Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

Water Damages Risks as Time Passes

Name: SERVPRO of South Charlotte
Address: 3623 Latrobe Drive, Suite 110 F, Charlotte, NC, 28211
Telephone: (704) 333-7737

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Bright green, professional drying equipment. Let SERVPRO of South Charlotte help with your water loss. Please don't wait, call us today, 704-333-7737.

Here's what happens over the life span of a water damage. It truly is best to have us out in 24 hours or less.

Minutes

Water is fast to spread through your home or business. Water travels to places you’d never imagine.
Water is absorbed into building materials and your contents.
Furniture on wet carpeting could cause staining.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall can swell and starts to break down.
Metal can begin to tarnish.
Furniture can begin to swell, crack, split or disintegrate.
A musty odor can begin occurring.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold may start to grow.
Building materials, such as doors, windows and wood, can get swollen and warped.
Furniture could start showing signs of mold.
Wall finishes could start to blister and peel.
Hardwood flooring can start cupping, buckling, warping.
Even a standard, clean water loss turns into a biohazard type loss after a few days.

SERVPRO of South Charlotte has been specializing in cleanup and restoration for over 20 years. Our staff have many different certifications in restoration work. You can trust us to dry and restore your property. Please call SERVPRO of South Charlotte at 704-333-7737.

Charlotte Water Damage? 24 Hour Service

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Your 24 hour water damage professionals. Call SERVPRO of South Charlotte 704-333-7737.

SERVPRO of South Charlotte is always available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

When you are dealing with water damage, quick action is critical. Delaying drying service can increase damage caused to your property and cause mold and rot.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help. Call Today: 704-333-7737

When you call us, you may feel confused, stressed, and overwhelmed. You need professionals to clean up the mess and help you through this crisis. SERVPRO of South Charlotte has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration— it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask many questions regarding the water damage, the building, and insurance information. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources will be needed.

Questions the SERVPRO Representative will likely ask:

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)?
What year was the building built?
What rooms are affected?
Is your home on a concrete slab, crawlspace, or basement?
What type of flooring is in the affected rooms?

SERVPRO of South Charlotte 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.

Be On Alert for Water Damage

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking pipe behind wall caused water damage and mold. Remediated by SERVPRO of South Charlotte.

When most people think of water damage, the mind automatically goes to a flood from outdoor water. Unfortunately, many water damages are occurring without your knowledge. Save yourself a huge headache, and possibly a lot of money, by checking the following areas regularly for signs of water intrusions.

HVAC: Buildings can experience water damage courtesy of their HVAC system. While the cooling system is running, humidity is removed from the air and gets drained out of the home. Unfortunately, many things can go wrong, including clogged drains, that cause water to back up and cause a damage that takes quite a while to be seen. Check around your HVAC and call a repair service if you see any buildup of water, especially in the pan.

APPLIANCES: Appliances in our homes (water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machine, humidifiers, etc) utilize water and can cause water damages. Make a habit of checking around these appliances to try to spot small leaks before it gives way or mold occurs.

PIPES: I think, everyone has, at some point, reached into the cabinet under the sink to retrieve something and found that everything is wet! Check under your sinks and around drains regularly to head off a major hassle. Also, monitor your water and sewer bills for drastic changes in usage. If there is a siggen huge spike, call the city and / or a plumber to investigate. Pipe leaks can not only cause large bills, but also issues with your structure and foundation. With leaking pipes, you reach in under the sink in your bathroom or kitchen and notice that items are all wet or that there is a pool of water. It may be an easy fix like tightening a loose pipe. However, it could mean something more. Pay attention to your water usage and your water bill. If things are not adding up, then you may have other pipe leaks around your home. This can lead to foundation and other structural issues.

GUTTERS: Believe it or not, some water damages are caused by gutters that are clogged. Make sure to clean your gutters regularly (especially around leaf season) and inspect for holes or cracks. Clogged gutters can cause water to actually go to the side and enter the ceiling or wall of your home.

As you move around your home, keep an eye out for these potential issues. If you do come across something, SERVPRO of South Charlotte is always here to help! We can be reached at 704-333-7737.

I have a water damage! How do I handle this?

