Recent Posts
How to Prevent and Fix Frozen Pipes
12/16/2024 (Permalink)
Winter can be harsh on your home’s plumbing, and frozen pipes are one of the most common issues faced during cold months. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, potentially leading to cracks, leaks, or even bursts. Here’s a guide on how to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if you’re dealing with them.
Understanding the Risks of Frozen Pipes
When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside exposed or poorly insulated pipes can solidify. This not only blocks the flow of water but can also create immense pressure within the pipe, causing it to rupture. The repair costs for burst pipes can be significant, and water damage can disrupt your home for weeks.
Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Insulate Your Pipes Wrap pipes in foam insulation, especially those located in unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces. Pipe insulation is affordable and easy to install.
- Seal Drafts Identify and seal cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and walls near pipes. This helps keep cold air out and maintains a stable temperature.
- Keep a Drip Let faucets trickle during freezing weather. A small flow of water can prevent pressure build-up and freezing.
- Open Cabinet Doors Allow warm air to circulate pipes under sinks by keeping cabinet doors open. This is particularly helpful in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Maintain a Consistent Temperature Avoid lowering your thermostat too much at night. Keeping your home warm reduces the risk of frozen pipes.
- Install Heat Tape Heat tape or cables can be applied directly to pipes, providing a regulated heat source during extreme cold.
Frozen pipes can cause significant inconvenience and damage, but with proper precautions, they are entirely preventable. By following these tips and staying vigilant during the winter months, you can protect your home and avoid costly repairs. If you do encounter frozen pipes, SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County can help ease the issue and clean up excess damage.
How Minor Water Leaks Can Lead to Major Damage
12/2/2024 (Permalink)
When we think about water damage in a home, images of burst pipes or flooded basements often come to mind. However, a smaller, seemingly insignificant leak can cause just as much damage over time. Here’s a closer look at how these small leaks can escalate, why they’re often overlooked, and how to catch and fix them before they wreak havoc.
- The Hidden Nature of Small Leaks
Small leaks are deceptive. They often drip from areas that are hard to spot: beneath sinks, behind walls, under floors, or within ceilings. These leaks rarely draw attention immediately, especially if they’re hidden out of sight. However, water’s pervasive nature means even a minor, slow drip can lead to significant issues.
- Understanding the Damage from Slow Leaks
Water damage from a small leak may be subtle at first, but it can still compromise the structural integrity of your home and create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Here’s how:
Structural Weakening: Continuous moisture exposure can weaken wood, drywall, and insulation, leading to warping, rot, and even collapse over time.
Mold and Mildew Growth: Small leaks keep spaces damp, making them ideal environments for mold growth. Once mold sets in, it can spread quickly, causing damage and posing health risks.
Increasing Repair Costs: A small leak might seem like a minor issue, but the cumulative damage it causes can be far more expensive to fix than a quick repair early on.
- Common Sources of Small Leaks
Some of the most common places small leaks occur include:
Dripping Faucets and Showerheads: These are often ignored, but over time, they can waste gallons of water and cause buildup in sinks and tubs.
Toilet Leaks: Toilets can develop small leaks where the tank meets the bowl, or around the base, causing hidden water damage to the floor.
Appliances: Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are often sources of small, unnoticed leaks that worsen over time.
Pipes Beneath Sinks or Inside Walls: Slow leaks in these areas can soak floors, walls, or cabinetry, leading to mold and wood damage.
- Why Small Leaks Often Go Unnoticed
Since minor leaks rarely cause immediate issues, they’re often overlooked during routine maintenance. Additionally, small leaks may not trigger water alarms, and they often don't show a significant spike in your water bill until the damage is severe.
- Prevention and Early Detection Tips
Preventing and detecting leaks before they cause extensive damage is key. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Inspect Regularly: Check under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances regularly for signs of moisture or pooling water.
Monitor Water Pressure: High water pressure puts stress on pipes and joints, increasing the risk of leaks.
Install Water Alarms and Smart Leak Detectors: These devices can alert you to even minor leaks and shut off the water supply if necessary.
