Suggested "To-Do List" for Homeowners

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Homeowners must keep their property in great shape throughout the years.  It is vital to enlist the help of professionals that can help!  SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler S., Ahwatukee and S. Tempe has provided homeowners with a "To-Do List" of household items that need to be checked for your home's health. 

Once a year:

• Enlist the help of a plumber or handyman to drain and check your water heater.  This can help diagnose problems.
• Replace your RO (Reverse Osmosis) filer.  It is best to have a plumber or RO technician to help you with this process.

Twice a year:

• Clean your faucet aerator/screens.  A handyman can do this, or you can do it yourself.
• Service HVAC system.  An HVAC company is the best choice for this service.
  Four Times A Year:
• Replace filters.  A handyman or yourself can do this.  A pro-tip will be to put the size of your filters in the notes section of your cell phone if you have one.  Then, set calendar alerts. 

Every Two Years:

• Service your water softener.  A water softener technician or plumber can help.

Every Five Years:

• Replace water supply lines with the help of a plumber
• Replace the RO (Reverse Osmosis) flex tubes

Every Ten Years:

• Replace your water heater. 
  Replace p-traps which are located under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms.  This can help prevent water leaks or significant floods. 
• Replace angle stop or simply stop valves.  These control the supply of water to the individual fixtures
• Replace the toilet wax ring
  Your local plumber can help with all of these fixes.

At SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler S., Ahwatukee and S. Tempe we want you to keep your home safe and free of any destructive happenings.  However, if you find that you are in a water, fire, or mold situation, give us a call 24/7, we are here to help with any of these emergencies.  Call Us Today (480) 558-7620!

Smoke Residue And Odor Removal In Gilbert Homes After A Fire

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Once a fire has occurred in your Gilbert residence, homeowners struggle with the steps necessary to return their property to preloss condition as quickly as possible. While many homeowners could attest that restoring their house on their own is beyond their capability or skill set, they also do not know when the best time to call in professional restoration is. Our team can arrive quickly at the extinguishment of a fire to offer practical solutions for the widespread effects from the fire in your home such as smoke and soot damage.

Smoke and fire damage in your Gilbert home can appear in multiple ways once the first responders have left. Many variables also determine the severity of the situation, including the type of smoke that occurred during the fire. Dry smoke is from a hotter fire that often leaves a powdery layer on surfaces and contents that is much easier for our SERVPRO technicians to clean. Wet smoke is more of a smoldering fire, and leaves a thick residue on surfaces in affected areas that are much more challenging to remove.

The determination about what your home needs gets decided by our SERVPRO estimator and other professionals initially dispatched to your address for assessment and preliminary mitigation work. Through this thorough inspection, our technicians can catalog the full scope of the damage and determine the best equipment and personnel required to remove these effects.

With smoke residue, our team has advanced equipment like high-powered vacuums, powered bristle brushes, and conventional cleaning approaches to remove residue and soot from surfaces and contents that have stayed in the home beyond the pack-out process. Deodorization of the foul odor that smoke often leaves behind gets taken care of throughout the open areas and affected materials with industry-leading equipment like our thermal foggers. These machines can permanently eliminate noxious odors throughout the house.

Fires can leave many damaging effects throughout your home. Our SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler S., Ahwatukee and S. Tempe's rapid response team can help you to understand the severity of the situation and work quickly to return your home to its original condition. Give us a call anytime at (480) 558-7620.

Leaking Fixture Could Allow Water Damage to Chandler Homes

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Indoor plumbing has revolutionized the world and is a staple for every home constructed over nearly the past century. Surprisingly enough, many of the older homes still feature the same fixtures, connections, and piping used in the original construction. While this might provide a vintage feel and attest to the craftsmanship of plumbing in days gone by, it also presents an ever-present threat for adverse conditions or pressure differences to strain elbows and joints until leaks form. A steady leak unseen can cause widespread damages to your home.

While you might not be able to identify the full measure of water damage to your Gilbert home from a steady leak from your plumbing or its fixtures, once you recognize an issue, it is likely that an even greater area has gotten affected in wall cavities where the bulk of the piping is hidden. When you encounter water damage like this, you need effective mitigation and restoration solutions that can happen as soon as you need them. That is why our SERVPRO rapid response team remains available 24/7 to address emergencies as they happen to any property within our service area.

We have advanced technology to help us identify leaks and moisture pockets in areas difficult to assess without demolition or controlled tear out. With thermal imagery cameras, we can determine where damp areas are inside of wall cavities and into other materials to designate the best locations for drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers. Severe moisture pockets could require the use of injectidry systems that feed hot air directly into these cavities to expedite the drying process.

Aging pipes in your home can ultimately cause problems when the wear and tear catch up to the weakest connection points. No matter how long pipes have been in service, our SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler S., Ahwatukee and S. Tempe's water restoration technicians can help you to restore the damage they can cause when things do go wrong. Give our experienced professionals a call anytime that you notice water damage by calling (480) 558-7620.

It's Important to Call a Professional Mitigation Company When Faced with a Water Loss

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

A water damage restoration service is the kind of professional that no one wants to call, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Homeowners should know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space, and taking advantage of every little crack and structural problem. No matter how moisture gets into the building, the response should be the same. Bring in a certified firm, like SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee and South Tempe, as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health threats once the moisture is gone. 

If water has entered the home through a contaminated source, don’t try to handle it on your own. Floods and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. A certified water damage restoration service, like SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee and South Tempe, not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, they have the protective equipment to remain free from harm. 

