Pipe Burst While on Vacation?

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can determine the scope of your water damage, inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture traveled.

If you are planning to travel away from your Lacey home, it is of the utmost importance to occasionally check your vacant property. By having a trusted friend or family member stop by even a couple times a week to make sure everything is as you left it, is strongly recommended. In a winter cold spell, water pipes may develop ice and form a blockage. If left untreated, this can lead to increased pressure, causing the pipe to burst. A burst water pipe in your home can cause more than $5,000 in damage, so it’s important to act quickly.

A family in our community had a pipe burst while travelling during the holidays when the temperature changed drastically (which is usually the cause). Thankfully, they had a family who was checking the home catch this before the water damage spread. They called SERVPRO of Lacey, Manchester and we were able to get there to begin the water damage restoration process. If the water was left sitting for too long untreated moisture can result in bacteria, mold and mildew growth or worsening structural damage.

Even if you’ll only be away from your home for a few days, consider having someone check up on your living space. Especially if it’s during extreme weather condition. As always, SERVPRO of Lacey is here to help with any emergency service regarding water damage. Contact us at 732-408-3161, we are available 24/7.

Common Sources of Water Damage in Mantoloking, New Jersey

4/23/2022 (Permalink)

After any water damage, your primary focus should be safety first and secondly to stop the water.

A broken pipe can cause water damage to your home in Mantoloking, NJ. 

Here are the most common sources of water damage and how you can prevent them and tips to prevent them from happening at all:

• Roofs-Standing water is a sign that your drainage system is not working properly. This is a problem because of the weight of the water. Eventually, this will strain your roof and cause leaks, which can do more damage than a broken pipe. Also, be sure you look for damaged flashing, felt, and shingles as these pieces can degrade over time and will need to be replaced to avoid leaks.
• Pipes-Your plumbing is vulnerable to clogs and other damage. Regularly examine the outside of your pipes for stains, rust, cracks, and bulges. If you see any of these, have them repaired. You can also insulate your pipes to prevent freezing in the winter. Furthermore, a lot of commercial buildings can benefit from leak detectors as there are inexpensive and alert you to any leaks. 
• Forces of Nature-Hurricanes, thunderstorms, and flooding do a lot of damage to buildings. While you can't avoid nasty weather, you can take steps to make sure you are ready to deal with disasters. 

Prevention is key, but sometimes water damage happens no matter how prepared we are and the quicker the water is cleaned up the batter it is for the structure. The speed with which drying occurs can determine how expensive your repair is, how much damage is done, and whether or not your home remains habitable. At SERVPRO of Point Pleasant, we have the expertise needed to repair your home after a water damage occurs. Call us at 732-202-3001.

A broken pipe can cause water damage to your home in Mantoloking, NJ.

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

After any water damage, your primary focus should be safety first and secondly to stop the water.

A broken pipe can cause water damage to your home in Mantoloking, NJ. 

Here are the most common sources of water damage and how you can prevent them and tips to prevent them from happening at all:

• Roofs-Standing water is a sign that your drainage system is not working properly. This is a problem because of the weight of the water. Eventually, this will strain your roof and cause leaks, which can do more damage than a broken pipe. Also, be sure you look for damaged flashing, felt, and shingles as these pieces can degrade over time and will need to be replaced to avoid leaks.
• Pipes-Your plumbing is vulnerable to clogs and other damage. Regularly examine the outside of your pipes for stains, rust, cracks, and bulges. If you see any of these, have them repaired. You can also insulate your pipes to prevent freezing in the winter. Furthermore, a lot of commercial buildings can benefit from leak detectors as there are inexpensive and alert you to any leaks. 
• Forces of Nature-Hurricanes, thunderstorms, and flooding do a lot of damage to buildings. While you can't avoid nasty weather, you can take steps to make sure you are ready to deal with disasters. 

Prevention is key, but sometimes water damage happens no matter how prepared we are and the quicker the water is cleaned up the batter it is for the structure. The speed with which drying occurs can determine how expensive your repair is, how much damage is done, and whether or not your home remains habitable. At SERVPRO of Point Pleasant, we have the expertise needed to repair your home after a water damage occurs. Call us at 732-202-3001.

Frozen Pipe Water Damage Due to Swing in Temperatures in Point Pleasant and Bricktown

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

This pipe burst on the second floor causing water to flow into the first floor and basement causing extensive water damage to the home.

The large temperature swings that Ocean County have been experiencing these last few months are causing lots of burst pipes. After a freeze, any sort of warm-up and thaw in temperature, you could get an expansion of the pipes. This usually occurs 24 hours after the thaw that pipes will start to break. 

These burst pipes are bad news for any dwelling because a burst pipe can releases hundreds of gallons of water per hour. Just to give you an idea of how much water a burst pipe can release, here are the average water flow rates based on typical municipal water lines from the Municipal Water District:

• ½-inch pipe: 50 gallons per minute
• ¾-inch pipe: 110 gallons per minute
• 1-inch pipe: 210 gallons per minute
• 2-inch pipe: 850 gallons per minute
• 3-inch pipe: 1,900 gallons per minute
• 4-inch pipe: 3,400 gallons per minute

Regardless of where the pipe burst occurs, the effects can be devastating. The damages are usually worse when there is a burst pipe in the upstairs and the water comes trickling down to the lower floors. First thing you should do in this case is stop the flow of water. To do this, find the shut off valve. Turn it off and this will stop all the further flow of the water into your property. This will help prevent the spread of more water that could cause more damage.

When you leave your home in the colder months, leave the thermostat set no lower than 55-60 degrees. In the event of a power outage or extreme cold, it will not take long for the interior temperature in your home to drop to a dangerous low, allowing the pipes to freeze.

Frozen pipe cleanup should be left to the experienced and qualified water damage experts at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant. We have years of experience and up to date certifications, so you can rest assured knowing your property is in good hands. If you’re experiencing water damage due to frozen and burst pipes in New Jersey, call us today at 732-202-3001.

Below Freezing Temperatures in Ocean County Could Bring Water Damage Caused by Burst Pipes

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

A pipe with a small crack can bring gallons of water causing extensive water damage to your home.

Below Freezing Temperatures in Ocean County Could Bring Water Damage Caused by Burst Pipes

Brick has had a couple of very cold days this week and now the weather is starting to rise above freezing you need to keep an eye out for water from a burst pipe. 

What are signs that might lead you to realize you had a frozen pipe in the last few days?

• Water supply problems-If you notice you have little to no water flow after you turn on the faucet
• Water where there shouldn't be any water
• A bulging in a pipe
• Icy pipes or pipes with frost on them

Call us at 732-202-3001 for all you water damage cleanup emergencies 24/7. We are water damage specialists, we have the experience, expertise, and advanced training that enables us to get your property dried quickly and thoroughly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete. Learn about our water damage training and certificates.

To prevent pipes from freezing in the future, follow these easy steps from the American Red Cross:

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing when Cold Temperatures Arrive in Point Pleasant

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

What do you do after the plumber has repaired your burst pipe? Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant for all your water damage cleanup needs.

