How do you keep pipes from freezing?

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

You can take preventative measures to keep pipes from breaking.

Frozen pipes can cause damage to your home, and they can also lead to expensive repairs. The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to take precautions during winter months. You may not be able to prevent all freezing, but you can minimize damage.

Take precautions during winter months.

Taking precautions during the winter months can help reduce pipe breaks when the weather starts to warm up. Keeping all unneeded rooms doors closed to keep rooms warm.

Don't leave faucets running for long periods of time--even if you're not using much water at all! Running water causes excess condensation that can freeze inside pipes and cause them to burst when temperatures drop overnight or during cold snaps in springtime.

Avoid using heating pads on pipes--they're notorious for causing damage! If you must use one around your plumbing system, make sure it's only on low settings so as not to overheat anything near where they're located. Also keep an eye out for signs of melting plastic or rubber seals around where these devices are placed because they could leak into other areas nearby if left unattended long enough.

Insulate pipes and keep wrapped in foam or other insulating material.

Use a heat tape to keep pipes warm, especially if you don't have central heating. The best way to do this is to wrap the tape around your main water pipe line, which runs through the basement and into your home's walls or crawlspace. Heat tapes can be purchased online or at hardware stores, but installation requires some DIY skills and may require hiring an electrician if you're unsure of what you're getting into.

Use a thermostat-controlled switch to turn off power when temperatures drop below freezing outside so that no heat is wasted inside your home on non-essential items such as lights, televisions and computers and thus lessening their impact on heating costs.

Turn down the heat thermostat on your water heater

Turn down the heat thermostat on your water heater so it will not be as cold when it is turned on. This can help reduce the chance that water in pipes will freeze and burst.

How do you turn down a thermostat? If your water heater has an adjustable dial, turn it to a lower setting (between 120 degrees F and 125 degrees F). If not, contact a professional plumber who can adjust or replace the unit with one that has an adjustable thermostat control. If your existing unit is already frozen, call SERVPRO for your emergency plumbing service immediately.

You can take steps to prevent frozen pipes and minimize damage if they do freeze. The best way to prevent frozen pipes is by taking precautions during winter months. You may not be able to prevent all freezing, but you can minimize damage by following these steps. Give SERVPRO of St. George a call today!

Do I Need A Sump Pump?

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

A sump pump is a device that uses water pressure to remove excess liquid from the bottom of a basement or crawl space.

Sump pumps are a common sight in basements and crawl spaces, but you may not realize what they do or why you need one. A sump pump is a device that uses water pressure to remove excess liquid from the bottom of a basement or crawl space. This prevents flooding by pushing water back up through drainage pipes, preventing it from pooling in your foundation and causing damage to your property.

Sump pumps prevent water damage in your basement

Sump pumps are a common device found in basements. They remove water from the basement and keep it dry. Sump pits are holes in the ground or pavement of your property, which is typically designed to collect rainwater runoff and prevent it from seeping into your home. When sump pumps are installed, they draw this water out of the basement and drain it into an outside drain system or stormwater drainage system.

Sump pumps should be replaced if they fail to work properly, if they are not regularly maintained or cleaned out (if necessary), or if there has been any physical damage sustained during the installation or operation of your sump pump system.

Most basements will need a sump pump

Most basement owners will find that they need a sump pump. With that said, it's not a given that every basement will require one. A sump pump is helpful in preventing water damage and mold growth in your home. However, it isn't always necessary if you have an exterior drainage system.

Sump pumps can be expensive and difficult to install, especially for the DIYer who doesn't have much experience working with electrical systems or plumbing. It is always best to rely on a professional when it comes to sump pump installation and maintenance.

How long do sump pumps last?

The life of a sump pump depends on the type of pump and how it is used. The average lifespan of a sump pump is roughly ten years, though they may last longer if they are properly maintained.

Sump pump maintenance tips

Sump pump maintenance is often overlooked, but it can prolong the lifespan of your sump pump. Proper maintenance should be performed at least every 3 months:

• Clean the sump pump screen every 3 months.
• Remove any debris caught in the sump pit and ensure that you don’t have any rust or corrosion on it; replace it if necessary.
• Remove the sump pump from the pit once a year a perform a thorough cleaning.

Sump pumps can save you a lot of time and money by keeping water out of your basement. The best part is that they don't require much maintenance so it's easy to keep them working properly! If your sump pump fails and it results in water damage on your property, don't hesitate and give our SERVPRO of St. George team a call today!

