat to prevent freezing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.

Open Cabinet Doors In kitchens and bathrooms, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes located under sinks, especially those along exterior walls, which are more susceptible to freezing.

Taking proactive steps to winterize your home can save you from the hassle and expense of dealing with frozen pipes. By insulating, sealing gaps, disconnecting outdoor hoses, shutting off external water sources, maintaining consistent interior temperatures, letting faucets drip, using heat tape, and opening cabinet doors, you'll be well-prepared to face the winter months without the worry of plumbing issues. Stay warm, stay dry, and enjoy a worry-free winter in your well-protected home.

For water damage assistance, contact SERVPRO of Elmhurst at (630) 758-1701 or visit their website at SERVPROelmhurst.com for more information.

9 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe From Water Damage

3/12/2022 (Permalink)

Minor leaks can go undetected for a long time and cause significant damage if left unchecked.

1. You should be aware of the location of the stopcock. Ensure that not only you, but also your family members, are aware of its location. A severe leak or rupture can cause significant damage in minutes. It is critical to understand where and how to turn off the water supply.
2. Check for leaks ahead of time. Minor leaks can go undetected for a long time and cause significant damage if left unchecked. Consider that a dripping faucet can waste up to 57 gallons (260 litres) of water per week. Look for signs of stray water beneath sinks and around appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines.
3. Check that your sump pump is operational. The sump pump, which is common in basement homes, plays an important role in ensuring that your basement does not flood after prolonged periods of rain. If you have one, make sure it's well-maintained and serviced at least once a year.
4. Keep debris out of your gutters. While leaves are the most common cause of blocked gutters, this isn't just an autumnal problem. Moss and weeds are frequently discovered to be a major cause. Blocked gutters play a significant role in damp problems. If you see water running down the side of your house or if your gutters appear to be sagging, they're probably blocked and need to be cleaned.
5. Inspect your roof from the inside out. Examine the inside of your attic for signs of water leaking through the roof. Examine the joists for damp spots and the plaster for tea-colored stains. Outside, look for visible damage to the roof and make sure the flashing around any chimneys is in good condition.
6. Keep your pipes from freezing. Even if you plan to be away, use a smart thermostat to keep your home at a minimum temperature of at least 10 degrees Celsius. Warm water must be able to circulate through pipes to avoid freezing damage. If a property will be unoccupied for an extended period of time, turn off the water supply at the stopcock and consider draining the system so that no water remains in the system.
7. Pipes that are exposed should be properly insulated. Snap-on pipe insulation is inexpensive and effective, and it can also be used outside.
8. Install a device to detect water leaks. Detection devices, which are relatively inexpensive, cut off the water supply in the event of a leak, which is critical if you leave your property vacant for extended periods of time.
9. Look for any signs of moisture or mold. Damp can be detected by flaking paint or wallpaper, as well as black, speckled marks on skirting and sills. Consider adding more insulation if your walls feel cold to the touch or if you notice a musty odor. In the mornings, check windows and skylights for condensation. Its presence can indicate that your home has higher-than-average moisture levels.

How to Protect Your Property from Floods Caused by Snowmelt, Ice Jams, and Winter Storms

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

The risk of flooding doesn't go away after winter.

When we hear about flooding in the news, we usually hear about spring floods and summer storms, giving the impression that flooding occurs just half of the year. We're not out of the woods yet.

The risk of flooding doesn't go away in the winter, and flooding isn't the only thing to be concerned about when the weather turns cold. Snowmelt, ice jams, and winter storms threaten major floods from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Lakes to the Northeast throughout the winter months.

Winter Flood Risk #1: Snowmelt

Snowmelt is an element of the natural water cycle. However, if snow thaws too quickly to be absorbed back into the soil, neighboring water bodies, and drainage systems, it can flood adjoining land, potentially flooding your basement.

Snowmelt floods can occur anywhere in the snowy north of the US, and they usually occur in small, isolated episodes. But that doesn't rule out the possibility of serious consequences. Let's pretend it snows ten inches, which isn't unheard of in freezing areas. One inch of water equals ten inches of snow, and an inch of floodwater can cost you up to $25k in repairs, according to FEMA.

