Recent Water Damage Posts

Arizona Residental Water Restoration

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

Whether it’s from a pipe, a leaky roof or a flood, water in home environments can be difficult to deal with. Not only can the structure of your house be affected, but your belongings may be as well. If you don’t handle these items properly, you could make matters worse.

If you have water damage in your Arizona , home, using the following steps may help save your property.

Clean and Sanitize
If the water has come from a broken pipe, then you may not be too concerned about sanitizing your items, since this water will generally be clean. However, in cases of floods or storms, this is a very important step. Black water from a flood carries many contaminants with it, including harmful bacteria and sewage waste. Because coming into contact with this water can be hazardous, it is a good idea to hire a professional service to remove it from your home.

Wash Clothing and Soft Objects
For smaller items such as clothing or stuffed toys, a run through the washing machine and dryer may return them to their previous condition. Do not allow them to sit or you risk a fungal growth, as porous objects easily hold mold spores and moisture. If you have products that cannot be put in the wash, dry cleaning is an option as well. This process uses a chemical solvent to clean materials.

Allow Wet Items to Dry
Once your items are cleaned, they should be allowed to dry thoroughly. If all of the water in your home has not yet been removed, you should consider relocating your belongings. If your home has multiple levels, you may want to move wet items to a higher floor. For those where sun damage is not a concern, bringing them outside may help them to dry more quickly.


No matter where the water in your home has come from, you should act quickly to prevent long-term damage to both the building and your belongings.

Call SERVPRO® of North Tempe if you have water damage (480) 456-0000. They will send a trained, certified technician to your home or business.

Should Mold Testing or Sampling Be Performed To Your Property?

10/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Testing or Sampling

Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Are there federal regulations or standards regarding mold testing?

Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. 

  1. Emergency Contact - (480) 456-0000
  2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  3. Mold Containment
  4. Air Filtration
  5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

24-Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Tempe 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 24/7, Call Us Today at (480) 456-0000

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 North Tempe 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 North Tempe

SERVPRO of North Tempe specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties 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. Call us today at 480-456-0000.

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration for Commercial and Residential Buildings!

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time. 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 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 SERVPRO of North Tempe Today - (480) 456-0000

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 North Tempe to allow our trained, professional crews to 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 (480) 456-0000

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem?

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Spores Mold Spores

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. 
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call SERVPRO® of North Tempe Today (480) 456-0000.

Water Damage from Leaking Windows in Tempe Business?

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial building with water damage is shown. We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Maricopa County!

Our North Tempe, Mesa Central, and Paradise Valley team has been restoring water damage for commercial properties and homes for many years. With the onset of the Monsoon Season, it is a good idea to check the windows and doors of your property to make sure there is no damage to the windows and door seals. Any cracks or gaps in the seals can allow moisture and water to seep into the structure. Make sure to make repairs as needed to discourage water intrusion issues.

Water is invasive and can seep into and under anything in its path. This water damage timeline illustrates the damage water can do in a short period:

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

Call Us Today!

When your Tempe commercial business or home has water damage, our team in North Tempe, Mesa Central, and Paradise Valley is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 480-456-0000.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Could a Hidden Water Leak Cause a Mold Problem in My Business in Mesa Central?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

A leak has sprung out of a pipe on top of a water heater. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Maricopa County!

Our North Tempe, Mesa Central, and Paradise Valley team has the training, equipment, and experience to restore water damage quickly and efficiently. Hidden water leaks can create the perfect conditions for mold to populate. We will also inspect for mold damage when we inspect for water damage. Our technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry.

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • Odor Control Technician
  • Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
  • Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist

We have experience mitigating and restoring water damage in all kinds of buildings and business settings, including:

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing and Industrial
  • Government/Military

Water Damage Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

Water damage is a common problem. When you think your Mesa Central commercial business or home has water damage, our team in North Tempe, Mesa Central, and Paradise Valley is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 480-456-0000.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do If My Floor Floods in Paradise Valley?

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Soggy fabric is shown. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Maricopa County!

Our North Tempe, Mesa Central, and Paradise Valley team responds quickly to water damage emergencies, and we typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Here are some tips from our website on things you can do while waiting for help to arrive:

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
  • Gather loose items from floors

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place
  • Hang furs and leather goods
  • Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water
  • Don't use television or other household appliances
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us!

When your Paradise Valley home or commercial business has water damage, our team in North Tempe, Mesa Central, and Paradise Valley is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 480-456-0000.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Contaminated Water Cleanup in Tempe?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

A person in a hazmat suit is spraying a contaminated area. We have the equipment and training to decontaminate black water spills in Maricopa County!

