A Small Water Leak Can Be a Big Problem

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

A sudden faucet broke with water spewing all over the bathroom, you’d call the plumber to get the damage fixed right away. But, when you have a small drip under your sink, you wait another day, or even weeks to repair the leak.

It might not seem bad in the beginning; even small leaks can become too big for you to handle. By the time you realize it, you’re dealing with a major headache from all the damage and expenses that one simple leak has caused.

Monthly Water Expenses Increase

A dripping sink will affect your water bill. Drips from a leaky faucet or sink can add up to a lot of money on your monthly water bill.

Water Leak Statistics:
The following shows the amount of water that can be lost for various size leaks.

Common water Loss examples:

Leaking Pipe @ 30 drips per second = 2 Gallons per Day
Leaking Pipe @ 60 drips per minute = 5 Gallons per Day
Leaking Pipe @ 120 drips per minute = 11 Gallons per Day

Typical Normal Water Uses:

1 Bath = 42 Gal
1 Shower = 17 Gal to 50 Gal
Wash 1 Load of Clothes = 45 Gal
Flush Toilet = 3 Gal

You can do your own calculations to determine water loss.

Extensive Damage in Your Home

If you think that a small leak will always stay small, think again. The damage from the leak can extend to other parts of your home. If you start noticing signs of leaks in your home, contact SERVPRO of Mason City.

How to Handle Water Damage from a Backed-up Toilet

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Having a toilet back up in your home could be one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a person. Calling a plumber, although at the top of your list, should not be your only call. The water coming from your toilet could contain bacteria and numerous other micro-organisms that could be hazardous to your health. You should be ready to call the professionals to help take care of your home for your and your family’s health. As mitigation specialists, SERVPRO of Mason City has the tools and equipment to make sure you and your family will be breathing clean sanitary air in almost no time at all. There are a few steps you can take before the PROS gets there though.

• Make sure to keep pets and children clear of the affected area.
• Do NOT use fans to try and dry it up, you may be blowing bacteria all over your home.
• Call a plumber if the issue cannot be resolved by you.
• Call your insurance, most back-ups from toilets and drains are covered by insurance.

 Remember the pros are only a phone call away.

SERVPRO of Mason City      

641-424-3382

Tips to Prevent Water Damage to Home Exteriors

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water has a sneaky way of entering your home in many ways, which can end up damaging the foundation. Here at SERVPRO of Mason City, we take protecting your home from water damage seriously. We have put together a few tips to keep your home safe!

1. Disconnect hoses
2. Clean gutters and downspouts
3. Maintain trees and vegetation
4. Know your water main
5. Check appliances regularly
6. Investigate leaks right away and fix them promptly
7. Upgrade washing machine hoses
8. Install water detection devices
9. Check your water pressure
10. Monitor your water bill

Remember to check all areas of your home in order to prevent any potential water, that can intrude your home from the exterior part of your walls! For all your water damage services call SEVRPRO of Mason City at (641) 424-3382.

The Dishwasher

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Dishwashers can leak and lead to serious flooding. This is a problem most people want to avoid, especially because the water can seep into the floor and cause water damage problems below. To prevent any dishwasher mishaps, keep the kitchen sink unclogged. If kitchen repair is needed, it’s best to dry out the area and call a professional.

The Solution

There are a few common ways to discover water problems in the home. If you are concerned about kitchen leaks or water damage in your home, look out for the following signs:

• Dripping water
• Stained ceilings or floors
• Swollen or wet walls
• Mold

If you discover any of these, contact a professional for help. Water damage should be taken care of quickly to avoid further problems.

Home repair after water damage

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

A restoration company can help you to undertake the restoration process that entails drying a flooded home as well as the mitigation procedures. The water cleanup job on the flooded home requires a reputable restoration company and special equipment in the quest to expedite the drying and restoration process. Drying all the water in home appliances helps to fast track the water cleanup, restoration, and drying process. Embarking on the water cleanup without dealing with the pipe break can be a futile venture. Expensive items such as carpets, wallboards, and electronic appliances can also be ruined.