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage? Better call SERVPRO... 704-333-7737

Step 1 – Stop the Water, if possible

Step 2 -- Call SERVPRO of South Charlotte at 704-333-7737

In order to get help on the way, call us at 704-333-7737. We will ask for:

Your name.
Address (please let us know if your mailing address is different than the property address).
Telephone numbers.
How did you hear about us?
What type of damage occurred (water, fire, etc) and what caused the loss?
How many rooms are affected and the type of flooring in the affected rooms?
Is your home on a concrete slab, crawlspace, or basement?
Year your home was built.
We will ask what company your homeowners’ insurance is with. If you have a claim number and / or adjuster information already (if not, no worries).
What your deductible amount is?
- The deductible is the amount you pay before insurance starts to pay. We generally collect this amount at the start of service, but this can vary depending on the insurance company. We accept checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Please let us know if it is not possible to pay that amount right away – we will try to come up with a workable alternative.

Step 3 – Call A Plumber, if needed

Step 4 – Call Your Insurance Company

In order to get things under way quickly, contact the Claims number for your insurance company. They will ask for some information about the loss and what damages there are. If you’re unsure what your deductible amount is, they will be able to tell you. If they assign a claim number and / or adjuster, please take that information down and give it to us. Tell them you have SERVPRO of South Charlotte on the way. Some people like to speak to their agent, which is fine, but the agent isn’t typically available at all times and many times there’s a delay before the agent has some time to file the claim.

We will extract the water and move any necessary contents when we get there. Just keep yourself safe, it's very easy to be injured during a water damage situation.

Different Types of Water Damage and How to Prevent Them

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

A recent water damage at a warehouse in Charlotte, NC.

Water damage is a problem that most property owners fear. When rain and snow melts, the risk of damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, electronics, household appliances, and equipment. Water damage also increases the risk of mold growth, which is a very expensive problem to restore.

Assessing the type of damage is important to determine what is needed to start water damage repair and water removal. There are several different types of water damage and how to prevent them.

Clean Water

This water does not pose a threat to human health if exposed or consumed. Overflowing sinks, tubs, or a broken incoming water line would be examples of Clean Water.

This is the easiest type of water damage to handle, since there will not be too many microorganisms living in the water. However, if the damage is not properly remediated, this can result in mold growth. It is best to contact SERVPRO of South Charlotte.

Grey Water

Grey water is slightly contaminated because of the source. Clean water turns into grey water if left untreated. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage may cause grey water. This may cause sickness if ingested. If you want to begin the cleaning and drying process before the restoration service arrives, you should wear gloves in order to prevent your skin from touching the water so you do not spread any microorganisms.

Black water

Black water is the most hazardous type of water damage. It is usually a result of natural disasters or sewage damage. Black water can include toxic materials such as bacterial diseases, chemicals, pesticides, and microorganisms. If your home or business is suffering from this type of water damage, it is best to contact SERVPRO of South Charlotte to handle remediation and disinfecting. It is truly better to be safe than sorry.

Experiencing a water damage disaster causes enough stress on its own. Always seek professional advice for water damage. If you experience these kinds of emergencies, please call SERVPRO of South Charlotte. We are always here to help.

Why Hire a Restoration Company in Charlotte?

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Got water damage?

A Charlotte restoration company is essential for repairing your home or business when it is affected by a flood, storm or plumbing disaster. Invading water is a destructive force for a structure, especially when the moisture contains contamination such as waste or chemicals. The moisture entering a building cause more destruction the longer it remains, so it is vital to call a professional remediation company as soon as possible.

Why is a Water Damage Restoration Company Hired for These Problems?

The overflow from sewer lines and rivers contain life-threatening contaminants that people should avoid. Some of the contaminants from floods include organic waste from livestock, petroleum products or fertilizers. All of these contaminants and floodwater create the perfect environment for deadly microbes such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. In addition, flooding conditions make it easier for parasites and wildlife to invade a building, creating an additional danger. Fatal injuries due to structural problems, wet electrical wiring and fire are also a possibility for anyone entering a flooded building.

The technicians working for water restoration companies understand the environmental problems inside a flooded building and have the equipment and training to eliminate hazardous threats. Because mold begins to grow on moist materials within 48-hours, it is essential to contact a remediation company with the technicians and tools to dry and clean surfaces quickly.

How Do Water Damage Restoration Companies Perform Repairs?

Water restoration companies follow a standard remediation process that includes removing large items from a building to assess the damage. Items such as insulation, baseboards and carpeting are typically beyond repair and are removed for disposal. Organic materials, including drywall and paneling are often also removed due to mold growth that constitutes a health risk.

After standing water is removed with sump pumps, technicians can install dehumidifier and fan systems to reduce humidity and dry materials. Restoration technicians will monitor humidity levels with moisture meters to ensure items dry quickly to avoid additional mold growth.

The drying process requires several days to complete with technicians immediately beginning a cleanup process to return a building to its original condition. After a building is dried and cleaned completely, it is possible to rebuild interior structures with new drywall, insulation and baseboards.

