Most Common Water Damage Causes in San Angelo, TX

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

One of the fastest ways to ruin a beautiful home is water damage. If you aren't careful, this destructive force will eat up your home's value and destroy your quality of life. SERVPRO of San Angelo recommends taking precautions against the most frequent situations likely to leave water damage. While some accidents still happen, protecting from these five common causes of water damage in the home will significantly decrease your risk.

Most Common Causes of Water Damage

1. Broken Pipes

A plumbing problem can spew gallons of water through your house in moments, so it's important to keep an eye on your pipes. Pay attention to leaks, drips, and signs of deterioration, and have a plumber inspect your house regularly.

2. Accident

A clogged toilet or too much soap in the dishwasher can mean water that spreads across your kitchen or bathroom. While these areas are better equipped than most to handle a spill, if there's a large-scale problem, then professional water extraction can protect your property.

3. Leaking Roofs

All it takes is one little hole to let the weather into your house—and when a problem starts at the top floor, it can trickle down all the way to the bottom. Keeping your roof in good repair will protect your interior from rain and all the problems it brings.

4. Humidity

This insidious form of water damage has no single obvious source and is likely to affect your basement. A dehumidifier can help, but to make a long-term change you'll need to work on waterproofing your basement.

5. Flash Flooding

No matter how well your house is designed, it will only keep out as much water as you and the builders plan for. Research what to do in case of a flood in your area, and take steps if heavy rains are expected. Afterward, schedule professional flood cleanup.

Not all water damage can be prevented. If you still find your house taking on water, your next best step is professional cleaning and restoration. Call SERVPRO of San Angelo today to remove and repair water damage. You can reach them at (325)942-0414.

Surviving Water Damage in Your Home

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a pipe that breaks don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of San Angelo.

Water damage in your San Angelo Texas home is a frustrating and time-consuming problem. No one anticipates the issue; therefore, it’s always a major inconvenience and added expense. Particularly with broken pipes, there are several steps you need to take to start the water cleanup process.

1. Stop the Water Flow and Clear the Area

When a pipe breaks or bursts, you first need to stop the water flow. Always know how to shut off the water in your house and turn it off immediately when you notice water leaking. If there is a large amount of water, it’s a good idea to turn off electricity in the room as well. Also clear the area of any decor items, furniture and especially electronics. If there are removable rugs or floor pads, take them out of the room.

2. Call the Professionals

As tempting as it may be to handle this problem alone, it’s always a good idea to call water damage specialists. They will remove the water and assess the damage to your home. It will give you peace of mind to have professionals dry out the area, as well as items within it. One of the frustrations of having broken pipes is not just the initial water, but also the threat of mold. Professionals will check unseen places, like below flooring and within walls for moisture in order to dry them and prevent mold.

3. Check with Your Insurance Company

The next call should be to your insurance company. If you have flood insurance, that will be very useful. If not, ask for details of your homeowner’s insurance policy and what exactly it covers. Once you know this information, you can prepare your budget and work with the water removal company on payment.

Water damage from broken pipes is a problem you need to deal with immediately. You should make sure to turn off the water and electricity, call a company specializing in water removal and restoration and check your insurance policies. Following these steps will make a hectic process a little more manageable and have you on your way to a restored home.

Call SERVPRO of San Angelo (325)942-0414

Professional Water Removal In San Angelo

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

San Angelo is not exactly a flood-prone town but when water begins spreading across floors or filling basements, it is usually from a failed water heater shut-off valve or a split line on a washing machine.

No matter where it came from, water removal for San Angelo homes need to be started, and finished, as soon as possible. It is why SERVPRO maintains a support office 24/7, so our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) can begin work within minutes after receiving a call.

If the water level is over two inches, each team of WRTs starts removal with a commercial grade, submersible pump. All water we remove goes directly in a drain, and not across the backyard to cause a problem for neighbors or the residents one street over. If possible, technicians direct it into sewer access if one is available.

For water levels under two inches, SERVPRO WRTs utilize extraction wands and other, smaller devices. Each one has three components, but technicians start by using only the pump option to draw water off of floors. Once they begin drawing water out of carpets, upholstery, and other items, they use the other two, a heater and vacuum to carefully draw water out of carpets and from between floorboards.

That is particularly important for carpets. After they become soaked, the glue holding the layers together weakens significantly, and delamination, or separation of the layers, can occur. WRTs know to carefully monitor all three components to prevent tearing carpets apart, as well as overheating the already damaged wood floorboards, cracking and splintering them.

After completing water removal, technicians then lift the carpets, remove the carpet pad, and dry the floor using air movers and fans to force warm air over and under the carpet while also drawing out the damp air and sending it outside the nearest window or another exit.

