Don’t let a frozen pipe burst your cozy bubble

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

Cold weather is on the way. Are your pipes at risk of freezing?  Let SERVPRO help you get prepared with our checklist of preventative measures. 

• Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation, even if the climate where you live does not often have hard freeze conditions. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with thermostat control. The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend on your home.

• Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
• Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Even frost-proof outdoor faucets can burst if a hose is connected.
• Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)

• Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. When the weather is very cold outside, running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

• Leave the heat on in your home.  If you will be going away during cold weather, set the thermostat to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

If your pipes do undergo damage this winter, we are open 24/7, 365 days a year!  Even though pipes bursting can be extremely inconvenient and devastating, SERVPRO of West Knoxville will be there to help you through it and to make it "Like it never even happened."

Why You Should Call a Water Cleanup Expert After a Loss

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur anywhere in your home.

Should I Call a Water Cleanup Company After a Loss?

Have you ever wondered what to do after a water loss? Have you heard that it's better to hire a professional to handle the cleanup than do it yourself? You're not alone. The truth is, most people don't know what they should do when faced with water damage or flooding in their home. And while some may think that hiring a company to clean up after an accident or natural disaster isn't worth the money, there are actually several reasons why hiring professionals is always the right choice.

What is Water Damage?

Water damage is a broad term that encompasses many different types of water-related problems. Water damage can be caused by a number of different things, including plumbing leaks, flooding, and burst pipes. In addition to these common causes of water damage, there are other situations in which water damage may occur due to severe weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

Water damage can occur anywhere in your home. Whether it comes from a burst pipe or a burst water heater, the issue will likely spread quickly and cause more damage than you'd expect. Water can ruin everything in its path, including flooring, drywall, and furniture; any of these items could be irreparably damaged if not dried out promptly after the initial incident occurs. If left too long without proper cleaning efforts, mold growth may also become an issue—and that's when things really start to get expensive!

Can I Handle Water Cleanup Myself?

When you're in the middle of a water loss and trying to figure out what steps to take next, it can be tempting to try and handle cleanup yourself. Water cleanup is a serious business, however, and requires special expertise that most people don't have.

Water cleanup experts usually have years of experience with this kind of work; they're able to deal with all sorts of situations, from floods caused by broken pipes or burst water heaters, to mudslides after heavy rainstorms or even sewage backup into homes after a sewer main break. They understand how dangerous mold can be—and they know how to prevent mold growth while they work on cleaning up your property. Most importantly: They use state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for this purpose!

They know what works best in each scenario, which means they can restore your home more quickly than if you were to do it yourself. As an added bonus, this will also help prevent further damage from occurring (say goodbye to mold!). The cost of hiring a professional is often much less than trying to do it yourself and failing. If you have a homeowners insurance, your insurance company will usually pay for the cost of mitigation and repairs.

What Does Professional Water Cleanup involve?

Once you call SERVPRO of Oak Ridge, one of our trained technicians will be on-site to begin the water cleanup process. We will remove all standing water and then begin drying, dehumidifying and restoring all affected areas. In order to ensure that your home is restored to its preloss condition, we follow national standards for water damage restoration which include:

• Removing wet carpeting, pad and tack strips
• Drywall repair (if needed)
• Structural repairs (if needed)
• Contents repairs (if needed)

We hope this article has helped you understand the need for water cleanup services and what they involve. If you have experienced water damage in your Clinton, TN home or business, call our SERVPRO of Oak Ridge team now to get help with the cleanup process.

How Can You Protect Your Home from Water Damage

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage to ceiling in an Oak Ridge, TN home.

Prevent Water Damage Issues In Your Home

Water damage is one of the most destructive elements a home can face. From flooding to leaks, water damage can be devastating and expensive to repair. That's why it's so important to know how you can protect your home from water damage. In this article, we'll go over some simple steps that you can take in order to prevent water issues in your house. We'll also discuss what exactly causes water damage so that you know how best to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Watch out for signs of leaks in your plumbing

When you're looking for signs of water damage in your home, start with the plumbing. If you see discoloration or wet spots on the walls or ceilings, it's possible that a pipe has burst. There are other signs that may indicate a leak: water stains or greasy residue from standing water could mean you have a leaking dishwasher or washing machine.

If you suspect that leaks have occurred in your home, contact us right away so we can help you take action before the damage gets worse!

Do not ignore dripping sounds or leaking water in appliances.

Another way to protect your home from water damage is to pay attention to dripping sounds or leaking water in appliances. You may think that these are minor problems, but they can turn into significant issues if left unchecked for too long. For example, a small leaky faucet can lead to major structural issues if not addressed quickly and properly.

Look for water damage under sinks.