While snowmelt risk is higher in the spring, climate change has introduced more and more unseasonably warm temperatures every winter. Take the 2019 Midwestern floods, for example. Record amounts of snowfall from January through March were followed by a three-day stretch of 60-degree weather. Rain fell and caused historic levels of flooding along the Missouri River and its tributaries.

Winter Flood Risk #2: Ice Jams

Long cold episodes that cause the surface of rivers to freeze are followed by warm spells, resulting in ice jam floods. Large pieces of ice break off unevenly as temperatures rise, blocking streams and flooding adjacent settlements.

Winter Flood Risk #3: Winter Storms

People who live in lakeside places like the Windy City are probably familiar with flooding in the winter. Strong winds from winter storms can create massive waves that crash over shorelines and barriers into city streets, as they did in Chicago last winter.

These winter storms and subsequent floods are common in the Midwest along the Great Lakes, but they also happen along the East Coast. Nor’easters can trigger storm surges that push heavy ocean tides into coastal communities, on top of heavy rain or snow.

Regular downpours and flash floods can happen throughout the winter, too, as long as temperatures are high enough.

Steps You Can Take This Winter to Prevent Flooding on Your Property

The easiest method to protect your property from a flood is to put measures in place before one occurs. The two most important actions to take care of to ensure that you have both financial and structural flood mitigation on your property.

Step 1: Secure Flood Insurance

Purchase flood insurance as soon as possible once the fear of floods has passed. That way, if you experience flood damage this winter, you'll be able to file a claim swiftly and easily.

The good news is that a flood insurance policy covers all sorts of flood damage equally, so your policy will provide coverage all year. The cost of coverage is decided by factors such as the age of your structure, the type of foundation it has, and your flood zone and risk level.

Step 2: Shovel Proactively and Test Drainage Systems

Shovel snow away from your foundation by at least five feet. 

Shovel snow away from a runoff path if your property is on a slope or hill.

Remove any snow that has accumulated on your roof.

Keep snow and ice from accumulating around your property's drainage systems, such as gutters and groundwater pumps.

A bucket of water can be used to test sump pumps.

Floods caused by snowmelt, ice jams, or winter storms can be helped with the same wet and dry floodproofing measures you take to safeguard your property against spring and summer floods, such as constructing drainage systems.

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Clean Up and Restoration

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – SERVPRO of Elmhurst

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today 630-758-1701 – SERVPRO of Elmhurst is Ready To Help!

7 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Tips to help prevent pipes from freezing

Frozen pipes are caused by three factors: rapid temperature dips, insufficient insulation, and thermostats set too low. 

• Insulate. Even if you live in a climate where freezing is unusual, pipe insulation in your home's crawl areas and attic can help. The pipes that are exposed are the most vulnerable to freezing. Remember that the more insulation you use, the better your pipes will be protected.
• Use heat tape or wire. Wrapping pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat wires is one option. Use only goods that have been approved by a third-party testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the purpose indicated (exterior or interior). Follow the manufacturer's installation and operation directions to the letter.
• Seal leaks. Locate and completely plug any leaks that enable chilly air to enter the house. To keep the cold out, look for air leaks around electrical cables, dryer vents, and pipes and seal them with caulk or insulation.
• Hoses, valves, and faucets should all be secured outside. Disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an interior valve to turn off and drain water from pipes running to outside faucets before winter arrives. This decreases the risk of freezing in the short distance between the home and the pipe.
• Allow the water to drip. It may only require a trickle of hot and cold water to keep your pipes from freezing. When the weather is cold, let warm water trickle from a faucet on an outside wall overnight.
• Make the necessary adjustments to the thermostat. Frozen pipes can also be avoided by keeping your thermostat at the same temperature throughout the day and night. This also helps to lessen the strain on the furnace during periods of extreme cold.
• Open Cabinet doors. This permits heat to reach pipes under sinks and appliances near outside walls that aren't insulated.

Water not coming out of the faucet is one of the first indicators of a frozen pipe. If you notice this, go to the basement and double-check that the water is still on and that there isn't a leak. Continue your check after you've confirmed these two points to ensure that none of your pipes have burst. If you discover that your pipes are frozen but none have burst during your search, you have two options:

• Call a plumber to thaw your frozen. This is usually a better option. You don't know where the frozen pipes are or you can't get to the frozen region if you don't think you can safely thaw the pipes yourself.
• Make an effort to thaw the frozen pipes on your own. Be advised that if this option is not done correctly, it can cause more complications.