Everything You Need to Know About Smoke Damage

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

This guide will help you recognize the signs of smoke damage, understand how it affects your property, and learn what steps to take.

Smoke damage can be a serious problem. It's often more extensive than you think, and it can happen to even the best-protected homes. This guide will help you recognize the signs of smoke damage, understand how it affects your property, and learn what steps to take after suffering from smoke damage.

Smoke damage can be obvious or subtle.

Smoke damage can be obvious or subtle. The lingering smell of smoke is often the first sign, but sometimes there are no smells at all—the damage tends to occur behind the scenes. Smoke from cooking accidents and cigarettes can cause significant damage too, so even if you don't smell anything out of the ordinary, it's important to check for signs of smoke damage in your home or office space. 

Smoke-damaged property may have any number of telltale signs:

• A coating on the walls and ceiling that resembles white paint
• Discoloration on walls, ceilings, and furnishings
• Soot webs on the ceilings and walls

Understanding smoke damage.

Smoke damage is perhaps one of the most difficult types of damage to deal with, and can cause your property to be unsaleable if not handled properly. Not only does smoke damage need special attention in order to get rid of it, but even after cleaning it may still be present in some form. 

If a fire has caused smoke damage to your property, it's time for some remediation. Smoke and soot are extremely corrosive to many surfaces, including wood, drywall, carpet, and fabric. In addition to discoloring walls and floors, smoke can also leave behind an unpleasant odor that can permeate the air for months after the fire is extinguished. Although you may be tempted to just cover up the smell with perfumes or room sprays, they won't be nearly as effective as professional cleaning services—and they'll only mask the problem temporarily at best.

Smoke odors are extremely stubborn and tend to linger for months or even years after a fire has occurred. In addition, smoke can cause permanent discoloration along surfaces such as walls and ceilings that will require repainting or covering up with new drywall. 

It is dangerous to clean up from a fire without professional help.

It's important to understand that if you attempt to clean up from a fire without professional help, you can be exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins. You may be injured by sharp objects that have been burned and are now sharp, such as glass or metal. You could even be exposed to asbestos, lead or mold if the material was present in the home before the fire occurred.

Do not try to clean up after a fire yourself, call your local SERVPRO experts for assistance today!

Smoke damage can be a big problem, with serious consequences for your home and family. If you've found yourself facing this problem, don't panic! It's important to remember that there are resources out there for people who have encountered smoke damage in their homes. Our SERVPRO of St. George team is always on standby and ready to respond to your fire, smoke, and soot damage!

Tips for Protecting Your Valuables from Fire

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

The most important way to protect your valuables is to install smoke alarms

Tips for Protecting Your Valuables from Fire

Fires are a serious threat to homes, businesses, and lives. They can be started by anything from faulty wiring to cooking mishaps—and if your home is damaged by fire, you're at risk of losing some of your most valuable possessions. To protect against this possibility, start with these tips:

Use Fireproof Storage

If you have valuables that you'd like to keep safe, store them in a place that is fireproof. Fireproof containers are made of metal or concrete and are rated for a specific temperature. Make sure to read the rating before buying one, because it will tell you how hot the container can withstand before it melts or explodes. You can find these containers at most hardware stores and online retailers like Amazon.

You should invest in a quality safe that can withstand fire, water, and theft. Safes are typically made out of metal or concrete to protect the valuables inside. Most safes also have an electronic locking system for added security.

When it comes to choosing the right size and type of safe, consider what you will be storing in it. For example, if you want to store documents such as passports and birth certificates then an all-metal fireproof document safe would be ideal because these items cannot stand up to water damage. If your valuables include jewelry and other precious metals then a combination lock safe is best because they are both waterproof and theft-proof while still meeting fire safety standards

Install Smoke Alarms

The most important way to protect your valuables is to install smoke alarms. These are devices that detect smoke and fire, alerting you to the danger so that you can act quickly. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of your home, including the basement. Follow these steps:

• Read the instructions on how to install your new smoke alarm.
• Slide up or pull off any face plate on your current unit that covers a screw hole in order to access it, then replace it after installing the new unit (or remove it if no such plate exists).
• Turn off power at circuit breakers before doing anything else, unless you have a hardwired system with battery backup; if this is what you have installed in your home, proceed when ready.