You should look for signs that the cabinets are wet and check to see if there's any mold on the wall where the cabinet meets it. If so, you'll need to have a plumber come out and fix the leak. If you see an obstruction in your drainpipe or water stains around it, then call a plumber right away!

Check the walls and baseboards.

Once you've inspected the ceiling and floor, it's time to examine the walls. Check for water stains on walls, especially near windows and doors. If a leak has occurred in any of these areas, there will likely be some damage to the surrounding drywall or baseboards that could be hiding behind them.

Look for water stains on ceilings.

Water stains on ceilings are a sure sign of a leak somewhere in your home. They can be caused by roof leaks, plumbing leaks or even foundation issues, so it's important to check for all three types of leaks if you notice any water damage on your ceiling.

If you've noticed water stains on your ceiling, first make sure that there aren't any obvious sources of water located above the area where the stain appears. If there isn't anything obviously leaking above where the stain is located (like an air conditioning unit), then you might have a problem with one of the following:

• Your roof has developed some damage and needs repair work done to fix it
• There are cracks or holes in pipes inside walls that lead to outside drainpipes which might be letting rain seep into them

Inspect your home after heavy rains or snowstorms.

After a heavy rain, it is important to check the gutters and downspouts for debris that might be blocking water flow. Look at exterior walls and windows for any signs of water damage or leaks, especially along flashing around doors and windows. Check roof for leaking shingles or tiles, which can cause water damage inside the house if left unattended. If you have a sump pump installed in your basement, make sure it is functioning properly to prevent flooding by taking note of any excess water buildup around it after heavy rains.

With proper maintenance and attention to the signs of water damage in your Oak Ridge, TN home, you can protect yourself from the destructive forces of water. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. If your home or business suffers from water damage, our SERVPRO of Oak Ridge team is here to help!

Why Do Faucets Leak?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Fixing a leaking faucet is usually easy to do.

Have you ever been lying in bed trying to fall asleep, but your bathroom faucet won't stop making a loud, constant, dripping sound? Dealing with leaky faucets in Oliver Springs, TN, isn't just annoying; it can actually waste a lot of water. Before you try to fix it, you need to understand what causes a leaking faucet in the first place.

Type of Faucet

Different kinds of faucets can have different problems, and the procedures for fixing them vary. You'll need to know what type you have before you can address the issue. The most common types are:

• Compression faucets
• Ball faucets
• Cartridge faucets
• Ceramic-disk faucets
  
  

Water Pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it can cause small leaks, resulting in a dripping faucet. If left unchecked, you may have to call a water damage restoration service to repair the damage.

Worn-Out O Ring
An O ring is used to hold the handle in place. It can wear out with regular use and cause leaks. This part can be easily replaced to fix your leaking faucet.

Valve Seat Problems
A valve seat is the name of the part that connects the spout to the faucet. Over time, these may become rusty or corroded. This will result in a dripping faucet. All you have to do is get it cleaned, and you'll have a fixed leak.

Worn-Out Washer
The washer may wear out as it rubs against the valve seat. This hinders the washer's ability to remain water-tight, allowing drips. This part can be replaced to repair the problem.

Loose Parts
Sometimes, parts become loose over time. If this is the problem, tightening the nut in the stream screw should fix it.
Checking the water pressure, O ring, valve seat, washer and nut in the stream screw will help you diagnose the problem. After you know the cause, fixing a leaking faucet is usually easy to do.

Is Your Home Affected With Category 3 Water? Here Is How To Find Out

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Don't ignore black water.

Is Category 3 Water Affecting Your Home?

Not all water is the same. Authorities class the fluid into three categories, clean, gray and black water. These degrees have to do with the hazardous impact of the fluid and how they enter the premises. While homeowners in Claxton, TN, shouldn't want to suffer from any of these infiltrating the property, the last one is of utmost concern, requiring thorough and meticulous cleanup. Here is how to know if you have dirty water in your home and how to clean it.

Where Did the Water Come From?

When you start to evaluate your flood impact, think about the following factors to determine if you require sewage cleanup:

• Where did the water originate?
• Could it contain bacteria?
• What is the level of possible contamination?
  

A busted clean pipeline is unlikely to bring in harmful microorganisms. The dampness could trigger mold, but it isn't introducing any waste product. A gray line occurs from an indoor leak, often an appliance. Washing machines and dishwashers have hoses that carry away the dirty water. This fluid houses food and organisms. While not overly fraught with bacteria, cleaning is needed.
Black water arises from places that have human waste, animals or dirt. The impact from an external water source such as the ocean, river, or sewer line falls under this zone. Leaving category 2 water alone, such as in standing puddles or without proper cleanup, may also turn into this group as bacterial levels fester and spread.

What Can Owners Do About This Concern?

