Mastering Commercial Water Loss: Strategies from SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan

12/18/2023 (Permalink)

Greetings, business owners and property managers! Today, we delve into the critical topic of commercial water loss. It's a challenge that can disrupt your operations and impact your bottom line. But fret not! The expert team at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is here to equip you with top-notch strategies and insights to tackle commercial water loss like a pro.

The High Stakes of Commercial Water Loss!

Not Just a Leak: A Business Crisis!

Commercial water loss isn't just a maintenance issue; it's a potential business crisis. It can lead to operational downtime, revenue loss, and even reputational damage. Recognizing the gravity of the situation is the first step in effective management.

Every Minute Counts!

In the commercial world, time is money. The longer your property is affected by water damage, the more significant the impact on your business. Quick and decisive action is vital to minimize disruptions and financial losses.

Our Expert Toolkit for Tackling Commercial Water Loss!

Industrial-Grade Solutions!

We bring in heavy-duty equipment tailored for large-scale commercial properties. From high-capacity dehumidifiers to powerful extractors, we're geared up to handle the extensive demands of commercial water loss.

Business Continuity Planning!

We understand that keeping your business running is your top priority. That's why we focus on efficient water removal and drying processes that aim to minimize operational disruptions. Our team works diligently to get your business back up and running as soon as possible.

Proactive Measures for Commercial Water Loss Prevention!

While we're always here for immediate assistance, prevention is key. Here are some tips to safeguard your business:

1. Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect plumbing, roofing, and HVAC systems to catch issues early.
2. Employee Training: Educate your staff on identifying and responding to water loss incidents.
3. Emergency Response Plan: Develop a clear plan of action for water loss scenarios, including key contacts and procedures.

Why SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is Your Trusted Partner in Commercial Water Loss!

At SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, we don't just restore your property; we're committed to helping you preserve your business's integrity and continuity. Our team of specialists is equipped with the expertise and technology to handle the unique challenges of commercial water loss.

If you're facing a water loss situation in your commercial property, don't wait! Contact us immediately for top-tier restoration services. Let's work together to keep your business afloat during challenging times!

Fall Water Damage Prevention Tips

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

As the vibrant hues of fall begin to grace our landscapes, it's also the time to prepare our homes for the challenges that the fall season can bring. One of the most pressing concerns during this transitional period is the potential for water damage. The combination of falling leaves, heavy rains, and fluctuating temperatures can create the perfect conditions for water infiltration into your home.

To help navigate this season with confidence, we've compiled a comprehensive list of water damage prevention tips. From safeguarding your roof to fortifying your basement, these strategies will empower you to protect your home and enjoy the beauty of autumn without worrying about its potential pitfalls.

Leaves and Debris

Falling leaves can accumulate into your gutters and downspouts, causing blockages. When heavy rain comes, water can overflow and seep into your home's foundation or walls. So, before those leaves really start to fall, it's important to make sure that your gutters are cleaned out from any debris. Once the leaves do start to come down like a bad leafy storm, it's crucial to continue to check the gutters throughout the fall season.

Heavy Rainfall

Fall often brings an increase in rainfall, and it's of course known as hurricane season, which can lead to flooding - especially if your home is in a low-lying area or lacks proper drainage. If you've lived in an area where you see a lot of rainfall during this season for a while now, you probably know when it's time to prepare your home for hurricanes and bad rain storms.

These preparations include boarding windows if the storm coming is a bad one, checking all of your window and door seals so water cannot come through, and if there is a chance for flooding, prepare the outside of your home with sandbags to help deter the water away from the foundation of your home.

Freezing and Thawing

Living on the east coast, we all know too well about the fluctuating temperatures in the fall. Water can seep into cracks and crevices and freeze and expand, causing structural damage. It's important to pay attention to the weather changes so this doesn't affect your home or business.

Roof Damage

Strong winds and storms in the fall can damage shingles or other roofing materials, creating vulnerabilities for water to enter your home. If you suspect any kind of roof damage after a storm, contact a professional restoration company immediately so they can check for water damage and any mold growth that may have started.

Mold Growth

Speaking of mold, if water damage is not restored in a timely fashion, there's a huge risk of mold that can develop in your home. Not only is this unhealthy for the structure of your house, but for those living inside of it. If you suspect any mold or have water damage, please call SERVPRO or a restoration specialist to assist. They'll be able to detect moisture and mitigate any existing water as well as locate and remediate mold.

Properly Sealed Windows and Doors

As mentioned before, it's important that you properly seal the windows and doors of your house or business. This ensures that water cannot sneak into the building, helping prevent water damage. If they are not properly sealed, water can get in and damage floors, walls, ceilings, appliances, and more.

Types of Water Damage

We use a rating system to decipher whether the water that is in your house is clean or contaminated. How we do this is by breaking it down by clean water, gray water, or black water. Now, this rating system has nothing to do with the actual color of the water, this just gives us an idea of the steps we need to take during the restoration process.

So, clean water is basically just from a broken appliance, faulty sprinklers, burst pipe, or rain water. Although this type of water damage isn't dangerous, if it's not treated correctly, mold could develop from excess water - causing it to become a danger.

Gray water damage is considered unsanitary due to the source or the amount of time it has been stagnant. This standing water is usually caused by a broken toilet, washing machine, or anything that could leak hazardous material.

Black water damage is the most hazardous. It comes from natural disasters or sewage problems. This water is considered to be very contaminated, so do not touch or go near it. A professional will come out and mitigate this water for you.

Why Prepare Your Home?

Preparing your home for water damage is a of paramount importance, as the consequences of water infiltration can be both financially burdensome and emotionally taxing. Water damage has the potential to wreak havoc on your property, leading to structural deterioration, mold growth, and the loss of valuable possessions.

The disruption and upheaval caused by water-related emergencies can be emotionally distressing and highly inconvenient. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your home against water damage, you not only protect your investment but also provide peace of mind, ensuring that your home remains a safe and comfortable haven for you and your family. Prevention is not only cost-effective, but also a wise and responsible approach to maintaining the integrity and value of your property.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. Check out our process by reading the list below:

• Step 1: Emergency Contact - The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.
• Step 2: Inspection and Water Damage Assessment - We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
• Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction - The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mildew.
• Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification - We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. our professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
• Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing - We clean all the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
• Step 6: Restoration - Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Why SERVPRO?

SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster. We're here day or night, at any time of the day because storms and other disasters don't wait for a convenient time to come, and we understand that. Not only do we have the right professionals to do the job, but we will walk you through the entire process, discuss anything with your insurance company, and make sure that your home or business is back up and running as fast as possible.

So, if your home or business falls victim to water damage due to the season or any other reason, you know who to call.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Summer Water Damage to Look Out For

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

We're in the heart of summer, which means summer storms. Living in New Jersey, we're all too familiar with how our summer storms can be - especially when it comes to water damage. We understand how devastating a flood can be, especially if it affects your home or business. Our team is full of skilled, experienced technicians that will get any job done. Let's get into the types of water damage, causes, and what to look out for.

Flash Floods

Flash floods are no joke. These warnings come every time a storm brings in a lot of rain in a short period of time. This causes the sewers to overflow, as they can't keep up, as well as brings the level of lakes, rivers, and streams up. Many times we just get a flood warning sent to our phones, but it's important to take those warnings seriously and be prepared for anything, especially if your home is located in a flood risk zone.

Coastal Flooding

Coastal flooding is more of a risk for those who live down the shore. This happens when water inundates or covers normally dry coastal land as a result of high or rising tides or storm surges. Coastal storms are dangerous, especially if a hurricane is involved. It can cause terrible flooding, power outages, and a disaster to your home. It's important to stay alert and watch the weather reports, especially during hurricane season.

Great Amounts of Rain

If your area experiences a storm that lasts longer than a few hours, there's a large chance that your home could fall victim to flooding. It's important to make sure that your gutters are clear, your trees are checked and groomed, and any of your belongings outdoors that could either break, rust, or float away are fastened.

Water Damage Causes...

Water damage causes a lot of issues to your home and if they are not taken care of right away, you're looking at dealing with further damage like mold growth, structural damage, roof problems, and more. Pay attention to your phone or the news for any warnings such as your township being under flood watch, flash flood warnings, high winds, etc.

What Can Flood Water Do to Your Home?

Following a storm, though many threats can occur as a result, one of the most likely is the danger of flood water. In fact, every year, various regions across the U.S. are devastated by hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, and more. Once the storm has passed, seemingly, so has any threat to your wellbeing, property, etc. That's not always the case, however. Some of the biggest dangers that can result - in addition to road closures, lack of supplies, and more - are the risks presented by standing floodwater.

While we at SERVPRO cannot legally advise you on health effects, the CDC themselves have weighed in on the topic of standing water presenting health effects. In the event of a storm disaster, according to the CDC, the threat of numerous diseases becomes more likely (think West Nile or Norovirus). Why is this? The CDC tells us that infected water can spread diseases and bacteria to everything it touches. This includes the toys your children play with and articles of clothing.

Even if a storm is not particularly severe, depending on your location, flooding can happen. With insufficient drainage, an area can be flooded with even a medium amount of rain.

There can be many different sources of water damage. In addition to heavy rains, things like broken appliances, faulty plumbing and more can cause a flood in your home. What's truly important is that you react as quickly as possible. At SERVPRO, we know time is of the essence particularly when referring to water damage from a flood.

To create a plan for water restoration after a flood, count on our team of professionals. If you have experienced flood damage, don't hesitate another moment. Fast action is crucial, and that's why we're here.

SERVPRO Team Harvey is Your Best Bet for Water Damage Restoration

We understand the importance of getting to a water damage scenario quickly. Our water damage restoration team is ready for any size job. We're available 24/7 and are faster to any size disaster. No matter the problem, we can help. If you have water damage that you need restored, we can do that. If you've found a mold problem in your home, we can stop the mold growth and help remediate that as well. Just give us a call!

Our water damage restoration process looks like this:

• You call us - emergency contact!
• We inspect and perform a damage assessment - we'll see what equipment is needed to take care of the damage.
• We start with water removal and water extraction - we use our professional and high tech equipment to remove the water from your home.
• We'll dry and start the dehumidification process - we'll ensure that your wet materials are taken care of as well as dry out the area in your home that was flooded.
• We'll clean and repair - if there needs to be any repairs, such as new drywall, new carpeting, etc., we'll take care of that.
• Finally, the restoration - we'll make sure to bring your home back to pre-water damage condition like it never even happened.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Learn about TEAM HARVEY: VIDEO

SERVPRO Team Harvey’s Water Restoration Steps

4/21/2023 (Permalink)

Each water damage scenario is usually a little different. Homeowners and business owners deal with water damage from burst pipes and floods, to sewer backups, and plumbing problems. Whatever the case may be, we have a 6 step process for water restoration. These steps detail our process for the typical water-damaged property.

Step 1: Emergency Contact
The Restoration process begins when you call us. SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you’re dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Even a delay of a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

When you call, you’ll be asked several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the damage? (If known)
• Is there electricity available? (On-site)

Step 2: Inspection & Water Damage Assessment
When responding to a water damage emergency, we begin with a detailed inspection of your home or property, including a damage assessment. At this stage, our professionals are trying to determine the scope of the damage so that we can develop an appropriate plan of action.

We will check for the source of moisture in your home or business. The source must be stopped before any restoration or drying of the building can be successful.

We will identify the category and classification of water damage to ensure our professionals restore your property based on industry guidelines. The level of contamination of the water will affect the specific restoration process we use.

We’ll inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration. In addition, we will inspect for safety concerns that may be evident. If there are any safety issues like lead or asbestos, please bring them to our attention.

Step 3: Water Removal/Extraction
After the inspection and damage assessment, the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water, as we use powerful pumps and truck-mounted units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, we can conduct an organized move-out to protect your belongings from further damage.

Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, we may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. Removing most of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

The water removal equipment we use include:

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters that measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification
Once the excess water has been removed, the floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Our professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your home or business. We’ll carefully monitor the process using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.

