Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Emergency Ready Profile

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

There's never a convenient time for your business to be sidelined with fire or water damage.  We want to make sure you and your employees are equipped with all the necessary information to quickly respond to emergency water for fire damage.  The Emergency Ready Profile is just that, all the information about your business, account numbers, phone numbers, utility shut off locations, work authorizations and more. All put together in an easy to access application for any device, as well as paper copies to have on hand for immediate use.  And the best part is, it’s a 100% free service offered by SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles. 

       As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster; of the businesses that survive, an overwhelmingly majority had a preparedness plan in place.  Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.  By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. 

What is included in an Emergency Ready Profile??

       Details specific to your facility, such as shut off valve locations, photos of these locations as well as account information for major utilities will be compiled.  Identification of the chain of command, which will save time, and when it comes to mitigation, time means money. It seems like a no brainer already, but there’s even more. 

       Our Emergency Ready Profile allows SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles employees to become familiar with your facility BEFORE a disaster happens, so when you really need us, we’ll be prepared with enough information to respond more efficiently than another company. Establishing SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles as your preferred mitigation and restoration provider means we’ll have access to your profile, and all that information will allow us to respond Faster to any disaster.  From knowing where to park, the best route to the utility shut off, numbers to call for authorization and assistance, and any preferences you as the business owner may have; Again, saving time and therefore money.  

       It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects.  It will minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

To enroll in the Emergency Ready Program and to start your Emergency Ready Profile for your local business, contact SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles TODAY!

(812)574-5744

Professional Carpet Cleaning by SERVPRO

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning is important to maintaining the overall comfort and monetary value of a property. Any type of flooring is an investment for the property owner. Keeping the investment in the best shape takes a professional, but without proper certification, the consumer cannot be guaranteed of proper education and training on updated techniques used in maintaining the value of the flooring.  Luckily, SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles technicians are trained in the latest techniques and procedures--Always maintaining the highest quality of service possible for our values customers.  

There are health effects that can arise from any unsanitary environment, and it can be surprising to learn what survives in and under the flooring. Allergens that are left behind can lead to serious health effects for family members and even household pets. Proper techniques can reduce or eliminate allergens in the environment, improving the health of the occupants.

Great strides have been made in technologies used in carpet-care. Today there are only a few basic wet and dry methodologies accepted by the industry leaders. Ensuring consistently high standards means understanding how the certifying body works to guarantee better results at lower costs.

Proper maintenance begins with regular vacuuming using a high-powered machine. Over time normal wear and tear leads to a dull, soiled appearance. Proper maintenance by the occupants can help keep the flooring looking good, but there comes a time when a certified technician has to be called to get to the really deep grime a normal household vacuum can miss. 

SERVPRO employs highly trained and educated technicians who will use the proper techniques. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the accepted industry leader in floor maintenance and restoration. The non-profit organization ensures technicians remain competitive and that consumers receive better service. Our franchises as well as many of our employees have this IICRC certification.  


While regular maintenance is beneficial to the healthfulness and attractiveness of a home or office, a certified technician is necessary to take care of the really deep jobs regular vacuuming misses. 

If you need help keeping or getting your carpets clean, give SERVPRO a call today! 812-574-5744

Let the pros clean your carpets!

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning is important to maintaining the overall comfort and monetary value of a property. Any type of flooring is an investment for the property owner. Keeping the investment in the best shape takes a professional, but without proper certification, the consumer cannot be guaranteed of proper education and training on updated techniques used in maintaining the value of the flooring.  Luckily, SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles technicians are trained in the latest techniques and procedures--Always maintaining the highest quality of service possible for our values customers.  

There are health effects that can arise from any unsanitary environment, and it can be surprising to learn what survives in and under the flooring. Allergens that are left behind can lead to health effects for family members and even household pets. Proper techniques can reduce or eliminate allergens in the environment, improving the health of the occupants.

