How Surface Water May Be Causing Your Flooded Basement

6/21/2023 (Permalink)

How to Protect Your Foundation and Prevent This Type of Flooding

A flooded basement can be caused by surface water flooding, meaning external water is not draining correctly away from your home. You can do a few things to help protect your foundation and prevent this type of flooding.

1. Dealing with Roofline Overflow

Overflowing and clogged gutter systems can result in significant damage. Overflow from gutters can lead to the wearing away of soil and foundational cracks. The three most common causes of gutter system overflow and basement flooding are:

• Leaf Buildup: Gutters should be cleaned a few times per year, typically at the change of seasons. When debris is left to clog the gutters, the overflow trickles down exterior walls and into your basement.
  
  
• Insufficient Downspouts: If there are not enough downspouts or an inadequate diameter, water can overflow during heavy rains.
  
  
• Inadequate Downspout Length: Downspouts should extend at least 10 feet away from your home.

2. Preventing Flooding Due to Landscape Design

If not appropriately sloped, landscaping can force surface water to settle toward the house, which, if left unchecked, will weaken the soil around your foundation and lead to cracks in basement walls, allowing water to enter. Avoid this issue by ensuring all landscaping, pathways, and driveways slope away from your home. If this is not possible, then invest in a proper drainage system around your home to carry water away from your foundation. 

3. Reducing the Risk of Storm Water Backing Up

For many older homes, city storm sewers are connected to a perimeter drain. While a sump pump can prevent the risk of water backing up, storm drains can become overwhelmed and leave your sump pump ill-equipped to handle the surge when heavy rains hit. Installing a cap on the external drain can resolve the issue and involve storm damage specialists in the East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, area.

A flooded basement is preventable by eliminating common causes of surface water flooding. Ensuring gutter systems are adequate, sloping landscaping away from your foundation, and capping off nuisance drain pipes are several ways to prevent future flooding.

Sources of Category 3 Water

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

When floodwaters enter your East Memphis, Tennessee, home the results can be devastating. Floors, walls, and furniture can all be affected, and the humidity that develops inside the house due to standing water might create further damage, such as mold growth. Heavily contaminated water, also known as blackwater, can be especially difficult to remove. However, understanding the situation may help you form an effective plan of action for recovery.

Waterway Overflow

Long periods of rain or sudden torrential downpours can cause localized flooding. Your home may be especially prone to this problem if you live near a natural water source. These can include:

• A river
• A large creek
• Fast-moving streams

Because floodwaters can grow as they move, they can pick up various contaminants like animal feces, sewage chemicals, and toilet water. This is where Category 3 blackwater gets its nickname, as it is often dark with contaminants. 

Sewage Floods 

Outdoor flooding can cause secondary issues, such as a sewer backup in your home. When this occurs, your toilets can overflow with sewer water and waste. Since the flood often creates a contaminated water situation, you must call in a flood damage and water removal company to handle the sewage cleanup and restoration work. 

Standing Water 

Floodwater that comes from overflowing water appliances or a burst pipe in your kitchen may not start as Category 3 water. Still, the longer the water sits, the more contaminated it can become. Humidity can cause stagnant water to degrade, so calling in professionals to have it removed as soon as possible may help minimize the damage. 

Blackwater can cause severe damage to your East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, home. However, when you understand the source and have a team of flood removal experts standing by, you can often reduce the risk of mold growth and other issues that could be costly later. 

Water Restoration Professionals Know How to Dry Your Property

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Memphis is a Leader in the Storm Restoration Industry for a Reason

Harsh weather conditions like flooding, wind, and storms cause devastating damage to homes and businesses. Property damage due to water damage and flood water overwhelms many with concerns for personal safety and properties' security.

When this form of damage occurs to your home or business, the first step is to find safety, then contact a trustworthy water damage restoration company.

An immediate restoration response reduces the extent of damage done to a property. Since roof damage is likely to be accompanied by water damage—a gaping hole is a recipe for moisture and storm water to make itself at home—a quick emergency response reduces the risk for internal and structural water damage and microbial growth.

When contacted, water restoration experts will analyze the level of damage and make a judgment regarding how to begin. Professionals' main priority is to secure property before cleanup, repair, and restoration. Once a property's debris is removed from the exterior and roof repair is completed, experts move to drying and the internal cleanup of furniture, carpets, clothes, and other items. 