Our drying equipment includes:

Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling or warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pas, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing
Your walls, flooring, and ceiling will most likely require professional cleaning services. In addition to cleaning your property’s structure, we will clean your furniture, upholstery, clothing, and other restorable belongings damaged by the water. Most flooding and water damage also require professional odor removal and deodorization since wet materials have a very distinct odor.

We are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. Our technical expertise and industrial grade scrubbers and fogging equipment go well beyond simply masking odors and other shortcuts that don’t work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

When it comes to sanitizing treatments, depending on the scenario, we may use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property.

Step 6: Restoration
Restoration is the final step! It’s the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs such as reconstruction or various areas or rooms in a home or business.

If you need our restoration services, please contact us right away. You don’t want to let water sit in your home, causing more damage and getting more expensive.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

3 Causes of Water Streaks on Your Walls

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

Water streaks on your walls can look messy. However, the problem is often bigger than just an eyesore as they could indicate mold growth, rot, water leakages behind the wall, and a sign of inadequate drainage of water and condensation. It’s important to have this problem resolved as soon as possible. Here are 3 causes of water streaks on your walls!

Inadequate Home Ventilation

Proper home ventilation will help to remove pollutants, control heat, and remove excess moisture in the environment. If your home has a persistent moisture problem and water streaks on your walls, you should try to increase your ventilation to fix the problem. For example, you can use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom or other humid areas to increase air circulation and ensure proper ventilation. Always, remember that exhaust fans should be vented to the exterior and not the interior.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when there is a large temperature difference between the air outside and the air inside your home. This causes condensation on interior surfaces in your houses such as walls and windows. Over time, this condensation can contribute to water streaks on your walls.

The good news is those condensation problems are relatively minor and easier to fix as compared to water leakages. You can use dehumidifiers, improve your ventilation system or exhaust systems to fix condensation issues, thereby preventing excess moisture from building in your house and on surfaces.

Roof Leaks and Ice Dams

If your roof has a leakage, water can seep into your home or inner walls. Cracked masonry, walls, or other damaged building structures may also contribute to the excess build-up of moisture. If you frequently observe wet patches or water streaks on your walls after heavy rain or storm, the likely culprit would be roof leaks.

It is important to get your roof repaired and to seek professional help as your roof may deteriorate over time. Roof leaks may also occur due to damaged roofs from improper installation and damage from heavy weather such as storms.

Ice dams can also cause roof damage and leaks in colder climates. This is because heavy snowfalls, paired with damaged roofs, or inadequate roof structures, insulation, and ventilation would contribute to ice dams. Ice dams occur when the snow on the roof melts and seeps or leaks into the roof, or your interior walls via a crack or crevice on the roof. If you observe water streaks occurring on the walls in the top of rooms which are located on the highest story, it may be due to an ice dam and roof leakage.

SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District Can Assist You with Water Damage Restoration

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and possesses numerous advanced restoration and cleaning equipment. We can identify the source of your leakage and properly address the water damage on your walls.

We also offer refurbish and repair services so that your walls will look as good as new.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of West Somerset County, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Causes in Your Lower Manhattan Commercial Facility

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Lower Manhattan commercial facility can be detrimental to your business. It’s important to know the causes of water damage and how to effectively restore the building to prevent additional damage, such as mold.

Here are some top causes of water structural water damage (and later, what you can do about it):

Deteriorating Plumbing & Burst Pipes

How old is the plumbing in your building and when is the last time the pipes, sprinklers, toilets, etc. were replaced? Old plumbing is the cause of many water damage instances, so if you believe it’s time to replace the old with the new, do it before it’s too late.

Burst pipes are also a leading cause of water damage, especially in the winter months. If the pipes freeze, there’s a large chance that they will burst if the necessary actions are not taken.

Natural Disasters

Severe weather like hurricanes, flooding, and even blizzards can cause a tremendous amount of water damage. If your business is in a vulnerable place, or not prepared for a large storm, the chance of water damage is high. There are ways you can try to protect your building if you know a bad storm is coming, but if it’s bad enough - you may be looking for a restoration company after the damage has been done.

Roof Problems

Ensure that you get your roof inspected at least once a year. A roof leak can lead to even bigger problems like mold, structural damage, and more. If you do have a leak, get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid more damage.

HVAC System Malfunctions

Like all machines, building HVAC systems are subject to wear and tear as time passes and this will ultimately inhibit their performance. When your cooling/heating system stops operating, cracks or leaks can appear within its drains and pipes. This in turn will lead to the leakage of liquid outside the unit which can get all over the floor and become a slip and fall hazard and cause mold, and water damage to the floor and surrounding objects.

Check the Windows

If there are any cracks in the windows of your commercial business building, seal them up as soon as possible. This can cause unwanted liquid and moisture to get inside. This is why experts recommend inspecting every seal and window and if problems are found they should be fixed immediately.

Faster to Any Disaster
There isn’t time to wait when it comes to disasters - especially if they are to your business. With SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, you can expect an immediate response time - day or night. We provide emergency disaster cleanup services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - including holidays.

Reach out with any and all of your questions and inquiries: (212) 564-6365

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of West Somerset County, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

What You Need To Know About Leaking Dishwashers

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Both commercial and residential property owners may encounter leaking dishwashers at some point. Before the issue can be resolved by SERVPRO technicians, you’ll need to unplug it then deactivate its circuit breaker. Additionally, be sure your watered supply valve has been closed, which can usually be located beneath your kitchen sink. Below are some common reasons dishwashers leak.

The Connections Are Damaged or Loose

Dishwashers are made with hoses, valves, and connections that are vulnerable to becoming loose or damaged as time passes. If you notice that the valves or hoses have become cracked or defective, they will need to be replaced, and it is important to ensure the clamps are of the proper size and have the strength needed to keep each hose in position even under pressure.

Your Float Switch Is No Longer Working

The float assembly is an important dishwasher component that uses a float switch and floats for the regulation of internal liquid levels during rinse and washes cycles. Once the dishwasher has completed its cycles, its float is supposed to lift up with rising liquid. After researching a specific height, it must trigger a float switch to deactivate the water. However, should the switch become faulty, its water level may become too high, resulting in leakage and mold. The solution to this problem is replacing the faulty float switch, but doing it yourself can be challenging.

