Fall Gutter cleaning to prevent water damage

10/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake

As we approach fall it is important not to overlook the leaves falling that can accumulate in your gutters. 

Leaves left in your gutters can cause water damage to your home. 

Roof damage:

Trapped leaves in your gutter can cause water to back up and seep under your shingles. This can lead to deterioration to your roof increase the chance of water leaks.

Ceiling Leaks: 

Trapped leaves in your gutters can also cause your roof to leak. Water can seep into your attic space that can result in rotting wood that can cause structural damage.

To help prevent water damage to your home, check your gutters frequently and consider installing gutter guards. 

Should you still find yourself with potential water damage our SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is Here to Help®. Call us today at 570-714-3828.

Water Damage Prevention while on Vacation

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

Here to help

This time of year, is typically a time for travel and vacationing. With travel also comes the worry or concern that something may happen to your property while you are away. 

When you are away on vacation, it is particularly important to take precautions to prevent water damage in your home. Below are some simple tips that can save you potential damage and costs of mitigation to your property. 

Prior to Leaving

• Shut off the main water valve to prevent water from flowing through the pipes. 
•  Disconnect and drain hoses from appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers to prevent water accumulation.
• Be sure if you are traveling during winter months that you maintain a minimum temperature of 55°F to prevent the risk of freezing pipes.
• Be sure to review your water bill to be sure there are not any unusual changes in the monthly bill that could indicate a water leak. 

Water damage can cause thousands of dollars of damage very quickly. It is essential to have the damage mitigated as quickly as possible to avoid higher costs of repairs. 

Our team of trained professionals are here to help should you find yourself in a time of need. Call SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake today 24/7 at 570-714-0090.

Common Q&A for Water Damage

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Here to help

Water damage to your home or business can come when you least expect it. Often people will find themselves in a situation and unsure of what to do first to start the mitigation of damage and clean up. 

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake have trained professionals to help you in your time of need.

We would like to share some Q&A we commonly see from our customers. 

1) How soon should I call a mitigation company to assist with my water damage? 

In short, the answer is ASAP. Time is of the essence to prevent future damage and eliminate the potential for growth of mold.The sooner you call the less risk you have of additional damage and mitigation work required overall.

2) How long does the process of water mitigation take? 

This time to mitigate will vary for each situation depending on the size of the area affected and severity of the damage. It is important to have a professional team access the damage so they can recommend the appropriate steps needed to be taken. There are times that water just needs to be extracted and fans and dehumidifiers can be set to complete the dry out. Other times water make get into the walls and will require removal of some dry wall to ensure the work is done right. Your SERVPRO professional is trained to ensure the proper steps are taken for a successful restoration. 

3) What happens to all my contents that have been damaged from water? 

Our professional team will be able to access content cleaning and work with you to share what is salvageable. The goal is to clean and restore the items, so they do not look or smell damaged.

4) Will my insurance company cover my water damage?

In many cases, insurance does cover water damage. Incidental water damage is typically covered from insurance companies. A pipe bursting, a leak in your face, a leak in your bathroom supply line are all examples of incidental water damage. However, certain kinds of water damage likely won’t be covered. An example of this is coverage for people living in flood zone areas. When water damage is caused by nature this is typically not covered under insurance. It is important to check with your insurance company regarding this prior to submitting a claim. 

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is available 24/7 to assist you in an emergency. Call us today at 570-714-3828.

Water Damage Prevention

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

Water loss clean up

Water problems within your property are not just inconvenient, they can cause severe damage, mold growth, health hazards, and expensive repairs if not mitigated quickly. Finding water in your home because of a pipe bursting or aged water heater leaking can cause stress and a sense of overwhelmingness. The first step in limiting the damage to your property is being aware of the location of the water shut -off valves. So, knowing how to find and operate the property’s water shut-off valve is essential to mitigating damage.

Below are some action steps you can take to prevent an extensive water loss.

1. Locate the Shut Off Valve– If you do not already know the location of this in your home or commercial properties, this is the first step. It is typically found in a utility area, garage, or basement. 
2. Turn Off the Water– Once you find the valve, turn off the water. 
3. Minimize Damage – Try to contain water and move personal items and furniture out of the way to protect your contents. Mop and clean up as much water as possible quickly.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company on the extent of damage.
5. Contact a Professional Mitigation Company who will work with your insurance company to ensure proper clean up. 
6. Repair and Replace– Your Mitigation and Reconstruction partner will extract any excess water and dry out timely to prevent mold and future damage to the property.