At SERVPRO of San Angelo, we want to return each home to its original condition, safe for occupation once more, as quickly as possible. For any water intrusion into your home, call us 24/7 at (325)942-0414 to begin work. We are here for you.

Water Damage in San Angelo

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

With the fast spread of water loss incidents that occur in your San Angelo home, it can be challenging to understand the full effects to your construction materials and exposed areas of the property. With advanced detection, extraction, and drying equipment available to our technicians, we have a team that can respond quickly to water emergencies and makes a difference.

To protect exposed materials and structural elements in your home in an emergency like this, you need fast water removal services to begin immediately. Our 24/7 response to water loss incidents can provide the fast response you need to protect your home and your investment in the property. Drywall is often one of the most susceptible materials to both standing water and moisture damages, making it essential to get drying efforts started as promptly as possible to limit the necessary tear out to restore these areas of your home.

From the time that our professionals first arrive at your property, we address the standing water throughout the affected areas of the house. With effective equipment like our extractor trucks, portable submersible pumps, and even wet vacs with extraction wands, we have a wide array of equipment to make short work of the pooling water. Once the excess water has gotten removed, we can work to identify the full spread of the damage and how it has affected elements like the drywall.

Wicking is a common effect with drywall in which the material begins to absorb moisture and allows it to spread much higher than its direct exposure line with the pooling water. To address this concern our SERVPRO professionals can mark off the moisture line at the height where the drywall returns to an unaffected state and cut off the damaged material beneath this point. Not only does this provide effective access for drying of wall cavities, but it makes reconstruction efforts to come more efficient and cost-effective than removing entire panels.

Protecting your drywall requires a fast response from skilled professionals like our SERVPRO of San Angelo team. If you want to make water damage “Like it never even happened.” give our rapid response team a call today at (325)942-0414.

Flooding Damage Tips

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

What to Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
• Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

To Trash or Not To Trash

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

After a flood or pipe break in your San Angelo home your carpet may be wet, squishy, and maybe a little smelly. It can be difficult to dry it out, and even more difficult to determine if you need to replace it. Luckily, with these tips, your home can get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Tip 1: Dry It Out

In order to inhibit mold and mildew growth that can cause a smell, it is important to dry the room out as soon as possible. There are several techniques you can use to jumpstart the restoration process:

• Use fans to circulate air through the room.
• Use towels to absorb excess moisture.
• If the rug can be removed, hang it up to dry.

Drying the water quickly can help to prevent unwelcome smells.

Tip 2: Find the Source

Determining where the water came from is crucial in deciding whether to replace your carpet. If the flood water came from the sewer system, like after a flash flood, it may not be possible to keep your rugs. However, if the soaking came from certain water sources, your possessions can be more easily restored:

• An indoor or outdoor pipe break
• Tap water
• Rain water

Figuring out the source of the water damage can save you money and help you to restore your home faster.

Tip 3: Ring a Restorer

Even after drying out the flooded room, you may find that there is an unwanted lingering odor. This may be due to mold, mildew, or bacteria growth in your home. Luckily, there are water damage restorers who are trained on cleaning and sanitizing homes after a burst pipe or flood. They can even help you figure out if your carpet needs to be replaced.

Recovering from a pipe break or other water damage can be stressful. However, these tips, along with professional help, can make your home your haven once more. Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on water damage. 

Bursting Pipes

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Bursting pipes leave a big mess. You can call a professional in San Angelo to fix a broken pipe, but what do you do about the water damage in in your home? Plumbers will perform the necessary repairs to fix your burst or leaking pipe, but it will be up to you to deal with the cleanup.

Water Damage

Water can cause serious damage, especially if it is left standing for a prolonged period of time. You should start the cleanup efforts as soon as possible. If the damage is limited to a small space, you might be able to handle things on your own. A water mitigation professional in Oklahoma City, OK may need to be called in if the bursting pipes affected multiple rooms, traveled between floors of your home or went unnoticed for over eight hours.

Cleanup

If you are dealing with standing water or the leak happened near electrical appliances, turn off the power before you enter. You will need to have any carpet removed. Depending on the damage, it may be salvageable. Clear the room of all furniture and other removable items.

If you are dealing with standing water, it needs to be removed. You can hire a professional or use a shop vac, depending on how much water you are dealing with. It is important to thoroughly dry the area. Warm, dry weather might allow you to open doors and windows. Bring in big fans.

You may even need to remove sections of your wall to ensure the space behind is completely dry. Drywall and insulation can wick water. If the insulation isn’t dried properly mold can grow. Water mitigation specialists can come in and determine the full extent of the damage caused by the bursting pipes.

Dealing with water damage can be a frustrating and overwhelming task. It is vital that you remove all water-soaked materials and dry the space out completely. The faster you can accomplish this, the less likely you will have to deal with mold in the future. Visit SERVPROSanAngelo.com for more information on water damage.