The Drying Process of SERVPRO of East Memphis

First, our team sets up industrial-strength drying equipment such as air movers and HEPA filtered dehumidifiers. Special care is taken to thoroughly dry the area around the original leak or cavity.

If water has seeped to the surrounding areas, special drying equipment is used. It can take 3-5 days for traditional drying. However, hard-to-dry materials, such as wood floors and crawlspaces, can make the process longer.

After the property is dry, the restoration of any damaged materials can start. Restoration is the most time-consuming part, but is very important and the bulk of returning the property to its preloss condition. We strive to make a property look, “Like it never even happened.”

We are available 24 hours for emergency response. Call us at (901) 382-0900.

Does My Carpet Need to Be Replaced? Professional Water Extraction and Cleaning

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

Professional Water Extraction and Cleaning

If a pipe breaks, a tub overflows, or dishwasher leaks water can spread quickly throughout your home. Moisture from one of these instances can soak into the carpet, damaging the porous fibers.

What does water do to a carpet?

If the water saturates the carpet, padding will disintegrate, and glues will weaken, causing the backing to peel away from the fibers. The moisture also causes microbes to develop on the surface of the subfloor. Water will ruin the whole carpet if left too long, so how long is too long? How would a person know if a carpet is salvageable or not?

The answer depends on a few factors. A professional restoration company will examine the cause of water damage and determine if the water is Category 1, 2, or 3. These categories describe the levels of toxicity of the water. Flood water and sewage water are seen as unsafe and are categorized differently than tap water overflowing from a sink or bathtub.

A professional will also lift the different layers for cleaning and drying. The carpet padding will likely be thrown out, no matter how long it’s been sitting, because it is relatively inexpensive to replace. This saves a lot of time, effort, and money cleaning a potential breeding ground for microbial growth. 

In general, many carpets can be restored by technicians without needing replacement—even when water seeps deep into the fibers. If the water type and severity of damage poses a health risk, though, a professional will know to rip out the carpet and replace it.

Water Extraction

After technicians inspect the danger and its source, lift layers, and remove pieces, they will extract water from the carpet fibers using specialized equipment. This equipment pulls the water up through a vacuum and sends it to a tank. Heavy-duty weighted extraction tools will be used for highly saturated carpets. Weighted extraction tools use the operator's weight to compress the carpet, allowing more moisture to be extracted.

Drying

After water extraction, a professional will set up drying equipment. Air movers—SERVPRO’s name for industrial, high-powered, blower fans—push air in a circular motion speeding up the evaporation process. Dehumidifiers are simultaneously set up to pull moisture out of the environment and lower the property’s relative humidity.

Finally, a professional will disinfect the carpet. For additional information, call our office today at (901) 754-9061!

Sewage Backup Causes and What You Can Do

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners and business owners in Memphis, TN, can often contend with slow drains, poor water pressure, or blocked pipes. If these problems sound familiar, you've probably used household solutions to overcome them. For more serious concerns, like a backed-up sewer or significant blockage in your plumbing lines, you may need more professional help with sewage cleaning.

Common Causes of Plumbing Issues

Even small plumbing problems can frustrate you, so it is helpful to know how these start. Once you know the root of the concern, you can develop a game plan to solve it. Here are a few:

• Buildup in pipes from sediment, human waste, hair, and food, causing a clogged pipe. 
• Faulty appliances
• Cold weather freezing pipes, causing them to burst

Overflowing Toilets

You can face a toilet overflow at home due to a few causes. Sometimes, you may even see this happen when you turn on the water in the shower. This indicates blockage somewhere between the toilet and the sewer. Water will back up in the waste lines and exit the first place it can: the toilet. Repairing this could be as simple as using a plunger. If that is ineffective, you could try using a sewer snake tool. You might have to call a plumber if the job gets too big. If you don't resolve this overflow, you could face significant damage and should proceed to hire a professional sewer cleaning crew. 

When your Sewage System Backs Up

If the main sewer line into your home or business backs up, you'll notice it pretty quickly because of the foul odor. Luckily, if the blockage is under the street and not on your property, your local water and sewer company should take care of it. 

If sewage water enters your home, we recommend treating the situation as an emergency and immediately calling a sewage cleanup company, like SERVPRO. Sewage water is considered Category 3 water, which can cause severe health problems and should be avoided. Our team has the protection and knowledge to safely clean up and restore your home or business after Category 3 water damage. We respond immediately, giving you peace of mind and reducing your stress during a sewage overflow. 