As mentioned previously, being aware of the location of the valve and shutting off the water quickly is imperative to minimize the damage and cost of repairs. 

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is a trusted mitigation partner and can help you in your time of of need. 24/7 support. Contact us at 570-714-3828

Water Damage Mitigation

4/16/2023 (Permalink)

Water Damage Mitigation

Spring storms can lead to unwelcome water losses.

Spring showers bring May flowers but can also bring about unwanted water losses, flooding, and leaky roofs.

When evaluating a loss due to water, it is important to understand the proper mitigation steps necessary. 

There are 3 Categories of Water

Category 1 water damage: Consists of Clean water that is sanitary

Category 2 water damage : Consists of Grey Water that is significantly contaminated

Category 3 water damage: Consists of Black Water that is Grossly Contaminated

Pending on the Category of the water loss there are specific steps to follow and at times containment that must take place.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey’s Lake has trained and certified technicians that can diagnose the category and take proper measures to ensure your home or business can be restored.  Our team is required to follow safety regulations and always keep the customers’ safety and satisfaction in mind when stabilizing the loss.

We are open 24/7 and are Here to Help! Call us today at 570-714-3828

Categories of Water Damage

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Learn about the different categories of water.

A categorization of the level of contamination of water in a damaged structure is required to perform loss assessments and evaluation activities. The category of water contamination must be considered so that the correct procedure can be established for processing a water damaged structure and its materials. Water damage is divided into three  categories.

Category 1: Water that originates from a sanitary source. Examples include: broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflow, melting snow and ice, falling rainwater, broken toilet tanks and bowls that do NOT contain contaminants.

Category 2: Water contains a significant level of contamination. Examples include: discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls with some urine but no feces, broken aquariums and punctured water beds. Also, any water that has traveled through building materials.

Category 3: Water that is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic or toxigenic agents.  Examples include sewage, toilet back-flows that originate from beyond the trap, all forms of flooding and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment.

SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm and able to professionally assess any water disaster for safety reasons as well as the proper drying techniques. We are the premier water mitigation and restoration company. 570-714-3828

Water Damage in Hazleton

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

We can help mitigate water damage.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake 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 Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake 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 – 570-714-3828

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.

Dallas & Harvey's Lake 24/7 Emergency Services

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake 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 - 570-714-3828

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. We have 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 Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake 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.

State of the art Equipment

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Checking Moisture Levels of a carpet following a water loss.

Moisture Meters allow restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey Lake the ability to determine exactly what is wet and what is dry. They detect moisture through paint, wall coatings, drywall, ceramic tiles, floor coverings, wood, roof coverings and ceiling tiles. Moisture Meters are fast, precise and versatile. 

This technology allows our certified water restoration technicians the ability to concentrate on the wet areas saving time and money by knowing exactly what to address. It also ensures that we do not miss any areas and will also confirm when things are dry ensuring proper and professional mitigation services.

Large scale water disasters are SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake specialty. We have the trained employees and specialized equipment to handle the job. We are able to utilize other SERVPRO franchisees or our corporate disaster response team. No job is too big.

Commercial Property Water Damage prevention

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage mitigation for commercial water loss in local area.

Water damage can be a result of many different circumstances. Pennsylvania is one of the top 6n states with the highest incidences of water damage.

To help avoid a water loss view the top five causes of water damage below:

1) Appliance and Equipment- Air conditioners, water heaters, and anything that uses tubes, pipes, gaskets, or filters to operate pose a potential for a leak.

2) Pipes and Drains- Plumbing systems are susceptible to clogs, blockages, and damage. Be on the lookout for any moisture, rusting, cracking, or bulging.

3) Keep an eye on your sprinkler systems and look for signs of damage or rust. Replace them regularly to be sure they are functioning properly. 

4) Natural disasters and storms can do extensive damage to your business. Be sure to keep gutters clear, electronics and sensitive files at a higher level to minimize damage. 