Choosing a Reliable Restoration Company

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

There are many companies out there who claim to offer excellent storm damage, wind damage, hurricane damage, ice damming, and hail damage restoration services. Unfortunately, not all of them will deliver the quality of service you can be proud of. Before choosing a certain company for water restoration:

• Ask for referrals from friends who have suffered river flooding or wind damage, roof leak or roof damage.
• Contact the company and explain your river flooding, roof damage, wind damage, ice damage or hurricane damage situation. Get a quote for the water restoration process.
• Invite the home restoration experts to your home to assess the ground water levels, ice dams, roof leaks, hail damage and frozen pipes, flood water and ground water to see how much home restoration and storm remediation. is needed.
• Move out of the home if it is fully involved to allow the experts to have an easy time carrying out the water restoration and storm remediation.

Are Your Walls Wet?

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

Are Your Walls Wet? How Can You Tell?

SERVPRO of Abilene uses the right equipment to identify affected materials. We will check for the source of moisture in your home or business.

We use the right equipment to identify affected materials and will check for the source of moisture in your home or business. 

Gypsum, aka “drywall,” is a very popular material for use in the construction of homes and offices. The material is noted for its strong fire-resistant qualities. However, drywall is also known to be incredibly susceptible to being damaged by moisture compared to many other building materials.

This is, in part, because drywall is extremely porous, readily absorbing moisture and retaining it. If the moisture content (%MC) of drywall exceeds even 1%, then the drywall can be considered “moisture-compromised” and in need of either drying or removal depending on whether or not mold has begun to grow.

Even greenboard, the “water-resistant” drywall, will be damaged by moisture if it gets past the green, water-resistant paper covering that gives greenboard its name. The majority of greenboard’s water resistance comes from the paper covering, not the drywall itself.

Because of how susceptible drywall is to becoming damaged by even minute amounts of moisture, it’s important to be able to accurately assess the amount of water present in drywall.

When looking for a moisture meter to use for testing drywall, some considerations include:

• Whether or not the meter has a gypsum scale.
• The range at which the meter detects moisture—the meter should be able to accurately detect very small amounts of moisture.
• Length of the pins.
• Additional scales for other materials—most professionals have to work with more than just drywall, so having a moisture meter with the ability to test other materials using different reading scales is a must.

San Angelo Water Damage Tips

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur in San Angelo for many reasons and is an unpleasant experience.  Most homeowners have never experienced a water damage and therefore do not know where to start when a pipe burst, a toilet overflows, a washing machine malfunctions, or a flood occurs.  If you wake up or come home to water in your house that was not there before, there are several steps you can take to help stop further damage.

What To Do After Water Damage

• Contact your local SERVPRO of San Angelo professionals at (325)942-0414
• Ensure the home is safe to enter and be aware of the potential for fall hazards
• Turn off the water either at the site of the water damage or at the main if you cannot determine where the water is coming from
• Gather any sentimental items or important documents that you do not want to get wet if they are still dry and move them away from the water damage

SERVPRO of San Angelo will be there quickly to begin the remediation process and allow you to relax while we do the necessary steps in the water restoration process. For further information visit us at SERVPROSanAngelo.com

Homeowners: Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Below-Freezing Weather

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can wreak havoc.

As the weather dips into colder temperatures, it is crucial to protect your home’s water pipes against freezing. Untreated pipes in your basement and crawlspaces can be an expensive and scaryscenario for any homeowner.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

Water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts extreme pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor water faucets, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold.

In the U.S., frozen pipes cause significant damage every year, but they often can be prevented. Taking a few simple steps, even now, may save you a lot of aggravation and expense.

Prevention

There are three common causes of frozen pipes:

1. Quick drops in temperature
2. Poor insulation
3. Thermostats set too low

Luckily, there are a number of preventative steps you can take to keep your pipes from freezing:

• Check the insulation of pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.

• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

If Your Pipes Do Freeze ...

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.

• If your house or basement is flooding, turn off the water valve and call (325)942-0414.

• Do not touch or use electrical appliances in areas of standing water due to electrocution concerns.

• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Every year, many building fires are caused by people trying to thaw frozen pipes. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.

• Again, if your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on and call (325)942-0414. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Likely places for the water turn-off valve include internal pipes running against exterior walls or where water service enters a home through the foundation.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat set to a temperature no lower than 55°F.

Restoring Your Concho Valley Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at any Concho Valley commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of San Angelo

SERVPRO of San Angelo specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

San Angelo Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

4/14/2017 (Permalink)

This San Angelo home's basement flooded due to heavy rains.

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 San Angelo 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 - 325-942-0414

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 San Angelo 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 – We’re Ready To Help 325-942-0414