The Dishwasher’s Door is Leaking

If you notice liquid pooling right beneath the dishwasher’s door, this could be a sign that the door itself is the source of the leak. Its latch might be loose or bent, which is preventing it from functioning normally. A screwdriver can be used for tightening the latch and allowing the door to close completely. In extreme cases, it might become necessary to buy and then install a brand new latch unit. If the gasket is damaged, it will have to be replaced, but the replacement should be soaked in warm and soapy water first so that it has greater flexibility and is simpler to manipulate when installing.

You’re Using Incorrect Detergent

This is a common mistake made by those who are not familiar with dishwashers. Standard soap will foam up excessively and because many dishwashers can’t handle it, leaks are the inevitable result. The solution to this problem is to review the dish soap you’re currently using and make sure it is compatible with your dishwasher. If you aren’t sure, read the manual that came with the machine and if you’ve lost it you can probably find a digital version online at the manufacturer’s website.

Your Dishwasher’s Spray Arm Has Malfunctioned

The dishwasher’s spray arm will spin during rinse and wash cycles, spraying the water onto the contents inside. However, if the dishwasher is improperly loaded or overcrowded, the dishes and utensils might block its arm, which won’t be able to correctly rotate since it’s become damaged or dislodged resulting in leakage. If this is the case you’ll probably have to buy and install a brand new spray arm, which can be purchased online.

Why Are There Water Streaks On Your Walls?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water streaks on your walls can look unsightly. However, the problem is often bigger than just an eyesore as they could indicate mold growth, rot, and water leakages behind the wall. It is thus important to have this problem resolved as soon as possible. Water streaks on your walls could also be signs of inadequate drainage of water and condensation. Here are some of the reasons for water streaks on your walls.

Inadequate Home Ventilation

Proper home ventilation will help to remove pollutants, control heat and remove excess moisture in the environment. If your home has a persistent moisture problem and water streaks on your walls, you should try to increase your ventilation to fix the problem. For example, you can use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom or other humid areas to increase air circulation and ensure proper ventilation. Do remember that exhaust fans should be vented to the exterior and not the interior.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when there is a large temperature difference between the air outside and the air inside your home. This causes condensation on interior surfaces in your houses such as walls and windows. Over time, this condensation can contribute to water streaks on your walls.

The good news is those condensation problems are relatively minor and easier to fix as compared to water leakages. You can use dehumidifiers, improve your ventilation system or exhaust systems to fix condensation issues, thereby preventing excess moisture from building in your house and on surfaces.

Roof Leaks and Ice Dams

If your roof has a leakage, water can thus seep into your home or inner walls. Cracked masonry, walls, or other damaged building structures may also contribute to the excess build-up of moisture. If you frequently observe wet patches or water streaks on your walls after heavy rain or storm, the likely culprit would be roof leaks.

It is thus important to get your roof repaired and to seek professional help as your roof may deteriorate over time. Roof leaks may also occur due to damaged roofs from improper installation and damage from heavy weather such as storms.

Ice dams can also cause roof damage and leaks in colder climates. This is because heavy snowfalls, paired with damaged roofs, or inadequate roof structures, insulation, and ventilation would contribute to ice dams. Ice dams occur when the snow on the roof melts and seeps or leaks into the roof, or your interior walls via a crack or crevice on the roof. If you observe water streaks occurring on the walls in the top of rooms which are located on the highest story, it may be due to an ice dam and roof leakage.

SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District Can Assist You with Water Damage Restoration

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and possesses numerous advanced restoration and cleaning equipment. We can identify the source of your leakage and properly address the water damage on your walls.

We also offer refurbish and repair services so that your walls will look as good as new. You can rest assured that we have the necessary resources and expertise to handle your water damage problems.

What Are The Most Common Home Plumbing Problems?

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Here's one guarantee in life: plumbing problems. That's just what you wanted to hear, isn't it? As assured as the need to make timely mortgage payments as a homeowner, the plumbing problems that go along with owning a home are unavoidable. One way or another, you're going to have to deal with a plumbing issue, whether it's a water heater problem, clogged drain, leaking pipe, or what have you.

To give you a better idea of what to look forward to, and maybe a way to avoid water damage, we're going to examine plumbing problems that frequently happen in the home.

Hot Water Problems

Without water heaters, it would be more difficult to wash dishes, some types of laundry, and take a comfortable shower or bath. If you aren't getting any hot water, check the pilot or the electrical hookup. If all seems in order, start checking for other problems like leaks, cracks, etc. Your tank might stop working altogether, or at least experience lower efficiency, if capacity is reduced due to sediment building up on the bottom of the tank.

Want to avoid water heater problems? Check these out:

• Call a professional plumber immediately if you notice water pooling under the hot water tank, cracks, or leaks.
• To continuously protect your tank walls from corrosion, replace the sacrificial anode rod midway through the unit's life.
• To remove corrosion and built-up sediment, drain and flush out the water heater every year.

Leaks

Here, we are referring to leaks involving water. If you don't live in an ultra-cold climate, you at least won't have to deal with frozen pipes. Those can be a real pain! When water in pipes freezes, it also expands. This expansion can lead to burst pipes. That usually means water everywhere!

Those aren’t the only leaks, of course. A variety of problems can be caused by material buildup inside of plumbing. Leaks can occur and, at worst, plumbing bursts from the strain.

You could end up with mold and mildew, destroyed drywall, a damaged structure, and a ruined floor if you experience a leaky roof, broken pipes, or some other type of flood or massive leak.

Here's how to avoid big leaks:

• Take immediate action at the first sign of a leak.
• When any signs of deterioration show up in your pipes, replace your home plumbing system.
• To lessen the threat on appliances and plumbing, and eliminate hard water scaling, install a water softener.