When category 3 breaches the home, immediately contact a water and sewage restoration company. Specialists should assess moisture saturation and contamination, taking samples from the walls and air, and determining the type and extent of the flooding. Then, the team puts together an action plan to restore the residence using scientific studies and awareness.
The crew evaluates porous and nonporous materials, dictating what may be salvaged and what must go. They set to work reducing the humidity levels and securing the rooms from further harm.
Don't ignore black water. Because of its hazardous nature, it's prudent to work with professionals to sanitize the home quickly and effectively.

Maintain Your Irrigation System To Prevent Flooding

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

You can control the irrigation by installing sensors.

To Avoid Flooding, Maintain Your Irrigation System

A healthy landscape attracts people to your business in Oak Ridge, TN, by giving it a pleasant look and displaying your professionalism. Consistent irrigation maintenance keeps the area healthy by ensuring the sprinklers spread the right amount of water at the necessary areas and at the appropriate time. Make sure the system works as intended and detect any mistakes by following these tips.

Inspect the System Often

System inspection is the most basic maintenance task you can accomplish. Everything from the faucets to the hoses should be free of cracks and holes. The sprinkler heads are the most important, since they are the most vulnerable to hazards such as:

• Common wear and tear
  Unstable ground
• Footstep and lawnmower damage
  Poor installation
  

Beyond the obvious signs of damage, look for nearby leaks and puddles. Fix the issue if possible or remove and replace the broken piece.

Control the Irrigation Schedule

As part of your irrigation maintenance, you should also set up your system to sprinkle the best amount of water at the right areas. The higher the temperature and the greater the sun's exposure, the more water that spot will need. Overuse can wear down the system faster and create sprinkler flooding that warrants professional water damage repair for your property. You can control the irrigation by installing sensors that shut down the system when they detect rain, ice or low temperatures.

Prepare for Each Season

You do not need to use the sprinklers during the winter and the closest time periods. Therefore, you should winterize them after usage is finished for the year, since the cold temperatures can freeze the water and damage the components. Drain all the water by shutting off the irrigation water supply and opening the drain valves until it is all gone. Disconnect the parts, put away the hoses and insulate the exposed pipes and faucets.

The proper care of your sprinklers guarantees a long lifespan and effective watering of your commercial landscape. These irrigation maintenance tips will help you keep the system in great shape.

How To Preserve Your Items After a Water Disaster

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Marlow, TN.

How to Keep Your Things Safe After a Flood

A broken pipe can transport water, bacteria, mold and debris into your property. Apart from the bad smell, the damage can be serious enough for you to throw away important documents or equipment. While a pipe burst cleanup should always be completed by a sewer cleanup company, there are immediate steps you can take to save your items and keep your environment safe.

1. Unplug Electronic Appliances

Entering a wet room that has appliances plugged into outlets can be dangerous. Getting your electronic devices out of a water-damaged room as soon as possible can prevent them from short-circuiting and keep the cleaning crew safe. Take care while transporting your items; don't yank the cord out of the outlet too fast, or it might spark.

2. Use Disinfectant

A pipe burst can cause bacteria to build up. To thoroughly disinfect your items, avoid simply drying them with a rag or towel. Instead, use a quality disinfectant cleaner on any hard surfaces such as furniture. You don't need to search far and wide for a good cleaning product; local grocery stores typically carry several reputable brands.

3. Consult With Professionals

If the situation is unfortunate enough so that important items like paintings, books or photographs are damaged, you shouldn't immediately throw them away. There are professional cleaners in Marlow, TN and surrounding areas that specialize in restoring such items. Call them right away to see if you can do anything to salvage your items. Sometimes, they might recommend rinsing them with water to prevent stains from setting.

A sewer cleanup company can usually send professionals to your home promptly for an emergency pipe burst cleanup. However, if you have to wait, taking these steps on your own can help minimize some of the damage. You don't have to spend a lot of money replacing your items if you get them away from a broken pipe and leaking water as soon as possible.

What To Do After a Toilet Overflow

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

If you have a toilet overflow don't clean it on your own.

After a Toilet Overflow, What Should You Do?

When a toilet becomes blocked, it can usually be taken care of with a plunger. However, when a flooded toilet is the result of sewer damage, the situation can quickly get out of control.

If you experience a toilet overflow that causes sewer water to flood your bathroom or worse, multiple rooms, do not attempt to clean it up yourself. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that pose a serious threat to humans and animals. A water damage mitigation specialist in Clinton, TN, will have the necessary safety gear to handle the situation. If a sewer backs up into your home, follow these basic steps to handle the situation quickly and safely:

1. Avoid All Contact With the Water

You might be tempted to try to move possessions that have already come in contact with the sewer water, but don’t. The most important thing is keeping you and your family safe and that means avoiding all contact with the water. Close off the affected area and stay away from it.