The Charlotte water damage company’s goal is to have technicians’ complete repairs as fast as possible to enable a customer to return to a safe building and normal life.

SERVPRO of South Charlotte provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your Charlotte property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

Do You Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (704) 333-7737

Water Damage: A Safety Hazard in Your Pineville Home

10/27/2016 (Permalink)

Water can cause many problems in a home. Call SERVPRO today to prevent secondary damage and stay safe!

Many Secondary Problems Can Be Caused By Water Damage

When you are in your home, you expect things to be safe for both you and your children. The utilities provide heat, lights, and clean water. When there's a problem, you call the utility company. However, when the problem is located on the inside of your home, you are often deemed the responsible party. For repairs that are scheduled, most companies will turn off the utility, and then return once the work is completed to restart the service. This is true for water, but the company will not help in an emergency when a pipe has burst, or the sewer is overflowing into your basement.

In Pineville, water damage is only a part of the problem when water has caused problems. Safety issues from the immediate electrical shock risks to mold issues months in the future can affect your family's health and safety. When you have water where it should not be, it is more than just a slick floor. It is also a wet and soggy underlay that your floor sits on. If this is not allowed, or more often than not, forced, to dry properly, your floor can begin to sag as it slowly rots away. Weakened floors should be a serious safety concern to you, as they can give way unexpectedly. The same is true of other parts of your home.

We can remove any traces of excess moisture and restore your home's structures that are damaged by water. When water causes problems such as this, there are other issues we will take into consideration when we inspect your home. We will advise you on anything that we find that can be detrimental to your home or your family's safety and health. Because water is so versatile, it also often causes various problems that may seem to be unrelated to each other.

Removing the water prevents damage from happening. This damage can affect your home in many ways - your floors, of course, but also walls that came into contact with the water directly. Carpeting can become discolored as well as begin to give off unpleasant smells. Clothing, upholstery, and other textiles such as curtains can begin to show mold and mildew spots, and disintegration of concrete areas can be just the beginning signs of severe water damage.

Taking care of this problem when it has just developed is an excellent way to stop the damage, save on more expensive repairs later, and protect your family's health. SERVPRO of South Charlotte is committed to helping you do exactly this and more. Contact us at (704) 333-7737, at any time. We are ready to get started on undoing the water damage present in your family's home and return it to a safe, livable condition.

SERVPRO Water Removal

9/26/2016 (Permalink)

Regardless of the source, call SERVPRO to remediate damage!

Certified Technicians can Remediate Damage in your Flooded Home

The primary source of flood damage in Pineville is nearby Sugar Creek. When it rises past its banks, the water can come right through Jack D. Hughes Memorial Park and pour into the rest of the town. The southeast area has to deal with the effects from Little Sugar Creek when it floods.

SERVPRO can't stop the creeks from rising, but we do have the experience and training in water removal here in Pineville to help you lessen the effects of flood damage. Our personnel are among the most skilled in the field of disaster restoration, and we maintain an extensive inventory of specialized equipment to return to its original state as quickly as possible.

Since water damage can occur within minutes (paper goods and some fabrics), we maintain a 24-hour removal team that can arrive in under an hour to begin the process. Our technicians will first set up a series of pumps that can remove most standing water in several hours although larger, commercial jobs will take longer. If the power has not been restored or if your electrical system has been compromised, we also have a large number of generators at our disposal to keep the water flowing out of your residence.

When the standing water has been removed, there is still the problem of trapped moisture. Our recovery team will deploy a set of blowers and fans to forcibly circulate air through your home. Once that has started, dehumidifiers are placed in key areas to increase the effectiveness of the fans. To ensure carpet pads are dried completely, we may also use a number of heaters designed to not burn carpeting. These heaters are also excellent to help prevent wood floors from warping.

Like all of the company franchises, SERVPRO of South Charlotte is locally owned and operated. Residents aren't just our customers, they're our neighbors and family. Call us today at 704-333-7737 for a free, one-time inspection to identify flood damage and to get the jump on preventing damage in the future.

Water Removal of Floodwater in Your Office Should be Conducted by Professionals

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

Flood Prone Areas: Need to Have Flood Insurance

SERVPRO Technicians are Certified to Remove Water After a Flood

Partially removing flood water in any type of building isn't good enough. Floodwater can carry pathogens that can cause illnesses. Floodwater can also include chemicals that can damage items in your office. Oil and other liquids can create a sludge-like mess when waters recede, as well. You need complete removal of the floodwater that has invaded your office and the substances that were carried in with it.