The prospect of sewage cleaning can be scary. Pay attention to common plumbing issues and how you can spot and repair them. If you experience a water leak emergency, call SERVPRO of East Memphis at (901) 754-9061. We are here to help 24/7! 

Tips to Clean Water Damaged Items

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

Remove Items from the Water

This sounds simple, and it can be! First, take any contaminated items out of standing water. Wearing the appropriate gear, such as goggles, gloves, rubber boots, and protective clothing, gently move items to an area where they can start to dry out. Clean the debris off as much as you can without grinding dirt into porous items. If possible, keep affected belongings indoors, as the sun and other outdoor elements can cause even more harm than help.

Reduce Humidity

While items are air drying, it's essential to reduce the home's humidity. Talk to the professionals handling the water in the home about the best way to increase airflow. They may recommend opening windows or bringing in industrial dehumidifiers to help your items dry and prevent mold growth.

Trust the Professionals

When you hire mitigation experts, they do more than fix broken pipes and replace walls. They can be a sounding board for your concerns and answer any questions you have. Their experience allows them to advise on the best method for recovering your items, whether dry cleaning or gamma irradiation. Trusting their guidance is the path to restoring your home to its former state as soon as possible.

Water in the home may be daunting, but it doesn't have to be devastating. Preserve your precious memories and other items in your home by following these tips and. Contact SERVPRO of East Memphis at (901) 754-9061 for additional information.

3 Things to Know About Drain Cleaners Before Using

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

When a clogged drain stops water from flowing through your home's plumbing, you may reach for one of several drain cleaners you have handy. These products are adept at handling small sink or toilet clogs and can help water drain smoothly. However, before you use these liquids, SERVPRO of East Memphis wants you to know where they can be used and when they might do more harm than good.

Drain Cleaners May Damage Older Pipes

Using a drain cleaner to clear a clog may harm your pipes if you have an older home. These liquids can contain several caustic ingredients designed to dissolve hair and waste, and the heat they create once introduced in the line can warp older metal pipes. If this happens, your plumbing problems may multiply instead of resolve.

Drain Cleaners May Not Remove Clogs

While some drain cleaners effectively clear a clogged drain or bathroom sink, they don't always work on large toilet clogs. Suppose the chemicals are unable to deal with the mass. In this scenario, the product can remain in the pipes and sometimes cause warping or other damage, leading to a massive toilet overflow and the need for a sewage cleaning and removal company. If a drain cleaning product doesn't produce results within 24 hours, it may be wise to call a plumber.

Drain Cleaners May Be Hazardous

Clearing a drain with a liquid cleaner can be convenient, but these products could pose a threat to you, your pets, or wildlife. They sometimes contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful when inhaled and have the potential to harm the local environment if they find their way into natural water sources. As such, it's essential to handle these products carefully.

Before reaching for a liquid drain cleaner, it's essential to know the cleaner's facts and its use. Read and follow the directions carefully on the containers to keep your home and family safe.

Remedy Sprinkler Water Damage from Commercial Business Fire

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Memphis Remedies Sprinkler Water Damage from Commercial Business Fires

A fire in a commercial business is devastating. Not only is the structural integrity of your building potentially compromised, but employees are out of work and your customers are not being served. 

And when you add additional damages from the sprinkler systems kicking on, the fire and water commercial damages compound quickly. A lot of companies cannot afford to close for a day, and SERVPRO of East Memphis understands this.

That is why we offer 24/7 commercial damage services to get commercial businesses back on their feet in as little time as possible.

For Example:

If a fire burns through a building and activates the sprinkler system, there is now both fire and water damage. This is often the case with fires since flames are smothered with water—and that water can be just as damaging or more damaging than the fire. 

We are a one-stop-shop.

Since SERVPRO has the knowledge, equipment, and staff to treat fire and water damages simultaneously, our commercial services reduce the cost that businesses pay because they don't need to look for multiple companies to take care of the different types of damages. SERVPRO even acts as a liaison between insurance companies and clients which makes working with us that much easier.

Unfortunately, disasters are not preventable, but companies like SERVPRO are there to make fire and water disasters “Like it never even happened,” with residential and commercial services. For questions regarding SERVPRO of East Memphis commercial services, contact us at (901) 754-9061.

Flushing Away Your Water Heater Woes

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Attention East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, homeowners: your toilet is not the only appliance that needs flushing! The water heater is a commonly neglected home utility. When showers run hot, the average homeowner doesn't consider the necessary maintenance. However, being proactive and performing a yearly water heater flush can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the appliance's life. Here are five easy steps to get the job done.