As the Jersey Shore heads into it’s winter season, now is a good time to start planning ahead to avoid one of winter's most unwanted experiences: frozen pipes.

Some homes and business have pipes that are in danger of freezing. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage.

Before we talk about tips to prevent your pipes from freezing, let's first look at which pipes are most likely to freeze when the weather plummets:

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation. 

Now that we know which pipes are at high risk from the cold, follow these simple tips to help prevent frozen pipes:

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

In the event your home or business does experience a frozen pipe, here are a few things to do while waiting for the cleanup process to begin:

• Turn the main water off to the property.
• Shut off power main if the is a chance water came in contact with anything electrical.
• Find the damaged pipe and repair yourself or call a licensed plumber to help.

• Check with your agent or insurance company so you will be sure what your policy covers.
• Document the damaged articles and take photos.

• If your home sustains water damage, it is important to make sure that it is properly dried and repaired to prevent any potential problem with mold. 

In the event of property damage from a frozen or burst pipe, you may need professional help to make repairs, clean up the water, and prevent any mold from creeping up in the affected area of your home. Don’t just call any water damage service, call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant, your local, water damage clean-up specialists. With over 20 years of service in our community, we have the experience, expertise and knowledge to make the repairs to your home and business “Like it never even happened.” 

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant Has the Right Equipment For Every Water Damage Emergency

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant professionals have the resources and restoration equipment to help you take back control of your life.

The right equipment is vital for timely mitigation. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant understands that using the proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. 

Detection Equipment

Scoping involves locating the areas of the structure affected by water and defining the extent to which the structure and contents have absorbed moisture. Moisture detection devices are also used to verify that an environment has been dried thoroughly.

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate moisture readings that enable the SERVPRO® Franchise Professional to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure both temperature and relative humidity. Capturing these two readings, a SERVPRO® Franchise Professional using a psychrometric chart can calculate specific humidity, dew point and vapor pressure.

Extraction Equipment

The most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction. This is why it is critical to respond quickly to a water damage and to provide emergency mitigation services. When the water is extracted quickly, the environment can usually be dried much faster.

• Extractors are used in cleaning carpets and upholstery and in removing water from floors following a water damage. Extractors can either be truck-mounted or portable, allowing for greater access inside structures.

Air Moving Equipment

Air movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level, thereby reducing drying time. As airflow at the surface level increases, the moisture in the air increases. This moisture is then eliminated via the use of dehumidification equipment.

Dehumidification Equipment

By extracting water vapor from the air, dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity, which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. In a water damaged structure, dehumidifiers pull in the moist, humid air and then discharge dry, warm air. The dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from wet materials. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant use two types of dehumidifiers:

• Refrigerant Dehumidifiers work similarly to air conditioners.
• Desiccant Dehumidifiers use chemicals, called desiccants, that readily absorb moisture from the air. Deodorization.

Deodorization Equipment

• Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. The device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other difficult-to-access areas.
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products in large volume, dense fogs suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles.

Four Things Point Peasant Property Owners Need to Know About Water Damage

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO drying equipment in the utility room where cause of water loss occurred.

Here are the four things to know about a water loss in your Point Pleasant home:

• Contact your insurance carrier immediately. As soon as you discover water damage, let your insurance carrier know so the claims process can begin. Your agent will also give you tips for protecting your property from additional damage and may refer you to a water-damage restoration company (you are not obligated to use the specialist they recommend). Note: Insurance companies differentiate between water damage and flood damage, so be sure to specify which applies to your situation. Also, not all water damage is covered by insurance—review your policy carefully.
• Time is of the essence when you have water damage. Water is aggressive and cruel. Once it seeps in to carpets, flooring, walls, furniture, paper, and everything else in its wake, it will continue to destroy. Drywall will droop and disintegrate. Wood will swell, buckle, warp, and rot. Electrical equipment may short out, causing shock and fire hazards. Mold will flourish. For anything other than a minor spill, it’s best you get a professional assessment of your situation to determine the extent of damage. Professional water-damage specialists can then begin the restoration process and halt additional damage.
• You’ve got less than 48 hours to dry out before mold takes over. Mold spores lurk everywhere, but they’re opportunistic. Give them a nice wet environment—like a soaked carpet or damp drywall—and they’ll multiply like mad. You have 24 to 48 hours to dry your space before the fungus invasion. Mold remediation is a dirty deed and is best left to specialists who have the right equipment and cleaning supplies to get the job done swiftly.
• Water may be contaminated. An overflowing dishwasher or burst water heater releases clean H₂O, so there’s little immediate risk of harm. But, again, time is not on your side. “Clean” water that’s been sitting around can foster bacterial growth or pick up icky stuff from dirty carpets and ground soil, sullying the waters within hours. Even more serious: Sewage backups, toilet overflow, storm-drain water, and other polluted waters that enter your home can be dangerous to your health. Attempting to clean these messes up yourself is a bad idea. Get professional help from certified water-damage remediation experts, like SERVPRO of Point Pleasant.

Since every water damage scenario is a little different, each water cleanup is also different.  SERVPRO of Point Pleasant knows how to handle all water emergencies. Call us today at (732) 202-3001. 

Who Cleans Up Water Damage from a Shower or Bath Leak?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

This pipe leaked in the master bathroom on the second floor of a home in Manasquan, NJ and the water migrated to the kitchen on the first floor.

What to Do If You Discover a Leak in Your Shower or Bath in Point Pleasant or Brick?

Shower and bath leaks can be a minor issue if caught early or a really big water damage problem undiscovered for any length of time You may not even know you have a bath or shower leak until it is becomes a major issue because the pipes are usually hidden from sight, behind the shower walls or under the shower floor. In some cases, the water might migrate away from the source of the leak and the water damage appears nowhere near the original source. Since the water can migrate, it can become evident in an adjoining room or the ceiling of a room below on a lower level.

What to Do After Discovering Water Damage?

Safety always comes first, even before finding the source of the water leak. Once the area is safe to enter, stop the flow of the water that is causing the damage. If you are handy, you may be able to do this yourself. If the damage is something you are unable to do yourself, you may need to contact a local plumber in your area. 

Who Cleans Up Water Damage from a Shower or Bath Leak?

Catching a leak early and stopping the leak as soon as possible will help stop the spread of more damage and can even save you a lot of money in costly repairs. To minimize the potential of serious water damage, call your local water damage experts at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant to start the water damage restoration process When water damage strikes day or night, Ocean County residents and business owners can expect us to respond immediately to your water emergency. Call us 24/7 at 732-202-3001 for you water cleanup needs.

How Can I Be Sure My Structure Is Dry?

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant has the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water. With our advanced drying techniques, we monitor and ensure your property is properly dried.

What Can I Expect from Water Damage Restoration Professionals in Bricktown?