When it comes to the removal of the water in business drains, it is vital to unblock them too. When it comes to flood damage mitigation in a flooded home, sandbags can come in handy if you want to redirect the water. As you redirect the water in home drains, be sure to repair the supply line break if you want to save time during the water cleanup and mitigation process. You should always think of mitigation if you want to minimize the flood damage. Repairing a flooded home is more expensive than preventing the problem by addressing the main culprits such as leaky drains and the supply line break.

Timing is Important

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water damage from frozen pipes, Contact SERVPRO of Mason City immediately. We will have our trained and experienced team members on-site quickly to evaluate the damages. 

In any water damage situation, timing is very important. The longer the water sits in your home or business, the more likely secondary damages can occur. SERVPRO of Mason City makes sure to follow all of the guidelines of the IICRC. 

It is critical to make sure plenty of pictures are taken of any water loss. This way if there are any problems, the job will be well documented. On any job, SERVPRO's main goal is to get the job done quickly and efficiently. 

If you have any questions about water damage restoration, contact us directly at any time. We have team members standing by, 24/7.

The leading cause of water damage in the United States is burst pipes

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

This time of year, we shift from fall to winter, and while mother nature may be done unleashing her rainy fury on us, the dangers of water are not out of sight. Water problems in homes can come from both internal and external sources. The leading cause of water damage in the United States is burst pipes. Every year about 1 in 50 homeowners will file water damage or freezing pipe claims. There are varying types of water that can contaminate your home. Category 1 water, also known as “Clean Water,” comes from a clean source like a broken water line. This water can easily turn into category 2 or 3 water if left untreated. Category 2 water would include “Grey Water”. This encompasses water from sources like dishwashers, washing machines, and may contain bacteria or viruses and exposure may cause discomfort or illness. Category 3 water, also known as “Black Water” is grossly contaminated. Category 3 water can come from flooding of rivers, toilet water, or sewage backup. Contact with Category 3 water should be avoided and left to us. Category 3 water can cause severe illness or death if ingested.

Category 1, 2, and 3, water can all lead to mold when left untreated. Mold can wreak havoc on a property or home in as little as 48-72 hours. Molds produce health effects. The dangers of mold are most prevalent in children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems. At SERVPRO of Mason City, we have highly trained professionals on stand-by ready for whatever happens. We can conquer your water issue and dry everything out properly to reduce the risk of mold. The mold remediation process is a carefully selected 7-step process. Mold can often be hidden from plain view. Once we are contacted, we come in and do a thorough visual inspection and use air sample tests to identify the problem areas. Various containment methods utilizing negative air chambers are used to isolate the contaminated areas and keep the microscopic mold spores from spreading. Once containment is set, we will filter the hair using HEPA filters, capturing the spores from the air and preventing the spread of the spores throughout the remediation process. At SERVPRO of Mason City, we use commercial-grade equipment and compounds to treat and eliminate mold colonies. We also remove and dispose of materials infected with mold-like carpet and drywall. Once all of the affected areas are treated or removed, our techs will clean your restorable items and restore anything affected to its pre-disaster state. One of the little-known gems about us is that we feature a reconstruction team. In the event that areas of drywall and finishing needed to be torn out, we are your one-stop shop for putting it all back together. Our reconstruction team is ready to help you make your water or mold issue "Like it never even happened."

3 WAYS YOU COULD BE DAMAGING YOUR DISHWASHER

9/25/2021 (Permalink)

1. Dirty Dishes

Placing dirty dishes in the dishwasher can clog the pump assembly, drain lines, or spray arms. A buildup in the pump assembly can prevent the dishes from getting properly cleaned.

2. Overloading

One of the easiest ways to make sure everything can get sprayed is not to overload your dishwasher. Yes, you want to run it when it is full because this saves time and resources, but overfilling it will not allow it to wash properly. In fact, Overloading prevents dishes from getting fully cleaned and may cause you to rinse the same dishes twice, causing additional wear on the unit. There is a fine line between full and overload.

3. Non-Dishwasher Safe Items

The dishwasher, while great in so many ways, is way too rough for many of our most prized kitchen items. Before you start loading the rack with reckless abandon, check out the 10 things that should NEVER go in the dishwasher.