Top Causes of Water Damage

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Here are the top causes of water damage

• Appliance leaks or failure
• Sewer backup or clog
• Water overflow and buildup
• Plumbing, leaking, or burst pipes

It's critical to act quickly when a water-related emergency develops. If action is not taken immediately to contain water damage, it can rapidly damage a structure.

Within Minutes: 

• Waters spreads rapidly 
• Carpet, subflooring, and padding beneath flooring can become saturated quickly
• Furniture begins to leach and stain

Within Hours:

• Furniture will swell
• Cabinetry will distort and weaken
• Dyes from fabric stored together can bleed

Within 24 Hours

• Humidity will cause odor

Within Days

• Fungi and mold will become visible 
• Musty odor will be present
• Painted walls will begin to peel

Within Weeks

• Mold infests organic materials, which will become unsalvageable
• Area becomes hazardous 
• Property may have to be gutted down to studs

Within Months

• Cost repairs may be more than what insurance can cover
• Neglect may disqualify owner of property from an insurance claim

Contact SERVPRO Elmhurst today if you have any water damage or concerns! (630)758-1701

Water damage can decrease your home value!

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elmhurst franchise professionals specialize in water damage restoration.

With everything that might affect the value of your home, trying to sell your home can be a very hard process. Water damage and the hassles that come with it are one of the things that few people consider damaging a home's value.

Here are types of water damage that decrease the value of your home:

• Structural Issues
• Foundation Issues 
• Mold 

Structural issues from water damage

When a storm or flood causes significant water damage to your home, the structural integrity of your property may be compromised. Finding and repairing these structural flaws in your home's walls, floors, ceilings, and crawl spaces can help avoid your home's value from plummeting.

It's critical to thoroughly evaluate your property for any structural damage, such as decaying wood, sagging beams, wall cracks, and broken electrical fixtures.

Foundation issues from water damage

If you've experienced water damage from a flood or a busted pipe, it's possible that the water has harmed your foundation. Floods can cause irreversible damage to the foundation of a home with a basement.

This is likely to be the most expensive aspect of repairing your property after water damage, but it is also the part that will have the most impact on its worth. Detecting foundation problems early reduces the cost of repairs. The longer the foundation damage goes untreated, the worse it will get.

Mold from water damage

Mold can form in the walls and carpets if there is water in your home due to a flood or a sewer backup. It can soften your home's materials, causing long-term harm to your walls' drywall, studs, and insulation. Mold thrives on your home's wood and drywall before spreading to the materials it consumes.

Contact SERVPRO Elmhurst today if you have any water damage or concerns! (630)758-1701

Spring Thaw

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Here are some tips!

As we begin to enter Spring season, the process of snow melting can cause water damage to homes and businesses. This will then lead to flooding. It could be minor or major, but still cause water damage problems. Here are some ways to help prevent water damage as we enter this spring thaw out season. Now, you may not be able to prevent water damage under ever circumstance, but you can prepare your home ahead of spring-thaw months to prevent common causes of damage. 

1. Basement pumps- install a sump pump or sewer backflow value and keep a battery-operated backup in case of power failure. Also, make sure to consider installing a water alarm that warns when water is accumulating in your basement. 

2. Basement storage- Make sure to keep valuable items out of your basement. Removing any electronics or stored valuables from your basement prior to spring-thaw warnings could prove to be an important ounce of prevention. 

3. Debris removal- Be sure to remove debris from window wells, gutters and downspouts. 

4. Doors and windows- Check for any leaks around doors and windows. 

5. Exterior walls- Keep all exterior walls of your home well painted and sealed. 

6. Flood drains- If you have flood drains, make sure they work properly. 

7. Foundation cracks- Make sure to inspect your foundation for cracks that will allow water seepage and initiate repairs. 

8. Fuel tanks- Permanently anchor any fuel tanks. 

9. Grading- inspect the grading around your home and make any changes. Design the grading to encourage the water to flow away from your home. 

10. landscaping- Make sure to trim trees and bushes away from your home and do not store wood or compost piles nearby. 

