Reducing Flood Risk to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Biddeford-Saco

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco to get the restoration process started right away.

Wherever you live in the Biddeford-Saco region, it is important to prepare your home for a potential flood. Water can cause massive damage, even if it is only an inch or two.

Did you know that certain areas that aren’t typically prone to flooding may not even qualify for federal recovery aid? Preparing your home ahead of time can help reduce your repair costs if you do suffer damage.

Protecting your home includes both the inside of your house and around your property. Our risk of flooding originates around the Saco River when the water levels rise. We are also at risk when the snow melts in the springtime or when a severe storm with heavy rain comes through town.

<h3your-property">Protecting Your Property

All it takes is one instance of heavy rain to leave your yard wet and your gutters flowing over. Unexpected events like this can be avoided by preparing your home outside before incoming weather.

Clear out your gutters and remove any blockages so that the water can flow through them freely. You can also add extended downspouts to make sure the water flows even further away from your home.

Your garden can also be a preventive measure when it comes to flooding! If you plant your garden in an area that can help collect water, the soil and roots of your plants will help pull the water down into the earth. You can also utilize mulch along your home’s foundation to soak up extra rain water.

In addition to a garden, consider investing in a rain barrel to help collect all of that rain flowing from your gutters. That way you can control exactly where the water goes, and you can give your garden a free drink!

<h3protection-inside">Flood Protection Inside

Many flood problems originate in the basement, so it is important that your foundation is waterproof and your basement is sealed from any moisture troubles.

You can also look into installing a sump pump if your house can support one to help pump out water if it does make its way in. Having a battery-operated one can help ensure you are always prepared to address water issues even if your power goes out.

If you do wind up finding water in your home, don’t panic! Follow some simple steps to address the situation carefully and make sure to fully dry out the area.

If your home has older plumbing or aging appliances, be aware that those situations are two of the most common reasons for in-home flooding. Seal up any leaky pipes, and consider installing a leak sensor below your appliances to alert you right away to the beginning of a water leak.

Floodwater loves paper, so be careful to keep photographs, important documents and other keepsakes off of the ground and store them in a waterproof area. You also should keep your emergency plan in a safe location so you can always access it.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.

How Water Damage Progresses Over Time | SERVPRO® of Biddeford-Saco

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco is your 24/7 water restoration expert. Call us right away if you need immediate service.

A leaky faucet or a small water spot in your Biddeford-Saco home may seem insignificant at the moment, but never underestimate the destructive effects moisture can have on your home. An average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year.

Water damage progresses rapidly, seeping into floors, walls and soft surfaces. It’s crucial to address the issue right away to produce the best results. Here’s what you need to know about the timeline of water damage:

Dealing With Water Damage in Biddeford I SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

It’s happening right now, and—oh no, it’s happening again. And it’s going to happen several more times by the time you finish this blog. In fact it happens an average of 14,000 times a day. What is it?

It’s water damage, and every few seconds, statistically speaking, someone in the United States is dealing with it in one of its many forms. It’s one of the most likely home disasters you’re likely to have to combat, and it can come from within, in the form of a burst pipe or hose leak, or from without, in the case of flooding, roof leaks or even a sewage backup.

It may never happen to you, but it certainly could—and if it does, here’s how things will go when you call SERVPRO for help.

Emergency Contact. When you reach out by phone or web, the first person you’ll talk to will be a SERVPRO expert who will ask you some questions by which we hope to ascertain the nature and severity of your issue. Then we’ll plan a time with you wherein we can come meet you in person and get down to the dirty work.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. When we get to the scene, we’ll first make sure no further water is encroaching on your home. We’ll survey the damage and inspect your home, creating a fully-fledged plan for cleanup and recovery. We’ll also inform you of any hazards we find and make an estimate about items we think will need to be replaced.

Water Removal. If a bucket could fix it, you probably wouldn’t have called us. We’ll use our industrial pumps to get rid of the gallons, maybe even tons, of water soaking your space, and we’ll run them until every drop is removed.

Damaged Material Removal. As water is removed, we can safely haul away items that have been ruined beyond repair, leaving the rest of the home ready for drying.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. They don’t call them “watermarks” for nothing—water makes its presence, and yes, even its absence, known by leaving stains and other unpleasantness behind, and we won’t overlook that. We’ll make sure every inch of stain and every scent of odor gets scrubbed away and dealt with.

Drying. This is a crucial moment in the process, because it helps prevent mold that can grow in your home shortly after water damage occurs. Special, high-powered vacuums and dehumidifiers will pull unnecessary moisture from the air and from surfaces like walls, floors and more, until your home is safely dry.

Monitoring. When you need us, we’ll be right there, watching over the process to make sure everything performs its intended job and your home gets the care it deserves.

Repairs and Construction. Finally, we’ll go through your home with a fine-tooth paintbrush, and hammer, and whatever else we might need to restore damaged surfaces, areas and items. When we’re done, you’ll be amazed.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it Never Even Happened.”

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

This photo is from one of our jobs caused by a pipe burst on the second level of the home.

SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco and SERVPRO of the Sebago Lake Region is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (207)283-4428

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of [[Franchise Name]] has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask 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 water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco and SERVPRO of the Sebago Lake Region

SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco and SERVPRO of the Sebago Lake Region specialize 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.

Steps on What To Do After Water Damage Happens to Your Home

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can be shocking, devastating and damaging. Anything from natural weather including heavy rains or hurricanes to burst pipes and appliance malfunctions can easily land you in a confused and overwhelming position.