Water Removal Sometimes isn't Enough – Clean Up is Often Required, Also

When your Matthews area office needs water removal services, it's a good idea to find professionals who are trained in not only the removal and extraction of water, but also in the cleaning up process that should follow. Once water has been extracted, residues of both the liquid and solid kind are deposited on the surfaces throughout the flooded area. These need to be cleaned up quickly and thoroughly to minimize any additional damage.

We have our own trucks that we can fill with floodwater that is pumped out of your office. We use high powered pumps that quickly remove water from flooded areas. We can do this at any level of your office or home. In cases where flooding occurs because of a broken water line, we can also shut the flow of water off, and then repair the broken pipe by replacing that section.

After water extraction is completed, we will begin working on the subsequent steps needed to make it “Like it never even happened.” These include cleaning, repairs, and restoration. Carpeting can often be saved if the water is removed quickly enough. Cleaning carpets before they have a chance to dry should be done whenever possible. This can keep liquid substances from reaching down farther into the carpet's fibers. Walls and floors can also be cleaned at this stage, and then drying procedures can begin.

Structural Drying Needs to be Completed Before Repairs can Begin

We dry structures by the use of heaters that cause moisture that has seeped into the porous and semi-porous materials used in your office to evaporate into the air. With fans that circulate the air, the moisture does not have a chance to resettle and be absorbed elsewhere. When interior structures are dry enough, we can inspect for damage and then begin repairs and restorative work.

During this time, we will also be taking an inventory of damaged items, and classifying them according to their condition, and this form can assist you later. While you might not be able to claim this on your insurance unless you had specific insurance that covers flood waters, you may be able to claim the damages as a loss on your federal tax return. We can also pack up and remove to a secure location any, or all, of the items in your office. This can prevent additional damage and prevents theft that often occurs in buildings that may be unoccupied at times.

We want you to be able to return to your normal work schedule and activities as soon as possible. Floods are traumatic enough, and we know that when you don't have access to your office, you're losing income. Call SERVPRO of South Charlotte at (704) 333-7737. We're available 24/7 to take your call and will arrive at your earliest convenience.

Preventing Charlotte Residential Water Damage

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Charlotte home can be devastating.

Preventing Residential Water Damage in Charlotte

When you think about residential water damage in Charlotte, you might dream up images of torrential rain, hurricanes or other natural catastrophes. However, the reality, unfortunately, is that damage which is caused when regular appliances in your home stop working properly, this can be just as destructive as a weather event which is severe. Water damage makes up for losses to renters and homeowners in the billions of dollars each year. It is responsible as well for around twenty-five percent of all insurance claims. Water is ten times more likely to damage your home than a fire.

There are fortunately steps you can make to help avoid water damage from appliances and keep your home protected. Understanding some of the common causes of water damage is helpful, and these can include leaking air condition condensation drains, baseboard heating, and failed washing machine hoses, water heaters, and plumbing.

There are not always warning signs offered by these household appliances until the damage has happened already. This is why it is important to check them regularly. The steps below are simple and can help protect your home from the causes of water damage which are most common.

-Know first where your main water supply is in case of an emergency
-If you’re going away for an extended amount of time, shut the water supply off and drain the pipes. If your house has a fire sprinkler system, however, do not turn the water off, and keep enough heat in the home to avoid any freezing up.
-Think about getting your air conditioning system regularly inspected by a professional. The drain lines should be checked annually and clean them out if they get clogged.
-Inspect showers, water heaters, toilets, tubs, dishwashers and sinks annually, and get them repaired if there are any signs of corrosion or leaks. Install water heaters when possible in areas with floor drains to lower damage if leaks do occur.
-Check the caulking around bathtubs, showers, toilet bases and sinks, and if needed make repairs.
-If there is an ice machine or water dispenser on your refrigerator, the hose between the refrigerator and wall should be constructed of braided copper, since this has a greater resistance to corrosion and cracking.
-Check your pipes for leaks and cracks. Have any damage to pipes, immediately fixed to avoid repairs in the future that are even more costly.
-Check plumbing fittings and appliance hoses for crimping, breakage or bending.

Sometimes, even after all your precaution, Charlotte residential water damage can still occur. If this happens to you, speak with our professionals at SERVPRO of South Charlotte by dialing (704) 333-7737 right away so we can take care of our problem as quickly as possible.