1. Wooden Utensils and Cutting Boards
2. Cast Iron Pans
3. Gold Trim Plates
4. Good Knives
5. Items with Hollow Handles
6. Copper and Pewter Items
7. Crystal and Hand-blown Glass
8. Travel Mugs
9. Takeout Containers
10. Containers with Labels

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

When water gets into a structure and is dried incorrectly, mold and mildew can form making the occupants extremely ill. Trained and certified to the highest standards in the industry, our professional production team responds immediately - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - to mitigate loss and meet every challenge with professionalism, reliability, compassion, and respect. Our technicians identify the full extent of moisture damage, both obvious and unseen, by using sensors such as moisture detectors and state of science technology.  Meanwhile, we help homeowners overcome their feeling of helplessness by explaining the process in a way that they can understand what is happening, what to expect, and what they can do. SERVPRO of Mason City’s commitment to customer excellence includes insurance professionals; which means that insurance agents and claims adjusters can expect effective, ongoing communication and reporting. We understand insurance industry requirements. Our professional production team will provide a complete estimate, including photos, to the agent or adjuster within 24-48 hours. Call SERVPRO of Mason City and get quality water damage restoration services, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold and mildew removal and if your home, business or insurance customer needs one of our large selection of biohazard removal services, we are ready, trained, and equipped to provide you with any cleanup, mitigation, and restoration service.  Call us today at 641-424-3382!

Why You Should Check Your Gutters.

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Gutters play a key role in preventing water damage to your home. That is why it is essential that you keep your gutters clean. Their purpose is to channel rainwater to the downspouts and away from the home, protecting roofs, walls, and foundations of homes. To keep gutters working properly, it is important to make sure that gutters are cleaned regularly so that water can flow freely to the downspouts and away from your home.

Clogged gutters can cause many issues for a homeowner. If water finds its way into the walls and ceilings of the home, it will cause interior damage. In winter months, pooling water around the foundation of the home can cause foundation cracks if it freezes and expands. The paint and siding of a home can also be damaged as water overflows from the gutters.

Water Damage To Your Property.

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Has your property experienced flooding? Water damage can be a serious issue to handle on your own. When you choose SERVPRO of Mason City, our team will put our years of experience to work for you. Extracting water and moisture as quickly as possible. When water has time to sit, it can cause further damage like destroying carpets and upholstery, while also weakening support beams. Complications and damages caused by excess water build-up include mold growth, structural damage, and other costly issues. To avoid the damage and costs of a lengthy cleanup process, it is important to call SERVPRO of Mason City immediately and start taking care of the problem as soon as you notice it. We are available 24/7. You can reach us at 641-424-3382

What Happens After A Water Loss?

7/10/2021 (Permalink)

When dealing with a flood SERVPRO of Mason City is here to help. Here is what you can expect:

Within one hour of SERVPRO being made aware of your loss one our SERVPRO professional will contact you to arrange for service.

Within four hours, our SERVPRO professional will be on-site to start mitigation. Fast response is the key to reducing damage!

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal summary will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally the adjuster or property owner/manager.

Our professionals will work efficiently to regain control of the property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use restoration techniques to ensure that the property is taken care of right the first time.

After the work has been completed, a final walk through will be conducted to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

Don’t go at this alone SERVPRO of Mason City is Here to Help every step of the way.

A Flood Can Jeopardize Your Health!

6/20/2021 (Permalink)

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 flood can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Mason City 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 Flood 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

Got Water? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (641-424-3382)

Why Remove? When We Can Restore!

4/25/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage happens, there are a lot of people who want to start tearing out carpet. When a homeowner calls and asks if they should start tearing out wet materials, we typically tell them not to, because we may be able to save the materials.

If the carpet can be saved, we remove the pad from underneath, extract any standing water on the ground, and extract the carpet. We often “float” the carpet, by attaching the carpet to an air mover and blowing air under it.

If the carpet is not salvageable, we promptly remove the carpet and pad, and focus on drying the remaining wet materials.

Before you start ripping wet carpeting out of your home or commercial building, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Mason City.

Not All Waterfalls Are Beautiful!

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

We all think waterfalls look beautiful in nature, but flowing down your stairs in your home is a different story.

