Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Contaminated Water Losses
5/10/2022 (Permalink)
Did you know what raw sewage is significantly unsanitary? If you have a situation containing raw sewage, have a professional take care of the clean up and sanitation of the affected area. SERVPRO of East Portland has the training, equipment, and experience to safely handle any water loss with contaminants. Here are a few tips on what to do while you are waiting for professionals to arrive:
Tips:
- Check your surroundings, is it safe to stay in the house?
- Stay out of affected areas
- If it is safe, remove items/contents out of affected areas
- Do not turn on ceiling/wall fixtures if the ceiling or walls are wet
- Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
- Treat all water as if it is contaminated
Water Leaks in Your Home
5/10/2022 (Permalink)
There are a few ways to prevent severe water losses to your home. For example, checking your home's plumbing for water leaks regularly. According to the EPA (ENvironmental Protection Agency), it is likely that a family of four has a water leak if their winter water exceeds 12,000 gallons per month. Also, a showerhead leaking at ten drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. That’s the amount of water it takes to wash 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher.
In the event you run into a water leak in your home, SERVPRO of East Portland is a phone call away. Our teams are ready to respond to any size water loss at any time of day. Have the experts in water restoration mitigate where the water is coming from and restore your home “Like it never even happened.”
Water Losses In East Portland
8/5/2021 (Permalink)
Water is a source of life and refreshment, but can also be devastating! We all need water to survive and in fact our bodies are made of mostly water, but when water is present in the wrong circumstances it can mean loss of life or property. For example, having a pipe burst, toilet overflow, or a crawl space sump pump go out can create a disaster that SERVPRO of Easts Portland deals with on a daily basis. If you come across any water loss SERVPRO is always ready to take care of any water loss. We are equipped 24/7 with highly trained technicians, state of the art equipment, and water detection tools to get your home back to preloss condition.
SERVPRO of East Portland we are always a phone call away (971) 279-2420.
Taking Care of Your Home
8/5/2021 (Permalink)
In the water and fire cleanup and restoration industry, one of our top priorities, and one of the many reasons that we strive to provide the fastest possible service, is to limit the amount of secondary damage sustained at your home or business. At SERVPRO we understand the stress and worry that comes when you experience any water, fire, or mold damage in your home or property. What is secondary damage though? What does it mean if my home or business does get secondary damages?
What is secondary damage?
Simply put, secondary damage is additional damage that occurs because of the original damage. A quick response to the original damage, followed with professional restoration practices, greatly limits, and may even eliminate, secondary damages from taking place.
SERVPRO where we strive to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Water Damage in All Shapes and Sizes
7/21/2021 (Permalink)
According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately seventy five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:
- Flash Flooding
- River Flooding
- Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
- Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
- Ice/Debris Jams
- Snowmelt
- Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
- Dam Breaks/Levee Failure
Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).
What happens after you have a Flood
7/21/2021 (Permalink)
Water Damage Tips:
- Shut off the 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 or placing towels.
- Move any art items, electronics, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to water to a safe place.
- Remove 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 the vacuum cleaner.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where the ceiling is starting to bubble or coming down.
A Flood In Your Portland Home Needs Professional Attention
5/10/2021 (Permalink)
One disadvantage of living in Portland is the damage related to severe storms. During this time of year as we transition to summer we experience a series of storms. Homeowners work to keep flood damage and other natural disasters from threatening their comfortable living, but even the most well-constructed of homes can experience flooding under the right conditions. No matter where this flooding originates from, a damaged roof or toilet overflow, it is critical to act quickly to prevent significant damage to structural integrity of your home and the contents found in the affected areas. Our water restoration specialists get trained to use the most up to date restoration techniques to restore your home. We focus on delivering your home back to “Like it never even happened.” Call your local SERVPRO for any water restoration needs.
Sewage Cleanup
5/10/2021 (Permalink)
Sewage cleanups are as nasty as they sound. Call the professionals to handle the terrifying odors and visuals of a sewage back up. Before SERVPRO can begin to clean up and restore the property, we must remove the contents/items out of the standing sewage to prevent further damage. At the same time, we will begin by extracting the water and cleaning the sewage. We do this by using equipment such as truck-mounted pumps.
Due to the sewage being filled with feces, urine, and other contaminants we must dispose of any carpet, pad, baseboards, and etc the sewage came in contact with. We then clean up the structure and pressure wash it using EPA-registered disinfectants.
Our teams of professionals contine to remove and dispose of contaminated contents/items throughout the structure. The interior structure such as walls, ceilings, flooring that is not affected by the sewage is cleaned, disinfected, and dried out.
SERVPRO of East Portland is a phone call away.
If Water Damage Isn’t Taken Care of…
4/20/2020 (Permalink)
When water damages occur it is important to immediately call the professionals. If waiting too long, mold can occur. Some information about mold:
Like any fungus, mold sprouts from spores. Those spores are usually free-floating in your environment at all times, and only need a catalyst to grow into an active fungus infestation. That catalyst is water in any form, whether it be a puddle or humidity in the air.
Mold... grows on organic surfaces
This can include food and plant matter, but you would be surprised what else is considered "organic." This includes the drywall of your walls and ceilings, as well as wooden floorboards and furniture upholstery.
Mold... doesn't always start off black
Black mold can start as gray, green, white, or yellow, before darkening through stages to brown and then black.
Call SERVPRO of East Portland for any water damage restoration needs (971) 279-2420.
