Backup Sump Pump

8/27/2024 (Permalink)

Why a backup sump pump?

A backup sump pump can be a smart choice because it can help prevent water damage and flooding in basements when a primary sump pump stops working. This can happen for a multitude of reasons including motor burnout, old age, and power outages. A backup pump can also help if the primary pump can't handle the amount of water entering the sump.

What size do I need?

The average home with typical water table will need a 1/3 HP sump pump to be used as a backup. A 1/3 HP sump pump can handle 7 to 10 feet vertical lift off the sump pump, a 90-degree elbow and a horizontal pipe running between 3 and 25 feet.

How much is the cost?

The average cost of a sump pump alone is around $250. However, costs can vary from $150 to $400 and sometimes even more with installation.

Dealing with a Pipe Burst: Immediate Steps for Effective Damage Control

3/14/2024 (Permalink)

A burst pipe can wreak havoc on your home, causing extensive water damage and requiring prompt action to mitigate further destruction. Whether it's due to freezing temperatures, aging pipes, or other unforeseen circumstances, knowing what to do in the event of a pipe burst can make all the difference in minimizing the impact on your property. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this stressful situation:

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

The moment you discover a burst pipe, your first priority should be to stop the flow of water. Locate the main water shut-off valve in your home and turn it off immediately. This will help prevent additional water from flooding into your property and exacerbating the damage.

Step 2: Turn Off Electricity

If water has come into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, there is a risk of electric shock or fire. As a precautionary measure, switch off the electricity supply at the breaker panel. Do not attempt to touch any electrical devices or enter flooded areas until the power has been safely disconnected.

Step 3: Assess the Damage

Once it's safe to do so, assess the extent of the damage caused by the burst pipe. Check for standing water, soaked belongings, and any signs of structural damage. Take photographs or videos of the affected areas for documentation purposes, as this may be necessary for insurance claims.

Step 4: Remove Standing Water

Using a wet vacuum, mop, or towels, begin removing standing water from the affected areas. Prompt water extraction is crucial in preventing mold growth and further water damage to your property. Open windows and doors to facilitate ventilation and aid in the drying process.

Step 5: Contact SERVPRO

While you may be able to handle some aspects of water damage cleanup on your own, it's advisable to seek assistance from professional restoration experts. A reputable restoration company will have the expertise, equipment, and resources to thoroughly assess the damage, conduct water extraction, and implement drying techniques to mitigate mold growth and structural issues.

Step 6: Document the Damage

Keep detailed records of all communication with your insurance provider and restoration professionals. Document any expenses incurred as a result of the burst pipe, including repair costs, temporary accommodation, and replacement of damaged belongings. This information will be valuable when filing an insurance claim.

Step 7: Prevent Future Incidents

Once the immediate crisis has been addressed, take proactive measures to prevent future pipe bursts. Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces, to protect them from freezing temperatures. Schedule regular maintenance checks for your plumbing system to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate.

Conclusion

Dealing with a burst pipe can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but by taking swift and decisive action, you can minimize the damage and expedite the recovery process. Remember to prioritize safety, document the damage, and seek professional assistance to ensure thorough cleanup and restoration of your property.

If you're facing a pipe burst emergency, don't hesitate to contact our team of experienced professionals. We're here to provide expert guidance and reliable restoration services to help you get back on track. Stay calm, stay safe, and let us handle the rest.

One Storm Too Many: When Sump Pump Failure Hits Hard and Water Mitigation Services Make all the Difference

9/14/2023 (Permalink)

No one is ever fully prepared for the disaster of a sump pump failure. Suddenly, all of the water that was safely contained in your basement is gone, and your carpets, walls, and furniture are soaked. This is where SERVPRO can help. With their water mitigation services, they can help restore your home back to its original state after a sump pump failure. With their experience and knowledge, SERVPRO can help you get your home back to normal quickly.

Water mitigation professionals are trained and experienced in dealing with the aftermath of a sump pump failure. When you're faced with a flooded basement, it's important to know that you're not alone in this battle. SERVPRO has a team of skilled professionals who can help restore your home and minimize further damage.

One of the first steps in water mitigation is to assess the extent of the damage. This involves inspecting the affected area and identifying any potential hazards. This includes checking for electrical issues or other safety concerns that may need to be addressed before any work can begin.

Once the area is deemed safe, the water mitigation professionals will start the process of removing the water. This can be done through various methods, depending on the severity of the flood. For smaller amounts of water, wet vacuums or pumps may be used. However, in more severe cases, industrial-grade equipment such as water extractors or submersible pumps may be necessary.

The next step is to dry out the affected area. This is crucial in preventing further damage, such as mold growth or structural issues. Water mitigation professionals will use a combination of dehumidifiers, air movers, and fans to ensure that the area is thoroughly dried. This process can take several days, depending on the extent of the damage and the environmental conditions.

During the drying process, the water mitigation professionals will closely monitor the moisture levels in the affected area. This is done using specialized equipment that can detect even the smallest traces of moisture. It's important to ensure that all areas are completely dry to prevent the growth of mold or other harmful bacteria.

Once the area is completely dry, the water mitigation professionals will thoroughly clean and sanitize the affected surfaces. This is done to remove any potential contaminants or odors that may have been left behind by the floodwaters. Specialized cleaning agents and disinfectants will be used to ensure that the area is safe and sanitary.

In some cases, the water damage may have caused structural issues or damaged materials that need to be repaired or replaced. Water mitigation professionals have the knowledge and expertise to assess the extent of the damage and recommend the necessary repairs. This may involve repairing or replacing drywall, flooring, or other damaged materials.