Protecting the Whole Home

You can make your home more fireproof by installing smoke detectors, testing them regularly, and keeping fire extinguishers within easy reach. Smoke detectors should be installed on every floor of your house and near sleeping areas. Test them once a month by pressing the test button or pulling the pin. 

Fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible areas like kitchens and hallways; they should also be labeled according to their contents so that everyone knows what type of fire they will put out (e.g., standard ABC extinguisher for paper fires). If you have any questions about how to use them, consult an expert at your local hardware store. 

Finally, create a fire escape plan: designate two exits from every room so that everyone knows where they're going if there's an emergency; practice this plan regularly so everyone remembers it even when stressed out by danger.

Review Your Plan with Your Family Often

It’s important to review your family’s fire safety plan with them often. A fire safety plan is a map of your house that shows the locations of all exits, where you would meet after escaping and any other important information you would need in an emergency. Your plan should also be reviewed by everyone who lives or spends time at your home, including friends and relatives. As we age and our physical abilities change, it may be necessary to update an existing plan with new information about how best to get out if something goes wrong in a particular part of the house.

It’s also important that you practice your escape route regularly so that everyone knows what to do if there is ever an actual emergency (and even more importantly, so that everyone knows not to panic).

Taking precautions against fire will help you save what matters most to you.

Fire safety is important for everyone, especially if you have a family and/or valuables. It’s a good idea to review your fire safety plan regularly and practice it with your family so that everyone knows the steps to take in case of a fire.

We know that fires are scary, but we also know that you can protect your valuables from them. The best way to do this is by taking precautions and making smart decisions about where you store your things. If you follow these tips, then you’ll have a much easier time protecting yourself from a devastating fire—and hopefully, even prevent one altogether!

If your home catches on fire and you find you need some of your contents restored, call SERVPRO of St. George.

The Water Damage Restoration Process Explained

11/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home call SERVPRO of St. George.

The Water Damage Restoration Process Explained

Water damage can be a frightening experience. There are many steps involved, which can be confusing if you're not familiar with the process. We've created this guide to help you understand what to expect during the water damage restoration process.

Contacting a Water Restoration Company

If you have water damage, the first thing to do is contact a water damage restoration company. You should ask for a free estimate. The person who gives you an estimate will want to know:

• how much water has gotten into your home or business
• how long the area was wet before it was discovered
• what caused the leak and where it occurred in your property's structure.

Ask about their experience with similar problems and how they will approach this one. It's also important to find out how long it will take for them to complete the job. Ask about their insurance coverage, as well as any certifications they have that relate specifically to water damage restoration work in your area.

Inspection and Evaluation

The first step in the water damage restoration process is an inspection and evaluation. The goal of this step is to determine the extent of damage and assess the extent of the damage. If you do, contact a company that specializes in water damage restoration, like SERVPRO of St. George. This will help them determine what type of equipment they’ll need and how long it will take for your home or business to be restored.

Once you have contacted them, they will come out to assess the situation. They may perform tests like taking moisture readings from different parts of the property so they can determine where exactly all this moisture is coming from. They will also take pictures throughout the entire process!

Water Removal

The next step in the water damage restoration process is to remove all of the water from a property. To do this, professionals will use a wet/dry vacuum for dry extraction or an industrial pump for extraction. The goal is to remove as much moisture as possible before any other steps in the process are taken.

The importance of removing all excess moisture from your property cannot be understated: not only does it prevent further damage, but it can also help prevent mold growth and ensure that your home doesn’t become uninhabitable due to unsafe conditions. For many people, water removal is often seen as being one of the most stressful parts of dealing with a flood or another type of spillage because there are so many factors involved.

Drying and Dehumidification

Next, you need to dry out and dehumidify the home to prevent mold growth. The longer you wait, the more likely mold growth will occur. If drying and dehumidifying are not completed in a timely manner, the structure of your home can be permanently damaged by water damage.

Once you have dried out the affected area, you will need to clean up all of the water that remains in it, even the moisture that has been absorbed into the floors, walls, and ceilings. This task is best left up to professionals who have experience dealing with water damage restoration so that they can properly dispose of any hazardous materials.

Cleaning and Repairing

After the water damage is thoroughly cleaned up, you need to make sure that the property is safe to occupy again. This can be challenging without the proper knowledge,  equipment, and cleaning solutions. That’s why we use experienced and knowledgeable technicians who have been trained on how best to get your home back in shape before it’s too late.

When we finish with your property, it will look like nothing ever happened! You will be able to move back into your home with no worries whatsoever.