Clogged Drains

Whether it's your bathroom/kitchen sink, toilet, shower drain, or some other drain, this plumbing problem is undoubtedly the most common. In the kitchen, food or grease might be clogging your drain. In the bathroom, it could be hair and soap combined. There is no telling what you might find down the toilet drain!

If you're lucky, you may be able to use a metal hanger or plunger to clear the block. Some are tougher, however, and require a snake or other professional tool/method by a plumber.

Want to avoid a clogged drain? Consider the following:

• Within 10 feet of any buried drain line, remove bushes, trees, and other plants to avoid roots interfering with the drainage system.
• In the bathroom and kitchen, practice drain-safe disposal. Don't put a lot of flour, rice, pasta, or eggshells down your kitchen drain. Don't pour grease down your drain. Don't flush "flushable" wipes or other hygiene products and use a strainer to prevent hair from going down the bathroom drains.
• Get a sewer line camera inspection done by a plumber if you notice your drains have started to drain slowly. Any sewer line problems, cracks, or clog issues can be found in this manner.

Have Your Plumbing Problems Lead to Water Damage and More? Contact the Professionals at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District!

It's time to contact the knowledgeable, experienced professionals at SERVPRO if you have water damage, mildew, mold, or structural damage from a flood, massive leak, etc. Don't let mold and mildew take over your home, causing conditions that are unsafe and unhealthy, at best. Take your home back by allowing the highly skilled water remediation, cleanup, and/or restoration team from SERVPRO to work their magic.

Contact us today if you need help. We offer 24-hour emergency service.

Can Ceiling Water Damage Be Repaired?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

One of the worst aspects of water, where damage and stains are concerned, is that it can go pretty much anywhere. It seems to get to and through anything and everything. A plumbing leak or inclement weather leak can affect the quality of your home as well as your family’s comfort and health.

Ceiling water damage can end up in repair bills of staggering amounts. Check to see if there is any ceiling discoloration to head off ceiling water damage before it becomes a major problem. If your ceiling has started to sag a bit, a lot of damage has already been done! If you see a saggy ceiling, you've got trouble! First and foremost, you'll have to repair the cause of the water making your ceiling sag. Once that's done, your best bet is to bring in a professional cleanup/restoration service. Shortly, we’ll inform you as to the best company to contact.

Water Damage Causes

Plumbing issues are the number one cause of ceiling water damage. If your ceiling experiences discoloration, look closely at where it first appears. Is the leak coming from the bathroom? Kitchen? Drains, when they leak, frequently cause water stains underneath (which would be the ceiling of the room below). With old plumbing systems under toilets, sinks, showers, etc., the more water that flows through them, they further they break down (if corrosion is the problem).

Another common cause of ceiling water stains is the possibility that your roof may be compromised and/or weak. During heavy rain falls and other severe weather conditions, you may have active water dripping through onto your ceiling. This might be caused by roof damage or a clog somewhere in the roofing system.

Assessing Ceiling Leaks And Damage

Before working on the leak, move any valuables that may be damaged by water well out of the way. You have to go above the stain to find out where the water is coming from. It may not be falling directly down. Rather, it may be flowing to a low spot which just ends up being where the stain on your ceiling is located. The source of water leaks can be very tricky to locate.

Once the leak is fixed, you'll have to inspect the areas that have been affected by the water. A lot of water can be held in drywall ceilings. Plaster, however, not so much. You may choose to remove any collected water above a drywall ceiling by poking a hole in it. Make sure you have a container underneath to catch the water. Be prepared for floor damage if you don't protect your floor with something to catch the water.

Repairing Stained Ceilings

Some light staining is not that big of a deal. A can of Kilz and some paint and you're on your way. But when the damage is more serious, rather than dealing with all of the mildew, mold, flaking or broken drywall, damaged plaster, rebuilding, repainting, etc., call in the professionals. Particularly if mold and mildew has formed – and it probably has – you want to bring in technicians who are going to make sure your family and home is safe and healthy. That's the best way to deal with mold and mildew. Leave it to the people who have all of the equipment and other products specially made for dealing with situations such as this.

Need Water Damaged Ceilings Repaired? Contact the Pros at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District!

When you need cleanup and restoration after a ceiling leak, or any other disaster in your home or business, the best move you can make is to contact the knowledgeable, experienced professionals at SERVPRO. Our locally owned and operated company is a trusted leader in the industry of restoration and cleanup. What's more, we always use advanced cleaning and restoration equipment for our projects. Compared to others, “We get there faster to any size disaster!”

Contact us today if you need help. We offer 24-hour emergency service.

Understanding The Importance Of Dry Out In Water Damage Restoration Processes

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can be caused by plenty of factors and not just solely by flooding alone. Leaks, higher humidity, and broken pipes are some of the other reasons that may cause water damage to happen. Water damage can lead to much more critical problems inside your home which are potentially harmful to humans and property as wet areas are the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. This is the exact reason why dry out in water damage restoration is the most important step to prevent serious problems.

Prone to Flooding

If your home or place of business is prone to flooding, always have the contact of a good water damage restoration company handy. Flooding is often caused by a storm or broken pipes and this situation needs to be tackled immediately so that the dry out process can be put in place within the shortest time possible to prevent further damage. The professional water damage restoration company will have the proper knowledge and equipment to perform the necessary drying process to ensure damp conditions will not become worse. In turn, various risks and challenges can be prevented so as to save on damage costs and to also reduce the risks of inflicting possible harm to your health.

Hiring Water Damage Professionals

When dealing with water damage, the best option is to always hire water damage professionals. They possess the necessary skills and knowledge as well as the required equipment to perform a professional job. If you handle the water damage situation on your own, you may not know the proper techniques of handling the situation and the dry out process may be even tougher than you would have expected. Hiring water damage professionals means having someone with expertise come assess the situation for you which they can address and fix immediately so the problem can be resolved without any delays.

Using Drying Equipment

If your water damage situation is caused by flooding, do not attempt to dry your home or place of business using any DIY methods you saw online. They may cause more harm than good as further damages may be imposed to your home or business structure. Water damage professionals on the other hand, come equipped with drying equipment that works around the clock to ensure your home or business is all around dry. Professional equipment is high in quality and power to offer a safe environment for you to settle back down so the downtime of your operations can be kept to a bare minimum. The condition of your home or business will also be closely monitored by the professional team to ensure the humidity and moisture levels in your home or business are within safe levels. If the levels are unsafe, proper adjustments can be made to match the requirements of the location.

