OOPS!... I Forgot!

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Guess who forgot to disconnect the hose from the outside spigot last fall?!  Guess who didn’t turn the water off to that outside spigot?!...  Hmmm…  What might we expect when we go to use that spigot and/or hose this spring?!!!

Living in the Midwest, we can pretty well be assured that we will have a stretch of several days during our winters that not only DON’T get above freezing, but also dip well below zero – sometimes for days at a time.  What happens to water pipes in exterior walls during these cold snaps?  The water in them can freeze and then cause a break.  If you have had the misfortune of having this happen during the cold of winter, you know that this can be a very traumatic experience.

A water damage at any time of year is an unwelcome intrusion into the comfort of your daily living.  If you have experienced this, then you know how unsettling such a disaster can feel! 

So, let’s get back to that outside water situation…  If you have unfortunately left that hose or spigot unattended since last year’s warmer weather, then prepare yourself – and your home – for the possibility of trouble.  As you prepare to turn the water on for the first time, have another person in the basement to watch for water coming into the house rather than going out.  That way you are prepared to turn the water off at the source and avoid an excessive amount of water inside when you needed it outside.  You will know that you have a problem that needs a plumber’s professional attention.  If all of the water continues to flow outside, count your blessings and your good fortune!

Remember that SERVPRO of Rockford is here to help when disaster strikes.  We will make it “Like it never event happened.”

The Sentinel Speaks

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Good morning! I'm back at my post as the Morning Sentinel watching to make sure all stays safe in my neighborhood... Or else!... Ekspeshly while my mom is gone. (My grammama is taking dictation today and she's the reason Paws for Penny is so late.)

When ya go away, frenns, do ya have someone take care of stuff ya left behind, like yer house? That's important. How would ya know if the rain came in or if yer water machines made a really bad mess? (Did ya know ya should turn off the water to those machines when ya leave?) If ya come home and find a bad, bad mess, call my people. They are real life Action Heroes that will make bad water stuff "Like it never even happened."

See ya next week! Til then, watch yer stuff!

Come visit me on my people's Facebook page.  Every Friday they give me space for my very own spot, "Paws for Penny."

(Grammama has been trying to help me clean up my grammar.  How did I do this week?)

Spring is here!... Or is it?!...

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

I do believe we are hosting the “50 Shades of Winter” this year!  Well, eventually, we will be looking to get outdoors and work in our yards.  It can be an exciting time, watching the flower bulbs planted last fall poke gentle shoots through the soil.  They are generally determined enough and tough enough to weather a bit of continued cold.  But what about that hose you forgot to disconnect from the outside water spigot last fall?  Or what about the lawn sprinkler system that didn’t get drained properly?  Or the outside water that didn’t get completely shut off before winter set in?

For as bitter cold as it was for a couple weeks in February, we would advise caution as you begin to use your outdoor water sources this spring.  You may discover that winter did some damage, causing cracks or breakage of water lines.  Often this means that water begins to spew into basements, sometimes at a great amount of volume and pressure.  Since some of us don’t necessarily venture into our basements on a daily basis, this could come as quite a shock – and disaster!

As you turn on water for outdoor use, might we suggest that you have someone in the basement at the same time that could quickly shut off the water source?  If there is a break, time is of the essence.  This would reduce the amount of damage to the indoor, household space – and its contents, equipment and appliances.  If you don’t have the extra set of eyes and hands, make a visit yourself shortly after turning on that water.

If you have any questions or concerns, please remember that we are here to help, to make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”

815.964.0599

Fall Preparation for Winter

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Did you get those gutters cleaned and cleared before the cold weather came upon us?  Did you disconnect the outdoor hoses?  And shut off the outside spigots?  There will still be some above freezing days coming our way in order to get that done.  They just won’t be warm tasks to complete!

If you do not get these outdoor chores completed, the brutal cold of a polar vortex could make your life even more inconvenient and uncomfortable.  Those clogged gutters won’t allow the melting snow from the roof to flow easily or freely.  Since water seeks the path of least resistance, it will cascade over the gutters onto sidewalks, landings and other walkways.  This makes for dangerously icy walking spaces.  As it makes its way closer to the foundation of your home, it may find a way through your foundation into your home…  Remember the note about the path of least resistance?!

