Recent Water Damage Posts

It's the Water You Don't See

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Visalia has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. Your local SERVPRO of Visalia will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. From evasive & non-evasive moisture meters, air movers and dehumidifiers, too Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers that atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.

Types of Flooring SERVPRO of Visalia Encounters During Water Damages

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Visalia encounters many types of flooring when servicing water damage losses. There are many variables that determine if the flooring can be saved and this varies from one type of flooring to the next.

The first factor in determining if SERVPRO can save your floor is if the water source is clean water or contaminated, and in what way it may be contaminated. Any water that is contaminated such as water from a drain back up, flooding or water damage that has sat for over three days is considered black water. In all black water scenarios the flooring is unsalvageable and would be removed and disposed of.

If the water is clean and the incident has happened in the last several days, these are the determining factors in saving your floor:

  • Carpet – SERVPRO would extract the water and remove all of the wet pad. Dehumidifiers and air movers would be placed and monitored until the drying is complete. The pad would then be replaced, and the carpet would be re-installed and cleaned.
  • Laminate Flooring – When water gets under laminate flooring, it will need removed and replaced with new flooring.
  • Wood Floors – SERPVRO uses floor drying mats that can be successful in drying wood floors. The amount of water and the type of wood flooring is an important factor on saving a wood floor.
  • Ceramic Tile – The determining factor for saving ceramic tile floors is what is under the floor. If the tile floor is laid over vinyl the floor cannot be saved.  

Call SERVPRO of Visalia at (559)635-4292 and we can assist you with your water loss and determine if your flooring can be saved.

IICRC Certified

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Visalia is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

  • Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
  • Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
  • Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
  • Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
  • Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Visalia

SERVPRO of Visalia 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Give us a call 559.635.4292

TIMELINE FOR WATER DAMAGE

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Visalia provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Visalia arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (559) 635-4292

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

So before it gets to that point, Call SERVPRO of Visalia, We are Here to Help!

Commercial water damage

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Visalia

SERVPRO of Visalia specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

Call SERVPRO of Visalia for your commercial water damage needs. (559)635-4292

Flooded basement in Visalia

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – (559) 635-4292

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Tulare and Kings County basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

 The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Visalia and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

 We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We Are Here to Help (559) 635-4292

When a little unseen water turns into a big problem

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

When you have a small leak or a little bit of water that is left unattended to it can turn into a BIG problem.  One of the most important factors that can turn a little water damage into a mold issue is time. When materials are left wet for an extended period of time the situation can deteriorate very quickly. We lose the opportunity to restore items affected by the water damage and often have to change gears into a removal process due to the effects of time. Mold is a scary word when it comes to your home or business, the good thing is that mold is avoidable with a fast response to water damage. This is why we are on call 24/7 to respond to your water emergency so we can prevent mold from ever happening. If the water damage was not found and mold has started, we are equipped with the trained staff and equipment to clean it up "Like it never even happened."

Tulare and Kings County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Tulare and Kings County basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – (559) 635-4292

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Visalia and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready to Help (559) 635-4292

What to do before SERVPRO Visalia arrives.

8/9/2018 (Permalink)

If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO Visalia arrives.

  • Shut off the source of the water.
  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.
  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items
  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
  • Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
  • Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors
  • Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

SERVPRO of Visalia provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. Our highly trained technicians can respond immediately to your residential or commercial emergency.

What Type of Water Loss do you have?

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

The Different Categories of Water Losses for Residential and Commercial Properties

Here at SERVPRO of Visalia we want you to know the different Types of Water Losses that can occur.  Knowing the Category of the Water Loss can better Prepare You for the Services that may be required to properly mitigate the Water Damage.   Acting Fast to Properly Mitigate the Water Damage in your Residential or Commercial Property can save a lot of time and money.

Category 1- Clean Water

Category 1 Water originates from Sanitary Water Sources. Clean Water Sources can include: Broken Water Supply Lines, Tub or Sink Over Flows (with no contaminates), Appliance Malfunctions involving water Supply Lines, Falling Rainwater, Broken Toilet Tanks and Broken Hot Water Heater Tanks.   Generally Clean Water Losses can be dried in a reasonable time with no complications, however there’s always that chance that it can get a little more invasive depending on the Materials that are affected.   