Great strides have been made in technologies used in carpet-care. Today there are only a few basic wet and dry methodologies accepted by the industry leaders. Ensuring consistently high standards means understanding how the certifying body works to guarantee better results at lower costs.

Proper maintenance begins with regular vacuuming using a high-powered machine. Over time normal wear and tear leads to a dull, soiled appearance. Proper maintenance by the occupants can help keep the flooring looking good, but there comes a time when a certified technician has to be called to get to the really deep grime a normal household vacuum can miss. 

SERVPRO employs highly trained and educated technicians who will use the proper techniques. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the accepted industry leader in floor maintenance and restoration. The non-profit organization ensures technicians remain competitive and that consumers receive better service. Our franchises as well as many of our employees have this IICRC certification.  


While regular maintenance is beneficial to the healthfulness and attractiveness of a home or office, a certified technician is necessary to take care of the really deep jobs regular vacuuming misses. 

If you need help keeping or getting your carpets clean, give SERVPRO a call today! 812-574-5744

'Tis the season!!!

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Given the number of major rivers and tributaries that dissect Indiana and the fact that approximately 24 percent of the state was historically covered by wetlands, much of Indiana is susceptible to severe flooding, given the right circumstances. Conditions such as excessive rain, rapid snowmelt, and frozen ground prevent the upper soil surfaces from allowing water to percolate downward as groundwater and increase surface runoff, causing flooding.

This is why it is important to have SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles on speed dial.  Let our experts get you back on your feet when nature hits you with the unexpected.  Call 812-574-5744 and let the experts help you.

Spring is in the air!

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Spring is upon us and here at SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles we say out with the bad and in with the good! 

Let our SERVPRO experts clean up every nook and cranny of your home or business!  Our staff has the experience and knowledge to make sure you get maximum results in your dwelling.  Our chemicals are EPA approved to make sure they are safe for you and the environment.  

Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles today at 812-574-5744 and leave the cleaning to us!

Why SERVPRO you may ask???

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Here in Indiana, we're no strangers to the brutal winter weather conditions.  It's important to stay ahead of the game, and prepare your home to withstand these conditions.  At SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles, we see a vast amount of claims during these winter months due to roof leaks caused by ice and snow, water leaks from frozen pipes and many other winter storm related causes.   We want you to be aware, even though we are leaders in the water mitigation industry, we would rather prevent the damage than clean it up.

  Some of the most common causes of loss for our Southern Indiana customers are roof leaks. Do a visual inspection of your roof to look for maintenance issues or things that could make it more susceptible to hail or wind or other damage—like missing or damaged shingles or tiles on sloped roofs. Or if it’s a flat roof, look for surface bubbles in the membrane material or missing gravel.  Take a walk around the home and look for overhanging trees and branches. Trim trees back and remove dead branches—things that have the potential to fall when you get high winds or heavy snowfall to keep from damaging your roof.  Check downspouts and gutters to make sure that after the leaves fall the gutters get cleaned out—anything with the potential to freeze and exacerbate the problem with ice damage. Keep the drainage of the water off the roof and not clogged in the gutters.

  Another common cause of water loss are frozen pipe leaks.   No one wants a frozen pipe, so keep an eye on yours. Drain the outside water faucets and shut them off before the first freeze. On very cold nights, open cabinets beneath the sink to let warm air in and, if you are especially worried about freezing pipes, let a slow drip of water run through them. Resist the urge to turn down the thermostat to save money – you want to keep the pipes warm. Extreme weather is not a time to start trying to save on your energy bill, crank your heat up during those weeks, a water damage can be incredibly more costly than a few weeks of high energy usage.

  Another thing to keep in mind is chimney maintenance.  Make sure your chimney is ready to go before the cold weather hits by having it inspected for cracks and other dangers by a certified professional. If you had a chimney fire and didn’t know it, the professional will find evidence and recommend fixing it before use this winter. A good cleaning – and at least one during the heating season – can help reduce the chance of a chimney fire. Remember, chimney fires can spread damaging heat to the walls, leading to total losses.  

  SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles hopes you don't need us this winter season, but accidents happen, and when they do we're "Here to Help"  24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Contact Us Online or call (812)574-5744. 

Reasons to insulate your water pipes!!!

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Insulating water supply pipes in exposed areas of your home is a good idea for several reasons. In cold-winter climates, water supply pipes that are exposed to exterior walls or unheated spaces may freeze, burst, and flood your home. More than one northern family has gone south for a winter vacation, only to return to a months-long cleanup and restoration job when a single water pipe bursts. Insulating water pipes is a key element to any efforts to winterize the plumbing in the home.

Insulating water pipes can also save money on energy costs by preventing hot water pipes from losing their heat to the surrounding air. Insulating the hot water pipes leading out of your water heater, for example, can reduce heat loss and lower the costs of heating the water. Finally, insulating cold water pipes can prevent the pipes from sweating due to moisture condensation, which can reduce humidity levels in the house in the summertime. 

Where to Insulate Water Pipes

Which water pipes you insulate will depend on why you are doing it. If the goal is to prevent frozen pipes, then the critical pipes to protect are those that run through unheated spaces. These are located in exterior walls, unheated garages, the floor cavities above unheated crawl spaces, unheated attics, etc. Generally speaking, it's not necessary to insulate pipes that run through interior walls or in basements that are heated. When preventing freezing is the goal, insulate both the hot- and cold-water pipes. Hot water pipes can also freeze unless water is actively running through them.

If the goal is to lower water-heating costs, then it's wise to insulate hot water pipes wherever you have access to them. This will help prevent heat from radiating away from the hot water pipes and may allow you to lower the temperature setting on your water heater.

If the goal of pipe insulation is to eliminate pipe sweating and humidity, then it is the cold water pipes that are in most need of insulation. When exposed cold pipes contact warm, humid air, condensation can form on the pipes. This condensation may drip and puddle on floors, or it may contribute to overall high humidity levels, especially in basements. Insulating the cold water pipes can prevent this condensation.

There are several strategies you can use to insulate water pipes:

  • Insulating them with strips of pipe wrap
  • Using foam pipe sleeves
  • Adding wall insulation
  • Using faucet covers on outdoor spigots
  • Installing frost-proof outdoor spigots
  • Insulating gaps where pipes penetrate walls

Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles if you discover water damage due to a burst pipe! 

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/water-pipe-insulation-2718695

Don't get Scammed by a "Storm Chaser"

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Don’t get scammed by a “Storm Chaser”

Some advice from our friends at the IICRC.

1 Too-good-to-be-true prices. Often dubious restoration companies will offer low prices to grab your attention, but be wary of surprise costs that will hurt your wallet. Never let the price of the repairs be the sole criterion for choosing a restoration firm.

2 Requesting upfront cash payments. While it can be a regular practice to deposit up to one-third of the estimated price on the day repairs begin, avoid paying in cash or more than the expected payment. Pay by check or credit card, and pay the final amount only after the work is finished and you are happy with the quality of the repairs.

3 A lack of references. References are easy to check and can help you quickly identify if the company is legitimate and provides good service. Research the company online and check feedback on user-review sites such as Angie’s List or Yelp, or ask friends or business contacts if they have had any experience with the firm.

4 High-pressure tactics. Often a “storm chaser” will arrive uninvited to your door peddling their services. If the contractor is using high-pressure sales tactics, it is best to turn them away politely and shut the door. Technicians should be courteous, thoroughly explain the scope of work and answer all questions. You should never feel pressure to accept their services.

5 Lack of training. Professional cleaning and restoration firms require management and employees to engage in formal training in a variety of cleaning and restoration disciplines, and these educational efforts will be ongoing. Inquire about the formal training and certifications of technicians who will be working in your home or business. Look for organizations that require their technicians to hold certifications from organizations like the IICRC to ensure the work is done correctly.