The water damage restoration process can be complicated. You’ve probably heard stories of homeowners going through this on their own, but they almost always end up making things worse if they don’t have the right equipment or know-how. It’s definitely worth it to call in the professionals when dealing with water damage because they know exactly what they’re doing and will handle everything from start to finish so you don't have to worry about anything else! If you need help with any of these steps, give our SERVPRO of St. George team a call today!

What should I look for in a fire restoration company

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage is often overwhelming in its scope and severity, leaving you wondering how you will ever be able to get back on your feet again.

What Characteristics Should I Look For In A Fire Restoration Company?

We at SERVPRO of St. George know what it's like to lose a building due to fire. That's why we make sure our team is trained and equipped with the right tools to get the job done right the first time so you can get back to normal as soon as possible!

Why is there a need for fire restoration?

A fire can be a devastating event for any owner, and they may feel overwhelmed with the process of getting their home or business in St. George, UT, back to normal. Fire damage is often overwhelming in its scope and severity, leaving you wondering how you will ever be able to get back on your feet again. At times like these, it's good to know that there are professionals who specialize in dealing with such disasters who can help you during this difficult process.

What is so special about SERVPRO of St. George?

If you ever find yourself in a situation where your property has been damaged by fire, SERVPRO of St. George can help. We are certified fire damage restoration specialists and have years of experience restoring properties after they’ve been affected by fire. Our team knows how to handle everything from smoke and water damage to ash removal and much more. When it comes to restoring your home after a fire, we have the expertise that you need when looking for a trustworthy partner who understands exactly what needs to be done in order to get your space back into livable condition.

We understand that any type of structural damage can be stressful for homeowners—so let us take care of it! Call us today at (435) 656-9061 or inquire online so we can begin working on your property now!

When a building suffers a fire, we make sure the restoration is done right the first time.

When it comes to fire restoration, there are lots of things to consider. Whether your home or building has been damaged by a fire, water damage, or smoke damage we have the right equipment and training to do the job correctly. With our experience in this field, we know what to expect from a restoration project and how best to approach it. We also understand that every job is different and requires a unique solution tailored to the specific needs of each customer. For us, everything starts with attitude – an attitude that says, “No problem!”

As you can see, the fire restoration process is a long and complicated one. But SERVPRO of St. George will be there every step of the way to make sure that your home or business is restored properly and safely. We know it’s not easy being a homeowner or a small business owner, so we want to give you peace of mind when tragedy strikes. Our team is here to help get your life back on track as quickly and smoothly as possible. We have extensive experience in this field and want nothing more than for our customers to be happy with the work we do for them!

Developing a Fire Evacuation Plan

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Take your family on a tour of your home to make sure everyone understands how to use a fire escape successfully.

Creating An Evacuation Plan In The Event Of A Fire

As a homeowner and parent, you couldn’t bear the thought of a devastating fire threatening your kids’ safety or the security of your house and belongings. In the event of a fire, the most important thing you can do for your family is safely get everyone out. To avoid confusion and panic, it’s essential that you develop an escape plan so that if this terrible ordeal does occur, everyone will know what to do. There are some basic steps and components for evacuating if your Veyo,UT home is on fire.


Conduct a Thorough Walk-Through

You live in your home, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t become more familiar with the intricacies of the layout and places of exit. Take your family through your house to ensure everyone knows how to effectively take part in a fire escape.

• Inspect the windows and doors in every room.
• Make sure the windows open easily and that even younger family members can open them.
• Make sure there are at least two ways out of every room.

Pick a Gathering Place

Once everyone has safely escaped the home fire, you need a place to congregate. This should be a safe distance from the home, and it should be a place everyone is familiar with. Make sure everyone in your family knows the spot you’ve designated so there won’t be any mistakes about where you should go if a fire starts.

Practice the Escape

You hope to never have to put this escape plan in motion, but if you have to, you’ll be glad you’ve done a few run-throughs. Your kids’ safety is at stake, so make sure everyone has the process down well.

There’s nothing more important to you than your kids’ safety. If you prepare yourself and your family well, you can help minimize the chances of tragedy if a fire starts in your house.

5 Signs You Have Mold in Your Home

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in La Verkin, UT.

5 Signs You Have Mold in Your Home

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in your home in La Verkin, UT. You can commonly find it around your bathrooms, basement, or near plumbing. Any indoor environmental specialist will tell you that it is a problem that you need to look for. Fortunately, there are several easy-to-spot signs of mold.

