Recent Water Damage Posts

Chill out! Navigating cold weather and preventing frozen pipes

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Introduction: Brrr! As winter descends upon us with its icy grip, it brings not only frosty landscapes and cozy nights by the fire but also the potential threat of frozen pipes. Dealing with burst pipes is every homeowner's nightmare, but fear not! With a few preventative measures, you can easily navigate the chilly season without the hassle of plumbing problems.

  1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate: Just as we bundle up in layers to stay warm, your pipes can benefit from some extra insulation. Consider adding foam pipe insulation or heating tape to vulnerable areas, especially those exposed to the cold outdoors. This extra layer can make a significant difference in preventing your pipes from turning into ice popsicles.

  2. Seal the Gaps: Cold air loves to find its way into your home through tiny gaps and cracks. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home, sealing any potential entry points for cold drafts. This not only keeps you warmer but also helps maintain a more stable temperature for your pipes.

  3. Let the Faucet Drip: When temperatures plummet, allowing faucets to drip can prevent freezing. A slow, constant drip keeps water moving through the pipes, making it less likely for them to freeze. It might seem counterintuitive, but this simple trick can be a lifesaver.

  4. Keep the Heat On: Going away for a winter vacation? Resist the urge to turn off the heating system completely. Instead, lower it to a reasonable temperature to ensure that your home remains warm enough to prevent freezing. This is especially crucial for areas in your home that are prone to cold, like basements and attics.

  5. Open Cabinet Doors: In particularly cold areas of your home, such as under sinks in the kitchen or bathroom, leave the cabinet doors open. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes, providing an extra layer of defense against freezing.

  6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: Before the deep freeze sets in, disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses. Leaving water in them can cause ice to form, potentially traveling back into your pipes and causing blockages.

Conclusion: As the winter winds howl and temperatures drop, taking a few proactive steps can save you from the headache and expense of dealing with frozen pipes. Insulation, sealing gaps, allowing faucets to drip, maintaining a reasonable indoor temperature, opening cabinet doors, and disconnecting outdoor hoses are all simple measures that can go a long way in keeping your plumbing system intact throughout the frosty season. So, don your coziest sweater, sip on some hot cocoa, and enjoy a winter free from the worry of frozen pipes!

Why You Should Always Call a Certified Restoration Company

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Drying Hardwood Flooring Drying Hardwood Flooring

Having to call a water damage restoration professional is a call that no one wants to have to make, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Homeowners know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space and taking advantage of every little crack and can cause structural problems if not handles timely and properly. No matter how moisture gets into the building, the response should be the same. Bring in a certified firm like SERVPRO of Fayette, Haywood, Hardeman and Lauderdale Counties as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health effects 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 waters and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. SERVPRO of Fayette, Haywood, Hardeman and Lauderdale Counties not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, but they also have the protective equipment to remain free from harm.

SERVPRO of Fayette, Haywood, Hardeman and Lauderdale Counties' 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 solutions formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. While the technicians work on the building, disposing of compromised materials, and drying the rest, they will also address any mold or microbial colonies. This is the only way to ensure a home is safe to live in, and a business safe to work in; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble.  Our technicians are also certified with the IICRC and we are an IICRC certified firm.

Call SERVPRO of Fayette, Haywood, Hardeman and Lauderdale Counties: (731)859-4200

Frozen Pipes

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

This damage was caused by a frozen pipe that busted in the attic. This damage was caused by a frozen pipe that busted in the attic.

In recent times, frozen pipes busting has become an afterthought for West Tennessee due to our mild winters.  This year we were hit with temperatures lower than we have seen in many years and we were flooded with calls from property owners from Ripley, TN to Bolivar, TN to Somerville, TN and everywhere in between.

People don't realize how destructive water can be until they experience it first hand.  But there are several precautions you can take to avoid the devastation that can occur with busted pipes.

  • If you are leaving town, turn your water off at the main shut off or the shut off at your meter.  This is a good idea any time of year.
  • After water is shut off, open faucets to relieve pressure.
  • Place insulated covers on your outside spigots.
  • Close vents on your crawl space.
  • Leave faucets dripping.
  • Open cabinet and vanity doors to allow heat in.  Especially if they back up to an exterior wall.
  • Make sure all plumbing in attic is insulated.

All of these steps will help prevent pipes from busting.  But even if you take every precaution, it can still happen.  The photo below is damage from a frozen attic pipe that busted.  Our customer had followed all precautions listed above except that the water was on.  They were out of town when this happened and their entire downstairs, including the garage was damaged and required demolition/removal. 

And if it does happen, just know that we are always just a phone call away here at SERVPRO of Fayette, Haywood, Hardeman and Lauderdale counties.