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

A home in Brick, NJ had a washing machine overflow and SERVPRO of Point Pleasant used advanced drying technology to properly dry the home.

Bricktown Property Owners Love SERVPRO's Full-Service Water Removal and Build Back Services

Until you experience the frustration and chaos after a burst pipe sends water throughout your home, the challenges of water loss recovery to your home are hard to imagine. Much more intense than a spill or overflow, a pipe leaking behind a kitchen wall can put not only the wall but also woodwork, floors, and cabinets at risk. Water migration is hard to follow without proper tools, but leaving water behind risks progressive deterioration of building materials and mold growth.

When Can I Expect an Assessment of My Loss?

Our trained and experienced project managers arrive within four hours to inspect and plan the mitigation and reconstruction of your Bricktown water damaged home. Visual examination precedes moisture detection and metering, helping our crew map the contours of the affected area. To achieve these goals we have:

• Thermal imaging camera to discover temperature fluctuations
• Boroscopes to locate trapped water and moisture in building cavities
• Moisture meters for determining the amount of dampness
• Moisture sensors for indicating areas of wetness

Planning

After data collection, the SERVPRO crew chief creates a project plan. Emergency services proceed. Our technicians use pumps if the water is deeper than two inches and roll extractors off our service vehicles to follow-up with less volumes of standing water. In a kitchen-centric plumbing emergency, water can seep under cabinets and built-in appliances, necessitating creative strategies for removal and drying.

How Are Cabinet Drying Challenges Met?

The walls and floors behind and under cabinets can allow water to collect and also impede drying. SERVPRO technicians examine your cabinets to discover details about their construction to help prevent further issues and remediate the current damage. Backless cabinets can be opened, and holes drilled in the wall behind to release trapped water and permit access for dry, warm air during drying.

Cabinets with backs complicate both water removal and drying with additional layers of materials. Holes can be cut through the cabinet back and then through the wall to facilitate water removal and drying. Additional holes at the top of the wall might help create ventilation to speed drying.

Cutting holes in the toe-kick under the cabinet or removing these strips, combined with the use of a vent system to force dry air into the exposed space, accelerates moisture reduction to normal levels. We can utilize an injecti-dry device to facilitate this drying effort.

Repair and Rebuilding

SERVPRO’s construction division (General Contractor License #: 13VH04999700) can rehabilitate the controlled demolition used to open areas for water damage restoration. Our full spectrum of services means you can save time and expense, and even update your kitchen.

Count on SERVPRO of Point Pleasant to restore your kitchen after leaky plumbing causes water damage. Call (732) 202-3001 and let us make it “Like it never even happened.”

Click here to see more about your local area.

Did You Know That There Are Three Categories of Contaminated Water?

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

These are water extraction mats that SERVPRO of Point Pleasant uses to get excess water out of hard wood flooring.

When your Point Pleasant home suffers from a flood, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensure proper cleanup. 

There are three types of water categories that could affect your property: 

1. Clean water is the water that comes from a broken pipe, or other water source, like rainwater.
2. Gray water is used to describe water that is slightly contaminated. Clean water can become gray water when it is left untreated, allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin to grow, making the water hazardous.
3. Black wateris highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, and more. It is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any natural disaster. 

What Should You Do If You Think Your Point Pleasant Home May Have Contaminated Water?

1. Avoid all contact with any water containing contaminants. Wash any body part that has come into contact with the contaminated water. 
2. Never walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
3. Do not turn on the HVAC system because there could be a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
4. Do not use household fans to dry the structure because the air flow could spread contaminants.
5. Do not eat or use any food and/or personal products personal for hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to contaminated areas.

If your property does suffer from a water damage in Ocean County from either clean or contaminated water, call your local experts at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at 732-202-3001. We are water removal and cleanup specialists that are ready to service your property when flooding causes water damage. We quickly dry your property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques, documenting the drying process to make sure your property is dry and the job is done right.

Tips for Homeowners in Point Pleasant to Thaw Frozen Pipes

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Follow these tips if your pipes have ALREADY frozen over.

Temperatures are expected to drop in Point Pleasant over the next 10 days to below freezing most nights. What does that mean for the pipes in our home that exposed to these cold temperatures? The water in a vulnerable pipe may freeze and expand, causing the pipe to rupture. Hours or days later, when the ice finally abates, the freely flowing water can pour out of the compromised pipe into your home.

Luckily not every frozen pipe will bursts open and leak water into your home but time is always a factor. Follow these tips by Bob Vila to thaw your frozen pipes:

1. Locate the frozen pipe, which is sometimes harder than it sounds.
2. Open the faucets.
3. Turn off the main water supply line.
4. Apply heat to the frozen pipe. To do so, homeowners typically use such things as hair dryers, heat lamps, and heating pads.  Remember that it’s best to begin heating near the edge of the frozen area, on the side closest to the nearest kitchen or bathroom. That way, any steam or water generated by the heating can escape the pipe. Continue heating, inching along the frozen pipe one section at a time.
5. Once you are confident the freeze has melted, close the faucets and return to the main water supply valve and turn it on, partially. Then go back to the pipe and inspect it for leaks.

Hopefully you found your frozen pipe before it burst. If you were not lucky enough to find it before it burst, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant has years of experience in water damage cleanup. Call us 24/7 at 732-301-2002 for any size water damage emergency.

Tips to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing in Point Pleasant

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Even a small burst like this in a pipe can bring enormous amounts of water into your home.

The Jersey Shore has been lucky with warm temperatures so far this winter season.  Unfortunately, that is looking like it may soon change. Over the next 10 days, the nighttime temperature is expected to be below freezing, ranging from a low of 12° to a high of 37°. Daytime temps aren't predicted to be as cold, ranging from a high of 49° to a low of 28° according to WeatherForYou.com. Even some snow storms may be in our future.

With the temperatures predicted to plunge below freezing all but one night over the next 10 days, some of our pipes are in danger of freezing. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage, according to Consumer Reports.

Before we talk about tips to prevent your pipes from freezing, let's first look at which pipes are likely to freeze when the weather plummets. The American Red Cross explains the pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation. 

According to the American Red Cross, follow these simple tips to prevent frozen pipes:

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant is fully equipped to handle all the cleanup of water damage from any frozen or burst pipe. Please follow our water damage emergency tips until help arrives. 

Can Water Removal Save Your Carpet from Delamination?

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses advanced equipment like this LGR dehumidifier to salvage water damaged carpets in Point Pleasant properties

Point Pleasant Homeowners do not Want to Replace Carpets after Water Removal

The right carpet adds ambiance to your Point Pleasant home. From chic single-color rugs to vivid vintage prints, your choice of carpet brings a room together. Carpets are also notoriously expensive, and replacing them is a hassle, so naturally, you do not want to change carpets unless you have to.

The state of your carpets is a primary concern during water removal in your Point Pleasant residence. Carpets are often one of the first things customers ask SERVPRO of Point Pleasant about. Our customers want to know if we can save their floor coverings and whether they will need to make an insurance claim.

