Recent Water Damage Posts
Cleaning Your Smithtown Property After Water Damage
2/11/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage isn't something that is easily dealt with. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for certified professionals.
Main Focus Areas for Water Restoration Efforts
Smithtown, NY, is a fascinating place on the North Shore of Long Island. Its rich history starts with the legend of its naming when allegedly Richard Smith was awarded all the land he could encircle in one day riding a bull. Some historical establishments like the Frank Brush Barn, Caleb Smith House, and Roseneath Cottage provide a glimpse of the town’s history. The town has educational institutions under the Smithtown Central School District, including Smithtown West High School, Accompsett Elementary School, and Nesaquake Middle School. Businesses include shops and restaurants like Stop & Shop Florist, Lacrosse Unlimited of Smithtown, La Famiglia, and Timboo.
Water damage at your Smithtown home may force you to undertake different procedures to restore preloss conditions. Cleaning is one such procedure that helps remove soils, stains, and microbial growth triggered by moisture invasion. Cleaning procedures differ significantly depending on the amount of water involved and whether the source is clean or not. SERVPRO® offers comprehensive cleanup services to address any outcome you may be facing.
Common cleaning scenarios
- Water removal
- Cleaning and disinfecting
- Mold removal
When the water originates from a clean supply pipe, and the response to the incident is fast enough, cleanup may only involve removing the intruding water. Our crews use water extractors, dry/wet vacuums, water claws, and other specialized equipment for thorough water removal. When a contaminated source is involved, or the water remains in the building for several days, cleaning requires some decontamination, so our technicians mix disinfectants with cleaning solutions or mist them over surfaces after cleaning.
Specific areas requiring cleaning after water damage
- Carpeted areas and upholstery
- HVAC system
- Crawl spaces or basements
Carpets absorb and hold moisture just like upholstery items, which can be the genesis of many problems, including dye bleeding and staining. Moisture might also find a way into the HVAC ducts, where mold can proliferate. SERVPRO technicians can use convenient methods such as hot water extraction when cleaning up your upholstery and carpets. We also inspect your HVAC system, changing filters and vacuuming ducts to remove any moldy materials.
SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown cleans properties thoroughly, eliminating the effects of water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call (631) 265-9200.
SERVPRO Water Removal Dries Smithtown Residences
12/9/2023 (Permalink)
Rapid air circulation speeds up the drying process and mitigates water damage to Smithtown properties. Here to Help®
Smithtown Has Help for Water Damage Restoration
Plumbing failures are one of the most common means of water damage in any given home, especially during the colder months. Freezing temperatures, pinhole leaks, or damaged joints can all introduce excess water that can take hours, days, or even longer for residents to detect, depending on the location of the damage.
SERVPRO® ’s water removal services can save Smithtown properties time and money while providing increased comfort. These crews emphasize compliance with restoration industry standards to ensure that homes affected by water receive thorough care and attention during cleanup.
Kitchen Fixture Water Damage and Its Effects on Surfaces
- Loose gaskets on appliances or damaged sink plumbing can rapidly introduce excess water. These disasters can be especially damaging to baseboards, drywall, and flooring in the following ways:
- Vinyl or linoleum floors may experience bubbling or damage to the underlayment. Adhesives may lose their hold, causing delamination that pulls up the flooring.
- While floor tiles rarely experience direct water damage, the moisture can cause stains or swelling in grout that can damage tiles or introduce mold.
- Baseboards exposed to water may require careful demolition and replacement for drying moisture-affected drywall, which can degrade after water exposure.
SERVPRO can address these damages and provide efficient water removal and build-back solutions.
Drying the Damage After Water Removal Implementation
SERVPRO water extraction and drying services rely on careful planning and calculation to ensure success.
- After extracting excess water with wands, mops, and vacuums, air movers can be placed in the affected area every 10 to 16 feet.
- Air movers are positioned at 45-degree angles along affected walls to push moist air toward dehumidification units.
- Crews may use containment measures like polyethylene sheeting over doorways to accelerate drying further.
Property owners need a team that is Here to Help®. To that end, they can contact SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200.
Restoring Smithtown Water Damage with Effective Solutions
4/13/2023 (Permalink)
Moisture meters and other tools help SERVPRO technicians locate and remove water damage from your Smithtown home.