5) roofing- make sure you check your roof regularly. This is a common source of water damage. Every inch of water weighs around five pounds. If your drainage is not working properly, you can be accumulating ponds of water which can lead to staining and lead to leaks. 

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake is here to assist should find your business should your find yourself with a water emergency. Call us today 24/7 at 570-714-3828

source: https://www.grainger.com

Residential home water loss

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water extraction in local Hazleton residential basement caused by frozen pipe burst

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake are proud to service customers in our area. We take pride in a quick response time and have empathy to our customers as they are going through a stressful time. 

Residential water losses can cause damage to personal and important items, and it is imperative to mitigate the water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage and cost to rebuild.

The picture below shows one of our trained restoration technicians extracting water from a carpet in a home basement.

Once water is extracted it is important to measure moisture to ensure there is not water in the floorboards or walls. Failure to have a professional take these readings can leave you susceptible to growth of mold spores. 

Call us today if you have a water loss and are seeking highly trained, caring, professionals to assist!

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake - 24/7 support at 570-714-3828

water loss in basement

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

water heater source of flooded basement.

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake were called to the scene to assist with a flooded basement caused by a water heater failure. 

Water heater failure can be a result of rust built up internally in an aged unit, sediment build up, and high-water pressure. 

Signs your Water heater may be failing:

• water leaking from the heating tank
• your hot water is running out quickly
• your water pressure is low
• inconsistent temperature of water during a shower
• noises coming directly from your water heater
• Your water heater is aged

Residential water heaters can last between 6-13 years. It is important to be aware of these signs of failure and the age of your unit to prevent a water loss. 

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake are here to service youn24/7. Call us today at 570-714-3828.

Water Damage in your Hazleton home

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake

It is this time of year when pipes are freezing and high potential for water damage should the pipes  burst. 

In these cases is so important to seek help from a trained restoration company. Extraction of water is just the first step to ensure the water does not cause further damage to your home. 

When calling SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake you can rest assured you are in good hands.  Our trained professionals will take the steps necessary.  This full process often times includes the following steps:

• Inspecting the damage
• Extraction of water
• Drying out/Dehumidification
• Cleaning
• Restoration

Call us today at 570-714-3828. We are available 24/7 for your emergency needs. 

Water damage in your West Hazleton Home

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure no moisture is left behind wall to prevent mold growth

Water damage can very quickly turn into mold and larger concerns within your home. In fact, mold spores can grow within 240 48hrs if the water damaged areas have not yet started the dry out process. 

Mold requires wet/damp surfaces to grow. The best way to prevent mold growth is to mitigate the water damage as quickly as possible. 

It is important to contact a professional and specialist in water mitigation to ensure the safety of you and your home. Often your home may appear to be dry, but water can flow down the inside of the wall cavities. 

Our trained SERVPRO professional can use meters to measure moisture in your walls to ensure you are not susceptible to mold growth. Call our SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake Franchises today 24/7 at 570-714-3828.

Water Damage to Hazleton Basement

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help following a water damage emergency.

Has your Hazleton home had issues with water in the basement in the past? Avoid another situation of your home filling with water. Below are some useful tips to follow in order to keep your basement dry and safe. 

1. Add Gutter Extensions to your home

2. Plug Gaps

3. Restore the Crown

4. Reshape the Landscaping

5. Repair Footing Drains

6. Install a Curtain Drain

7. Pump the Water

8. Waterproof the Walls

Not only does a wet basement look, feel and smell unpleasant, it poses a great risk to your home’s value and safety. Left unchecked, basement moisture can ruin floors and walls, allow for mold growth, and even damage roofing. Remember if you are dealing with any results of water in your home, we are always here to help. 

Water Damage? Call us at 570-714-3828

Residential water losses

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Source of a water loss at a residential home

A toilet leak caused this residential home to have flooding.  A simple leak unattended for some time can cause a great deal of damage throughout many stories of your residential home. 

Below are some examples of some common causes of water losses to be aware of. 

1. Plumbing issues, including clogged toilets and sinks, and broken pipes are a common cause of water damage.

2. Malfunctioning home appliances are another common cause of waterdamage.

3. Air conditioners are another source of water damage in homes. Despite the unit functioning fine, it is important to follow a regular service schedule.