11. Roof- Keep your roof in good repair. Unless a tree falls on your roof during a storm, most insurers expect you to maintain your roof to prevent water leaks caused by snow melting or torrential downspouts. 

Whether you are able to control the situation or not, we here at SERVPRO are always here to help you get your home or business back to like the disaster never even happen. That is way we are always here to help! 

Frozen Pipes

1/31/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipe

Thawing a frozen pipe the correct way is crucial to minimizing the damage. In order to thaw a frozen pipe, you need to first determine which pipe or pipes are frozen. You can do this by turning on the faucets, and if no water comes out or only a slight trickles out, then you have a frozen pipe. Before you begin attempting to thaw a frozen pipe, you need to open the faucet that the pipe feeds water into. You need to make sure to open both the hot and cold handles. This then will help relieve pressure in the system, and then will allow the water to escape once you begin to thaw the pipe. When beginning to thaw the pipe, you should always start near the faucet then work your way down to the blockage. This will help ensure that the melting ice and steam is able to escape through the open faucet. If you start the thawing process closer to the blockage, the melting ice could get stuck behind the blockage, creating more pressure in the pipe and increasing the chances the pipe will burst. When it comes to thawing the frozen pipe, you could use a hair dryer, heat lamp or portable space heater, hot towels, or electrical heating tape. If the frozen pipe is enclosed, you will need to either turn the heat up in the property, infrared lamp, or cut out a section of the wall to thaw out the frozen pipe/pipes. Remember NEVER attempt to thaw a pipe using an open flame. This can not only damage the pipe, but it can also start a fire in your property. If the frozen water pipe does burst, the first thing you should do is shut off the main water line into your property. This then will prevent additional water from flowing and damaging your property. Then you will need to call a professional, like SERVPRO, to help fix the problem. Therefore, in order to help prevent frozen pipes make sure to keep the heat on in the home, allow faucets to drip slightly, keep all interior doors open, seal up holes and cracks, add extra insulation, and remove exterior hoses and shut off interior valves feeding those hoses. 

What WATER can Do – Time to get on it.

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

We are ready, are you?

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 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 risks to occupants.

Call us today!

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

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

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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – SERVPRO of Elmhurst

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today 630-758-1701 – SERVPRO of Elmhurst is Ready To Help!

Ways to Reduce Your Water Waste

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water is wasted waiting for the shower or sink to warm up, on the slow leak you have in the toilet bowl that you never knew about and from sprinkling your lawn every day. With some of the newer developments surrounding water usage throughout the world, it may be a good time to really think about how you can cut down on the water you waste. There are a whole bunch of things you can do, but let's start with some basic first steps that make a big impact. 

1. Take shorter showers

- Reduce your shower time and try to avoid baths when you can. Most baths use 35-50 gallons of water, but showers can use only about 25, especially if you have a low-flow shower head. If you don't have one, consider investing in one. Especially if you're renting, a new head is a great way to revamp your whole shower routine. 

2. Stop Pre-Rinsing Dishes

- Unless something is seriously burnt on, try really hard not to pre-rinse. It is an enormous waste of water, and most dishwashers are powerful enough that there's no need to. Also, try to use the dishwasher when you can. It actually uses less water per dish than hand-washing does, which means it's good for the environment and you. 

3. Check for leaks in the pipes

- Don't forget to check the outdoor faucets and pipes too. Hopefully you'll notice if you've sprung a leak somewhere inside, but it can be easy to miss an outside one. Keep an eye on them, and do a check at least every six months. Also, keep an eye on your water bill. If you notice that it's gone up, then you might be leaking somewhere.

4. Only run full loads of laundry or dishes

- There are only so many items you have that get washed on the delicate cycle. However, you can still fill it up. Just add in some stuff that can take a rougher washing, but isn't too dirty. Making sure you have a full load each time means chores go faster, detergent gets used more effectively and you'll never run out of clean underwear again. 

5. Check your toilet for leaks

- Add some food coloring to the tank before you go to bed. When you use it in the morning, see if any of the colored water has leaked into the bowl. If so, it's a hidden leak that should be fixed in order prevent major water damage. 