Professional Help

If you are experiencing any form of water damage at your home or business, make sure to act quick and engage the services of SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan. This is a crucial step in making sure the water damage situation can be contained and minimized.

What Is The Recommended Duration For Running Dehumidifiers After Water Leaks?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

As per records from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, there is a waste of approximately 1 trillion gallons of water each year that is caused by household water leaks. In addition, 37 % of homeowners admit having suffered financial losses due to water damage in their residences. Water leaks are truly more than just that annoying dripping water sound. They could mean going days getting involved in major clean-ups to ensure carpets, furniture, walls, and floors get thoroughly dried out. Running dehumidifiers after water leaks is also helpful during this process to support your efforts.

Do Dehumidifiers Help to Dry Out Water Damage?

Dehumidifiers work the same way like vacuum cleaners which is to take the moisture out from the air. Dehumidifiers basically involve two different processes which are absorption and adsorption. Absorption is the process of taking out moisture from a particular material that is drenched in water. Adsorption is when you lift off moisture from a surface. Dehumidifiers do not just help to dry out water leaks but they are also useful in reducing allergy symptoms. Dehumidifiers draw moist air from the room where flooding or a water leak has taken place. There is a rotating wheel inside the duct which is highly absorbent which is used to remove humidity in the air. Drier air is then being circulated back into the space which will help to dry out the dampness found inside the room.

How Long Should Dehumidifiers Be Run?

The duration that a dehumidifier needs to be run after flooding or water leak really depends on a number of factors. Water damage professionals will first assess the flooded area to determine the degree of the damage. Other factors that need to be considered are as follows:

• Size of Flooded Area – If the area is small, then the dehumidifier needs to be run for a much shorter period of time. However, if the entire house is affected, it is recommended to run several dehumidifiers at once for a number of days or up to an entire week. An enclosed area will also help dehumidifiers to function more efficiently.
• Humidity Levels – Another factor that affects the duration is the level of humidity in the area. During summer, you will typically need to run a dehumidifier much longer due to higher humidity levels. During the winter, the duration can be reduced as humidity levels are also lower.
• Severity of Damages – A water leak that happens in linoleum floor or concrete as well as in walls causes much lesser damage as these materials are not as absorbent. However, if the water leak seeps into your drywall, carpets, wooden furniture, and other wooden surfaces, then a dehumidifier needs to be run for a much longer period of time to achieve optimum results.

Regardless of your water damage situation, restoration experts at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan are able to provide a solution after a proper assessment. Get in touch with our team as soon as you uncover a water leak or flooding to keep the situation at bay.

5 Things That Water Damage Repair Specialists Do

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

There are different processes to be done during the evaluation of water damage. Going through the scale of the necessary repair works requires the help of water damage repair specialists who are experts at their job. The article below explains in more details the job scope of these experts so you can know exactly when to consult them.

Identifying the Different Types of Water

There is a total of three different types of water. The very first type is called clean water which is produced by condensation, rain, leaky pipes, and others. Clean water is relatively harmless to clean up on your own.

The second type of water is called gray water. It is slightly dirtier than clean water and it is produced by dishwashers, washing machines, waste-free toilets and more. It may also contain some contaminants. You may wish to clean it up on your own but make sure that you put own protective gears like gloves to protect yourself.

The third type is black water which is produced by serious flooded rivers and lakes or from the sewers. This water contains waste, germs, and other toxic contaminants. Black water can cause implications that are detrimental to your health and should not be cleaned up on your own. Always hire professional restoration specialists to tackle the situation to prevent any serious health issues to yourself and your family.

Inspecting Serious Issues Like Mold

Water repair damage specialists will also help in inspecting serious issues including mildew and mold. They can start developing when the conditions are right in as little as 24 hours. Mold that has thrived for an extended period of time, you need to be very careful as it poses as a long-term issue. Some mold can cause health effects and can cause severe property damage. For small mold, simply get rid of them on your own. For more severe cases of mold infestation, always seek the help of professionals to avoid the mold spores from spreading and getting out of control.

Drying the Water Damage Area

Restoration specialists will first remove all moisture at water damage areas to prevent it from causing further damage to the property. For small leaks, it is still important to be thorough to cover every nook and cranny. We will focus on circulating the air with the aid of several devices such as dehumidifier, fans, and more.

Removing and Clearing Porous Materials

The next step performed by specialists is to move on with the removal of any porous materials found in the water damage areas. These materials include insulation, carpet, fabric, and so on. If they are fully soaked, we will cut them out accordingly so they can be removed swiftly. Water would have damaged them by warping or shrinking them which is further worsened by mildew.

Disinfecting Remaining Materials

After the removal of damaged components, the specialists will focus on disinfecting the entire space using industrial-grade yet safe chemicals. They can help prevent the formation of mold which can cause prolonged damage to your health and property.

What You Need to Know About Frozen Pipes

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Identifying Frozen Pipes During The Upcoming Winter Season

During winter, homeowners are faced with many possible home problems that require repair. When the temperature starts to drop below zero degrees, a common problem homeowners encounter is a frozen water pipe. A frozen water pipe is dangerous and can be very costly to repair. When water freezes, it expands; this results in increased pressure in the lines, to the point where these pipes cannot hold the water anymore. If you can spot a frozen water pipe early, it can save you the trouble of a burst water pipe. For instance, if you turn on the faucet and only get a small trickle of water, you may have a frozen water pipe. If you are unsure about maintaining your pipes, you should engage professionals to help you prevent them from bursting.

Problems that Arise from a Frozen Pipe

If you miss the initial warning signs, the problem can get worse and bring about several complications. These include:

Increased possibility of bursting: A frozen pipe can burst at any time and bring about a host of problems. If a water pipe bursts outdoors as you will need to deal with damaged water in harsh weather and a slippery condition.
Lack of running water: It is incredibly inconvenient without a proper supply of running water. It makes simple daily tasks like showering and washing the dishes difficult, and can interfere with the activities you do on a daily basis.