4. Weather and Natural Disasters. You have no control over natural weather or flood-related waterdisasters but this is major cause of losses. 

Your local SERVPRO team of Hazleton, Dallas, and Harvey's Lake are available 24/7 for your emergency needs.  Call us today at 570-714-3828

Frozen, Burst Pipe Causes Water Damage in Plymouth

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help following water damage from a burst pipe.

As we continue to see temperatures dip below freezing for consecutive days in NEPA, it's important to be aware of frozen pipes in your home or business. Keeping an eye out for certain warning signs of frozen pipes is crucial in avoiding water damage. 

A few signs your pipes may be frozen include:

- Water is not coming out of faucet.

- Strange odors coming from your drain. 

- Visible frost on the pipes

- Temps have been below freezing.

These signs can be an indicator that the pipe is frozen and needs to be thawed before bursting. You can try completing this yourself, or have a professional plumber take a look. 

Think of your frozen pipe as a soda can that has accidentally been left in a cold car or freezer. You'll notice that the can expands and can burst causing a mess in your car or freezer. The same thing can happen to your pipes, however the damage would unfortunately be to your home or business. 

As we continue to have freezing temperatures in our area, be aware of the warning signs of freezing pipes and how to prevent them. 

If you unfortunately find yourself dealing with water damage from a frozen, burst pipe, give us a call. We can help - 570-714-3828 

Preventive Maintenance

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

A small crack like this one pictured can cause a large scale disaster. Be pro-active and protect your property with these simple tips.

As the Northeastern Pennsylvania seasons change and the temperatures begin to dip below freezing, its time as a homeowner to do some winter preventive maintenance. The first thing recommended is to drain and shut off the water supply to your outside spigot. By draining/winterizing it, you prevent the line from freezing and a possible busted pipe and a water disaster.

Secondly, insulate any exposed water lines with pipe wrap. This extra added layer of protection is certainly worth the minimal cost and effort it takes to ensure against any possible frozen water lines.

Thirdly, if there are any small opening/cracks within the structure which will let outside air flow in, cover them with either some type of insulation or caulking. It only takes a small draft to create enough cold to affect a pipe.

The trusted staff at SERVPRO would rather have your property protected than respond to a water disaster/flood at your home or business.

Creating A Drying Chamber

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

By creating a drying chamber, we can better control the internal environment.

Having containment on a water damage job can assist in drying the structure quickly and thoroughly. This saves the customer in both downtime and costs.
Containment allows the restoration company to better control the drying environment. It will eliminate the unaffected parts of the structure from your drying chamber. This will help reduce the amount of drying equipment needed on a particular job and will also help speed up the drying process.
SERVPRO created this drying chamber during a water damage claim. We were able to dry the affected areas while allowing the business to remain operating. SERVPRO strives to reduce business interruption while safely drying the structure.
If your home or business experiences water damage and needs professional mitigation, call the premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company at (570) 235-1646.

Increased Rain Leads to Sewer and Drain Backups

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Personal Protection Equipment is used when extracting sewage.

As Mother Nature continues to bring Northeast PA buckets of rain, SERVPRO has been busy cleaning up sewer and drain backups.  Unfortunately with the age of the sewage system in the Lackawanna/Luzerne County region this is not an uncommon phenomena. Understandably, this brings serious issues to the homeowner. Sewer water has the potential to cause health issues - not to mention the odor that accompanies it. For these reasons a professional cleanup company like SERVPRO is highly recommended. We possess the specialized training and equipment necessary to make the structure safe for habitation. We are located in Taylor and as an emergency services company we respond 24 hours a day to any emergency. If your home or business has suffered a sewage backup call the area's leader in specialty cleaning at (570) 235-1646 so that we can help restore your property to preloss condition.

Carpet Cleaning

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Before and after of a carpet restoration project. Damaged carpets need to be dried, cleaned and deodorized as part of restoration process.

This is a before and after photo of a commercial grade glue down carpet that was damaged from a busted sprinkler head in a manufacturing facility in Scranton. The water damaged several of the offices. SERVPRO was called to mitigate the damage. Once the affected area is dried the process of restoring the structure begins. This is an excellent picture of how badly the carpet was damaged but with the correct drying technique specialized equipment the commercial grade carpeting was able to be saved. Working on the repair instead of replace principle SERVPRO is able to save our customers money and business interruption. We are an emergency services company available 24/7. Call us at 570-235-1646 if your facility experiences smoke, fire or water damage.