6. Stop wasting water in the sink

- Just think about how long you leave the water running while you brush your teeth. Also, make sure you don't have a leaky sink. This site even has a drip calculator to help you calculate how much water is wasted from your sink. You may be surprised at how much water a single leaky faucet loses.

7. Watch how you water

- It's not necessary to have your irrigation system set to go off twice a day, every day. The grass doesn't need it that much. If you really feel you must water your lawn, just water the dry spots instead of the whole thing. You can check the hose for leaks as well. 

8. Reuse water

- It's not always a feasible goal to stop wasting water entirely. However, you can cut down drastically by saving and reusing the water you can. Instead of letting it all run down the drain, capture some of it. You can save water from washing your hands or rinsing vegetables and fruits to use on your lawn or to water potted plants. On average, each person loses about 10 gallons a day to leaks. That is a completely fixable waste, and one that would help your pocketbook. 

Tips for Preventing a Leaking Toilet

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Leaking toilet in a Hillside, IL

Of all the problems a homeowner might face, a leaking toilet is probably one of the least pleasant. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to keep toilet trouble at bay and keep your bathroom running smoothly. Here are some helpful guidelines for properly maintaining your toilet in your Hillside, IL, home.

Watch What You Flush

One of the easiest ways to prevent a bathroom leak is to make sure that you’re only flushing human waste and toilet paper. Always avoid placing the following objects into your toilet bowl:

• Tissues
  
• Feminine hygiene products
  
• Dental floss
  
• Diapers
  
• Baby wipes
  
• Cotton swabs
  
  

Not only can these objects cause serious damage to your pipes, but some of them may also harm the environment. Additionally, it's a good idea to avoid flushing excessive amounts of hair down the toilet drain, as this can lead to a flooding or leaking toilet.

Clean Your Toilet Often

This might just seem like a basic hygiene tip, but it actually makes a big difference in terms of preventing clogs or leaks. When you clean your toilet, you have the opportunity to identify any problems that you may not have noticed otherwise. Be sure to clean your toilet thoroughly on a regular basis to diagnose potential plumbing issues, such as a bathroom leak.

Address Issues Promptly

In addition to regularly checking for problems, it’s vital to fix them as soon as possible. Toilet leaks in particular tend to cause water damage gradually, which means you might not notice that there’s a problem at first. Be sure to clean up your toilet often and call a plumber right away if anything seems wrong.
If you have a leaking toilet in your Hillside, IL, home, don’t ignore the issue. Keep your living space safe from all types of harm by calling for a water damage repair immediately.

How To Protect Your Wood Flooring

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Water falling on wooden floor

How To Protect Your Wood Flooring

Wood flooring makes your office building in Franklin Park, IL, look beautiful. It enhances the look of your lobby, making a great first impression when people walk through the door. When water from a pipe burst seeps into the floor, however, it can discolor it and cause it to swell. A quick response is vital to protecting your investment and keeping your floors gorgeous.

Make the Call

The first thing you should do when you have a large water loss seeping into your wood floor is call water restoration specialists. Making this call your first priority has several benefits:

• Starts remediation process faster
  
• Shows insurance company that you acted quickly
  
• Reduces chance of further damage
  
  

Once you make the call, you can expect technicians to arrive within hours to assess the damage to your building. Then they can make a plan for taking care of it.

Extract Standing Water

The sooner you can remove the standing water from the pipe burst, the less damage you will have in the end. If you have the equipment to pump water out of your building, you don't have to wait for the professionals to arrive. As long as you wear the appropriate protective gear, you can get the cleanup process started yourself.

Absorb Excess

Even a small amount of water can damage your wood floors. If water has seeped into the wet floor, it may already be causing the wood to swell and warp. To stop this process in its tracks, spread newspaper or kitty litter over the affected area. It will draw the water out of the wood and potentially save your flooring.
A pipe burst wreaks havoc on everything around it, but it can be especially damaging to a wood floor. By acting quickly, you can halt the damage and get the help you need to repair the problems you couldn't avoid.

Residential Water_20_Why Toilets Leak

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking toilet in Stone Park, IL

Residential Water_20_Why Toilets Leak

While the kitchen always seems to be the gathering place in the home, the bathroom gets a lot of foot traffic. When guests arrive, the last thing you want is for your home in Stone Park, IL, to have a leaking toilet. Besides the mess it leaves, if it goes unchecked, mold and rot can quickly make it smell like a dingy rest-stop.