2. Shut Off Electricity and Gas If Necessary

If sewer water comes in contact with electrical outlets or gas appliances, it can create a hazardous situation. Shut off your electricity and contact your gas company to turn off the gas until the situation is dealt with.

3. Contact Your Utility Company

The location of the sewer damage determines who is responsible for repairs. Contact your sewage company to alert them to the situation and find out what they know. If it turns out the problem is on your property, you may be responsible for hiring a plumber to fix it.

4. Call a Water Damage Mitigation Specialist

Cleaning up sewage requires protective clothing, specialized equipment and knowledge about how to avoid spreading contamination to other parts of your property. An experienced water damage mitigation specialist in Clinton, TN, has all of these things and can return your home to normal quickly and efficiently.

When a toilet overflows due to sewer damage, the results can be devastating. Remember that the most important thing is keeping you and your family safe. Let an experienced professional handle the cleanup.

How Long Does Water Damage Cleanup Take?

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Oak Ridge, TN.

How Long Does It Take to Clean Up Water Damage?

Water damage cleanup can take anywhere from two to 10 days. You should account for the type of building materials and sources of water, such as bursting pipes, leaks, or flooding. The extent and duration of the damage may also prolong the cleanup process.

The Building Materials

Certain building materials require special consideration. Hardwood floors, in particular, can prolong the duration of cleanup when there are several factors involved:

• Water permeating the polyurethane coating
• Damaged planks
• Sanding, scraping or retrofitting of solid hardwood
• Wet plywood subfloor
• Moist concrete under the subfloor

Hardwood flooring should be dry all the way down to the concrete prior to restoration. Other building materials must also be completely dry before being repaired or replaced.

The Type of Water Damage

The source of the water that has caused the damage can add steps to the cleanup process.

• Category One water from bursting pipes is clean and only needs to be dried.
• Category Two gray water should be dried and disinfected.
• Category Three black water requires removal of solid waste, drying, and disinfection.

Once you fix the broken pipe or the other source of damage, call a restoration service. 

The Extent of the Damage

Extensive damage due to flooding will probably take longer to restore than a smaller area affected by a backup, broken pipe, or leak. Account for the square footage exposed to water when estimating the length of the restoration process. 

The Duration of the Damage

The longer building materials have been exposed to water, the more extensive the restoration process. Standing water that goes unnoticed for hours or days can lead to more severe secondary damage.

Regardless of the conditions in your home in Oak Ridge, TN, you can count on the expertise and equipment of restoration professionals. Call a plumber to fix burst pipes and hire a residential restoration company to eliminate water and mitigate secondary damage.

How to Handle Water Damage

10/30/2021 (Permalink)

Remove water to prevent mold growth in your property.

How to Handle Water Damage

Water Damage can do more than just damage personal belongings in your home. It can cause damage to the structure of your home and lead to mold formation in your home. So to be safe, we will tell you the best way to deal with your water damage situation.

1. Call a Water Damage Professional – Most water damage companies can come to your aid 24/7 to take action against the water damage that has just occurred in your home. Here at Water Damage Restoration of Oak Ridge, we only employ certified water damage and mold techs. For a more comprehensive scope of our business view our services

We provide service to all of Oak Ridge and Anderson County.

2. Do It Yourself – First, you will want to find the source of the flooding. You’ll want to check your bathrooms and plumbing, a roof for roofing leaks and gutters. Next, you will want to turn off all electronics and power in the affected areas.

Next, use mops, towels, and whatever other items that can absorb some of the water. Then you will want to dry the area with fans. You could also use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels down. After that, you may want to follow up with a water damage professional to access how bad the cost is and if it is severe enough to warrant the help of a professional. For additional info on water damage and flooding read what Lowe’s has to say here.

Ceiling Fixture Leaks: 3 Quick Mitigation Solutions

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always ready to help you with any water damage in your home.

Three Quick Fixes For Ceiling Fixture Leaks

Dealing with leaks in your Oak Ridge, TN, home may be something you have dealt with in the past. However, it can be startling when they come from your ceiling's light fixtures. These leaks can cause flooding and damage your electrical system, so acting quickly to stop the leak when you notice water in a light fixture can prevent costly problems later.

1. Shut Off the Water

Shutting off the water to your home can prevent pooling and flooding, especially if the leak is up in your attic. This can also slow or stop ceiling damage caused by a broken pipe. Once you shut off the water, it is wise to avoid your attic space for a bit, even if you know that is where the leak originated, because it may not be safe to enter.