That snow on the roof that spills over the gutters can become ice dams, damaging roofing, soffits, facia and gutters from the sheer weight of ice and snow.  The water from this can often make its way along the inside walls of your home.  Wet ceilings, walls, insulation, flooring and baseboards can make such a mess.  Left to dry on their own, they can soon harbor mold.  The roof itself can be damaged and continue to have leakage problems.  (NOTE:  Do not use standard rock salt on your roof!  Calcium Chloride based products are safer for roofing materials and will work at lower temperatures.)

If that hose is still connected or the water has not been shut off to those outside spigots, freezing weather causes the water in those lines to expand.  Breaks and cracks are frequently the result.  Where does the water from those broken lines go?  Back into the house, of course, where it is warmer and the water can flow freely!  What a mess!

Yes, “Baby, it’s cold outside!”  But it will only get colder as winter progresses.  Take advantage of the next warmer – above freezing – day and get those outside chores completed.  Otherwise, you will find yourself needing to call SERVPRO of Rockford to make those water damages “Like it never even happened.”

Ways to Prevent Water Damage & What to do if Water Does Intrude

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage from burst pipe

It’s starting to become that time again. Those of you who enjoy the cold and snow, I’m happy for you. Those of you, like me, that do not enjoy it, will just have to think warm happy thoughts.

With the strange weather patterns in our Midwest area, we need to be prepared for burst pipes that may happen in our homes and businesses.

Most people believe that when the weather gets below freezing temperatures is when pipes tend to burst. Pipes actually burst when there happens to be a warmer winter day and anything that has been frozen starts to defrost.

To prevent burst pipes, you need to start with stopping them from freezing in the first place!

PREVENTION TIPS

• Turn your water off if you are going to be gone for more than a day! - especially when you go on vacation to escape the freezing temperatures.
• Keep your pipes warm! Open up cabinets if you are going to be leaving, or if you know that a below-freezing day is upon you.
• Insulate any exposed piping! Again, keep your pipes warm. If your kitchen sink is on an outer wall, you might want to consider throwing in some extra insulation. Check your basements for any exposed piping that might need extra warmth.
• Keep the water moving. Let water drip steadily from faucets, the more the water is moving, the less chance it has of freezing.
• Caulk any holes or cracks near your pipes. You don’t want any more cold air getting in your home anyway!
• Turn off your outside spigots! One of the biggest water jobs can come from being forgetful. Many people forget about their spigots, and suddenly there’s a new indoor swimming pool where your basement used to be!

Well, what if you didn’t follow ANY of these tips? Oops! There is now water in your home! Oh no! What to do? (Hint: flip this page over)

 UNTIL YOUR LOCAL SERVPRO ARRIVES

• Stop the source of water/Determine source. Shut. Your. Water. Off. Don’t just leave water spewing into your home. Make sure you know where the source is coming from so you can have it professionally fixed, but until then, turn off your water. Please.
• Remove as much excess water as possible. Shop vac, mop, even throwing towels down will help slow the spread of water.
• Wipe any wood furnishings, or any delicate surfaces. Think of what you have in your basement. Is it antique? One of a kind? Or just extremely important to you? Try to wipe it dry and remove it from the affected area.
• Be aware of electrical hazards. If your basement is filling up with water, and the water line is above your outlets, that water could now be electrified. DO NOT try and test the water. Have a professional, like us, come and pump it out.
  • Or if water came from above, look up at your light fixtures. Do they seem damp, or dripping? Turn them off and inform your professional technician.
• Pad or block wood furniture. If you can remove them from the affected area, that’s even better. If you don’t have much room you can always use foil to wrap and protect wooden legs, if moving them isn’t an option.
• Remove contents from the affected area. I hope that is self-explanatory. The less that gets wet, the less that gets damaged.
• If you have any fans set them to blow air on the affected areas. If you have any dehumidifiers, that’s even better! Tip: Living in the Midwest with the humidity and rain, everyone should have a dehumidifier stashed somewhere! It wouldn’t hurt to have it on hand.

Hopefully you now feel prepared to tackle this winter weather! Keep your home and your possessions safe from disasters!

As you know, if something does happen to your home or business, give us a call! SERVPRO of Rockford, we make it “Like it never even happened.”

-Angi

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rockford provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service.

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 815-964-0599

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Rockford has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Rockford 

SERVPRO of Rockford specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or 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.