Our 24 Hour Response Team
4/20/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Portland is prepared 24 hours a day for any water emergencies, minor or major we do it all. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is very important. A delay can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused and stressed. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of East Portland has IICRC water restoration techs and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
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.
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)?
What We Do
2/26/2020 (Permalink)
When pipes burst, toilets overflow, or dishwashers go out SERVPRO of East Portland is a phone call away. We understand that water migrates quickly. SERVPRO is always here to help, we provide professional water mitigation services. Our teams are IICRC certified, we are 24/7 and always available to quickly respond to your loss. Our crews are trained to mitigate and restore all contents and items. Whether it is a commercial or residential loss we will perform our services in a professional manner per the customer's request. We have state of the art equipment and products ready to restore water damaged contents, structure, or building. Our techs are properly trained to serve the community and meet their restoration needs. SERVPRO of East Portland is a phone call away (971) 279-2420.
Water Damage Causes
2/11/2020 (Permalink)
Weather incidents account for more than half of all homeowner’s insurance claims, with wind, pipes freezing and bursting, roof and flashing leaks and ice dams among the major causes of home damage during weather events.
That’s according to The Travelers Companies Inc., which released information identifying the most common and costliest homeowners’ claims based on a review of its U.S. homeowners insurance claims made from2009 to 2015.
Weather cannot be controlled, but other homeowner insurance claims can be reduced. Water Damage makes up 20% of all homeowner insurance claims. There are typically two main causes of water damage — weather events, such as rain or snow melt, and other issues, such as pipes bursting or leaking. By comparison, more water damage is caused by events such as a pipe bursting, or plumbing or appliance issues, than from the weather.
Two ways homeowners can reduce water damage claims is to winterize their pipes by properly wrapping them and changing water supply lines to appliances and toilets that show wear.
Should you have any questions about water damage prevention or have water damage call SERVPRO of East Portland at (971) 279-2420.
Water Misfortune
1/30/2020 (Permalink)
Water misfortune can happen with small notice and immediately spread throughout your home or business. For example, If recent storms have caused flooding or a pipe has burst, our technicians are on the go to respond to water loss incidents 24/7 with our industry-driving equipment. Water loss situations can vary in severity, many losses require our skilled services and effective mitigation tactics. Our green trucks and enclosed trailers are fully loaded with gear that meet the IICRC standards. SERVPRO of East Portlands crews are exceptionally prepared experts that will screen and report the drying procedure to restore your property “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of East Portland is available for the community in the middle of the night or on a holiday. Do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of East Portland.
Freddy gets a Shower
1/14/2020 (Permalink)
She asked him not to put the toilet in himself. She had a plumber in mind, they would just have to wait until she got back from her trip. He meant well, he really did. He wanted to surprise her and have it done before she got back. I don’t know why that meant he had to do it by himself, rather than call a plumber to come. But here we are, that is how I found myself dripping wet from a hose that was not attached properly.
He came into the bathroom in the middle of the night to find it flooded in a couple inches of water. Luckily, he remembered seeing a commercial for SERVPRO of East Portland earlier that day. A quick Google search he found the number to his local SERVPRO of East Portland Franchise right away. He was able to get the water turned off while we waited for SERVPRO of East Portland to arrive. I was honestly shocked that even at two in the morning they came out and were helping us!
He showed the SERVPRO of East Portland employee the bathroom, and the technician started getting to work immediately. After he looked around, and took some measurements he explained exactly what SERVPRO of East Portland was going to do step by step. First step was extracting all the standing water before they could put any drying equipment down. Once the water was removed, SERVPRO explained to him that he really needed to get a plumber out to fix the hose, so he didn’t end up with the bathroom flooded again.
It's been several days now; the plumber came out and installed the toilet correctly and SERVPRO of East Portland has been out every day to check to see if we are dry yet. We probably would have been dry by now, but he kept turning off the equipment at night. He said it was too loud, I didn’t mind the noise but then again, my ears are made of porcelain, so I can’t really hear anything. SERVPRO of East Portland took the time to explain to him that if he keeps turning the equipment off it will take longer to dry, and he is risking getting mold. He decided he would just sleep on the couch to get away from the noise.
Once he left the equipment on, everything started drying and it should all be done by tomorrow! She is coming home the next day and SERVPRO of East Portland will be able to have everything back to normal before she even steps foot in the house! He really didn’t want her to have to live with the mess of his screwup, so it was great SERVPRO of East Portland was able to come in and handle it all so quickly. “Like it never even happened.”
Restoring Water Damaged Properties
12/4/2018 (Permalink)
About Your Local SERVPRO of East Portland
SERVPRO of East Portland specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our crew is highly trained with IICRC certifications 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 state of the art equipment and the knowledge to restore your property.
Flooding or water damage events in the Portland Metropolitan area such as, 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. We make it "Like it never even happened."
Call SERVPRO of East Portland
(971) 279-2420
Your Emergency Service Water Restoration Company
5/22/2018 (Permalink)
This flooded office kitchen was caused by a bursting pipe.
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused and stressed. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of East Portland has staff that are IICRC water damage restoration trained and experienced to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
SERVPRO of East Portland is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any emergency services. Large or small we can handle it all. 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 at your property.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information.
- Your insurance information (if applicable).
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business.
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of East Portland
This picture shows our equipment in action! Our crew was working around the clock to accommodate the facilities hours of operation. We understand the difficulties encountered when water damage occurs to your business. Equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers were placed to start the drying process, and get this facility back to "Like it never even happened."
We are Ready to Help Call- (971)279-2420
24/7 Emergency Service
