Recent Building Services Posts

Water Heater Emergency?

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking Water Heater

Water heater emergencies can happen when you least expect it. We understand it can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when you have water all over the floor and running through your home or business. To help stop the flood of water on to your property, follow these steps to stop the water from flowing: 

  1. Check the area surrounding your water heater to make sure that the source of the water is not coming from somewhere else.
  2. Turn off the water supply on your water heater. There are two types of values. If you have a gate style valve (looks like a wheel), turn the valve clockwise as far as you can. If you have a ball style value turn it 180 degrees.
  3. Turn off the power supply at the breaker if you have an electric heater. If you have a gas water heater, look for the gas shut off valve and turn it to the off position.

SERVPRO of Gilbert is here to help you clean and restore your home or business after a water heater disaster. We are here when you need us 24/7 with friendly, professionally trained, and certified technicians to help you recover from the disaster quickly. Call us today at (480) 558-7620

Commercial Emergency Ready Profiles!

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Water and fire emergencies and disasters strike without warning. This is why it is critical to plan in advance. A timely response to a crisis can minimize business interruption and lost revenue. It can also save thousands of dollars in reduced damage.

To assist in planning, SERVPRO has developed "Emergency READY Profile ." This helps a business have an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do, whom to call, and what to expect in advance impacted the effects of water and fire damage. SERVPRO’s ERP addresses both incident response and disaster recovery.

Our Emergency Response Profile includes:

  • A no-cost assessment of your facility.
  • Will contain only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
  • Establishes SERVPRO of Gilbert as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
  • Identifies the change of command for authorizing work to begin establishing local emergency contacts and internal contacts
  • Provides facility details like utility and shut-off valve locations, essential areas, and priority contact information such as contractor information, property manager, etc.
  • Insurance Information
  • Property Overview Information including photos, diagrams, building access information 

All of this information is captured and captured for secured private web access for our clients.

Call SERVPRO of Gilbert (480) 558-7620 to have a marketing representative complete your profile today.

4 Items To Never Store In The Garage

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

The garage can be the catch all of our homes.

When it comes to finding space in our homes to store items we often turn to the garage as our catch-all.  Often this is a fine option for sporting equipment or tools but there are some items that are best stored somewhere else. 

For example paint is one of these items.  When paint is stored in a hot garage, especially in warmer temperatures like we have here in Arizona, it can separate and spoil. This can even happen to unopened cans. It’s best to store your paint in a temperature controlled area in the home such as a basement or utility closet.

Another no- no item for storage in the garage is firewood.  It can make for quick and convenient retrieval to place your wood in the garage but wood can attract pest that can eventually migrate to your home.  Your best option is to stack your firewood on an elevated rack away from the home with a tarp cover.

Canned food can also be tempting to store in the garage when space becomes tight in your home. The USDA recommends storing canned foods in a dry, cool location.  If a garage is damp it can cause tin cans to rust.  If a garage is too hot, exceeding 85 degrees, you can increase the risk of spoiled food.

Finally, one of the most common item found in the garage is a spare refrigerator.  If you are trying to conserve energy this is an awful location to place that fridge.  In a non-climate controlled garage where temps can exceed over 100 degrees, a fridge is forced to work overtime to keep cool, causing your utility bills to run high. 

Even though the garage can turn into a catch all for all our home items, especially when we are short on space, it’s best to be selective with what items you decide to store in it.

Tips For Keeping Your Countertops Looking New

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

The work horse of the kitchen. A little care can make your counter tops beautiful and functional for years to come.

Here at SERVPRO of Gilbert our reconstruction department is no stranger to rebuilding kitchens previously damaged from water, mold or fire.  One of the common replacement items we come across in the kitchen are counter tops.  With our expertise and multiple vendor options we can get your countertops, weather they are laminate, granite or marble, looking beautiful and functional.

Here are a few tips to keep these workhorses of the kitchen in tip top shape.

  1. Be aware of excessive weight placed on your counter tops. Placing heavy objects near unsupported edges or joints can cause cracks, ruptures and fractures that are expensive and difficult to repair. It might not be worth standing on your countertops versus grabbing a ladder when wanting to reach a tall shelf.
  2. Be careful of the cleaning supplies you use. Products that contain bleach or ammonia can cause stone and granite to lose their luster.
  3. Use a trivet or cutting board under toaster ovens, slow cookers and other heat-generating appliances. Temperature changes can cause some materials to crack.
  4. Use caution when using acidic foods on marble countertops. Marble countertops are made of calcium carbonate, and are extremely sensitive to acidity. If you spill vinegar, wine, lemon juice or tomato sauce clean immediately with water and then neutralize the stain by sprinkling baking soda on it.
  5. Watch pooled water, especially mineral-rich hard tap water. If left it can cause a crusty buildup. Always wipe water completely and then dry with a towel.
  6. Opt for a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the countertop. Fine scratches can disrupt the waterproof sealant on most countertops, making them more susceptible to damage down the road.

If you find yourself needing your kitchen or any other room of your home repaired, our reconstruction experts at SERVPRO of Gilbert can guide you through the process and make it “Like it never even happened."

Winco Foods

6/2/2014 (Permalink)

Winco Foods a new food chain that has moved into the Valley.

We have just been added on to Winco foods Preferred Vendor list.