1. Shut it Down

If the unit runs on gas, extinguish the pilot light by turning the gas off. If the heater is electric, cut the power to the unit by switching off the corresponding circuit in the home's breaker box.

2. Follow Your Hose

With work gloves on, attach a heavy-duty garden hose to the heater's drain valve and run the remaining hose line out of the house. Warm water and sediment will evacuate the hose, so choose the hose end location carefully.

3. Let it Flow

Drain the water heater tank by opening the drain valve and releasing the water. After a few minutes, run hot water from the kitchen faucet to expedite the draining process. Next, turn off the water supply valve until the draining slows to a stop. Open the water supply valve once more to complete a thorough flush, then close it again.

4. Fill it Up

Ensure the drain valves are closed and turn the water supply on to refill the tank. The open kitchen faucet will begin trickling and sputtering water slowly as the air bubbles are purged from the tank. Once a full stream of water is flowing, the tank is full.

5. Restore Power

Turn on the unit's power and heating element. Do not execute this step until the tank is full or heater damage may occur. Lastly, turn off the kitchen faucet.

Considering how simple it is to complete this often-overlooked maintenance task, performing it yearly can avoid a water heater malfunction resulting in a flooded home and the need for water damage repair.

Effective Cleanup Procedures for Wet Wood Floors

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have wood floors in your East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, property? This material can add a nice touch to your home or business. These floors are durable and easy to maintain. However, some things can pose harm to a wood floor, specifically water. If a water leak occurs or a large quantity of water dumps onto your floors, it's crucial to clean and dry it quickly. If you don't act appropriately, you may have to replace the flooring.

Potential Problems

You shouldn't worry if someone at work spills water on the ground or tracks in a little bit of moisture from outside. You will be concerned if a pipe burst occurs and expels several gallons or more on the floor. Other problematic situations include:

• Leaks in pipes that slowly but consistently drip water onto the floor
• Sewer backups or overflowing toilets
• Water leaking from the ceiling unto the floor

Remove Wet Items

If you notice wet flooring with a significant amount of water, make sure you immediately get any wet materials off the ground. This may include furniture, boxes, chairs, or desks. These items will only continue to put more water on the floor.

Extract the Water

You can remove small or moderate amounts of water from the floor with a mop or cloth. However, if there's a pipe burst and you find inches of water, you need heavy-duty equipment such as a wet vacuum to soak up the water thoroughly. It would be best if you did this as soon as possible to save your wood floor and keep mold from growing.

Dry Completely

Removing the water isn't enough; you need to dry the affected area thoroughly. A professional water removal specialist can do this with industrial-strength fans.

If a pipe burst or another incident leaves water on your floor's wood surface, don't wait until the next day to clean it up. Follow these tips and save yourself time and hassle! Contact SERVPRO of East Memphis today at (901) 754-9061.

Insurance Coverage After a Pipe Break

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Memphis is here to help!

If your insurance company approves your water damage claim, they'll usually do something about it and any other floor coverings affected. If the broken pipe released sewage, you should settle for nothing less than a complete replacement. If the water damage is from freshwater, expect them to do no more than have it restored.

Other Factors May Come Into Play

If it was new and in perfect condition at the time of the break, and if the water were spotless, the decision would to restore. There may, however, be other issues to consider.

• If the water from the break was clean, contaminated by something else after leaving the pipe, these contaminants might render the carpet unusable and require its replacement.
• It could have been a valuable Persian rug, for example. As a valuable item, it should have been listed separately on the insurance policy. If it was not, you might have trouble getting compensated. If the insurance company accepts the claim, the preferred method by all parties would probably be restoration.
• Before the damage, it was old and in poor condition. The insurance company might balk at replacing this. They might, however, pay to have it restored.
• Due to the break, it has developed a mold problem. At this point, it might be cheaper to replace it than to restore it.

A Broken Pipe Usually Affects More Than Just Floor Coverings

The chances are that your water problem goes beyond the carpet. There is a water damage remediation specialist in East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, that can take on the entire job, including the floor coverings. They can get started before mold has a chance to become a problem.

A Pipe Break is Never Welcome in Your Home

Nothing lasts forever. When pipes break, it's good to have local restoration specialists for the cleanup and insurance policies to pay for it.