In severe cases, where there is significant damage to the home, water mitigation professionals may need to utilize additional resources, such as generators, to power the drying and restoration equipment. This ensures that the restoration process can continue even in the event of a power outage.

In conclusion, water mitigation professionals play a crucial role in restoring your home after a sump pump failure. Their expertise, specialized equipment, and knowledge of industry best practices allow them to effectively tackle the job and minimize further damage. Whether it's removing the water, drying out the affected area, or making necessary repairs, water mitigation professionals can help restore your home back to its pre-flood condition. Don't hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO when you're faced with a sump pump failure – they have the experience and skills to get the job done right.

Flooding in Livingston County Homes

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of sitting water in a customer’s home prior to SERVPRO pumping it out!

Basement and crawlspace flooding from sump pump failure is a common problem in Michigan.  If you live in an area that's prone to flooding or if you lose power during a storm, you need a sump pump to protect your home from the damages of standing water that could infiltrate your home.  Flood waters can destroy the structural integrity of your home and create an environment for mold and mildew to thrive.  SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell will complete an inspection of the damages and then the extraction process will begin.  The amount of standing water will determine the type of extraction necessary.  We use powerful submersible pumps, truck mounted extraction systems, and industrial strength wet/ dry vacuums to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.  Prompt and efficient removal of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth. 

The Dry Out Process

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Depending on the water damage, SERVPRO will come in inspect the damage and determine which type of drying process will be best for the flooring, homeowner and insurance company. Three different drying techniques we use are: 

Inject Floor Drying System: 

Inject-dry floor drying system is used to dry hardwood and ceramic tile flooring. It directs airflow down along the floor, drying floors faster. With proper placement of the mats, it easily adapts to any floor plan. Placing a containment or "tenting" the affected area is sometimes used in conjunction with the inject-dry floor drying system. 

Usage of Air Movers in Drying: 

Evaporation will occur when the water moves from a liquid state to a vapor state in the air. This is achieved by rapid and direct air flow. Evaporation does not remove the moisture; it just moves it from the materials to the surrounding air. 

Usage of Dehumidifier in Drying: 

Dehumidification is the removal of moisture in the air. In some cases, a containment is placed over an affected area ceiling to concentrate the dehumidification specifically on this area. 

Commercial Water Damage

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

COMMERCIAL Water Damage: Regardless of the cause, when catastrophe strikes a commercial property, the damages can be crippling to a business and even bring operations to a complete halt. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost productivity and revenue.  SERVPRO has highly trained technicians that are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to mitigate the damages properly and efficiently. 

Ask about SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan (ERP), a useful tool to prepare a business for the "worst-case scenario".  The ERP is a data collection source, storing all your important and vital information such as where to find shut off valves for both water and gas, where electrical panels are located and who to contact in the event of an emergency.  This information is compiled into one neat folder and is ready for anyone in your business to use in one place at your fingertips.

Water Loss in the Home

8/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of the dry out process after a water loss.

Many people think that water damage, or sump pump failure could only happen in older homes, but water damage could happen to anyone at any time. The owners of SERVPRO Brighton/Howell, just recently experienced water damage in their own home. In a newly built home, their ice machine drain had malfunctioned, causing water damage throughout their kitchen. Our crews started right away with the extraction of the water and began the mitigation process. 

It doesn't matter how old the home is, where it is located or how safe you can be, water loss can happen to anyone and any time. If you experience water damage, remember SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Let us help you! 

Water in the Home

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of sump pump failure.

Imagine walking down to your basement or crawl space and discovering your belongings in water. Unfortunately, for those living in Michigan this is not uncommon. Many homeowners are prone to flooding, and power outages. It’s important for homeowners to have a sump pump to protect your home from the standing water that could destroy your home. The water can destroy the structural integrity of the home, ruin your belongings, and create and environment ideal for mold growth. 

If you ever experience sump pump failure, SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is available to help! Our crews will complete a full inspection and start the extraction process.  Our crews use powerful submersible pumps, truck mounted extraction systems, and industrial strength wet/ dry vacuums to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property. 

What to Expect When Calling SERVPRO

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo, prior to a customer calling SERVPRO

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 Brighton/Howell

SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell 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.

Drying Techniques

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Usage of Inject-dry Floor Drying System in drying:

Inject-dry floor drying system is used to dry hardwood and ceramic tile flooring.  It directs airflow down along the floor, drying floors faster.  With proper placement of the mats it easily adapts to any floor plan. Placing a containment or "tenting" the affected area is sometimes used in conjunction with the inject-dry floor drying system.  

Usage of Air Movers in drying:

Evaporation will occur when the water is moved from a liquid state to a vapor state in the air.  This is achieved by rapid and direct air flow.  Evaporation does not remove the moisture,  it just moves it from the materials to the surrounding air.  

Usage of Dehumidifier in drying:

Dehumidification is the removal of moisture in the air. In some cases a containment is placed over an affected ceiling to concentrate the dehumidification specifically on this area. This maximizes the efficiency of the dehumidifier to reduce the specific humidity and moisture content levels in the materials in that area lower than the levels of the unaffected areas around the contained area.  

Importance of Knowing Your Sump Pump Coverage

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

You never know what you could walk into, make sure you are prepared!

At SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell, we like to remind our insurance agents that the cost to dry out a basement after a sump pump failure or drain back-up can range from $1,000 to $6,000 or more depending on how elaborate their clients basement is.  This price does not include repair to the structure, replacement of unsalvageable content or repair/replacement to the mechanical's that may have sustained damage as well.

Going through a loss is hard enough without the added stress of finding out there is little or no insurance coverage. Call your insurance agent today to make sure you are properly covered. They will be able to help you look further into your coverage and make sure you are properly insured for any emergency water loss!