What is delamination?

Delamination occurs when the primary and secondary carpet backings separate. Delamination happens as a direct result of water damage to carpets. Unfortunately, once a carpet reaches this stage, it is unsalvageable, and our technicians will dispose of the carpet.

That is the bad news. The good news is that if you call us immediately, water damage happens, we may be able to dry out the carpet before delamination occurs.

Can SERVPRO save your carpet?

There are some situations where it is not possible to save a carpet:

• When it becomes delaminated
• If it was soaked with water that poses a health hazard, such as water contaminated with raw sewage
• If there is extensive mold growth because the water problem was left to fester

Thankfully, in many other situations, it is possible to restore your carpet.

How do we remove water from a carpet?

Our technicians have several methods to get water out of a carpet:

• Free-standing and truck-mounted pumps to suck up surface water
• Carpet wands to get into corners, and draw water from the top of the carpet
• Rotary and free-standing extractors to carefully press the water out

Thorough extraction makes drying faster and more efficient and decreases the risk of mold growth. However, careless extraction can cause damage, which is why we treat your carpets with care.

What is the best way to dry a carpet?

The best way to dry a carpet is by using a combination of:

• Air movers and fans
• Dehumidifiers
• Portable heaters (we do not need these in every case)

Our technicians follow the theory of drying to set up drying zones. We also monitor moisture and humidity levels during drying, and we use moisture probes to measure water in carpets and on the subfloor below.

Can SERVPRO clean your carpet?

We certainly can. We train our technicians in a range of carpet cleaning methods, including hot water extraction, showcase, bonnet cleaning, and deluxe precondition and rinse. The best way depends on the carpet fibers and the type of soiling. We test your carpet beforehand to establish the kinds of threads, the level of dirt, and the colorfastness.

Will insurance pay for a replacement?

That depends on your insurance company and your policy. However, we can liaise with your insurance company on your behalf, and we can take pictures and document evidence for you to present to them.

Can SERVPRO fit a replacement carpet?

We understand that you do not want to deal with lots of different contractors. We can bring in other professionals when needed, and ensure they carry out their duties to our strict standards. That means less stress for you and a more streamlined restoration process.

Can you prevent delamination during water removal?

By the time carpet gets wet, there is not much you can do to prevent delamination. However, there are steps you can take to look after your carpet before a disaster strikes. Wear and tear contribute to delamination, so take good care of your carpets. If possible, remove shoes before walking across them, and ask visitors to do the same. Vacuum your carpets regularly, and be careful when choosing cleaning products. Strong solvents can deteriorate the backing and separate it from the main body.

Do not leave your carpet wet after small everyday spills. Dry spills quickly, and call us if you need help or advice.

If you have a puppy or kitten who has not figured out where to do their business yet, do not let them roam loose across your best carpets!

What about other kinds of floors?

We can help with other kinds of floors too. If your wooden, linoleum, or marble floor needs water removal, we are here to help. Like carpet, fast action is essential, especially with wooden floors, where lingering moisture can cause warping. We suction away water and set up a drying environment for your floors. We can also deodorize afterward and apply anti-microbial treatments if needed.

If you are concerned about carpet damage during water removal, call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at (732) 202-3001.

Are Electric Submersible Pumps Used Most Often for Water Removal in Point Pleasant?

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO comes fully equipped for your Point Pleasant water damage.

Extractors are often necessary after water disasters in Point Pleasant homes, and submersible pumps can make the most significant initial impact. 

Because extraction is such a critical element to the restoration and recovery of Point Pleasant homes after a water disaster, it is one of the tools and equipment with the most versatility in our inventory. With dozens of models varying in size, production, and ideal use, we can meet rapidly changing conditions in a substantial water emergency for your residence. When standing water is a concern, these circumstances must get resolved as soon as possible to limit the damage and absorption of exposed materials and contents. 

While water removal in Point Pleasant homes often relies on multiple extractors simultaneously, one of the most efficient and heavily used is the electric submersible pump. With continual, quiet operation that can remove hundreds of gallons of water every hour from a damaged area, the only potential obstacle is supplying the unit's power. There are several solutions, including:

• Portable Generators 
• Trailered Generators 
• In-House Electricity

What If Power is Limited? 

It is not uncommon for some loss scenarios to exist in structures struggling to produce adequate power and electricity for restoration equipment. Even spider boxes running off portable generators can become overloaded with air movers and dehumidifiers. We can resolve this with daisy-chaining air movers when possible, but this is not always practical in widespread drying zones. We also have options to utilize non-electric extraction options such as gas-powered trash pumps and truck-mounted extraction units that operate on service vehicles' engines. 

With so many threats resulting from prolonged exposure to standing water, it is always a priority of our responding SERVPRO of Point Pleasant team to mitigate loss with extraction tools. Electric submersible pumps are a possible choice, but our restorers have many options to make water disasters "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (732) 202-3001.

What are Signs of a Moisture Problem in My Hardwood Flooring in Point Pleasant Boro?

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Quick action is necessary to ensure that your flooring can be restored. Contact our experienced team for services.

SERVPRO technicians can diagnose and treat water damage symptoms in your Point Pleasant Boro hardwood flooring with their professional restoration methods

When your hardwood flooring is the center point of a home-based water disaster in Point Pleasant Boro, if the cleanup was not complete, secondary issues may be the problem in the near future. Since wood absorbs water, it also releases moisture to be in equilibrium with its immediate environment. Signs that your hardwood flooring is dealing with an overage of moisture include:   

• Warping or cupping of floorboards
• Water droplets on the boards with no source in the vicinity
• Musty odors
• Discoloration on the boards

How Does SERVPRO Find and Diagnose the Areas That Need Water Removal?

SERVPRO technicians bring an array of water removal equipment to each Point Pleasant Boro job site to enable them to locate all areas of water migration, and any place elevated areas of moisture reside. They do not have to remove floorboards or sheetrock to "see" under flooring or behind walls, their detection equipment such as their thermal imaging cams and hygrometers allow them to peer throughout the room and find the problem areas that need addressing.

What are Some Common Issues When Water Waits for Cleanup? 

The biggest problem when there is a delay between the initial water spill and the cleanup in Point Pleasant Borough is the deterioration of the water that occurs. Within 48 hours, even a clean water loss requires handling as a category three biohazard due to the probability of bacteria now present in the water. This means items that absorb the water that once had potential for restoration is now a loss due to the possibly contaminated nature of the water.

In a house that is closed up, mold spores can germinate and spread rapidly across surfaces creating a secondary issue that require remediation before the house is habitable again.

Foul odors are another negative side effect of waiting to begin restoration services. The musty, distinctive odor remains until the moisture gets eradicated.

Not All Extraction Equipment is Equal 

Using a wet/dry vac on a water spill may work for small scale losses, but if the water migrates between floors, under flooring or may reside under cabinets or within walls, you need the professional power SERVPRO brings to the scene. 