6 Inability to show credentials. Never hesitate to ask for proof. Ask to see the individual’s certification card, business license and insurance certificate. To verify a company, you can contact the IICRC which is a not-for-profit standards-setting and credentialing body for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. Call the IICRC at 1-844-464-4272 to confirm the certification of any company that has contacted you.

Source:  https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.IICRC.org/resource/resmgr/images/resources/2019CFStormChasers_Consumer_.pdf

We are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

  • Kitchen/Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools/Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving/Racks
  • Sales Counters
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles, 812-574-5744.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Why SERVPRO??

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water and fire damage restoration are necessary when a family is at their most vulnerable, so they need a technician that is trustworthy and capable to act quickly and SERVPRO is just that. When disaster strikes a home, the damage left behind can make the building uninhabitable. Floods, noxious odors, unhealthy air quality and microbial growth are just a few hazards that can force a family from their home, and they must be dealt with immediately or they may worsen. Fortunately, SERVPRO is on call around the clock and capable of responding right away to any problems.

Our SERVPRO franchise professionals have several missions when they arrive at a compromised building. They have to assess the extent of the damage, determine its source, clean up any destroyed materials, set up a work site, remove excess moisture, remove any residue and ash, and rid the home of any lingering health threats. The entire process is completed as quickly as possible, so SERVPRO will be extremely busy from the moment they arrive at the home.

Every disaster is different, and SERVPRO is equipped for any situation. In some instances, there’s just a small plumbing leak in the attic and a patch of mold to get rid of. Sometimes, a flood powers through the building and leaves several inches of contaminated water behind. Other times, it’s a brief flame that scorches some drywall and a bit of flooring. Then there are times that it’s a rampaging inferno that nearly destroys the building. No matter how severe the disaster is, SERVPRO can get the building back to its former state.

SOURCE: http://www.IICRC.org/when-call-water-and-fire-damage-restoration-firm

Professional Carpet Cleaning by SERVPRO

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning is important to maintaining the overall comfort and monetary value of a property. Any type of flooring is an investment for the property owner. Keeping the investment in the best shape takes a professional, but without proper certification, the consumer cannot be guaranteed of proper education and training on updated techniques used in maintaining the value of the flooring.  Luckily, SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles technicians are trained in the latest techniques and procedures--Always maintaining the highest quality of service possible for our values customers.  

There are health concerns that can arise from any unsanitary environment, and it can be surprising to learn what survives in and under the flooring. Allergens that are left behind can lead to serious health problems for family members and even household pets. Proper techniques can reduce or eliminate allergens in the environment, improving the health of the occupants.

Great strides have been made in technologies used in carpet-care. Today there are only a few basic wet and dry methodologies accepted by the industry leaders. Ensuring consistently high standards means understanding how the certifying body works to guarantee better results at lower costs.

Proper maintenance begins with regular vacuuming using a high-powered machine. Over time normal wear and tear leads to a dull, soiled appearance. Proper maintenance by the occupants can help keep the flooring looking good, but there comes a time when a certified technician has to be called to get to the really deep grime a normal household vacuum can miss. 

SERVPRO employs highly trained and educated technicians who will use the proper techniques. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the accepted industry leader in floor maintenance and restoration. The non-profit organization ensures technicians remain competitive and that consumers receive better service. Our franchises as well as many of our employees have this IICRC certification.  


While regular maintenance is beneficial to the healthfulness and attractiveness of a home or office, a certified technician is necessary to take care of the really deep jobs regular vacuuming misses. 

If you need help keeping or getting your carpets clean, give SERVPRO a call today! 812-574-5744

Emergency Ready Profile

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

There's never a convenient time for your business to be sidelined with fire or water damage.  We want to make sure you and your employees are equipped with all the necessary information to quickly respond to emergency water for fire damage.  The Emergency Ready Profile is just that, all the information about your business, account numbers, phone numbers, utility shut off locations, work authorizations and more. All put together in an easy to access application for any device, as well as paper copies to have on hand for immediate use.  And the best part is, it’s a 100% free service offered by SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles. 