Consider SERVPRO of East Memphis today, available 24/7, call at (901) 754-9061.

How Water Damage Can Affect Your Home

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Have water damage in your Memphis home? Call SERVPRO of East Memphis today!

If your East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee home has experienced flooding, you may be wondering what types of damage you may be facing. From anything from swelling wood to possible mold growth, here are some things you to know how water damage can affect your home.

Possible Ways Your Home Can be Damaged

Water damage can be caused in several ways:

• A broken supply line can lead to flooding in your yard and home.
• Storm damage can lead to a leaky roof.
• Pipes can freeze and break in cold weather.
• A sewer backup can lead to flooding.

Long Term Damages

If left unattended, water can lead to long-term damage, which can cause problems for your home and even lead to the denial of an insurance claim. Sitting water can lead to swelling wood on the floors or walls, which can cause structural warping. Standing water also provides prime habitat for mold growth. In basement areas, water can seep into the foundation leading to potential cracking. You can prevent these problems by cleaning up flooding as quickly as possible.

What You Can Do

The first step is to get any flooding cleaned up quickly and start the water pipe repair process. Once the water is gone and any breaks or leaks fixed, you can begin to assess the damage. A water damage restoration service may be able to help you with this step. When looking over the damaged areas, check for mold or rot to take the appropriate steps during the repairs.

Water damage can lead to swelling wood, foundation cracks, and even mold growth if left unchecked. This is why it’s important to quickly conduct any repairs necessary whenever you have water problems in your home. If desired, a professional can help with the cleanup and restoration process; consider SERVPRO of East Memphis today.

The Hidden Costs of Leaks

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

You get your water bill for your commercial property in East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, and you can't believe the number you see. Large spikes in utility bills are often the first sign property owners notice that they have a water leak. Whether the leak is interior or exterior on the property, it will need to be fixed. If not fixed, or over time you may lose thousands of dollars due to heftier water bills.

Inside the Building

With pipes running throughout your building, a leak will likely happen at some point. Some of the most common interior leaks include:

• Leaky toilet caused by a faulty flapper in the tank

• Leaky faucet caused by a defective washer or loose handle

• Pipe break in the walls

• Loose or broken supply line

If you have a water leak inside your building, it drives up your water bill and can also cause significant water damage or even a mold problem if it goes undetected. Then you will have the added cost of water remediation services to add to the list.

Outside the Building

You may have even less control over what goes on outside your building. If your irrigation system is leaking, you may not know it until you get that high bill if you do not conduct routine checks. If the lateral line to your meter is cracked, it can affect the area around your foundation. Look for unusually wet places on the lawn, near your meter, or suspicious pooling of water anywhere on your property. If you find such space during your inspections, contact professional remediation experts to find and fix it.

A water leak can cost you a lot of money if it goes undetected. Protect your business from high bills and water damage by conducting regular inspections and having leaks fixed before becoming a big problem.

For additional information, contact SERVPRO of East Memphis at (901) 754-9061.

Sources of Category 3 Water

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

When floodwaters enter your East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, home, the results can be devastating. Floors, walls, and furniture can all be affected, and the humidity that develops inside the house due to standing water might create further damage, such as mold growth. Heavily contaminated water, also known as blackwater, can be especially difficult to remove. However, understanding the situation may help you form an effective plan of action for recovery.

Waterway Overflow

Long periods of rain or sudden torrential downpours can cause localized flooding. Your home may be especially prone to this problem if you live near a natural water source. These can include:

• A river
• A large creek
• Fast-moving streams

Because floodwaters can grow as they move, they can pick up various contaminants like animal feces, sewage chemicals, and toilet water. This is where Category 3 blackwater gets its nickname, as it is often dark with contaminants. 

Sewage Floods 

Outdoor flooding can cause secondary issues, such as a sewer backup in your home. When this occurs, your toilets can overflow with sewer water and waste. Since the flood often creates a contaminated water situation, you must call in a flood damage and water removal company to handle the sewage cleanup and restoration work. 

Standing Water 

Floodwater that comes from overflowing water appliances or a burst pipe in your kitchen may not start as Category 3 water. Still, the longer the water sits, the more contaminated it can become. Humidity can cause stagnant water to degrade, so calling in professionals to have it removed as soon as possible may help minimize the damage. 

Blackwater can cause severe damage to your East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, home. However, when you understand the source and have a team of flood removal experts standing by, you can often reduce the risk of mold growth and other issues that could be costly later.