Signs of Leak

When faced with a bathroom leak, it's not always a visible mess. Internal issues can make your water bill surge. Signs that you may have a problem include:

• The handle must be jiggled to get it to stop running.
  
• The toilet makes sounds even when not being used.
  
• To empty the tank, the handle needs to be held down.
  
• Water continues to trickle into the bowl after the flushing cycle.
  
  

The Main Culprits

Once you have determined you have a leaking toilet, it is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. In addition to wasting water, the leak could eventually spread and damage nearby areas of the home. Below are some of the main causes of a leaking toilet.

Cracked Tank or Bowl – Although built for longevity, like most things, toilets aren’t immune to damage and aging. A barely noticeable crack will eventually lead to bigger problems.
Old Pipes – In older homes, the pipes leading to your bathroom can begin to rust and crack.
Worn or Loose Seals and Connectors – The internal workings of a toilet feature gaskets and everyday hardware. If those get worn or loosened, a leak can develop. The seal at the base of the toilet can also face the same problem.
Flush Valve and Flapper Issues – An improperly adjusted or broken valve can affect the overflow, leading to a tank constantly filling instead of draining properly. If the flapper isn’t doing its job to stop water, it will continue to fill the bowl.

Addressing a leaking toilet right away is the best way to avoid water damage. If the damage has already happened, count on a water damage specialist to get your home guest-ready.

How To Flush a Water Heater

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Unless you live in an apartment building, you almost certainly have a water heater in your Bensenville, IL, home

Unless you live in an apartment building, you almost certainly have a water heater in your Bensenville, IL, home. As part of routine home maintenance, you should flush the sediment from the tank once a year.

How To Do a Water Heater Flush

Fortunately, flushing the unit is a relatively straightforward task. The following steps will guide you through the process:

Put on work gloves to protect yourself from hot water. Locate a garden hose that will reach from the drainage spigot of the tank to an area outdoors that can withstand the hot water and sediment you will be draining.
Turn off the power to the unit. Additionally, you will want to turn off the thermostat and close the water supply valve.
Turn on the hot water in a sink and leave it running to prevent a vacuum from forming.
Connect the water hose to the drainage spigot on the tank. Then turn on the spigot and allow the water to drain until it runs clear or the tank is empty.
Turn the water supply valve back on to flush out any remaining sediment from the tank. Allow the water to drain until you do not see any sediment in the water coming from the hose.
Turn off the spigot, and disconnect the hose. Make sure the water in the faucet is running freely (indicating no excess air in the pipes).Then turn off the water that has been running in the sink. When the tank is completely full, turn the power back on to the heater and the thermostat up.
In about twenty minutes, check to make sure that you have hot water coming to the faucets in your house.

Hopefully, keeping your water heater maintained will help prevent plumbing problems. However, if you do experience residential flooding, a professional restoration company can help restore your home to its pre-flood condition.

How to Manage Water Damage Restoration of your Home

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water in home and water in business problems must be removed as quickly as possible.

No homeowner should attempt to recover from a flood alone. They will find the house much easier to recover once they have called a water damage restoration and mitigation firm. The firm that does mitigation and water damage restoration knows specifically how to make the house look beautiful one again, and they will do all the work on their own. They will handle everything from water cleanup to repairs on the house, and this article explains how they will find their home returned to a proper condition.

#1: The Water Damage Assessment

There are many people who must have water damage assessed in their home before they may choose to begin repairs or recovery. The flood damage will be repaired by the water restoration and mitigation firm, and they will have many people come to the house to repair the house after the water is removed. The water in home issue is unique because the family cannot move in until after they have cleaned up. They will repair all water in home problems in a short time, and they will notice there are many ways to ensure that their home is cleaned.

#2: Air Movement and Drying

The drying and air movement process is one that must be handled by the company as soon as possible. A water restoration team knows all the mitigation methods, and they will run fans, open windows and use other mitigation techniques to ensure the house will be dry. Any flood damage or water damage must be repaired as soon as possible, and the water must be removed from the house using the traditional air movement and drying techniques that are used across the industry.