Restoration technicians have a lot of technology at their disposal. These include powerful vacuums and pumping systems, high volume air movers, dehumidifiers, heat injectors, moisture meters, and a number of detergents formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. This is the only way to ensure a home is safe to live, and a business safe to work in; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble. 

SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee and South Tempe Can Help You With Your Fire Loss

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

When there is a fire in your home or business it can be devastating to you, your family and business. Even after the fire has cleared, the smoke can further damage other areas of the property. The odor from a fire can often make the entire home or business smell extremely bad, causing the property to be uninhabitable. 
Fire damage repairs must begin quickly to maximize effectiveness. SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee and South Tempe specializes in fire and smoke damage restoration services. We answer the call and immediately move into action 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Recognizing the trauma and emotional upset that occupants suffer, Our team works quickly and considerately to mitigate damage on salvageable property, such as household items, fixtures, metals and other contents. Our state-of-the-art science techniques and cleaning processes often prevent replacement costs, thereby reducing costs. If you need immediate fire and smoke mitigation services, call SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee and S. Tempe today. 

National Preparedness Month

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month! Many types of disasters have affected the United States in recent years; from floods to fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, or wildfires. Unfortunately, natural disasters are bound to occur and threaten our homes, businesses, and community. But by being prepared, the damage they incur can often be minimized. During National Preparedness Month, SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee and South Tempe wants you to be prepared to take on Mother Nature’s worst.

If disaster strikes, will you be ready? The following steps can help you prepare for an emergency situation:

• Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps, and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
• Assemble or update emergency supplies.
• Develop and test emergency communication plans.
• Conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
• Participate in a preparedness discussion, training, or class.
• Collect and safeguard critical documents.
• Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
• Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
• Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself and your property. And, should nature's forces still cause damage to your home or commercial building, call SERVPRO at (480) 558-7620 for our expert technicians to clean and restore your property "Like it never even happened." 

Sweltering Summer Safety

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

The summer heat is not letting up and it’s necessary to remember safety tips for excessive heat. Heat affects all people, especially the young, elderly, and sick.

If you must go out outside in the heat, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and apply sunscreen.

Avoid leaving children or animals in parked cars.  Temperatures can become deadly in a matter of minutes.

Be aware of heat exhaustion signs, such as heavy sweating, weakness, cold pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all are signed to look out for; particularly, as heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103°+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone may have heatstroke, call 911 and move them somewhere cooler. Try to reduce the body temperatures with cool, wet cloths or a cold bath. Extreme heat is a serious danger.

For more information on preparedness and prevention, visit the CDC website or read the ready.gov flyer for extreme heat preparedness.

Freaky Friday

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Viewed as an unlucky day in Western superstition, Friday the 13^th is the perfect day to discuss bad luck. Or rather, how SERVPRO is always there to help when misfortune touches your home or business. With our referral network, we can provide service from start to finish, minimizing interruption and ensuring results in a timely and effective manner.

However bad luck presents itself, we are prepared with services such as:

• Fire and water cleanup and restoration
• Mold remediation
• Asbestos abatement
• Biological or crime scene cleanup
• Carpet and tile cleaning
• Duct cleaning
• Smoke and odor removal
• Post-construction cleaning
• Reconstruction
• Air quality testing
• Building disinfection

Our emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. So, whether it be damage caused by the strange forces of Friday the 13^th or bad juju originating from another source, SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee, and South Tempe is always available to help when your luck is down.

Water Damage Outside the 9:00-5:00

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we know that flooding and water emergencies do not cater to your schedule. They do not wait for regular business hours or halt for holidays... so neither do we. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, you can always expect an immediate response and instant action from our team.

Within minutes of excessive exposure, water will spread throughout the property and soak everything in its path. For as long as it remains, the affected areas continue to decline; permanently damaging furniture, floors, and walls as belongings are equally compromised. The damage that a home can sustain is extensive and increases in severity for every minute the water remains. A part of SERVPRO’s overall goal is to minimize the initial damage to your home with constant availability and immediate response times; thus, decreasing the cost of remediation and easing your stress.

Alongside our commitment to ensuring speedy remediation of the damage sustained to your home or business, we are also equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and techniques. This ensures a thorough and high-quality resolution to your water emergency.

When your home or business is affected by water damage or a flood, trust SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee and South Tempe to prioritize your needs and provide the immediate help you and your property deserve – 24/7/365.

Clean Water, Gray Water, and Black Water

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Knowing what type of water you are dealing with when your home or business suffers from water damage is critical to ensure that your property is properly cleaned.

There are 3 types of water: clean water, gray water, and black water. Clean water is rainwater, or water from a broken pipe or other water sources. The term Gray water is used for slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes grey water when it is left untreated, allowing bacteria and other contaminants to grow; this makes the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, and more. It is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.

Not all water damage is treated the same. For each type of water, a different protocol must be employed to ensure a clean and safe environment.

If your property experiences damage from clean water:

• Shut off the water if possible.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if safe from potential shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may occur.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow even drying.
• Move paintings and art objects, computers, documents, and other items that may be sensitive to moisture.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or newspapers on wet floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use household vacuum cleaners to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or cause damage to the vacuum.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water 

If you home of business if affected by contaminated water:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items. 
• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to contaminated areas.

When you have water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Gilbert, Chandler South, Ahwatukee and South Tempe at (480) 558-7620