The use of professional removal equipment is vital for the best outcome. The techs have access to state of the art extraction equipment such as:   

• Portable Pumps, including weight heads for use on carpet
• Submersible pumps for deeper water situations such as a flood damage or standing water in a basement
• Truck-mounted units for widespread water extraction situations

Professional Drying Equipment vs. Fans 

The drying equipment the techs bring on-site is light years ahead of the blowing power that comes from household fans. Air movers do not look like a fan, this small boxy device delivers high-velocity airflow that creates a chain reaction that causes embedded moisture to rise. Unlike when only fans get used to dry an area, the airflow only goes over the tops of surfaces, once the air movers raise the water vapor, the dehumidification equipment is on standby to grab it and port it off-site. When hardwood flooring requires drying, the techs most often attempt to dry the boards in place using specialized devices such as drying mats. The mats get rotated during drying to ensure the wood dries evenly. This method can help with lessening the sanding needed to bring the floorboards back to a level state. 

Pack Out vs Dry in Place 

SERVPRO techs want to limit the upheaval that the restoration process can cause in a home. They put furniture up on blocks and attempt to disrupt the home as little as possible. However when carpet requires removal or flooring gets affected by water loss, it often leads to the need for a pack out. The extremely organized process involves the cataloging of items and their place in the home so when the cleanup and restoration services complete, each item gets put back precisely where it came from.

Items that require removal due to loss also get photographed and a detailed report created. This document is provided to the homeowner once the mitigation efforts complete to assist in expediting any insurance claims the property owner may have in the works.

The certified technicians at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant Boro know you need water removal sooner rather than later that is why their team of professionals is ready to come to your property 24/7. Just call (732) 202-3001 and get your home restored to its preloss condition. 

What Can I Do for a Pipe Burst in the Walls of My Point Pleasant House?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Point Pleasant Homeowners rely on SERVPRO to restore their insurance policy covered water loss

Our SERVPRO Team Can Help with Repairs and Dry Wall Cavities after a Water Loss

When pipes burst in the wall of your Point Pleasant home, it can be a difficult thing to recognize, let alone successfully dry and restore. In most situations, property owners rely on the fast and confident response of our SERVPRO professionals to help. With a combination of advanced technologies for moisture content discovery to cutting-edge wall cavity drying systems, we can make a difference quickly in your damaged home.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Burst Pipe? 

Several steps must get taken immediately following the recognition of water damage in Point Pleasant homes. With pipes bursting in the walls or between floors, there are a few actions that you can take immediately to get the restoration process started. These include:

• Stop the Water – Burst pipes can be alarming but gathering your senses and finding the shutoff for the water supply to your home can prevent this breach in your plumbing from spurting hundreds of gallons of water before help arrives.
• Call Professionals – With a 24/7 response to water loss emergencies, you can reach our SERVPRO team whenever disasters strike. We can mobilize quickly to begin mitigation when you need it most.
• Speak with Your Insurance Company – Many homeowners have no idea what their insurance policies say about water damages, or what gets covered when the restoration is necessary. Notify your insurance company about the situation and get their feedback on what you should do. 

Can SERVPRO Do Repairs?

With a full division of in-house contractors, plumbing repairs can begin in the earliest stages of recovery. We understand how vital fresh water can be in the house, so we locate the damage and repair it fast.

With water losses that start in your walls, you might not know how bad the situation is until you are overwhelmed. Give SERVPRO of Point Pleasant a call at (732) 202-3001.

Damage in Your Point Pleasant Home

5/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our skilled crew at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant will restore you home after a water damage incident.

Removing Water Heater Water Damage from a Point Pleasant Home

Water heater-related damages may not be the most common, but most homeowners can still expect their heaters to fail within the first eight to ten years of use. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, water heater leaks from supply lines or rusty tanks can create considerable amounts of water damage in your utility room.

If your home in Point Pleasant requires water damage mitigation due to a water heater failure, SERVPRO technicians are available to address the damage and restore your home to a preloss condition. These technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to extract water damage from all types of surfaces. SERVPRO emphasizes repair over replacement whenever feasible so that homeowners can save time and money on much-needed mitigation services.

Inspecting Your Water Heater

• Examining the exterior. Check the floor underneath the heater, as well as the tank, supply lines, and nearby plumbing. Regular visual inspections can help you detect small issues before they become costly repairs.
• Flush the tank. It is recommended that you flush your water heater's tank annually to prevent the buildup of residues and sediments that can eventually compromise the tank without regular cleanup.
• Inspect the anode rod. This specially designed rod collects corrosive materials to prevent them from eating away at the tank. Examine this once every year or two to get a better idea of when to flush the tank.
• Check any vents. If your water heater features a top vent, you can determine its effectiveness by lighting a match near the gap between the water heater and the vent. When the heater turns on, the flame should move toward the gap. If not, call a plumber to examine the system.

SERVPRO's Water Extraction Methods

SERVPRO technicians use a variety of extraction methods to address damage in your basement, including mops, wet/dry vacuums, and portable extractors that can access hard-to-reach spaces, including saturated wall cavities. Small holes or cutouts may be necessary - with the homeowner's permission - to facilitate drying. The extraction process must be thorough to ensure that drying is efficient and successful.

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant can ensure that your home looks, “Like it never even happened.” Call (732) 202-3001 for professional cleanup services when disaster strikes on your property.

For more about Point Pleasant click here.

Is Professional Drying Faster for Your Point Pleasant Home After A Water Loss?

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

This room in a Point Pleasant home has our advanced drying equipment during the water removal and extraction process.

Our SERVPRO Professionals Have Efficient Water Removal and Drying Tools to Get Your Point Pleasant Home Back to Pre-Loss Condition Quickly.

Due to the more efficient restoration equipment and techniques of our experienced SERVPRO professionals, professional drying is often considerably faster and more cost-effective for customers. With our fast response 24/7, we can reach water damaged properties often within hours to begin drying.

Evaluating water damage to Point Pleasant homes is the first step. Our crew chief and project manager can scope the work to get done to ensure the right tools and technicians reach your damaged home as soon as possible.

What Tools Dry a Residence? 

While there are dozens of tools that get used regularly to perform drying tasks for structures, there are some that get used consistently enough to be foundational equipment in our drying approach.

• Centrifugal Air Movers
• Axial Air Movers
• Dehumidifiers

Axial units are designed to dry broader open areas while centrifugal units target specific areas of damaged materials saturated by water losses. The evaporation causes rising moisture content and relative humidity levels in the affected drying zone, which is where carefully placed dehumidification units come into play to regulate this rising condition. 

How Does Trapped Water in Materials Evaporate? 

While you might consider surface water to be the most significant concern when drying your home, it is the absorbed moisture that can create the biggest hurdle in water removal. Porous materials like wood flooring or absorbent materials like carpeting all require unique approaches to dry. We have several unique practices that can maximize drying output without requiring reconstruction.