Category 2- Grey Water

Category 2 Water can originate from Category 1 Water due to length of time.  Grey Water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or other organic or inorganic matter.  Some Examples of Grey Water include: Discharge from Dishwashers or Washing Machines, Over Flows from Washing Machines, Over Flows from the Toilet Bowl (with Urine Only), Broken Aquariums and Punctured Water Beds.  In some cases Grey Water can be Cleaned and Dried, but since Grey Water contains some sort of contamination it may require more attention in an invasive way. 

Category 3- Black Water

Category 3 Water can originate from Category 1 and 2 Water due to length of time.  Black Water is Grossly Contaminated and can contain pathogenic and other harmful agents. Some Examples of Category 3 Water Sources include: Sewage, Toilet Back-flows, and all forms of flooding from Seawater, Ground Surface Water and Rising Water from Rivers or Streams, Any Water Sources that are contaminated with Pesticides, Organic Matter and Toxic Organic Substances.  Unfortunately, Any Porous Materials that come in contact with Black Water Should be removed from the Location.   All Black Water Losses are beyond the Drying Point and require invasive mitigation and decontamination.  Once the Residence or Commercial Property is Cleaned and Decontaminated the Structure can be Dried Properly.

If you are experiencing a Residential or Commercial Water Loss Call SERVPRO of Visalia Now at 1-559-635-4292

Water Damage to your home or business

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Visalia 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 - 559-635-4292

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 Visalia 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 Visalia

SERVPRO of Visalia 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.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?

7/19/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Visalia specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Visalia CA, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 559-635-4292

SERVPRO of Visalia specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

What type of water damage do you have?

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

The Different Categories of Water Losses for Residential and Commercial Properties

Here at SERVPRO of Visalia we want you to know the different Types of Water Losses that can occur.  Knowing the Category of the Water Loss can better Prepare You for the Services that may be required to properly mitigate the Water Damage.   Acting Fast to Properly Mitigate the Water Damage in your Residential or Commercial Property can save a lot of time and money.

Category 1- Clean Water

Category 1 Water originates from Sanitary Water Sources. Clean Water Sources can include: Broken Water Supply Lines, Tub or Sink Over Flows (with no contaminates), Appliance Malfunctions involving water Supply Lines, Falling Rainwater, Broken Toilet Tanks and Broken Hot Water Heater Tanks.   Generally Clean Water Losses can be dried in a reasonable time with no complications, however there’s always that chance that it can get a little more invasive depending on the Materials that are affected.   

Category 2- Grey Water

Category 2 Water can originate from Category 1 Water due to length of time.  Grey Water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or other organic or inorganic matter.  Some Examples of Grey Water include: Discharge from Dishwashers or Washing Machines, Over Flows from Washing Machines, Over Flows from the Toilet Bowl (with Urine Only), Broken Aquariums and Punctured Water Beds.  In some cases Grey Water can be Cleaned and Dried, but since Grey Water contains some sort of contamination it may require more attention in an invasive way. 

Category 3- Black Water

Category 3 Water can originate from Category 1 and 2 Water due to length of time.  Black Water is Grossly Contaminated and can contain pathogenic and other harmful agents. Some Examples of Category 3 Water Sources include: Sewage, Toilet Back-flows, and all forms of flooding from Seawater, Ground Surface Water and Rising Water from Rivers or Streams, Any Water Sources that are contaminated with Pesticides, Organic Matter and Toxic Organic Substances.  Unfortunately, Any Porous Materials that come in contact with Black Water Should be removed from the Location.   All Black Water Losses are beyond the Drying Point and require invasive mitigation and decontamination.  Once the Residence or Commercial Property is Cleaned and Decontaminated the Structure can be Dried Properly.

If you are experiencing a Residential or Commercial Water Loss Call SERVPRO of Visalia Now at 1-559-635-4292

Water damage, What to do before help arrives.

6/7/2017 (Permalink)

If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO Visalia arrives.

  • Shut off the source of the water.
  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.
  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items
  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
  • Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
  • Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors
  • Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

SERVPRO of Visalia provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. Our highly trained technicians can respond immediately to your residential or commercial emergency.

Visalia Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

5/9/2016 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Visalia basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 559-635-4292

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Visalia and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the tust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 559-635-4292

Visalia 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

5/9/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Visalia 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 - 559-635-4292

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 Visalia 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 Visalia

SERVPRO of Visalia 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.