#3: Water in Business Problems

There are many water in business problems that may be handled the moment the mitigation company arrives at the house, and they will show the customer how water damage restoration is completed. Water cleanup may be completed in moments, and it will be a full process that involves the removal of all water damage and flood damage. The flood may be internal, and it may be external if there were storms in the area. Water cleanup may take some time, but it will be done using only the finest techniques.

#4: Moving Quickly

Water in home and water in business problems must be removed as quickly as possible, and someone who has an idea of how to handle all the water will know how to complete the process of water removal. The water cleanup process involves the air movement and drying that must be done, and there are many technicians who will arrive at the house to complete the job.

DIY Water Damage Restoration & Why It's a Bad Idea

10/6/2019 (Permalink)

Attempting to perform your own water damage mitigation drying or mold remediation, it's definitely not something that should be attempted on your own.

More and more people are becoming do-it-yourselfers. It seems that everyone with an internet connection is on YouTube trying to figure out how they can save money by performing services themselves.

While that is an excellent idea when you have to hook up a home theater system or mounting a TV to the wall, however, attempting to perform your own water damage mitigation drying or mold remediation, it's definitely not something that should be attempted on your own. You can rent dehumidifiers and fans, maybe even air filtration equipment, but there are consequences for not performing mitigation services properly. There have been circumstances where the homeowners have rented a few dehumidifiers attempting to dry out the property from a major size water damage job. We applaud their efforts, they don't have the proper training, knowledge and or tools to successfully perform this work. In fact, you need to know how to use the equipment and placement of the equipment or you end up causing more harm and spending more money than anticipated.

The next time you experience a water damage in your home or office, give the SERVPRO professionals a call. We'll help make it "Like it never even happened." For more information, please visit http://www.SERVPROElmhurst.com or call SERVPRO of Elmhurst at 630-758-1701.

Can You Salvage Wet Building Materials After a Flood?

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

When water comes into your Elmhurst, IL, home from a broken bike, sewer backup, foundation problems or anything else, your first thought should be about the safety of everyone inside. Then, you probably start worrying about the integrity of the structure and what you can repair or salvage. Swelling wood, for example, is a typical result of flooding. Luckily, you can use many of your building materials again once crews clean up the water.

Where's the Damage
There's a lot at stake when floodwaters find their way into your house. Besides worrying about issues such as water pipe repair, there are a host of other areas of your property that may need attention from a flood restoration company. Some of these include:

Carpet and wood floors
Subfloor
Drywall
Cabinets
Furniture
Electronics

When Wood Swells
Swelling wood indicates an excessive amount of water in building materials and other areas. When this occurs, professional crews will have to tear out and replace the items. This usually happens with swelling in the sub-floor and with kitchen cabinets. Fortunately, expert restoration companies have the skill and experience to help get your home back into shape in a timely manner so you can feel comfortable resuming your regular daily activities.

Wet Wood
Supply line problems are a common cause of flooding in homes and buildings. If this happens where you live, there's a good chance that the drywall and areas of your home with wood will be wet. In many cases, crews can dry out and reuse the wood. The team will thoroughly sanitize the materials to reduce or even eliminate the risk of mold growth.

After water troubles, you don't have to give up hope that wet and swelling wood in your home will require complete replacement. If you hire a skilled company, the professional technicians can salvage much of the wet materials.

How to Make a Water Damage Claim

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Broken or bursting pipes in your Elmhurst, IL, home can create a big mess and a lot of damage. The good news is that you don’t need to handle it on your own. In most cases, your homeowner's insurance will cover much of the cost of repairs. Here are some steps that you should take when filing a claim.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent
The first thing that you should do is call your insurance company to inform them of the bursting pipes and begin your claim. Waiting too long to file a claim can result in coverage being denied, so you should do this as soon as you can.

2. Document the Damage
Your insurance agent will need to have documentation of the property in order to file your claim. You should make a list of areas of the home that have been affected as well as any belongings. Taking pictures of the water damage will help as well.

3. Prevent Further Damage
While you may not be able to fix broken pipes on your own, you should take any steps that you can to prevent damage from becoming worse while you wait for the emergency restoration company to begin repairs. This can include blocking off flooded rooms or relocating smaller belongings to a dry area.