Address Minor Issues Immediately: Fixing a drip or slow leak early can save you from costly repairs down the line.
- When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, locating the source of a leak is challenging. If you notice unexplained damp spots, a musty odor, or signs of water damage but can’t find the source, it’s time to call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County. A quick inspection could save you from dealing with severe structural repairs and health issues.
What to Do If Your Business Floods
11/3/2024 (Permalink)
When flooding strikes your business, it can be devastating both financially and operationally. A flooded space can halt operations, damage valuable equipment, and create hazardous conditions. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make a big difference in minimizing damage and recovering swiftly. Here’s what you need to do if your business is hit by flooding.
- Ensure Safety First
Safety should be your top priority. If flooding has created standing water or has impacted the electrical systems in your building, it’s crucial to evacuate the premises immediately and keep everyone safe. Turn off the electricity and gas supply to prevent electrical hazards. Do not allow anyone to re-enter the premises until a professional has confirmed it’s safe.
- Contact Professional Restoration Services
Flood cleanup requires specialized equipment and expertise. Contact a professional water damage restoration company to handle water extraction, drying, and decontamination. They can respond quickly to mitigate the damage and prevent mold, bacteria, and other hazards from developing.
- Salvage What You Can
If safe and feasible, remove any undamaged or salvageable items from the flooded areas. Furniture, electronics, documents, and inventory can sometimes be saved if removed quickly enough. Place items in a dry, safe area, and be mindful of handling electrical equipment that may have been exposed to water.
- Begin Water Extraction and Drying
Professional restoration services will take the lead on this, but if they haven’t yet arrived and it’s safe to begin, you can start removing as much water as possible. Use mops, buckets, and, if available, wet/dry vacuums. Open doors and windows to improve ventilation and use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Drying should continue until moisture levels are back to normal to prevent mold growth.
- Sanitize the Affected Areas
Floodwater often contains contaminants, bacteria, or chemicals that pose health risks. All affected areas should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before reopening. We offer professional sanitization services to eliminate any residual risks and ensure a safe environment for you and your employees.
Flooding can be overwhelming, but taking these steps can help you respond quickly, minimize damage, and get back to business as soon as possible. From prioritizing safety and documenting damage to working with SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, each step plays a crucial role in protecting your business.
SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County for commercial water restoration.
7/19/2022 (Permalink)
We offer 24 hour Emergency Service
At SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we have mastered our services in repairing and restoring water damage. We offer many water damage services including, flooding, leaky pipes, basement water flooding, soaking wet carpets/upholstery, and more.
Our team at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County is always ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency.
Why you should choose SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County.
- We are fast to any size of the disaster
We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for water damage or water damage emergencies.
- We are water damage restoration specialists
Our teams have advanced training and expertise.
- We use advanced drying equipment.
SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County will arrive and are ready to start the process of any water damage emergency.
Pipes Burst in Blackstone MA, Office Building
7/19/2022 (Permalink)
What to do if you have a burst pipe:
- Look for damp patches on walls, ceilings, and floors
- Look for loss of water pressure and unusual noises in the system.
- Clean the excess water away as soon as possible to reduce more damage.
- Move Furniture and belongings away from the affected area.
Call your insurance company and SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we work hand and hand with insurance companies.
If your office building has a pipe burst, call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County for help. We have mastered our services and are available 25/7. Our team is quick to respond, faster to any disaster, and highly trained.
- We are fast to any size of the disaster
We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works fast and is always ready for any cleanup or restoration damage
- We are cleanup and damage restoration specialists
Our teams have advanced training and expertise.
- We have and use advanced equipment.
How small leaks can lead to more damage.
7/19/2022 (Permalink)
Small leaks and spills can lead to major damage if not tended to. Leaving water leaks as it is or no cleaning up after a spill can cause mold to form, as well as possibly structure damage to your floors, walls, and insulation.
Not every spill and leak is serious enough to call a professional water cleaning company, but it is important to know how to properly care for one. Acting quickly can help ensure no possible second damages.