2. Turn Off the Electricity to Your Upper Floors

Water in a light shade can pose a severe electrical shock hazard, so turning off the electricity to your upper floors can reduce the risk of injury or fire. Be cautious operating your fuse box, and wear rubber gloves for additional protection. Have family members move to the main floor of your home to ensure their safety before you cut the power.

3. Call for Flood Cleanup Services

Having a flood cleanup and restoration company come to drain pooling water from your home and assess the damage can help you begin the repair process. These professionals can also advise you about ceiling damage and whether you will need to replace any sections stained or weakened by the leak. Once flood technicians clean up and ensure that the attic is safe to enter, you can go up and inspect the damage to report it to your insurance agent.

Finding water in a light fixture or dripping from your Oak Ridge, TN, home's ceiling can be a stressful experience. Knowing which actions might prevent serious water damage and keep your family safe might help you take action with confidence if a leak should occur.

How To Mitigate Fire and Water Damage

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

House fire in Rocky Top, TN.

Fire and Water Damage To Your Home

Firefighters rely on hoses that are capable of dispensing between 300 to 800 gallons of water per minute or more, depending on the hydrant and fire hose. As a result, fire suppression efforts often lead to a combination of extensive fire and water damage in homes in Rocky Top, TN. Specialized mitigation and restoration methods are necessary to prevent the primary fire damage from becoming rapidly compounded and exacerbated by water. A company that specializes in both types of damage should pursue these three measures to mitigate damage.

1. Remove Water
The water used to put out a fire starts as clean, treated Category One water. Exposure to ash, soot, and smoke quickly degrades this water to Category Three flood water. A mitigation service will start by pumping out the water used for fire suppression.

2. Replace Materials

When no standing water remains, restoration experts can determine which building materials are capable of being cleaned or repaired and which need to be replaced. They will have to assess materials damaged by fire, water, or a combination of these two factors. This process will take longer than restoring either type of damage alone, as water can rapidly intensify the staining that results from fire damage.

3. Prevent Damage

In addition to concerns about structural integrity and air quality, water damage also introduces the risk of mold growth. A service specializing in both types of damage can take measures to ensure that no rebuilding occurs until the location is clean and completely dry, which can lower the likelihood that mold will develop.

If your home has been exposed to damage from both fire and water, rely on skilled restoration professionals with the experience and equipment to address all of the factors involved. Act quickly to notify your insurance provider and contact a water and fire damage restoration service in Rocky Top, TN.

Understanding Water Damages

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.
There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.
Consider taking the follow precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water In Oak Ridge, TN

-Shut off water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
-Remove as much excess water as possible my mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and table items.
-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
- Move any paintings, art objects computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
-Do not leave books, newspapers magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
- Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water In Oak Ridge, TN 

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
-Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
-Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
-Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
-Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Outlining The Water Damage Restoration Process - Oak Ridge, TN

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Outlining The Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage, whether it be in Oak Ridge, Briceville, or Clinton, is going to be different- from the level of contamination it inflicts to the amount of water introduced into homes and businesses. Each scenario requires a different and unique solution, but the recovery process remains the same. Professional water damage repair and recovery experts understand that when it comes to standing water, the best response is a quick one. Whether from a flood, a storm, faulty household appliance, leaky pipes, and more, expert technicians in Tennessee have the experience, technology, tools, and equipment to help restore residential and commercial properties. 

When an Oak Ridge water damage expert appears at your office or home, they are well trained with the experience, expertise, and techniques to restore your property. Their water removal and cleanup process also provides validation and a cleaning process that goes into their full step system, which includes the following: 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration 

When water damage strikes, time is of the critical because the timeline between minutes to hours and 48 hours to a week is reflected in the damage water inflicts. For example, within minutes water begins to saturate everything, within hours water breaks down walls and all types of surfaces, including emitting a musty odor. Within 48 hours to a week, water creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow and a harmful biohazard contamination to occur. 

Our SERVPRO of Oak Ridge water damage technicians also specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold to save you money and to preserve those precious keepsakes that are irreplaceable. The cleaning methods utilized by water damage experts include the following: 

• Dry cleaning - cleans light residues or to pre-clean before wet cleaning. 

• Wet cleaning - removes various levels of residues. 

• Spray and Wipe - cleaning for items that can't be wet cleaned.

• Foam cleaning - upholstery fabrics that require specialized care. 

• Abrasive cleaning - involves agitation of different surfaces being cleaned. 

• Immersion cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of a cleaning product.

• Move-Outs/Pack-Outs - our technicians will carefully pack up your home to bring to our climate controlled storage facility until you are ready for your belongings to be moved back in.

When valuable documents including photographs that are damaged by water, they may be restored depending upon the type of documents involved and the level of water damage. Document and photograph restoration process can involve air drying, dehumidification, freezer drying, vacuum freeze, and thermal drying. 