Identifying Frozen Pipes

There are many water pipes in a house, both outside and inside. Every bathroom, shower, and sink has its own pipes. The good news is that you are able to identify frozen pipes before they burst from these warning signs.

Strange sells that come from the faucet: if your faucet gives off a weird smell, it may be a sign of a frozen pipe. If the pipe is blocked from ice, the only way to release the order is through the drain or faucet.
Visible frost on the pipe: If your pipes are exposed, you may be able to see frost on the surface of the pipe. If there is the presence of frost, it is likely your pipe is frozen.
Temperature is extremely low: Pipes will not freeze if it is not cold enough. However, once the temperature of your environment drops below the freezing point, you should start to take precautionary measures in order to prevent your pipes from becoming frozen.

Work with Professionals from SERVPRO

If you are on the lookout for professionals that can help you with your home pipes, look further than SERVPRO from Lower Manhattan. We have a committed team of experts that are committed to bringing you the best experience working with us. We also have a certification in sanitization and offer different services including cleaning services, mold remediation services, and more. Our services cater to a wide range of facilities like hospitals, elderly homes, and more. Feel free to contact us if you have any queries today!

Getting Ahead of Frozen Pipes

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Letting your faucet drip helps keep the pipes damn and avoids them freezing over.

Although the frosty breeze and sparkling snow can be breathtaking during winter, there are risks we must be aware of. Winter can be enchanting but this is the season where frozen pipes can be an awful disaster. This change in weather can cause temperatures to drop to extremely low levels and can cause pipes in your home to freeze and burst. If pipes are not properly insulated or if there are cracks or gaps where the pipe enters your home, this can cause the pipes to freeze easily. During the dramatic temperatures, water freezes and expands continually, and eventually, the pipes can burst. Be sure to maintain and check your pipes regularly to help avoid these situations. If you find yourself in this position, you can contact our location at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District and we will be glad to provide our services.

Pools of Water Flood Commercial Space

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water floods and buckles the floors of commercial property.

Water damage is among one of the leading calls we get here at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan. We take each case very seriously. This job was interesting because the amount of standing water was so extreme. When looking at the picture attached here you can see that the total water present almost resembles a swimming pool. No one wants their home to unexpectedly become a swimming pool. We are here to make homes become homes once more. Our motto here at SERVPRO is to handle each job with a degree of care and effort that fulfills our mission of making any job look "Like it never even happened." Our crew went in with the proper SERVPRO tools that will quickly get rid of the water. Our customer was very happy when the job was finished and everything was back to the way it should be.

Three Types of Common Floodwater

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

It is common for homeowners to immediately want to get to work after a flood to try to salvage whatever is left of their home. You could, however, be doing more harm than good without first knowing what has actually hit you. Different types of floodwater have different causes and effects onto one’s health, so only handle what is within your capability and leave the rest to the professionals.

Floodwater 1: Clean Water

• This is pretty straightforward so you can go ahead and get those towels and any other retrievable fabric pieces you can find to kickstart the floodwater absorption process. However, be sure to pick up the pace before this type of floodwater changes into the next state. Get everyone to join in the effort to settle down as soon as possible and take the opportunity to bond as a team to keep spirits high.

Floodwater 2: Grey Water

• This is the next state which had transitioned from clean water. It is totally fine to feel skeptical about even getting into contact with this type of floodwater because you never know what is flowing beneath. There could be contaminants of a chemical, physical or even biological nature which usually derive from kitchen or bathroom malfunctions.

Floodwater 3: Unsanitary

• This is the deadliest state floodwaters could get into. Thus, be absolutely wary of your surroundings while handling this form of floodwater to prevent any detrimental adverse effects on your health and that of your loved ones. You could be getting yourself into a situation of pathogenic and toxigenic agents’ category which has dissolved silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals or toxic organic substances. Thus, save yourself the trouble and your health to stay fit to storm through the aftermath.

Cleanup Process

There are so many different ways and approaches that you can get your hands on through various online tips and guidelines. Nevertheless, you could be doing it all wrong when you fail to correctly distinguish the real type of floodwater that has flowed in your home at the very initial important stage. Therefore, there has to be a certain level of guarantee before you can truly say that you are safe from harm that could cause you to become sick or be left with a home that is only cosmetically free of floodwaters.

Cleanup Guarantee

What is this guarantee that we are talking about? It is the sense of assurance that will leave you feeling comfortable and put your mind at ease again as though no natural disaster had ever struck your home sweet home. SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is that guarantee you need to get your mind and health off of things and simply lay back and relax while our professional cleanup team get down and dirty with all the strenuous and exhausting cleaning up. We will guarantee that every last drop of floodwater will be gotten rid of for good, even the deadliest floodwater form that you can possibly imagine. Get our number on your speed dials today or just drop us a message to address any of your concerns.

How Long Does Water Damage Take to Ruin a Home in Lower Manhattan?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can become worse over a long period of time and is extremely annoying to a homeowner. The best way to deal with it is to act as fast as possible and rectify the problem immediately. Prolonging the problem might cause health risks and potentially destroy your precious belongings that are irreplaceable or even important documents. 

In the First Few Minutes of Water Damage

It is important to note that water can travel extremely fast and spread very quickly in your home. In the first few minutes, it can diffuse into everything that it comes into contact with-imagine your carpets and wallpaper becoming increasingly wet. In the initial stage, the first items that potentially can suffer from damage include your paper goods. This consists of your paper documents or books. They can become irreversibly damaged as the water changes the structure of the paper and dilutes the ink. Additionally, porous materials in your house such as your carpet padding and wiring will start absorbing water. 

In the First 24 Hours

Following an entire day of water damage, the aforementioned porous material will begin to break down and deform. Metal objects and surfaces might become rusty and tarnished. Items that are made from wood will start to swell up from absorbing the large amounts of water. In just 24 hours, dangerous molds can start to form with the forming of spores. You will also notice a strong musty odor that is prevalent in the affected areas. 