       As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster; of the businesses that survive, an overwhelmingly majority had a preparedness plan in place.  Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.  By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. 

What is included in an Emergency Ready Profile??

       Details specific to your facility, such as shut off valve locations, photos of these locations as well as account information for major utilities will be compiled.  Identification of the chain of command, which will save time, and when it comes to mitigation, time means money. It seems like a no brainer already, but there’s even more. 

       Our Emergency Ready Profile allows SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles employees to become familiar with your facility BEFORE a disaster happens, so when you really need us, we’ll be prepared with enough information to respond more efficiently than another company. Establishing SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles as your preferred mitigation and restoration provider means we’ll have access to your profile, and all that information will allow us to respond Faster to any disaster.  From knowing where to park, the best route to the utility shut off, numbers to call for authorization and assistance, and any preferences you as the business owner may have; Again, saving time and therefore money.  

       It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects.  It will minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

To enroll in the Emergency Ready Program and to start your Emergency Ready Profile for your local business, contact SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles TODAY!

(812)574-5744

How and Why you should insulate your pipes this winter.

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Water pipe insulation is a good DIY project that can protect your home from water damage, if done correctly and maintained after installation.

Where to Insulate Water Pipes:

Which water pipes you insulate will depend on why you are doing it. If the goal is to prevent frozen pipes, then the critical pipes to insulate are those that run through unheated spaces, such as exterior walls, unheated garages, the floor cavities above unheated crawlspaces, unheated attics, etc. Generally speaking, it's not necessary to insulate pipes that run through interior walls or in basements that are heated. Both hot- and cold-water pipes should be insulated when the goal is preventing freezing.

Pipe-Wrap Insulation

A common way to protect pipes is with the traditional pipe wrap insulation. This type of insulation is available in many different materials, including flexible foam with rubber backing tape, foam-and-foil pipe insulation, bubble-film pipe wrap, foil-backed natural cotton, and rubber pipe insulation tape.

Tubular Sleeve Insulation

Consider tubular sleeve insulation when longer runs of straight pipe need to be covered. Most tubular sleeves are available in 6-foot lengths, so you can cover a lot of ground quickly. The tubular sleeves can be made of either foam or rubber insulation, and both are available in self-sealing styles. Different diameters are available for different pipe sizes—1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-inch. 

Outdoor Faucet Covers

A great many burst pipes occur where hose bibbs extend through the walls of the home to the outdoors. When these exterior metal faucets are exposed to frigid winter temperatures, water trapped inside the faucet can expand and burst—causing a split in either the faucet itself or the pipe just inside the walls of the home. If you are lucky, it will be the faucet that bursts and leaks water outside the home, but if you are less fortunate the burst may occur in the pipe inside the home, causing water to pour into your walls or basement.

Call SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles if you discover water damage due to a burst pipe! 

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/water-pipe-insulation-2718695

Holiday Cooking Fire Safety Tips for You!

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

What to Do If a Cooking Fire Flares Up

By exercising caution at all times in your kitchen, you can help reduce the risk of a kitchen fire. But if a fire does flare up, you need to be prepared.

  • Your safety should always come first. If you are unsure about whether it is safe to fight the fire, leave the scene, call 911 for help, and let the fire department control the fire.
  • If a small fire flares up and you are going to attempt to extinguish it, call 911 for help first. A fire may grow out of control more quickly than you anticipate. It is safer to have help already on the way.
  • Smother a grease fire – never throw water on a grease fire. The super-heated water can change to steam, and can cause severe burns. Oil also can splash and spread the fire. If a grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by sliding the lid – while wearing an oven mitt – over the pan. If safe to do so, turn off the heat source. Do not move the pan, and keep the lid on until the fire is out and the pan is completely cool.
  • If a fire starts in your oven, keep the door closed and turn off the heat source. Keeping the door closed will help smother the flames. Do not open the door until the flames are completely out.
  • If a fire starts in your microwave, turn off the microwave and do not open it until the fire is completely out. Unplug the microwave only if you can safely do so.