Our expert's fire, water, and mold remediation can also help in easing home and commercial owner's worries and confusion with insurance inventory claims. Our knowledgeable staff begins by inspecting room-by-room inventory of all contents and to provide better information to settle claims quicker, thus giving our customer's peace of mind at a time when you need it the most. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge is locally owned and operated which makes us proud to be a part of the surrounding Tennessee communities of Clinton, Andersonville, and Oliver Springs. We are available to help for any water damages with our services available seven days a week – including holidays and our 24/7 emergency services. Call us at (865) 483-3911. When there is a fire and water damage emergency, we are always nearby and ready to help. For additional information, visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROoakridge.com/.

Insurance Coverage for your home.

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

When examining your home insurance policy, it is essential to note the difference between water and flood damage. Water damage is generally covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy and protects you in situations like a leak or burst pipe. Flood damage is defined as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres and two or more properties of normally dry land. With flood damage, the water comes from a natural source, and two or more properties are involved.

Home insurance companies do not offer flood insurance, and policies must be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program. This means that homeowners who are unprotected and experience flood damage have to pay for water damage restoration out of pocket, which can mean thousands of dollars in expenses. 

Water damage mitigation does not have to be a painful process! Check your policy and ensure that you are protected in the event of a disaster. Call SERVPRO of Oak Ridge for your water or flood damage needs at 865-483-3911. We talk to your insurance company for you and make sure you are informed every step of the way.

Heating Hazard Oak Ridge TN

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Oak Ridge home.

The winter season is here in Oak Ridge, and with it comes shorter days and lower temperatures. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather. To keep our homes and workplace cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood-burning stoves. Did you know, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths? According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment fires caused an estimated $1 billion in direct property damage annually. Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a heating-related fire.

- Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.

- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cold before putting them in metal containers. Keep the box a safe distance away from your home.

-Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

-Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer for fuel-burning space heaters.

- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

- Have an adequate professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.

-Test smoke alarms.

PREPARING FOR A FLOOD

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Flooding can happen fast in many environments. The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an evacuation due to flooding.
• Water—3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food—3+ day supply of non- perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank
radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if
possible)
• Extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and
medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation/personal hygiene items
• Copies of secret documents
(medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact
information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula,
baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food,
carrier, bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat, and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage

Refrigerator Line Bust in Oak Ridge Home

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Oak Ridge Home

Water damage can happen at any time; it is often at inconvenient times. This was the case for Mrs. Gilmore. Thankfully SERVPRO of Oak Ridge was available. Mrs. Gilmore's refrigerator line broke which lead to massive amounts of water damage throughout the kitchen and the dining room. SERVPRO of Oak Ridge was able to come out that night and set up drying units to limit the damage.

After further assessment and consulting with Mrs. Gilmore we decided the best course was the replace all of the flooring in the kitchen. Mrs. Gilmore was able to pick out the style that she wanted and new kitchen's appliances With the help of SERVPRO of Oak Ridge a terrible situation was turned into a good one.

Water Damage Strikes When You Least Expect It

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage In Oak Ridge Home

Water damage can happen at any time, often when you least expect it. This was the case for Mr. Watson and his family in Oak Ridge, TN. Their washing started to leak while they were away on vacation. His first call was too SERVPRO of Oak Ridge The water damage had affected the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, and bedroom. We were able to respond within the hour and preserve most of the flooring in those rooms. We set up drying units throughout the rooms. We then replaced a small portion of the tile in the bathroom. Because we were able to come out so quickly the water damage was cleaned up within two days. 

Tools For Keeping You Safe

8/5/2018 (Permalink)

One of the best precautions you can take is to purchase a good quality weather radio. A weather radio is designed to alert you to potentially dangerous weather situations, like an approaching tornado. It allows you to be warned ahead of storms, providing you time to seek shelter. A weather radio is the most reliable source for weather alerts.

Weather radios have made any advancements over the years and are very affordable. Most basic weather radios average around $30 and can be programmed to only alert you for the weather alerts you choose.

When shopping for a weather radio look for the following key features.

• Reviewable alerts (you can scroll through alerts and turn off the siren for alerts you do not wish to hear)
• Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME)
• Alert programming (alerts when specific counties are threatened, ensuring you only receive alerts for your country)
• Ease of programming

If you need help programming your weather radio, you can always contact your local National Weather Service Office or for additional information, including county codes for your state, visit NOAA Weather Radio website at www.nws.gove/nwr

Preparing Your Home For Spring

8/5/2018 (Permalink)

There’s still snow on the ground here in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, but there are also robins in the yard. And if you look closely you can see the tiny green spears of daffodils and crocuses peeking out. Spring is just around the corner! And we know you are ready for it. Is your home? Here are a few things to think about when it comes to the transition from cold winter weather to the warmth and sunshine of spring.