In the First 48 Hours

After two whole days of water damage, the mold starts to spread and grow more extensively with the increase in moisture. Their spores become airborne and might be absorbed into respiratory systems. At this point the studs in the wall and the wooden components of the structures in your house also begin to swell and warp. The metal structures also begin to corrode as the rusting process worsens. 

After 48 hours, your carpets might not be able to be salvaged from the absorption of water.

After One Week

After a week the damage becomes more severe as the structural integrity of your house becomes compromised. The mold can turn into a biohazard that can seriously harm your family. The items in your house that have been damaged by water are no longer safe to use by this point. Repair costs would be extremely high at this stage of water damage. Unfortunately, most insurance policies will not want to cover these damages because they have to act immediately to mitigate the problem. Your house also becomes uninhabitable because of the dangerous mold and possible contamination of drinking water. The airborne spores will also make the air quality fall. 

The Importance of Quick Action

Water damage can arise from many different sources. These include lousy plumbing, broken appliances, or heavy rains. The important thing is that you act on it as fast as possible. Here at SERVPRO, our experts understand that time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. Work with our team of professionals to formulate a plan to solve your water damage problems that are curated to your needs.  

Factors That Can Lead to Commercial Water Damage

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

A main cause of commercial water damage comes from heavy storms and major incidences of flooding. However, as a business owner, it is important to understand that commercial water damage can arise from a wide range of problems. These include but are not limited to, levels of abnormally high moisture, plumbing leakage or even the poor quality of sewer lines that are out of your control. The smart thing to do in order to protect your business is to find out more about the causes of problems caused by water. The next step is to find out mitigation methods in order to solve these problems once you spot them. 

Damaged Plumbing and Poor Piping

Every building’s pipes and plumbing system deals with extreme large amounts of water every day. If these pipes are of inferior quality, they might be exposed to a higher risk of wear and tear. Damage to these pipes might be detrimental to your whole business because the plumbing needs to be fixed. It is common for business owners to experience plumbing leakages in their facilities despite how big of a problem it might be. However, fret not because these pipes can be easily replaced or repaired. Here at SERVPRO in lower Manhattan, we offer services that can fix your broken plumbing. 

Faulty Appliances and Electrical Equipment

You may not notice but faulty and damaged appliances such as dryers or washing machines that deal with water can sometimes experience water leakage. This can essentially lead to serious water damage in your facility. It is a wise choice to have your appliances regularly maintained and take proper care of any equipment that uses water to prevent such incidences. 

Faulty and Damaged Sprinkler Systems

Although sprinkler systems are extremely useful in a fire situation, it might cause problems to you If they are old and damaged. Outdated sprinklers can cause severe water damage to your building in a case where they might be accidentally turned on without the presence of a fire. These sprinklers can cause flooding in your building and lead to water damage as well, destroying your equipment, furniture and even the structural integrity of your building. Therefore, it is also a good idea to have your sprinklers updated regularly and inspected for any damage.

Choked Toilets and Lousy Sewer Lines

Choked toilets and sewer lines that are of inferior quality can cause major health problems. They contain many forms of bacteria and toxic pathogens that can affect the quality of life of the those affected. The contaminated water can also damage your precious belongings and ruin the air quality in your building. In the situation that your toilet or sewer line is malfunctioning, the best mitigation is to deal with the problem immediately. Do not try to solve the problem yourself as it can be unsafe and hard to deal with. Your safest bet is to contact water damage experts in our company and let them deal with any forms of repair to set your mind at ease. 

Water Damage to Residential Building

6/2/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan we understand how badly some storms can affect our customers. Not only do they do damage to the homes and businesses to so many individuals but they also cause a tremendous amount of stress.  We are here to alleviate that stress and restore your home back to the way it once was prior to damage. This job classifies as water damage as you can see the amount of standing water when looking at the picture. Our crew went in with air movers and dehumidifiers to collect all the water. Our customer was very happy with the level of professionalism we provided. It’s easy to get worked up when something like this happens to you but don’t worry SERVPRO is #heretohelp.

Water Damage In Office Space

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

As we continuously reiterate, here at SERVPRO we put our customer’s needs above all else. We’re also here to help the community in any way we can. So when we got the call from a local business that they needed our help we were more than happy to provide our services. As you can see from looking at the before picture the building suffered severe water damage. Notice the huge puddle of water in the photograph. Our crew went in with air movers and dehumidifiers to get rid of all the water. This process is timely but our crew stays until we are absolutely sure all the water is removed. Our products work phenomenally to ensure that we give quality service every time we have a job.

Dorm Room Water Damage

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Living with roommates can have its ups and downs. Each person has to adjust to the other person's idiosyncrasies. One thing that definitely will not help the relationship blossom is water damage in your dorm room! This was exactly the case wit a local university. There was water damage in one dorm room that eventually effected multiple other units in the facility. Water left untreated can lead to mold, which is a health risk. We care about our local universities and the students that make them up. Pictured here is the moisture reader reading a 99.9% water in the dorm room. SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan consistently monitored the moisture readings to make sure we removed all the water from each dorm room. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Another Day, Another Water Damage

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

While water is vital to our existence it can lead to a number of issues. Too much water is definitely a problem many individuals face on a day to day basis. Here at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan we've seen a great deal of flood incidents. Pictured in the photo you see the ceiling panels beginning to slouch down as a result of flooding. The water is absorbed by the panels and if not treated properly can lead to a case of mold (which is another service SERVPRO provides). Our crew went into this job with the acquired skill that comes with doing this so often. They removed all the water from the job and then worked from there. The owner of the building was thrilled that we could fix as much as we did.

Standing Water Damage

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the number one calls we receive here at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan. With this job in particular you can see very clearly the surplus amounts of levels of water. Our customer was frazzled and we assured them that this type of job is our specialty and we would alleviate the stress caused by the water damage. Our crew went in with air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the water. Once all the water was dry our crew did the rest of the cleanup and restored the property to its original state. You can see when looking at the attached picture how much standing water was in the house. Once we removed all the water, our customer was very pleased with the job.