Appliance Failure And Water Damage in Charlotte

11/2/2015 (Permalink)

Check and Replace Appliance Water Lines to Prevent Water Damage Says the Experts from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Recommends Appliance Inspections to Prevent Water Damage to Your Charlotte Property

Charlotte water damage to your home can be the result of appliance failures leading to leaking or flooding. For this reason, it is important that you access tips and tricks that will help you keep your home safe from water damage. Learn more about how to decrease susceptibility to water damage by reviewing the following strategies offered by SERVPRO.

Shut Your Water Off

Your first step when you realize that there is flooding is to shut off the water source. There should be a main water line shut off in the area where your water line enters the residential property. Take a moment to learn where this water shut off valve is located right now so that you'll be prepared in the event of an emergency. SERVPRO strongly recommends this tip.

Dishwashers and Refrigerators are the two kitchen appliances known for causing flooding. Here are some simple tricks to use with these appliances:
• Periodically check under the sink for leaks where the water supply connects to the hose. If you have an ice-maker or water dispenser, check the water supply line connector on the cold water line.
• Search the base cabinet of your kitchen sink for warped flooring materials, leaks, or underlays that have moisture or water pooling resulting in possible visible water damage.

Washing Machine. Make sure that you're replacing the cold and hot water hoses of the washing machine regularly. Ideally, they should be replaced every four or five years. These replacement efforts are important because the hoses can become damaged if the washing machine moves or vibrates during the wash cycle. Make sure that the drain tube is secure in the housing on the wall.

Clothes Dryer. Simply cleaning the dryer's lint trap following each load will not be sufficient for keeping the vent line free and clear of lint. Also, check the exterior port occasionally for clogging from leaves or other foreign material. If the ductwork and air vents become clogged, the dryer can start to function inefficiently. A malfunctioning dryer could also initiate a fire. Fire damage could lead to water damage if firefighters need to extinguish an extensive blaze with water. Make sure that you're using your vacuum cleaner's nozzle to clean the lint line once each month.

Water Heater. Make sure you drain your water heater once each year. This will prevent sediment build up from forming at the bottom of your tank causing rusting (oxidation) and calcified buildups leading to clogging. Check that your emergency overflow line is unobstructed and that your water heater is sitting on a catch pan for retaining initial leaks. A slow drip into this pan may save your ceiling from drywall repairs if your water heater is installed in the attic.

Although faulty appliances can lead to serious water damage, being aware and periodically checking your appliances, may prevent any large, expensive issue. If you have water damage in your Charlotte home, call SERVPRO. Our assessment and recommended strategy to dry the water damaged areas, will immediately begin thus limiting water-damaged furnishings, carpeting, and structural materials by following guidelines of the IICRC. Our goal is to limit your expenses and make it like it never even happened.

Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of South Charlotte is locally owned and operated. When you have a water or flooding emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Charlotte community and want to do our part in making our community the best it can be. Call us. (704) 333-7737

Why Hire A Charlotte Restoration Company?

6/23/2015 (Permalink)

After water damage, a restoration company in Charlotte can restore your home to pre loss condition with their licensed technicians.

Why is a Water Damage Restoration Company Hired for These Problems?

The overflow from sewer lines and rivers contain life-threatening contaminants that people should avoid. Some of the contaminants from floods include organic waste from livestock, petroleum products or fertilizers. All of these contaminants and floodwater create the perfect environment for deadly microbes such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. In addition, flooding conditions make it easier for parasites and wildlife to invade a building, creating an additional danger. Fatal injuries due to structural problems, wet electrical wiring and fire are also a possibility for anyone entering a flooded building.

The technicians working for water restoration companies understand the environmental problems inside a flooded building and have the equipment and training to eliminate hazardous threats. Because mold begins to grow on moist materials within 48-hours, it is essential to contact a remediation company with the technicians and tools to dry and clean surfaces quickly.

How Do Water Damage Restoration Companies Perform Repairs?

Water restoration companies follow a standard remediation process that includes removing large items from a building to assess the damage. Items such as insulation, baseboards and carpeting are typically beyond repair and are removed for disposal. Organic materials, including drywall and paneling are often also removed due to mold growth that constitutes a health risk.

After standing water is removed with sump pumps, technicians can install dehumidifier and fan systems to reduce humidity and dry materials. Restoration technicians will monitor humidity levels with moisture meters to ensure items dry quickly to avoid additional mold growth.

The drying process requires several days to complete with technicians immediately beginning a cleanup process to return a building to its original condition. After a building is dried and cleaned completely, it is possible to rebuild interior structures with new drywall, insulation and baseboards.

The Charlotte water damage company’s goal is to have technicians’ complete repairs as fast as possible to enable a customer to return to a safe building and normal life.