Water intrusion into your home can be devastating, from flooded floors, wet walls and cabinets to ceilings about ready to collapse.  But knowing that SERVPRO is here to help will lessen that anxiety.  We will professionally take care of your home. From the first call to the last piece of drying equipment removed from your home, you are the most important customer to us.  Our team will make sure that what needs to be accomplished is getting done. You will feel confident that you hired SERVPRO of Austin & Albert Lea. We possess and utilize the most current tools in the industry.  Remember without you as our customer, there is no us at SERVPRO Austin & Albert Lea.

What To Do During The Season Change

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Isn’t it true that we all need water to survive?  In fact, 60% of the human body is water. We need water to keep our bodies going!  However, there is nothing worse than water where it's not supposed to be. Wouldn’t you agree?

As the late winter snow falls and the early spring rains begin there are steps that can be taken to  prevent that moisture from damaging your home. If your basement walls are susceptible to water seeping in or flooding, it is important to have your furnace, water heater and other appliances, along with cords elevated.

Here are some things you can do to prevent water damage to your basement:  When removing snow from your driveway and sidewalks, always make sure that snow is being moved away from the home so when it melts it runs away from the foundation. Another important preventative measure is to clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris.  Extend the downspouts out a few feet from the foundation to prevent the water from collecting near the home. It is also important to grade the dirt away from the foundation.

If you do have water where you don’t want it... SERVPRO IS HERE TO HELP CLEAN UP THE DAMAGE!  

Call us at 641-424-3382

Water Extraction

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

As an insurance agent, adjuster or property manager you may wonder why SERVPRO extracts water from soaked rugs and carpets that will most likely end up being thrown away anyway! There are a few reasons for this; first, the weight of a wet carpet or rug requires more manpower to remove and move, so extracting water reduces the weight of the carpets to be removed significantly. This not only makes the material easier to lift and requires fewer technicians but it is safer for our technicians to handle, reducing on-site injuries. Also, by removing the weight of the water we reduce the amount of total weight of the waste removed, helping to keep waste removal fees down. Finally, by extracting and removing the water from wet carpets and rugs we are removing the water from the property entirely! The importance of this cannot be understated because removing water from the property quickly is the first step in preventing further structural damage and mold growth. Dragging wet rugs and carpets from a property without extraction can leave water behind and exasperate an already frustrating situation. SERVPRO of Mason City is ready 24/7 to service your needs! call us at (641)424-3382

The Changing Temps

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

With the temps rising after a cold spell, beware that your pipes might burst after they warm up. This is the time of the year where we at SERVPRO of Mason City see a lot of pipes burst. 

The way to prevent the pipe from bursting is quite simple. during the really cold spells leave your water faucet drip slowly. This keeps the water flowing through the pipes and keeps it from freezing.

We have received a lot of calls dealing with frozen pipes. Another thing that frozen pipes could cause is  a sewage back up. With a sewage back up please get ahold of us right away. There is a lot of harmful things that come with sewage. SERVPRO of Mason City techs have been specially trained in how to deal with a sewage. 

Hope the new year brings everyone a very successful year. Thanks for visiting the SERVPRO of Mason City Web page.

Mason City, IA 24/7 Emergency Water Damage Service

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City, Austin & Albert Lea 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 - 641-424-3382

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 Mason City 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 Mason City

SERVPRO of Mason City 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.

The cold months are right around the corner!

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

This busted pipe can cause a lot of damage in the winter months

With the cold months right around the corner here are a few tips to avoid a disaster 

• Keep your house warm and allow the warm air to circulate as much as possible. Seal drafts and keep interior doors open. If you are going to be gone for an extended period, don’t turn off the heat. Keep it set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
   
• Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow heat to reach the pipes. Be sure to move cleaners and other chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
   
• Open indoor faucets, hot and cold, to allow a trickle of water. Flowing water is less likely to freeze. Do this to at least one faucet on every floor if you can. Another tip would be to have someone check your property throughout the period your gone too.                                            

Air Conditioner Condensation Lines Cause Water Damage

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Leaking AC Condensation Line Causing Damages to Subfloor.

It is common for an air conditioning unit to build up condensation as it operates, which is normally drained away quickly. However, any issues with this draining mechanism can cause much larger issues if your unit is inside the home. Following your manufacturer’s instructions as far as inspection and maintenance is the best thing you can do to prevent this, in addition to doing your own visual checks in between official inspection calls.