Psychometrics - The Science of Drying

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

The dehumidification process is part of the science of drying by eliminating the airborne water molecules.

Psychrometry is the study of the air and its properties. It's the science of drying.  The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure, enabling a SERVPRO certified water technician to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying. 

Water can damage materials in two ways: first, by absorption through direct contact with water; and second, by absorption of moisture from the air. Measuring the moisture content of the air is critical to the drying process.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey’s Lake, is an IICRC company with certified water restoration technicians. This is just another reason why we are the area's premier smoke, fire and water restoration and cleanup company. Our technicians have the expertise to make the event "Like it never even happened."

Sewer Backups: A Common Occurrence

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) should always be utilized when dealing with hazardous situations like sewage.

Luzerne County infrastructure is old. The sewer system fails which causes backups into homes and businesses. This unfortunately is a reality and occurs often. SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas Harvey's Lake has the training and equipment required to safely mitigate, clean and repair sewage damaged basements.

Sewage water is classified as category 3 water which means there are potential health effects to it and should always be cleaned by a professional cleaning company. If not done properly the secondary effects could be dangerous mold and health problems for the occupants.

Odor is another big issue with sewer backups and without the problem equipment could cause a serious disruption to your home or business. Cleanup is the first step but address the air quality is also a function of a proper remediation.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is a full service specialty cleaning company with the capability to remediate any size sewage backup.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Pipe that froze and burst.

Frozen pipes are not an uncommon problem.  Plumbers are extremely busy helping homeowners deal with this issue. There is a right and wrong way to resolve this problem.

Let's begin by mentioning what not to do. NEVER USE A OPEN FLAME! While this may be tempting, its a fire hazard and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake has responded to home fires because of this. No blow torches or open flame heaters period. A fire is not better than a flood!

So what are the acceptable methods for de-thawing frozen pipes. Most experts will recommend using either a blow dryer or heating tape. Both these methods will gradually de-thaw the ice within the lines and allow the water to flow. Ideally you want this process to occur slowly.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but if this should occur be smart and be safe.

Repair verse Replace

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

We work off the repair versus replace method of drying saving both time and money.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake believes in the restore versus replace model of restorative drying. What this means is that following any smoke, fire or water disaster we dry/clean and save any item that can be restored back to its original condition.

This is important to know for several reasons. First, it saves time and money by getting the home or business back quicker. Second, it limits any out of pocket expenses by working within the guidelines that the insurance industry sets. Lastly, it can help preserve priceless family heirlooms.

Pictured below is of SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake "floating" a carpet to successfully dry and save it, instead of replacing it. By having the airflow both under and over it (floating) helps facilitate the drying process. Creative drying is just one reason that insurance companies rely on companies like us to make their insured whole. If your home or business experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster call the company your insurance company would call.

Toliet Supply Lines- A Common Cause of Residential Water Disasters

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Toilet supply lines are a common cause of all residential flooding.

Pictured is a broken toilet supply line. Unfortunately this part is a common cause of many residential water disasters. The disaster becomes worse when the homeowners are not home and the water continues to flow unabated from top down. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was recently called by the homeowners insurance company to a home in West Hazleton which had three floors damaged by this exact scenario. This seemingly harmless part which most do not even think about caused thousands of dollars in damage. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake water restoration professionals were able to begin the mitigation process and help reduce any secondary damage. Call us for all your water disasters. We are proud to serve our local Back Mountain/Luzerne County communities. 

Sewage Backups Pose a Health Risk

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Always call a professional cleanup company when dealing with a sewage backup like this one in Hazleton, PA.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake certified technicians are trained to safely remove bio hazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake certified technicians remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is the Scranton areas premier sewage cleanup company. Don't take the risk of doing it yourself. Call us for all your cleanup needs: (570) 562-6777

Never a Convenient Time for a Disaster

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water loss in Hazleton, PA

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. 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 24/7/365 at (570) 562-6777

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake  has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

This church in Hazleton, PA had a sprinkler head let go which caused flooding to the property. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was called in by the insurance company to dry and restore the property. We were on-site within an hour thus limiting the secondary damage. We are #SERVPROReady.