Follow these steps to take immediately after water damage in your home: 

Be Safe First

Take care of people first, belongings can be replaced, people cannot! First things first, make sure everyone in the home is safe. Beware of electrical and slip and fall hazards. Stay out of any rooms that show signs of ceiling sagging which may collapse. Water damage will lead to mold growth within hours you will want to find another place to stay as it can cause health effects after prolonged exposure.

Call SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco and The Sebago Lakes Region

We recommend gathering any colored and loose items, like rugs from floors, smaller furniture pieces as they can leave behind a stain should they meet water. Do not use a household vacuum to remove any water, if you do try to clean up any excess water use a mop. But, don’t worry once we arrive, we will take over and provide professional assistance for the damage. We have expertise and a trained team to help and complete the job returning your home back to normal. Once SERVPRO starts this is what we will do:

Water Removal

We have powerful equipment like pumps and vacuums that will remove up to hundreds of thousands of gallons of water! We will use these to minimize further damage to your property. For trapped water in smaller, hard to reach places, we will use air movers and humidifiers.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water damage unfortunately can destroy expensive and keepsake items. It can also leave a musty smell in your home. But don’t worry, our specialized cleaning techniques, air scrubbers and fogging equipment can restore and sanitize belongings and remove any unpleasant orders!

Restoration

Restoring property to pre-water damage condition can require reconstruction sometimes. Depending on the damage, this can range from replacing drywall panels to rebuilding rooms of the property. We will ensure we do as much as well in restoring anything that was damage.

Remember, you can contact us at any time, any hour of the day – we are here for you 24/7!

Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

11/1/2020 (Permalink)

Ideally, any homeowner would love to live without water damage. But we know accidents happen, but we want to provide tips on how to prevent water damage in your home.

According to research, most homes will experience water damage once every eleven years. To be prepared and know strategies on how to implement prevention is key to minimizing water damage occurring on your property.

Consider Your Plumbing System

Since the plumbing system can be a primary source of water damage, one aspect of the system that should be priority of consideration is the refrigerators water supply line for the ice maker. If this supply line is installed incorrectly or becomes pinched, it can cause flooding. The small feed line is a prime culprit for slow drips that can develop into the water streams. For prevention, ensure the line is installed properly by a professional. It should be inspected for leaks at the wall and under the kitchen sink.

Take Care of Gutters and Downspouts

Flooding the basement often occurs when gutters are not draining properly. During a heavy rain fall, be sure to inspect them and ensure they are working efficiently and distributing the water in the correct areas. Make sure the gutters are clean from debris and leaves.

Repair the Roof

Unwanted water from roofs usually result in expansive water damage as the water travels vertically and wick horizontally. If your roof has some age, it is recommended to get it inspected by a professional to avoid water intrusion.

Prevention saves time, stress, property and money.

Excessive water can surface on residential properties causing minimal or extensive damage. Immediate removal will mitigate water damage effects. With our trained crews of IICRC-Certified technicians, SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco and The Sebago Lakes Region is here to respond and take care of any water damage to your home. Prevention saves time, stress, property and money.

Sump Pumps Tips

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

With spring around the corner, often comes with melting snow and heavy rain showers. Sump pumps are a critical element in protecting and moving any water away or out of your home. Typical scenarios are usually from heavy rains, flooding, water tables rising, or issues with foundation draining or basement wall construction. A properly functioning sump pump can help remove excess water from a basement and prevent costly repairs.  

Servicing

 Sump pump often sits for months without any use so it’s important to continue the maintenance to when you need it the most it performs correctly.

Every 3-4 Months

-Clean the inlet screen

-Check the power cord to ensure it is connected and running to power correctly.

-Test the functionality by dumping a bucket of water into the sump to raise the float so ensure it turns on.

Annually

-Remove the pump from the sump to clean and inspect it.

-Replace the pump, if necessary, to ensure it is working properly. Pumps can be found at local retailers such as Home Depot or even online on Amazon.

-Check battery and backup.

-Test pump by pouring a bucket of water into the basin. Water level should rise causing the float to trigger the pump to activate and drain the water.

Water Classes & Categories

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

Water Categories

The level of contamination in a water loss is refers to the category.

Category 1: Water that comes from a sanitary source. This category does not pose a major risk if ingested or inhaled. Common examples include melting ice or snow, falling rainwater, broken toilet tanks and bowels that does not contain any contaminants or cleaners, sink or tub overflows.

Category 2: Water that contains contamination and can have risk to cause sickness if consumed or contacted.  This category has unsafe levels of microorganisms. Common examples include overflow of washing machines, dishwashers and toilet bowls.

Category 3: Water that is heavily contaminated can have harmful agents such as silt, pesticides, metals, and pathogenic agents. Common examples are sewage, toilet backflows, flooding from seawater, ground surface water or other contaminated water entering a building from storms.

Water Classes

The amount of water and the anticipated rate of evaporation based upon how much and type of material is affected refers to the class.

Class 1: < 5% of the combined space affected – only part of a room or area

Class 2: 5%~40% of the combined space affected – affects at least an entire room of carpet or cushion. Water has traveled up the walls but less than 24 inches

Class 3: More than ~40% of the combined space affected – ceilings, walls, carpet, insulation, sub floor are all saturated

Class 4: Wet materials with holding and low evaporation materials such as plaster, wood or concrete

If you experience a water loss, please contact SERVPRO of Biddeford – Saco at (207)-283-4428!

Emergency Water Damage Tips

7/13/2017 (Permalink)

Water valve shut off

Our team members at SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco are highly trained water damage specialist.

Tips if you experience water damage (These tips are for clean water situations only):

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under the furniture legs.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
• Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from we carpeting.
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keeping out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

If you experience water damage let SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco help cleanup and make it "Like it never even happened."

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (207)283-4428

York County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in York County.

SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (207)283-4428

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask 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 water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco

SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco 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.