Your air conditioner–when working properly–draws moisture from the air and generates water as part of the condensation process. The water produced by the AC system typically runs out the back of the unit or drains into condensation pan attached to a drain line designed to channel the water to a safe area. If you do not pay attention, water can collect inside the system or drip into areas of your home causing damage.

Excess water can damage all parts of your AC system. You might require parts or system replacement if the excess water is not addressed for a long time. Water intrusion from AC units can also damage your home and decrease AC efficiency.

Summer is a common time for the AC Units to be running a lot more. Never neglect water building up in an area of your home no matter how small they seem. That tiny leak can cause major damage to your home. Small leaks can seem like a trickle but that trickle slowly but surely will eat away at your property. 

Our experts at SERVPRO of Mason City, Austin and Albert Lea are specialized in mitigating damages and doing the least amount of replacements as possible. With that in mind, it is best to assess the possible water damage as soon as possible.

"Like it never even happened."

CAN YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORS BE SAVED AFTER WATER/MOISTURE DAMAGE?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Most homeowners worry that water damage that has occurred in their home may cause permanent damage to their hardwood floors. The damaging effect of water on wood builds over time. By the time you notice a change in your wood floor, the water has already hurt the floor. One of the first signs that water has damaged your floor is cupping of individual planks, or crowning of several planks, creating a hump in the floor. Once the wood absorbs water, it expands and this expansion reveals itself in the edges of the board turning up, or whole planks buckling. Hardwood floors go through changes as humidity levels shift as well.  At SERVPRO of Mason City, our top priority is to reverse the effect of cupping and buckling in your floor. We will closely monitor humidity levels and allow wood planks to return to their ideal state.  Our trained technicians can also increase the airflow beneath the floor itself, with minimal perforation to the finish on the floor. We may also create a drying chamber if needed. Technicians at SERVPRO of Mason City are also trained to remove the finish from the floor if it becomes an evaporation barrier. Whenever you face the consequences of excessive moisture and water damage, we are here to help, 24/7. Leave the work to our expert team. We have the knowledge needed for the treatment of different materials such as wood, textiles, and composite. Count on us to make it, “Like it never even happened.” 

What to do next

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Nothing is more stressful then returning home from a trip out of town, walking in your front door to find water throughout your home. The stress of not knowing where it is coming from or how long it has been happening kicks in immediately, quickly followed by what to do next. As you spring into action to find the source of the loss, you come to find out that your basement has 2 feet of water in it. You race to shut off the water in your house in hopes to stop or slow the water. After you turn the valve off you call your plumber.

When your plumber arrives, he finds a busted water line from your refrigerator is the cause of the water loss. The plumber informs you that the water has leaked out to other rooms in your home such as the living room, bedroom, and bathroom.

With the information provided to you by your plumber you know it is time to call SERVPRO. You know SERVPRO has trained and certified technicians in water damage restoration. Plus, they have the tools and skills to get the job done right from beginning to end.

Steps To Take If Water Is In Your Home

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home can come from many different sources and be a very stressful and messy situation. SERVPRO of Mason City is here for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We have trained professionals to safely dry and clean the affected area. We have the proper equipment and tools to dry out the area. If water damage ever occurs in your home, there are a few steps that can be done to stop further damage.

• Shut off the source of water if possible
• Turn off electricity before unplugging anything or using any outlet or appliance
• Try and remove standing water with either a shop vac, mop, or even towels to soak up standing water
• Call your insurance company
• Take pictures of the area that has water damage

Tips to Control the Humidity in Your Home

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Something as simple as humidity in your home can cause a multitude of problems including mold, dust mites, and structural damage. This can lead to not only structural damage to your home, but also health problems. You can help control the humidity in your home by taking the following steps:

• Install exhaust fans in high moisture areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. Be sure to install exhaust fans with the vent going outside, not inside your home.
• Keep the number of plants that you have in your home to a minimum. Plants produce moisture and be mindful of over watering any houseplants, this too can increase the amount of moisture in the air.

Ventilation is essential to reducing the amount of indoor humidity. In the event that you are to have mold or structural damage, SERVPRO of Mason City can help.