Do you know that raw sewage is grossly unsanitary and can cause severe health effects if ingested? Professionals should only clean this dangerous form of “black water” contamination. SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to safely mitigate and restore black water contamination. Here are some tips from our website on things you can do while waiting for help to arrive:

What to Do After a Contamination

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health effects
  • Floodwater can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform
  • Stay out of affected areas
  • Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
  • Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated
  • Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage

What Not to Do After a Contamination

  • Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods
  • Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors
  • Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water
  • Don’t use television or other household appliances
  • Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

When your Tempe home or commercial business is contaminated by a sewage spill, SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East’s technicians are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 480-456-0000.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Damage Prevention Tips for Meyer Park?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Roots are growing through a pipe. We are leaders in water damage restoration in Maricopa County.

My water bill was unusually high, and I knew it wasn’t because I was using more water. I looked around for leaking pipes and dripping faucets but couldn’t locate any visible signs of leakage. My husband crawled underneath the house and found a line that had been leaking for some time. The floor and floor joists were saturated and damaged by the water.

SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East has been restoring water damage in Meyer Park for years. We see what happens when routine maintenance is deferred and offer these water damage prevention tips from the Institute for Business and Home Safety:

  • Never pour grease down the drain
  • Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping
  • If your home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system, a particular problem for older homes, or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into your sewer system
  • Call a professional if you notice signs of a plumbing problem
    • An increased monthly water bill
    • Banging pipes
    • Rust stains
    • Moisture in the walls or on the floor
    • Signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation

Call Us!

When your Meyer Park home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 480-456-0000.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hidden Water Leak in Mitchell Park East?

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking pipe is shown. We restore water damage quickly and efficiently in Maricopa County!

Water Bill Too High in Mitchell Park East?

An unusually high water bill may be an indicator of hidden water damage. SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year, and we use advanced technology, like infrared cameras, to detect hidden water leaks behind walls. The Environmental Protection Agency offers these helpful tips for detecting water leaks in your home:

Water Leak Detection Tips

  • A good method to check for leaks is to examine your winter water use. It’s likely that a family of four has a serious leak problem if its winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.
  • To check for a toilet bowl leak, place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl within ten minutes without flushing, you have a leak. 

Call Us Today!

When you need water damage services, SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East is Here to Help. ® Our team of highly trained restoration technicians will clean and restore your water damage in Mitchell Park East, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 480-456-0000.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Leaking Showerhead in McClintock Manor?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

A dripping showerhead is shown.  Maricopa County relies on us to restore water damage!

Money-Saving Tips for McClintock Manor

Have you inspected your home’s plumbing systems for water leaks lately? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is likely that a family of four has a water leak if their winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month. SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year, and we see how small water leaks turn into water damage over time. Here is some information and tips from the EPA for fixing a leaky showerhead:

  • A showerhead leaking at ten drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. That’s the amount of water it takes to wash 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher.
  • Most leaky showerheads can be fixed by ensuring a tight connection using pipe tape and a wrench. If you are replacing a showerhead, look for one that has earned the WaterSense label.
  • Fixing water leaks can save homeowners about ten percent on their water bills.

Call Us Today!

When you need water damage services, SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East is Here to Help. ® Our team of highly trained restoration technicians will clean and restore your water damage in McClintock Manor, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 480-456-0000.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water Damage Prevention Tips for McClintock Manor?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

A person is looking at some plumbing lines under a sink. We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Maricopa County.

Water damage can happen at any time and for many reasons in McClintock Manor, and when it does, SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East is Here to Help. ® Here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute to help you maintain your indoor plumbing systems:

  • Inspect appliance hoses and faucets. Make it a practice every year to check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerator ice makers. Immediately replace any hoses that have cracks or leaks and replace them all every five to seven years.
  • Inspect showers and tubs. Check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight and reseal if necessary.
  • When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine. Never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running.
  • Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home. A damaged hose or a burst pipe can send water racing into your home. Being able to locate and shut off the main water supply quickly will save stress, money and time.
  • Check plumbing and heating pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately.

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East’s team of highly trained restoration technicians are on-call 24-hours a day to serve McClintock Manor residents and businesses. When you need water damage restoration services for your home or business, call us at 480-456-0000.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water Damage Timeline for Riverside?

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

The face of a clock is shown. We restore water-damaged homes and businesses in Maricopa County.

Riverside residents can rely on SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East to restore water-damaged properties. No job is too big for us. When left unmitigated, water can cause serious damage. Here is a water damage timeline that describes the damage water can do over time:

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 maybe extensive
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Call Us!

When you need water damage restoration services for your Riverside home or business, SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 480-456-0000.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water-damaged Belongings in McClintock Manor?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

The upholstery on a couch is being cleaned. We pretest every item before we begin the restoration process in Maricopa County!

SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East has been restoring water damage for McClintock Manor residents and businesses for years. Our technicians have the advanced training and equipment required to safely restore water-damaged belongings back to pre-damage condition. We pretest every item to ensure we are using the most effective cleaning method. Depending on what is being cleaned, we may use one or a combination of the following cleaning methods to restore your water damaged belongings back to pre-damage condition:

  • Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
  • Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  • Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
  • Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us Today!

You never know when you’ll need water cleanup and restoration services, but when you do, SERVPRO® of North Tempe and Mesa East’s water restoration technicians are on call 24-hours a day to serve McClintock Manor residents and businesses. Call us today at 480-456-0000. We’ll restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water Damage Safety Tips for Tempe?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

A tile floor is shown with water standing on it. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Maricopa County.

SERVPRO® of North Tempe and SERVPRO® of Mesa East responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year in Tempe, and offer these water damage tips from our website on things to do and not do if you experience a flooding situation:  

Do This After Flooding 

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting 
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items 
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions 
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting 
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer 
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting 
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place 
  • Gather loose items from floors 

DO NOT After Flooding 

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods 
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors 
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water 
  • Don't use television or other household appliances 
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging 

Call Us Today! 

When your home or business experiences a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of North Tempe and SERVPRO® of Mesa East are Here to Help.® Call us today at 480-456-0000. We’ll mitigate and remediate your water damage in Tempe, “Like it never even happened.” 

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated. 

Toilet Overflow in North Tempe?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Troubled Toilet in North Tempe?

SERVPRO of North Tempe responds to water damage emergencies often in Tempe, and we know that the faster the damage is mitigated, the lower the degree of water damage may be. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) faulty supply lines, toilet flanges, fill valve assemblies, or toilet backups and overflows were attributed to 78 percent of water damage from toilets. Here are some loss prevention and maintenance tips from the IBHS: 

Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl.

If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.

Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply, flush valves, and the supply line. Make sure you can turn off the supply. 

If you have older screw type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency, SERVPRO of North Tempeis Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage in North Tempe, “Like it never even happened.” 


Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Basement Flooded? Now What!

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Hospital Water Damage Water damage affecting a basement in a hospital

If you are standing in a flooded basement in Tempe, AZ right now, skip to the phone number below.

If not take a minute to read the information below.

Cleaning up a basement flood calls for professional experience and equipment. SERVPRO of North Tempe is the premier choice when it comes to water & mold damage restoration in Tempe, Arizona. Our team is quick to respond and handle any size water loss in the Tempe area.
 It is important to extract water in a timely manner to limit damage, but pumping too quickly can damage a structure. Professional technicians take the following measures when restoring flooded basements in Tempe, AZ. 


Inspect the Structure 
The origin of flooding may impact the structural integrity of a basement. There are several reasons why water may accumulate on the lowest level of a home: 
Broken pipe 
Flood conditions 
Malfunctioning appliance 
Sewer backup   Regardless of the cause, the structure must remain sound. This concern may prolong the process of water extraction.  Pump Out Water  Basement cleanup specialists often use pumps to eliminate standing water and debris, but the interior and exterior pressure must remain equalized. It may take considerably longer to remove water and avoid structural damage. This is one reason why homeowners should not attempt to clean up a basement flood on their own.  Clean and Disinfect  Mitigation can proceed once water has been removed. Different measures may be necessary depending on the type of flood water:
Dry Category One damage from clean water 
Disinfect Category Two damage from gray water 
Disinfect Category Three damage from black water  Category One water usually comes from a pipe break. Category Two water may come from a washing machine overflow or sump pump malfunction and contains chemicals or microorganisms. Category Three water usually contains sewage. Insurance coverage for cleanup and restoration may be available depending on the cause of flooding.  Dry the Basement  Drying is the final step in the mitigation process. Experts may recommend the use of additional ventilation or a dehumidifier. Restoration cannot proceed until the affected area is completely dry.Homeowners dealing with a basement flood should rely on SERVPRO of North Tempe. Trained professionals can eliminate water as quickly as possible without causing structural damage. Our technicians are trained and certified. 
Each day, SERVPRO of North Tempe will monitor the drying process to make sure your home or business is drying quickly and efficiently. If you have any questions about the water damage restoration process, give us at call any time day or night at (480) 456-0000.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Property Managers

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

Hospital Water Damage Hurricanes are defined by violent winds often in excess of 74 mph, these weather occurrences can cause property damage that takes months to repair.

Going through a hurricane can bring untold stress. That’s even truer if you’re managing a property. With multiple renters come multiple potential problems, any of which could carry the risk of liability. Don’t wait until the last minute. Use these hurricane preparedness tips to prepare your Tempe, AZ, property and enter storm season confident you’ll suffer little hurricane damage.