Winter is Coming

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Here in Indiana, we're no strangers to the brutal winter weather conditions.  It's important to stay ahead of the game, and prepare your home to withstand these conditions.  At SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles, we see a vast amount of claims during these winter months due to roof leaks caused by ice and snow,  water leaks from frozen pipes and many other winter storm related causes.   We want you to be aware, even though we are leaders in the water mitigation industry, we would rather prevent the damage than clean it up.

  Some of the most common causes of loss for our Southern Indiana customers are roof leaks. Do a visual inspection of your roof to look for maintenance issues or things that could make it more susceptible to hail or wind or other damage—like missing or damaged shingles or tiles on sloped roofs. Or if it’s a flat roof, look for surface bubbles in the membrane material or missing gravel.  Take a walk around the home and look for overhanging trees and branches. Trim trees back and remove dead branches—things that have the potential to fall when you get high winds or heavy snowfall to keep from damaging your roof.  Check downspouts and gutters to make sure that after the leaves fall the gutters get cleaned out—anything with the potential to freeze and exacerbate the problem with ice damage. Keep the drainage of the water off the roof and not clogged in the gutters.

  Another common cause of water loss are frozen pipe leaks.   No one wants a frozen pipe, so keep an eye on yours. Drain the outside water faucets and shut them off before the first freeze. On very cold nights, open cabinets beneath the sink to let warm air in and, if you are especially worried about freezing pipes, let a slow drip of water run through them. Resist the urge to turn down the thermostat to save money – you want to keep the pipes warm. Extreme weather is not a time to start trying to save on your energy bill, crank your heat up during those weeks, a water damage can be incredibly more costly than a few weeks of high energy usage.

  Another thing to keep in mind is chimney maintenance.  Make sure your chimney is ready to go before the cold weather hits by having it inspected for cracks and other dangers by a certified professional. If you had a chimney fire and didn’t know it, the professional will find evidence and recommend fixing it before use this winter. A good cleaning – and at least one during the heating season – can help reduce the chance of a chimney fire. Remember, chimney fires can spread damaging heat to the walls, leading to total losses.  

  SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles hopes you don't need us this winter season, but accidents happen, and when they do we're "Here to Help"  24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Contact Us Online or call (812)574-5744. 

Holidays can bring more than presents...

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

The holiday season is about coming together with family and friends. For many people, this means hosting family celebrations and get-togethers inside of their homes. With this brings potential for water damages.

There are a few steps you can follow, to better prepare yourself and your home.Have your plumbing inspected. Check lines forsuitable insulation in unheated areas in your home, this could be an attic or a crawl space. If you have the means, insulating zones in your home that lose heat will keep pipes from freezing and over time help eliminate heat costs.

I you're planning a holiday vacation, leave water running while you are away. Just a little trickle can help reduce the likelihood of freezing and need for repair.Have someone check on your home while you’re gone, if there is an emergency, it will be better to know about it sooner rather than later.

Be aware of what’s being poured down the drain. Common causes of holiday water damage are drainage issues. Don't pour cooking oils or liquid fats down the drain; they will likely solidify resulting in blockage. Also, make sure you are utilizing your garbage disposal correctly--Try not to put things in it that are hard to grind up, such as coffee grounds, egg shells, peels from fruits and raw vegetables.

Another very common cause of holiday water damage is toilet backups. Never flush anything that is not meant to be flushed, keep a plunger handy or a snake to deal with clogged toilets. And place them in an area where all your guests will have access to save them the embarrassment of having to ask.

The Holidays are never a good time for water damage. Good thing SERVPRO of Madison, Lawrenceburg and Versailles is on-call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, EVEN HOLIDAYS! Our Crews of professionals will be onsite fast, ready to handle any situation! Contact Us Online or Call 812-574-5744 if you have an emergency.