1. Odor

While not every type of mold produces an odor, most do. If you notice a musty or earthy smell in your home that won't go away with elbow grease, it is probably coming from hidden mold. Unfortunately, hidden mold typically must be removed by professionals.

2. Visible Growth

Sometimes you will see mold growing in white lines. Other times it will look like black spots. Still yet, you could see it as patches of gray, brown, black, green, pink, white, orange, or purple growth. Anytime you find large amounts of visible growth, you need to contact an indoor environmental specialist for a mold test.

3. Water Damage

Water damage is a big cause of mold. Any time you notice signs of water damage, like stains or discoloration, or bubbling paint, you are probably dealing with something that will cause mold.

4. Water Leaks

If you've recently had a water leak, you should be on the lookout for mold in the surrounding area. Even if you have it repaired quickly, spores can still sprout behind walls. When this happens, you will need to contact an indoor environmental specialist for their removal services.

5. Flooding

Mold can also pop up after flooding. If you've experienced flooding recently, chances are there is mold growing in your house.

Mold growth in your home is a problem that will often require removal by a mold remediation company. The key is to identify and treat it early on in the case. By watching for these characteristics, you can keep your home safe from this fungus.

When Should Pipe Break Damage Mitigation Start?

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial cleanup restoration

Take The Following Mitigation Measures When A Pipe Breaks

Restoration professionals use the term “mitigation” to describe measures that limit the severity of damage. Bursting pipes can release hundreds or thousands of gallons of water into a commercial structure in Hurricane, UT. 

As Soon As a Break Is Evident
A building manager or owner should turn off the main water supply to stem the flow out of a broken pipe pouring or spraying water. Once this step has been taken, it may be possible to pursue any of the following measures:

• Collect water flow in containers
• Mop up standing water
• Extract water with a wet vacuum
  
  

Reducing the amount of water from bursting pipes that sinks into building materials and contents may limit the severity of damage. In general, clean water only requires timely extraction and drying.

Once the Flow Stops
Shutting off the water supply and gathering up water are both stopgaps. Once a licensed plumber arrives to fix broken pipe and restoration professionals assess and document damage, a building owner can have water pumped out and get the drying process underway within hours.

Over the Next 24 Hours
The primary goals of a property owner during the day after water damage occur involve removing standing water and drying any portion of a structure exposed to water damage. Restoration experts can recommend the best way to dry out a building with fans, industrial air movers, or dehumidifiers.
Bursting pipes are a common cause of property insurance claims. Water damage may cost as much as $10,000 to fix, depending on contamination level and whether building materials have been ruined and require replacement. Maintaining plumbing and arranging for timely mitigation of water damage are the best ways to keep water damage cleanup costs low at a commercial building in Hurricane, UT.

4 Ways To Prepare Your Business for a Thunderstorm

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Roof damaged by high winds.

Prepare Your Business for a Thunderstorm

You're probably used to experiencing thunderstorms in your Hurricane, UT, business building. However, you may experience one or more that are potentially dangerous, possibly to the point of requiring storm damage restoration. If this occurs, you'll want to be ready. So, here are four ways to prepare your business for a thunderstorm.

1. Make a Safety Plan
One of the most important things to do in this process is to make a plan of action. First, start by conducting a walk-through of your building. You'll need to find places for everyone to go during a storm with high winds. Look for areas that are away from the following:

• Windows
• Highly breakable glass
• Skylights

Once these spots have been located, be sure to let your employees know about each one. If you can, you may want to create signage as a reminder.

2. Keep Trees Trimmed

Trees can be dangerous during a storm, especially if some aren't kept trimmed. If a strong enough wind blew during a rain storm, a tree or its branches could fall and cause significant damage to your building. Fortunately, trimming trees allows the plants to better resist the wind.

3. Use Lightning Rods

Lightning rods serve as protection for buildings from lightning strikes. Be sure to get these rods installed if your building doesn't have any. If you do have lightning rods, get each one inspected on a regular basis. You don't want your protection to stop working during a rain storm.

4. Learn First Aid

In the event that one of your colleagues is injured during a storm, you'll want to know first aid. Be sure that you or someone reliable on your staff is knowledgeable in this regard. You'll also want to have some backups in case that individual isn't present.

Preparing for a dangerous rain storm is an important task for any business owner. No matter how high or low your area's storm risk is, be sure to give the preparation process your full attention.