• Damp hardwood flooring can get dried with floor mat systems
• Wall materials and structural cavities can dry with positive pressure systems
• Carpets and their respective padding can get dried simultaneously by floating with centrifugal air movers

No matter how severe water losses might be, our SERVPRO of Point Pleasant can dry up the damage fast. Give us a call whenever you need us at (732) 202-3001.

Why Do Frozen Pipes Burst?

2/22/2019 (Permalink)

If you have already experienced some form of water damage from a burst pipe, call the water restoration experts at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant.

Freezing cold temperatures can cause serious damage to your pipes of your Ocean County home or business.  Unfortunately, burst pipes are a common, serious occurrence in New Jersey. 

Why do pipes burst? According to Live Science, when water freezes, its molecules crystallize, which takes up more space than when the molecules are in their liquid form, meaning the water molecules expand as they freeze. As the ice expands, it pushes water toward the closed faucet. This causes an immense amount of water pressure to build between the ice blockage and the faucet. Eventually, the pipe ruptures under the pressure, usually at a spot where there's little or no ice.

While you can't control the weather, you can definitely prepare before disaster strikes. Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If your building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe. Also, heating or insulating these vulnerable pipes with fiberglass or foam sleeves ahead of time can help prevent them from bursting.

If water damage does happen in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant. We are water removal and cleanup specialists that quickly dry your property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques.

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant Responds with Fast Action and a Full Arsenal of Drying Equipment

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

A washing machine hose leak caused an entire floor of water damage to this home in Brick. SERVPRO was onsite with our arsenal of drying equipment.

When water damage takes control of your life, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant will help you take it back.

There is no such thing as a small water disaster, especially when a small leak could blossom into a bigger, expense later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep into carpets and pool on sub floors, causing major problems the longer it remains. Our team has experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur.

We will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Our trained professionals understand how to manage the drying processing by using state of the art equipment and the latest technology. Using the proper equipment will ensure your structure is thoroughly dried, which makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage and expense after a water loss. 

The bottom line is SERVPRO of Point Pleasant has the training and equipment to make your water damage "Like it never even happened."

Five Preventative Tips Against Water Damage

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

An appliance leak caused this home to need water damage restoration in this Toms River home.

Water damage is one of the most common issues that homeowners like us, may face, but with prevention, we may stop it before it begins.  Here are five simple tips to aid in the prevention of water destruction in your home:

• Do not ignore leaks. If you notice a leak inside or outside your home fix it quickly because a small leak will not remain small. If you are unable to fix it yourself, call in a plumber immediately. The faster you fix a leak, the less damage it will leave behind.
• Watch for increases in your water bill. If you have an increasingly high water bill one month there may be an unseen reason. Some pipes are in walls or underneath flooring making it difficult to see the leak or burst pipe.
• Regularly inspect appliances connected to a water supply line. Any appliance that connect to a water supply line, have a chance of bursting or leaking. Appliances using hoses are a common weakness for water damage problems. Replace any that show signs of decay, rust or damage.
• Turn off your main water valve to your home before going away. Turning off the main valve will cut off your home’s entire water supply and ensure that water will not wreak havoc on your home while unoccupied.
• Regularly inspect your roof and gutters. Keeping your roof in good condition with no cracks or loose shingles is a great line of defense against rainwater entering your home. While checking the roof, do not forget remove debris from your gutters to prevent overflow.

In Need of Water Damage Cleanup? Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant when a fast response is critical. We are your local water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-water-damage condition.

Did You Know There is Science Behind Our Drying Process?

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

A sink overflowed on the 2nd floor affected multiple floors with water damage so we brought in our drying equipment to speed up Mother Nature.

Your initial reaction to a water damage may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the wet area, but there is actually a science behind the drying process. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant is highly trained in the science of drying and follow strict standards to help lower the chance of secondary damages. If you suffer a water damage, we will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

Why exactly do we need to speed up Mother Nature? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out, which could lead to the dreaded mold word.

SERVPRO of Point PLeasant has the tools and equipment necessary to help Mother Nature along, including hardwood floors, tough to reach spaces or inside walls and much more. We also use state of the art monitoring equipment and technology along with a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your property.

Visit our Water Damage Repair and Restoration page for more information or call us at 732-202-3001.

4 Steps SERVPRO of Point Pleasant Does Following a Water Loss

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

A frozen pipe burst in Manahawkin, NJ and caused water damage throughout the 1st floor.

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within 4 hours of emergency water loss notification, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant will be on site to help ensure your loss is handled by completing the following steps:

• Inspection-We will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning work.
• Emergency Services-SERVPRO of Point Pleasant professionals will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further water damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step by step.
• Monitoring-To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, we will monitor the drying process. The updates will be communicated to you consistently.
• Restoration Services- Lastly, we will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walk through of the jobsite will be conducted with you to help ensure the property to preloss condition.

For more information on recovering from a water damage, contact SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at 732-202-3001.

Water Damage from a Burst Pipe in Freehold, NJ

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

This photo may look like a photo taken at night at the beach but in reality it is a crawl space flooded with water from a burst pipe in Freehold, NJ.

Quick action is key to minimize further damage from a burst pipe. Follow these simple tips:

1. Shut off water: Immediately shut of the main water valve to your home to reduce further damage to your home.
2. Power down: Avoid a shock by powering down and unplugging electrical devices in the area where the water has entered.
3. Protect possessions: Remove belongings from the area if possible, to avoid excess damage to your possessions.
4. Call a plumber: Contact a certified and trusted professional plumber to help you fix to the burst pipe if you are unable to fix it properly yourself.
5. Contact SERVPRO of Point Pleasant, your local water damage restoration company: In the event your home is effected by water, contact us at 732-202-3001 to remove the water, dry the structure, and prevent further damage such as mold. 
6. Contact your insurance company: Depending on your policy, water damage caused by a burst pipe may be covered. Contact your insurance company and file a claim to have damages assessed and necessary repairs and recovery actions reimbursed.
7. Record the damage: Take photos and write down personal items and structural areas of your home that are damaged by the burst pipe. This will help in your claims process.
Prevention is best to avoid damaging and costly effects of frozen and burst pipes, but despite our best efforts, pipes still freeze and burst. Call us at 732-202-3001 at the first sign of water damage to minimize further damage and cost.

Winter is on the Way

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Even a tiny crack on a pipe can cause water damage to your home.

Winter is on the way bringing with it joy, happiness and frozen pipes. While all of us look forward to joy and happiness not many of us are looking forward to a frozen pipe that could leave us with devastating water damage and costly repairs.

A quarter of a million families experience cracks on pipes from the cold weather each winter. A crack in a pipe only 1/8-inch can expel up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage and the immediate potential for mold.

Homes with plastic and copper pipes are both susceptible to the cold temperature and pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Pipes exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and water sprinkler lines.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

If you do happen to experience the full effect of winter with water damage from a frozen pipe, call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at 732-202-3001, your local water restoration company.

Got Water Damage? Four Things You Need to Know.