4. Go Over Your Policy
In most cases, water damage will be covered by your insurance. It is still a good idea, however, to go over your policy to make sure you know all the details. This can make the process go more smoothly and allow you to get things back to normal more quickly.

As long as you have not neglected to properly maintain your property, the damage that results from bursting pipes and other accidents will most likely be covered by your insurance. Make sure to follow the proper procedures when filing a claim so that you are able to get the most from your policy.

What You Should Know About Chemical Drain Cleaner

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Chemical drain cleaners are not good for your pipes

A clogged drain can be an extremely inconvenient issue as a homeowner in Northlake, IL, so you are probably looking for the quickest solution. If speed is your aim, chemical drain cleaning options may end up at the top of your list. However, there are factors other than timeliness to consider when choosing a solution.

Not Good for Your Pipes

Chemical drain cleaner is quick because it's powerful- so much so that it can damage more than just the blockage. If your pipes can't withstand the cleaner, you may end up with a bigger problem than you started with. Avoid using chemicals if you have certain plumbing situations, like:

• a completely blocked drain
  
• old metal pipes
  
• plastic pipes
  
  

Not Good for the Environment

If you are handling your clogged drain on your own, that means you are getting up close and personal with the process. Chemical cleaners are toxic to both humans and animals. You will need to make sure you are wearing the proper personal protective equipment. If these chemicals are introduced to the water supply, they can then move on to poison lakes, streams and wildlife. All of this also means that they are dangerous to keep inside your home.

There Are Other Options

When sewage cleaning, chemicals should only be used as a last resort. Mechanical methods exist, such as plungers or augers. There are also non-toxic biological drain cleaners that use enzymes or bacteria to eat through the clog. This may take a little longer, usually up to 24 hours, but is much safer for your pipes and your well-being. You can also call a professional service if you do not feel confident clearing the clog yourself. Be sure to ask about what method they will use.
As a property owner, you are likely to encounter a clogged drain eventually. You should understand your options so you can make an informed decision about what's best for your home and family.

Save Your Hardwood Floors: Quickly Clean Up Water Damage

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Do you want to keep your business in Elmhurst, IL, looking pristine? The best way to have an immaculate place is to take care of your property, including your beautiful wood floor. When should you clean up the liquid from a pipe burst? What problems could the resulting damage cause and how do you know when to contact a professional?

Swift Action Is Essential in Protecting Your Property

It is important to clean up a wet floor as quickly as possible. The following steps should be utilized to assess the damage, stop the leak and determine when to call a commercial building restoration service.

• Find the source and stop the water from continuing to flood your facility.
• Dry and clean up as much of the water as possible.
• If significant liquid is on the flooring or it has been there for an extended period of time, contact a professional mitigation company.
• Have your property dried out and tested for dampness, mold and mildew.
• If there are any resulting environmental health hazards, then have them professionally addressed.

Flooding Can Cause Substantial Damage to Your Property

Water easily saturates the pores in the wood and can cause issues if the floor is not cared for properly. It’s essential to clean up spills and water overflows from a pipe burst in order to prevent a wet floor. Leaving liquids on the ground could result in mold, mildew and other preventable problems. A small amount of liquid may not cause significant damage. However, if your property has flooding, then the extent of the loss can be overwhelming in Elmhurst, IL.

A pipe burst causes inconvenience and damage. Severe water damage can result in an extended length of time where the business may not be able to use certain rooms of the building due to destruction and the associated repairs. In order to prevent a wet floor, clean up spills and liquids as soon as possible. Contact a professional water mitigation company if the amount of water is significant. Keep your wood floor pristine and your offices a safe place for your employees.

Faster to your Elmhurst Water Damage

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

Water damages in the basement.

Photo Caption: SERVPRO of Elmhurst provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Elmhurst, Bensenville, Hillside, Berkeley, Franklin Park, Melrose Park, Stone Park and Northlake.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Elmhurst provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –SERVPRO of Elmhurst

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 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 risks to occupants.

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

Basement

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

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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – SERVPRO of Elmhurst

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today 630-758-1701 – SERVPRO of Elmhurst is Ready To Help!

Ready To Help

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today - SERVPRO of Elmhurst 630-758-1701

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 Elmhurst 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)?