Hurricane Season Risks

A hurricane is best described as a storm on steroids. Defined by violent winds often in excess of 74 mph, these weather occurrences can cause property damage that takes months to repair. Damage can include:

  • Floodwaters moving across the ground
  • Mudslides due to excessive ground moisture
  • Tornadoes triggered by the original storm

If your property is located in a hurricane-prone area, it’s important that you prepare for these potential impacts.

Make a Water Damage Plan

If you own a multi-family property, a comprehensive storm preparation plan is a must. Make sure your strategy covers evacuation plans, emergency contacts and hurricane damage relief information. Create a hurricane-preparedness team tasked with updating and communicating your plan to residents.

Secure Your Property

During high winds, just about anything can become a projectile. It’s important to secure items in advance to prevent serious damages. Survey the property in advance of the storm to identify items like large trash bins that could be lifted in a storm. If the item can’t be secured, store it inside.

Make a Preparedness Kit

Don’t forget your staff when preparing for a hurricane. Make and store kits in portable containers that can allow your staff to tend to emergencies that may occur just before or during a storm. Be sure to include staples like a flashlight, extra batteries, drinking water and a first aid kit.

Hurricane damage is nothing to sneeze at. The flooding and high winds can be a property management nightmare. Don’t risk it. Use these tips as a starting point for hurricane preparedness and enter the storm season secure.

Three Things You Can Do To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

A sump pump in good working order could save your home from water damage.

Ways You Can Maintain Your Home's Pump
Your home's sump pump can help to prevent flooding in the basement or crawlspace of your home in Tempe. Without pump maintenance, your pump may not work effectively. Fortunately, there are various ways you can help to maintain your home's pump.

1. Visually Inspect the Pump
Inspecting your pump can allow you to notice potential issues that are often easy to fix, such as your pump being unplugged or leaks. It can be easy for your pump to become unplugged from an outlet, and an unplugged pump cannot divert water out of your crawlspace or basement. Plugging your pump back in is a simple, quick solution. An unnoticed leak can also cause water damage to your home, and in order to rectify the issue, you may find it useful to contact emergency restoration services. However, quickly noticing a leak and contacting a plumber to fix the issue can help to prevent water damage.

2. Test the Pump
Regularly testing your pump is often an important part of pump maintenance. However, many homeowners are unsure of how to test their home's sump pump. In order to see if your pump is working, you can pour a small amount of water into the sump pit. If your pump is working, water should be drained from the area; if your pump isn't working, the pump may not turn on and remove the water.

3. Invest in Backup Supplies
Pumps that use batteries should have their batteries replaced once a year, though in some cases, you may need to replace the battery to your pump more frequently. It's helpful to have a battery ready in case of an emergency.

Additionally, you might want to consider having a backup pump. During storms with heavy rain, a backup pump can be useful if there is a power outage or if your pump struggles to handle a large amount of water.

Knowing how to keep your sump pump working optimally can help to protect your home from flood damage. Inspecting the pump, performing regular tests and investing in backup supplies can help to ensure your pump can help to prevent flooding in your home.


If you have water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of North Tempe (480) 456-0000.

Water Heater Rumbles Could Lead To Water Damage

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water damage SERVPRO of North Tempe is a call away (480) 456-0000

Could that rumbling sound coming from your water heater mean water damage to your home in the future? The water heater is probably not something that you give a lot of thought. When it's not-so-quiet, there are variety of causes that may be to blame for the sounds.

Here are four of the most common sounds that water heaters can make and what you should do about them.


Screeching

If your unit is screeching, the inlet control valve is likely to blame. If it closes partway, the restricted water flow that results can lead to a persistent screech. To fix it, simply open the valve.


Popping

A popping sound coming from your water heater typically indicates a buildup of sediment and minerals, particularly calcium and lime. Water gets stuck beneath the debris and releases steam with a popping sound. If left untreated, that accumulation of pressurized air can cause the unit to explode.


Fortunately, there's a relatively easy fix: a water heater flush. Flushing the unit annually can remove sediment and other debris, eliminating the popping sound and prolonging the life of the unit.


Sizzling

Sizzling often signifies a leak. The sound you're hearing is the sound of escaped water hitting the burner. The remedy in this case is almost always to promptly call a professional. Time is of the essence, as a leaking unit is wasting both hot water and energy.


Crackling

While a sizzling sound usually foretells a troublesome leak, if your unit is crackling, it's likely due to condensation on the burner. The noise may not be pleasant, but it’s normal.
With regular maintenance and inspections, you can prevent many water heater mishaps. In the event that a leak or other issue gets out of hand, enlist the help of a seasoned water damage mitigation company to return your home to normal quickly and safely.

SERVPRO of North Tempe 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. Give us a call (480) 456-0000.