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

A pipe leak caused water damage to this hallway in Beachwood, NJ.

Got Water Damage? Four Things You Need to Know.

After the floodgates open, things can unravel quickly. Here’s how to begin the recovery process.

Your water heater exploded, a pipe burst, an epic rainstorm flooded your basement: No matter how the deluge began, you’ve now got a soggy mess on your hands. And unless you act quickly, the damage will only get worse.

You’re probably feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and frightened. How will you ever clean up the water damage? Will your insurance cover the cost? Did irreplaceable stuff—like old photos and letters—get ruined?

While you’re swimming in questions, it’s important to keep the momentum going. Here are four ways to begin the recovery process:

1. Contact your insurance carrier immediately.

As soon as you discover water damage, let your insurance carrier know so the claims process can begin. Your agent will also give you tips for protecting your property from additional damage and may refer you to a water-damage restoration company (you are not obligated to use the specialist they recommend).

Note: Insurance companies differentiate between water damage and flood damage, so be sure to specify which applies to your situation. Also, not all water damage is covered by insurance—review your policy carefully.

2. Tick tock. Time is of the essence when you have water damage.

Water is aggressive and cruel. Once it seeps in to carpets, flooring, walls, furniture, paper, and everything else in its wake, it will continue to destroy. Drywall will droop and disintegrate. Wood will swell, buckle, warp, and rot. Electrical equipment may short out, causing shock and fire hazards. Mold will flourish (see point #3).

For anything other than a minor spill, it’s best you get a professional assessment of your situation to determine the extent of damage. Professional water-damage specialists can then begin the restoration process and halt additional damage.

3. You’ve got less than 48 hours to dry out before mold takes over.

Mold spores lurk everywhere, but they’re opportunistic. Give them a nice wet environment—like a soaked carpet or damp drywall—and they’ll multiply like mad. You have 24 to 48 hours to dry your space before the fungus invasion.

Mold remediation is a dirty deed and is best left to specialists who have the right equipment and cleaning supplies to get the job done swiftly.

4. Water may be contaminated.

An overflowing dishwasher or burst water heater releases clean H₂O, so there’s little immediate risk of harm. But, again, time is not on your side. “Clean” water that’s been sitting around can foster bacterial growth or pick up icky stuff from dirty carpets and ground soil, sullying the waters within hours.

Even more serious: Sewage backups, toilet overflow, storm-drain water, and other polluted waters that enter your home can be dangerous to your health. Attempting to clean these messes up yourself is a bad idea. Get professional help from certified water-damage remediation experts, like SERVPRO of Point Pleasant.

If you’ve experienced water damage, contact us now. We’ll help you get back to “Like it never happened.”

Sump Pump Failure in a Finished Basement in Oakhurst, NJ

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant on scene after a sump pump failure in Oakhurst, NJ.

Sump pumps, commonly placed in the lowest part of basements and crawlspaces, are used to pump the water out and away from the building to keep it dry and prevent flooding. Water from rain, melting snow, flooding, and other water related disasters can seep through a building’s foundation into a sump basin or other area where standing water is distributed to the pump.

Sump pump failures are one of those things that you don't think about until it is too late. If you rely on a sump pump to keep your basement from flooding, it's important to have a backup system in place. Consider one or more of the following options as a backup system:

• Secondary Electric Pump
• Battery Backup Powered System
• Hydraulic Pump
• High Level Alarm

If your New Jersey property has experienced water damage or mold from a sump pump failure call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant. We are highly trained in water damage restoration including basement and crawlspace flooding. We have the experience, expertise, and equipment to remove the water and dry your basement properly. Our water removal and drying process emphasizes monitoring and documentation to validate your property is dry.

Call Us Today (732)-202-3001.

Water Damage Restoration: SERVPRO’s Process by the Hour

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant in the process of drying out a finished basement in Spring Lake, NJ from a burst pipe.

Water Damage Restoration: SERVPRO’s Process by the Hour

Water damage restoration is a process that we at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant have practiced, refined and perfected over the years. Our experts are meticulous yet swift with their response to emergency water damage calls. Here’s what to expect when you call SERVPRO for water damage restoration:

One-Hour Response

Within one hour from notice of loss, we will contact you to arrange for water damage service. You’ll gain some much-needed peace of mind knowing help is on the way!

Four-Hour Arrival

We will be on site within four hours to begin mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is immediate action, which is why we guarantee our fast arrival. Once we arrive, we will walk you through each step of the job process, and begin pretesting from the source of the damage outward.

Eight-Hour Follow-Up

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated from SERVPRO to the appropriate person, usually the adjuster or property manager.

Cleaning & Restoration

It’s difficult for us to give an exact hour in which we will complete cleaning and restoration, because each job has different parameters. But rest assured we will work neatly and efficiently to help you to restore your property to pre-damage form. SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of correctly, the first time.

Final Walk-Through

After our work has been completed, we will take you on a final walk-through to ensure your satisfaction.

And that’s it! Water damage restoration in Point Pleasant, NJ and the surrounding area is as easy as calling SERVPRO at 732-202-3001 or visit us at SERVPROofPointPleasant.com/water. When water damage takes control of your life, count on us to help you take it back. Our goal is to make it “like it never even happened.®”

6 Steps to Treat and Remediate Water Damage

6/3/2017 (Permalink)

This water damage in Manchester, NJ caused part of the ceiling to fall.

6 Steps to Treat and Remediate Water Damage

Water damage can wreak havoc on a home or business. If your property in Toms River, NJ and the surrounding area has suffered water damage from flooding, a leak or a fire, don’t try to clean up on your own. SERVPRO of Toms River provides complete water damage restoration in six straightforward steps:

1. Call SERVPRO

Water damage doesn’t have to be daunting. When you call SERVPRO immediately, one of our friendly representatives will guide you through a series of questions that will help us to respond quickly, with the right equipment and team to meet your needs.

2. Assess

When we arrive at your home or business, we will conduct a complete inspection and compile a detailed assessment of the water damage. This helps us to determine how serious the damage is, and how best to begin treatment.

3. Remove/Extract

Before we can restore your property and belongings, we need to get rid of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water from your property, helping to prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

4. Dry

Once the water is gone, we can begin the drying process. To determine how many dehumidifiers to use and where to place them, we will measure the dimensions of every room, along with the temperature and relative humidity. This helps us to dry out your home or business efficiently and effectively.

5. Clean

Using several different tools and techniques, SERVPRO will clean any structures, furniture and personal items that appear to be restorable. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments, and to deodorize your property.

6. Restore

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to the condition it was in prior to water damage. Restoration can involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, as well as more substantial repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms.

Are you in need of water restoration and water damage repair? Don’t wait, call SERVPRO today at 732-349-9898.

Emergency Water Damage Mitigation After a Major Apartment Building Fire in Ocean Grove, NJ

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant arriving on scene after a massive fire burns several buildings in Neptune Township.