How to Avoid frozen Pipes

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen pipe which thawed and burst.

Frozen pipes are unfortunately not uncommon this time of year in Northeastern Pennsylvania. However, this year its has been especially cold and for days at a time which lead to even a greater prevalence of this problem and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake has been extremely busy dealing with the result of when the pipe burst. A water disaster!

Most of these situations can be avoided with a little proactive planning. When the temperatures dip it is important that you keep your heat no colder than 58 degrees. Open up cabinet doors to allow the heat to circulate under sinks. Allow the faucets to drip. Running water is much less likely to freeze.

Insulate exposed pipes, especially ones near an exposed outside walls like basements. Close up all open cracks in the foundation with either caulk or insulation. 

All these tips will improve the chances that pipes will not freeze. And remember, it's the thaw, not the freeze that causes the water damage.

Be proactive and avoid any potential water disasters in in-door flooding.

What to do if your Pipes do Freeze

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Ice inside a water line

With this recent extended cold spell throughout northeastern Pa., frozen pipes are not an uncommon problem.  Plumbers are extremely busy helping homeowners deal with this issue. There is a right and wrong way to resolve this problem.

Let's begin by mentioning what not to do. NEVER USE A OPEN FLAME! While this may be tempting, its a fire hazard and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has responded to 2 home fires  in western Luzerne County these past two weeks because of this. No blow torches or open flame heaters period. A fire is not better than a flood!

So what are the acceptable methods for de-thawing frozen pipes. Most experts will recommend using either a blow dryer or heating tape. Both these methods will gradually de-thaw the ice within the lines and allow the water to flow. Ideally you want this process to occur slowly.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but if this should occur be smart and be safe.

Preventative Planning-frozen Pipes

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Once a pipe freezes it expands causing it to burst. Pictures is a sprinkler pipe that erupted causing an in door flood.

As I woke up this morning freezing, the thoughts of frozen pipes occurred to me. Winter is the restoration industry's busiest time and busted water pipes are a leading cause. Many times this costly damage could of been prevented with some easy preventive maintenance steps.

1. Pipe wrap to insulate the expose piping in the basement of your home. This is an inexpensive way to be proactive and to ensure that the exposed pipes will not freeze.

2. Seal/insulate all small cracks and openings in your basement. Wires and pipes run inside/out of homes and could leave small open spaces which will permit freezing wind to directly affect an area of pipe. That area could freeze and burst. This again is a simply and cost efficient way to keep the heat inside and the cold out.

3. During those especially freezing nights, let the faucets slowly drip. Running water through the pipes will prevent it from freezing. Also, open cabinet doors under the sinks to allow the home heat to circulate underneath. Again, a few degrees can make a tremendous difference.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake is here to serve the Western Luzerne county for all your smoke fire and water cleanup and restoration needs. We are an emergency services company available 24/7 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Toilet Supply LInes-A Common Cause of Water Disasters

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

A broken toilet supply line caused a three story flood at this Dallas home.

Pictured is a broken toilet supply line. This small, innocuous part is a common cause of many residential water disasters. Whether it be a sink or toilet, this part breaks and water flows. The disaster becomes worse when the homeowners are not home and the water continues to flow. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was recently called by the homeowners insurance company to a home in Dallas which had three floors damaged by this exact scenario. This seemingly harmless part which most do not even think about caused thousands of dollars in damage. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake water restoration professionals were able to begin the mitigation process and help reduce any secondary damage. Call us for all your water disasters. We are proud to serve our local Luzerne County communities.

Flooding-An Uncovered Loss

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rains caused this basement to flood in Hazleton, Pa. Floating objects in a basement is never a good thing.