Some things to help clean up leaks are:
- Shop vacuum
- Towels
- Box or ceiling fans
- Dehumidifier
If a small leak becomes serious, call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County. We will be ready to help restore your property and needs.
If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 234-3399
- We are fast to any size of the disaster
We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for water damage emergencies.
- We are water damage restoration specialists
Our teams have advanced training and expertise.
Water leakage in Northbridge, MA basement home.
4/19/2022 (Permalink)
When there is water leakage in your basement home, don’t wait to get it fixed. Even just a small water damage can lead to a larger one in the future. It is best to call right away to get it fixed, to ensure the damage won’t create more problems.
Waiting to get it fixed, water leakage can lead potentially lead to more damage.
Enough water damage can create moisture in the air, a perfect hotspot for mold to start developing and later growing and spreading around the place.
When water damage hits, don’t wait, SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County will arrive and are ready to start the process of any water damage emergency.
If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 235-3399
- We are fast to any size of the disaster
We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for water damage or water damage emergencies.
- We are water damage restoration specialists
Our teams have advanced training and expertise.
- We use advanced drying equipment.
- We direct bill your insurance company
Tips and Tricks to help prevent a fire in your Webster Home.
4/1/2022 (Permalink)
A fire can be scary to imagine and can bring you lots of stress and worry. Although you can’t control everything, there are some easy things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire in your home.
- Check your smoke alarms regularly
If you don’t have smoke alarms, be sure to get them installed. If you have fire alarms check the batteries to make sure they are working.
- Inspect your heating sources
Whether that be cleaning your air filters, or unplugging your space headers after use. Not leaving your indoor fireplace unattended.
Be sure to always empty out the lint basket before putting a new load in.
Keep your wires/cords well kept, and clean. Make sure the hot cords are not touching anything that could cause a spark.
If you do suffer smoke, fire damage or soot damage call us 24/7 at 508-234-3399
We work along with insurance companies such as Metlife, Farmers, CHUBB, AMICA, Nationwide Mass Fair Plan, and many more.
*Our tips and tricks are not 100% preventative, fires could still occur*
Types of water that can affect your system.
3/21/2022 (Permalink)
Webster Commercial or Residential
There are major types of contaminated water that can affect your sewage system. At SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we will inspect the water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your property.
Three types of contaminated water:
This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.
This water is from a washing machine or overflown toilet. Also may contain bacteria and viruses.
This water comes from flooding from rivers or streams or water with micro growth. Also contains harsh chemicals and microbes.
If your sewage is backed up, don’t wait and call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County. We will arrive and are ready to start the process of any cleanup.
If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 234-3399
- We are fast to any size disaster
We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for water damage or water damage emergencies.
- We are water damage restoration specialists
Our teams have advanced training and expertise.
- We use advanced drying equipment.
Thunder storms in Worcester, MA
3/21/2022 (Permalink)
With springtime finally among us, so are the rain and thunderstorms that come with it! Although thunderstorms are kind of rare in New England, they do still happen! Springtime temps as we know can range to very chilly one moment and the next it could be 60°!
Thunderstorms need
- Moisture
- Unstable air
- And lift
Moisture is needed to form clouds and the rain, unstable air is needed to be warm-ish and rapidly rising. And “lift” can form from sea breezes or mountains!
Be prepared!
Since spring weather is so unpredictable, it’s important for you to have some type of kit prepared in advance. Planning ahead makes it easier for you and your family in case of an emergency.
Your storm preparedness kit should include:
- Battery operated flash light
- Battery operated radio
- Emergency evacuation plan
- Should include a map of your home, with exits and safety routes
- A list of
- Important contact numbers
- Insurance information
- Medical information
- First aid supplies including:
- Assorted adhesive bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gloves
- Scissors
- Asprin or another type of pain management
- Tweezers
- 3-5 day supply of bottled or jugs of water
- Canned goods
- Blankets
It is important for you and your family to be prepared for whatever could happen!
Should you need storm damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County at (508) 234-3399, we're here to help!!
24/7 Emergency Service