Emergency Water Damage Mitigation After a Major Apartment Building Fire in Ocean Grove, NJ

An early morning fire on March 3, 2017 burned several structures including the Warren Rest Home, La Pierre Condominiums, Marlboro Condominiums and four single family homes in Ocean Grove, NJ. The buildings in Ocean Grove are very close together, but fortunately the firefighters did a great job of getting the fire under control quickly to avoid it spreading further. The Warrington burned completely to the ground while The La Pierre Condominiums and The Marlborough Condominiums were badly damaged. The La Pierre Condominiums were saved but suffered major water damage from the firefighters’ efforts to put out the fire.  

As soon as it was safe, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant was on scene to begin the process of drying out the structure. We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial water damage emergencies. We will respond quickly, regardless of the size or scope of the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. To learn more please visit SERVPRO of Point Pleasant or call us at 732-202-3001.

Flood or Mold Damage to Your Property After a Frozen Pipe Burst

3/15/2017 (Permalink)

Water and mold damage caused by a frozen burst pipe to a home in Bayville, NJ

Flood or Mold Damage to Your Property After a Frozen Pipe Burst

Pipes that freeze during the cold season are in danger of bursting possibly causing several hundred gallons of water to flow throughout your property leading to water damage. Water damage can significantly harm your home by promoting mold growth and causing rot to develop causing significant damage to the structure. Leaking frozen pipe water can also soak your furniture, appliances, important papers, family heirlooms, pictures, and so on.

Getting immediate water remediation in the event of a frozen or burst water pipe accident is essential for New Jersey property owners to prevent further loss. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant is a locally owned water damage restoration company and is close by, ready to respond to your water damage emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

While you are waiting for SERVPRO of Point Pleasant to arrive follow these few steps to prevent further water damage:

• Turn off the electricity, if necessary to prevent electrocution.

• Turn off the water supply if you detect a frozen pipe burst as it will minimize any water damage. 

• Protect your possessions that are in danger from the frozen pipe in case the water continues to flow.

• Cover your electric box if you think the water could reach it.

• Find the frozen pipe by looking in areas like the bathroom and kitchen feeling along pipes to locate frozen or bulging areas on a pipe or if unsure how to locate or fix a burst pipe contact a licensed plumber.

Prevention is key to keep your home, property, and possessions safe from water and mold damage caused by a burst pipe. For more information on preventing a frozen pipe from bursting please visit washingtonpost. In the unfortunate event you do experience a burst pipe causing water damage or mold damage, call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at 732-202-3001 or visit SERVPRO of Point Pleasant. We are a highly trained emergency response team specializing in water restoration and mold remediation servicing all off Ocean County and surrounding areas

What to Do if Your Hot Water Heater Causes Flood or Water Damage

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

This home in Colts Neck, NJ suffered flood damage to their basement that was caused by a hot water heater leak in the garage.

What to Do if Your Hot Water Heater Causes Flood or Water Damage

A hot water heater leak may seem like a minor problem at first but it can lead to damage to walls, floors and sub-floors if it is not addressed immediately. It could also be the symptom of a larger problem and, in some cases, can cause significant water damage. The longer water is allowed to sit your home the more damage it has the potential to do and the higher the cost for repairs and replacing damaged items.

As soon as you discover a hot water leak follow these steps to avoid further damage:

•  Turn off the power


•  Shut off the water supply


•  Drain the water tank


•  Take pictures for your records


•  Contact a certified plumber if you are  unable to find and fix the leak safely and  properly yourself

After the water heater leak has been controlled, the damage halted and the problem fixed, it is time to begin the water restoration process by calling SERVPRO of Point Pleasant. We have a rapid response team that is highly trained with years of experience and are ready to help you. Our highly trained professional technicians have the experience and tools necessary to clean up the water damage properly and bring your home and personal belongings back to pre-flood condition. 

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at 732-202-3001 for any New Jersey water damage emergency.

Preventative Tips to Help Your Pipes from Freezing in New Jersey

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage emergency in Brick, NJ

Preventative Tips to Help Your Pipes from Freezing in New Jersey

New Jersey winters can be harsh on household plumbing so don’t forget to protect the pipes from the elements. Cold weather can cause plumbing pipes to freeze and possibly burst causing flooding and costly water damage to your home. Taking preventative measures to your home before winter sets in can reduce and eliminate the risk of frozen pipes leading to water damage. Pipes located on outside walls, in un-heated basements, crawl spaces, garages and attics are more prone to the cold temperature and freezing than others.

Because water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal and plastic pipes. No matter the strength of the pipe, expanding water can cause it to burst.

To help avoid frozen pipes and costly repairs to your New Jersey home, follow these preventative tips:

Outside:

• Disconnect all garden hoses from the faucet to prevent an interior pipe from bursting due to increasing pressure.


• Protect outdoor faucets from freezing by shutting off water from the interior valve leading to the outdoor faucet.

Indoors: 

• Locate the main water valve and the water heater valve in case of an emergency.


• Keep the heat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above.


• Look for pipes that are near exterior walls and in unheated areas and insulate them.


• Check for any leaks or cracks in the walls that could let cold air in and seal them by weather strips, caulking, or insulating. Also check for leaks around chimneys, dryer vents, wiring and pipes.


• Make sure all windows are closed and seal any gaps.


• During extremely cold periods, let lukewarm water drip from faucets to keep water moving through the pipes.


• Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to let warm are circulate in around the plumbing.

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant when a frozen pipe burst.

If you are faced with an emergency water damage situation in your New Jersey home or business, call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at 732-202-3001. When dealing with a water damage emergency, immediate attention to the situation will minimize damage and prevent further loss.

WATER DAMAGE & FLOODING: HOW WE CAN HELP

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

When a local bank had flooding, SERVPRO responded with equipment and manpower so they could stay open, even as the cleanup was underway.

WATER DAMAGE & FLOODING: HOW WE CAN HELP

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant is fully equipped and fully staffed to handle any disaster that comes our way. With advanced water inspection, extraction and drying equipment, we are a trusted leader in the water restoration industry. We can handle any size loss – from small water damage in a residential home to a very large damage in a skyscraper.

Flooding from burst pipes is one of the most common reasons SERVPRO gets calls for help.

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your Ocean County property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly.

Case Study

After a burst pipe flooded the Toms River branch of OceanFirst Bank,

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant responded with plenty of equipment and manpower so the bank could stay open for business, even as the cleanup was underway.

“They did an excellent job. Very professional, and they brought the correct staff in to clean the building up. They were courteous to our customers, didn’t interfere with our daily business, and they stayed in touch with me the entire time - the communication was fantastic. The team did a very professional job.”

- Bob Brennan, General Service Manager, OceanFirst Bank

OUR WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION PROCESS

The steps below detail our restoration process for the typical water damaged property:

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

If you are dealing with water damage and/or flooding, give our team a call today! SERVPRO of Point pleasant is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

Phone: (732) 202 3001

Email: SERVPRO8796@comcast.net