Did you know that when water enters your home from an outside source, more times than not its classified as an uncovered loss. This means that the homeowner has to pay out of pocket for the costs of the water damage and sometimes that can be quite extensive.
If flooding is commonplace it is highly recommended that flood insurance be bought. It is usually not part of your typical homeowners policy and not everyone qualifies for it or can afford it. The worst jobs SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake restoration technicians mitigate are these uncovered losses, knowing the individual has to pay for the repairs themselves.
Most policies do allow for a rider that will cover sewer and drain backup if the home has a sump pump. A sump pump failure is typically a covered loss and the premium is not prohibitive considering the downside. Sewer and drain backup is highly recommended.
Today, with all this rain and a saturated landscape, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys lake has had several calls regarding flooded basements. Wde do our best to attend to each call in a timely fashion with the goal of making the home safe.
if you find your basement flooded, call the water restoration professional at SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake. We are proud to serve our local Back Mountain and Western Luzerne County communities.

Large Scale Water Damage

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

This basement flooded with over 5ft of water due to a sprinkler system freezing and bursting. This weather is causing havoc in Luzerne County.

This extreme cold weather pattern continues to wreak havoc upon northeastern Pa. Picture above is a commercial property whose sprinkler system froze and burst causing a tremendous amount of damage. The property owner failed to maintain heat in the building which resulted in several pipe breaks. Since the building was idol the water continues to flow for hours before it began to inundate the structure.
The entire building experienced water damage and the basement filled with approximately 5 ft of water. The damage is extensive and since the property was not properly maintained, insurance will not cover it. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake was called by the city to address the property.
Large scale water disasters are SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake specialty. We have the trained employees and specialized equipment to handle the job. We are able to utilize other SERVPRO franchisees or our corporate disaster response team. No job is too big.

Thermal Imaging

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Thermal imaging technology allows restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey Lake the ability to determine exactly what is wet and what is dry. In the most basic of terms, thermal imaging allows you too see an object’s heat radiating off itself. Thermal cameras more or less record the temperature of various objects in the frame, and then assign each temperature a shade of a color, which lets you see how much heat its radiating compared to objects around it.

Colder temperatures are often given a shade of blue, purple, or green, while warmer temperatures can be assigned a shade of red, orange, or yellow. For example, in the image at the top of this post, you’ll notice the person is covered in shades of red, orange, and yellow, while other areas are blue and purple. That’s because he is radiating more heat than surrounding objects.

This technology allow SERVPRO  Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake certified water restoration technicians the ability to concentrate on the wet areas saving time and money by knowing exactly what to address. It also ensues that we do not miss any areas and will also confirm when things are dry ensuring proper and professional mitigation services.

Technology like thermal imaging is just one reason that insurance companies choose SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake as their chosen restoration company. We are emergency services company available 24/7 throughout the Luzerne County area.

What to do if your pipes freeze

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Never use an open flame to de-thaw frozen pipes. Here a great picture of ice within the plumbing lines.

With this recent extended cold spell throughout northeastern Pa., frozen pipes are not an uncommon problem.  Plumbers are extremely busy helping homeowners deal with this issue. There is a right and wrong way to resolve this problem.

Let's begin by mentioning what not to do. NEVER USE A OPEN FLAME! While this may be tempting, its a fire hazard and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has responded to 2 home fires  in western Luzerne County these past two weeks because of this. No blow torches or open flame heaters period. A fire is not better than a flood!

So what are the acceptable methods for de-thawing frozen pipes. Most experts will recommend using either a blow dryer or heating tape. Both these methods will gradually de-thaw the ice within the lines and allow the water to flow. Ideally you want this process to occur slowly.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but if this should occur be smart and be safe.

How to avoid frozen pipes

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Pictures is a burst water pipe that caused thousands of dollars in damage in a business in Dallas.

Frozen pipes are unfortunately not uncommon this time of year in Northeastern Pennsylvania. However, this year its has been especially cold and for days at a time which lead to even a greater prevalence of this problem and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has been extremely busy dealing with the result of when the pipe burst. A water disaster!

Most of these situations can be avoided with a little proactive planning. When the temperatures dip it is important that you keep your heat no colder than 58 degrees. Open up cabinet doors to allow the heat to circulate under sinks. Allow the faucets to drip. Running water is much less likely to freeze.

Insulate exposed pipes, especially ones near an exposed outside walls like basements. Close up all open cracks in the foundation with either caulk or insulation. 

All these tips will improve the chances that pipes will not freeze. And remember, it's the thaw, not the freeze that causes the water damage.

Be proactive and avoid any potential water disasters in in-door flooding.