Rising temperatures mean melting snow and ice, and accumulated water can cause water damages to your property unless you are prepared.

First on your list should be your gutters. They can be full of dead leaves, small branches, and even dirt from the rough weather. Get those gutters cleaned out right away so the spring showers don’t cause mold problems and water damage to interior walls, because that can be a big issue. Make sure the downspouts are directing water the right way, as well. Tough Oak Ridge winter weather could have caused them to change position.

How’s your roof faring? As the melting begins, keep an eye on it to see if any leaks have started due to storm damage over the past few weeks and months. Take a look at any vents to see if vegetation or mold has take hold, obstructing air flow.

The filters in your HVAC unit likely need to be changed, and you will want to clean out ducts, vents, and the system itself. Duct work can be hard to check, so you may need to contact West Knoxville professionals to come out and help.

Your windows have taken a beating, so you will want to inspect them for storm and water damage. Cracks, damaged weather stripping, improper fit; all these issues can cause problems down the road. Now is a great time to get them professionally cleaned and let that warmth and sunshine in!

Shovel any remaining snow 3 to 5 feet away from your foundations and keep an eye out for cracks caused by the harsh winter conditions. They can be caulked and sealed as soon as you notice them, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes.

You can check your hoses and sprinkler systems at this time and replace anything damaged by all the storms and the water from melting snow and ice. Uncover plants, and believe it or not, fertilize the lawn and garden!  

While you are inspecting your home, if you notice any severe storm damage, take pictures for insurance purposes, in case you need to file a claim.

And don’t forget to call us here at SERVPRO of Oak Ridge for all your repairs and clean-up needs! We specialize in water and storm damage, fire damage, and mold prevention. You can contact us by phone at (865) 690 9658, or visit us on our website: SERVPRO Oak Ridge

Build an Emergency Kit

7/8/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Kit

Be prepared at your home or business with an Emergency Kit. Ready.gov suggest you have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below are some suggested items to include in your kit.

-3-day supply of non-perishable foods
- Water (one + gallon per person day)
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medication
-Sleeping bag or blankets
- Fire extinguisher
-Hygiene products
-Flashlights
-Extra batteries
-Cell phone charger
-Matches in a waterproof container
-Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
-Whistle to signal for help
-Pet supplies
-Infant formula and diapers
-Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container.

Severe Weather Safety

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Severe Weather Safety

Severe weather can happen any time, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms.

- 10,000 severe thunderstorms
-5,000 floods or flash floods
-1,300 tornadoes
-2 landfalling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 650 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk severe weather, taking action, and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

Know Your Risk. The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business, and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain an NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Be an Example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook and Twitter Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.

Knoxville Water Damage

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage Knoxville Home

There are many homes in the Knoxville area that suffer from water damage. The first 24 hours following a water loss is the most important in
preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO® Cedar Bluff will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing the following steps.

INSPECTION

SERVPRO® Of Cedar Bluff will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage
and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

SERVPRO® Of Cedar Bluff will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal
belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed
emergency services to you step-by-step.

MONITORING

To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a SERVPRO® Of Cedar Bluff will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you.

RESTORATION SERVICES

SERVPRO® West Knoxville will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walkthrough of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition.

EMERGENCY WATER DAMAGE TIPS

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. Remove as much excess water as
possible by mopping and blotting. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks of furniture legs and wet carpeting. Move any paintings, art objects,
computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place. Don’t enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always
avoid electrical shock hazards. Don’t use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this
could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enters rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

For more information on
recovering from water damage,
contact your local SERVPRO®
Cedar Bluff

USE A SERVPRO PROFESSIONAL WHEN WATER DAMAGE HITS YOUR HOME

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Knoxville

Imagine coming home from work to a flooded home, thanks to a faulty mechanism in your washing machine. You are ready to pull your hair out! You know you need help now because those hardwood floors will absorb a lot of water, as will the lower portion of your walls. If left untreated, water damage can lead to mold and mildew problems, as well as cause structural weakness to the damaged areas.
 
Trying to repair the water damage yourself to your Knoxville home may end up making the problem even worse. Our professional techs at SERVPRO know all too well the damages water can do to your home. We have all the equipment needed to dry your walls and floors before that damage becomes permanent.
 
We also know that problems can happen anytime - day or night; this is the reason we offer our customers 24-Hour Emergency Services. We understand you need immediate professional help after your home is flooded.
 
SERVPRO is a locally owned and operated business with professionally trained technicians. Our techs are skilled in water restoration, mold remediation, carpet, and furniture cleaning as well as any other cleaning that may be needed. We know how to assess the problem and get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Our techs have all the knowledge, experience, and tools they need to restore your property correctly. We use four factors to help determine how long it will take to dry your home:
 
* Temperature: needs to be kept between 70 and 90 degrees.
 
* Humidity: ideally between 30% and 60%.
 
* Extraction of water: the more that can be removed, the better.
 
* Air Movement: need to steadily move wet air away from wet surfaces.
 
We finish each job by providing our customers with documents proving the property is restored to its preloss condition. SERVPRO works with you and your insurance company, providing you with any paperwork you need to process your claim. 

No matter what time of day or night, when an emergency happens, you can trust SERVPRO to respond to your water removal needs quickly. It's nice to know that someone has your back when a crisis strikes.
 
 
C

Understanding Water Damage In Oak Ridge, TN

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Oak Ridge Home

Understanding Water Types

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensure proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean, gray and black water is usually from a broken pipe. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminates to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Blackwater is highly contaminated and can be filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, and more. Blackwater is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or natural disasters. Blackwater should always be handled by trained professionals. When you have water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Oak Ridge. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water

Shut off water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.

Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.

Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.

Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items, that may be sensitive to moisture, to a safe place.

Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.

Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to a vacuum cleaner.

Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.

Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.

Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.

Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Prevent Frozen Pipes from Causing Water Damage

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a leading cause of water damage in the colder months of the year. Why?
Water has the unfortunate property in that as it freezes, it expands. This can affect all types of water lines, whether metal, plastic, or PVC. Simply, all pipes are subject to bursting given the right amount of pressure. As the water freezes, it can expand the pipe, eventually, cause a hairline crack or a complete break. At that point the portion unfrozen will then provide a continual stream of water until shut off, causing water damage throughout the property.
How can I prevent my pipes from freezing or bursting?
• If possible, make sure that all pipes and supply lines on exterior walls are insulated. Exterior walls will be much colder than interior walls given their location. Additionally, all water lines in basements and crawl spaces need to be insulated as they will be subjected to very cold temperatures. Simple foam insulation wrap can help prevent your pipes from freezing.
• Make sure all outdoor hoses are removed from exterior hose bibs.
• Always keep your heating unit on and operational, even when away on vacation. If leaving for an extended period of time, set your thermostat to no colder than 55 degrees to ensure that your home has enough heat to properly keep interior pipes from freezing.
• Keep garage doors closed if you have water supply lines located in that area. In extreme cases of sever cold for extended periods of time, ensure that exposed pipes are insulated. Space heaters (placed away from anything flammable) can provide heat and warmth to combat cold environments in garage areas.
• If you notice very low water pressure from water supply areas, a frozen pipe could be the cause. Immediate action should be taken to identify the problem.
What should I do if my pipes are already frozen?
• Turn on all the faucets with warm water, not hot, to a slow drip. This will help in supplying warmer water to the area without causing an abrupt temperature change. It will also help you in determining the location of the freeze.
• Apply exterior heat to the frozen section of pipe. This can be done with a hair dryer, electric heating pad, space heater, towels soaked in warm water wrapped around the pipe. NEVER use open flame devices as this can be a major fire hazard.
• Keep continual heat on the area until water flow is restored to normal.
• Once restored, try to determine why the area froze. It may be as simple as adding insulation, sleeve wraps, UL-listed heat tape, or another form of insulation.
• If you cannot locate, find, or properly thaw your pipes, call a professional plumber to assist.
What if my pipes burst and caused damage?
If your pipes have busted, cracked, or began leaking, immediate action should be taken to ensure that water damage can be minimalized to your property. Soak up as much water as possible with towels or extract with a shop vac. It's often necessary to have professionals like SERVPRO come in and completely mitigate the water. Home drying efforts can help reduce damages, but will not get rid of all moisture and humidity. It's important to ensure that your property is completely dry and dehumidified to prevent secondary damage from ruining your home, flooring, furnishings, or building materials. Call SERVPRO today if you've had water damage from a pipe leak, and we'll work with you and/or your insurance company to make sure that your home is restored correctly!

Science of Drying

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

Drying water in a Knoxville home.

Exploring the Science of Drying

Did you know, there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damage structure to its pre loss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and places a fan or two around the damage are.

What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air on the surface of the material but only if the air is, indeed drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

SERVPRO of Oak Ridge have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

SERVPRO is proud to utilize a newly developed tool SERVPRO DryBook.

The SERVPRO DryBook is a proprietary tool allowing us to capture and track the steps of restoration project according to industry best practices and standards. This ensures your restoration is done properly and efficiently. It also improves results and restores your property at a faster rate, getting you backing your home sooner.