SERVPRO Overcomes Many Types of Water Damage
It is critical to appreciate the immediate actions professionals like our SERVPRO team must take when we reach a damaged property. Water continues to spread until containment barriers are installed and operated. It is necessary to complete multiple phases of restoration and cleanup in succession to return a home to preloss condition. These efforts can include:
- Water removal services
- Surface cleaning
- Structural drying
- Content restoration
- Repairs
To adequately manage Smithtown water damage, we prioritize mitigation and emergency services tailored to the specific property and its compromising event. Often, threats to the structure and its occupants can result from several different avenues.
Several Types of Water Damage
Water is consistently one of the most harmful conditions for a household, making the processes during restoration vital to prevent irreparable damage. Each situation is different from one house to the next, as the trigger for the disaster changes. Recovery and restoration services are vital after:
- Burst Pipes – a broken or burst pipe can introduce hundreds or thousands of gallons of water into the affected area.
- Appliance Malfunctions – Dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, and even air conditioning units can leak and cause compromising damage.
- Flooding – Storm damage can also require immediate mitigation and restoration as intruding water can continually spread in the structure until it is stopped and dried.
- Accidents – Overflows and spills can also account for part of the annual volume of water disaster calls our professionals address, which often threaten a specific portion of a household.
Addressing Standing Water
Water damage is at its worst for the household when pooling persists on much of the flooring. Our SERVPRO team has an array of extraction and water removal devices ranging from powerful engine-driven truck pumps to portable wet vacuums to help. Once surface water has been addressed, we can use sophisticated equipment to track moisture migration and appropriately place drying tools.
Removing Trapped Moisture
Water and moisture can become a concern when it penetrates the surface and begins to impact the composition of the building material through its pores. Thorough saturation or moisture trapped in structural cavities will most likely require special tools like an Injectidry system or drying mats to help.
Providing a Thorough Drying Result
Drying consists of several steps and stages. The entire process combines chemical reactions like evaporation, absorption, condensation, and sublimation. Air movers are placed strategically in the house to cover the greatest surface area of moist elements and run simultaneously to evaporate surface moisture to be absorbed or pulled in by dehumidification units for outside exhaustion. We can verify successful drying progress with tools like:
When Should Water Damage Repairs Occur?
Damage repairs are another phase of the recovery process but essential to returning to preloss conditions. We have a general contractor license (#51995-H) to provide a wealth of construction services needed in a home after disasters. An emergency like a burst pipe, for example, can require plumbing repairs, wall and ceiling system replacement, and flooring repairs. From controlled demolition to the final paint coat on a replaced wall, our team is ready to help in this post-restoration capacity.
Smithtown water damage makes up the bulk of the restoration callouts that our SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown team addresses throughout the year. The frequencies of these situations and how they vary from one incident to the next leaves a need to always stay prepared for mitigation and recovery. Our crew is here to help 24/7 when you call (631) 265-9200.
Water Mitigation Can Protect Dry Units From Wet Ones in Smithtown
2/13/2023 (Permalink)
Don’t let your property be a victim of water damage, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown is only a call away.
Landlords Rely on Our Water Mitigation Experts
Accidents are more likely to happen when you own a multi-family house in Smithtown. Duplexes contain twice as many sinks, tubs, and toilets, and fourplexes have twice that. These additional units might not have any problems originating inside, making water mitigation crucial to their protection.
SERVPRO keeps water from spreading from one unit in a property to another tenant's living space in Smithtown by using water mitigation techniques. Our tested methods preserve your rental property and tenants' belongings, reducing disputes and claims.
In addition to stopping the water coming in at its source, to ensure that the spread slows to a halt, we also do the following:
- Begin removing and extracting water
- Remove bulky materials that retain large volumes of water
- Aggressively start drying out your structure
Depending on where the water is pouring out and how deep the water is on the floor, we begin removing the water with our pump truck using either submersible or small-sized units. These hand-held ones can reach into spaces behind appliances, under beds, inside wall cavities, and much more. Floors and walls are often the hardest to dry because water gets trapped under the different layers making up these structures. Our InjectiDry system uses air, suction, and heat to dry these areas quickly.
An area rug is not the only thing that soaks up water. Furniture with fabric covers and paper-based materials like books and magazines can absorb water. We get these items outside the property and remove the water left behind.
Steady and robust air currents help direct water vapor outdoors, but we also want to introduce extra warmth to increase evaporation rates. Room temperature, especially over the winter months, is not ideal and cannot help us achieve our immediate goals. Our General Contractor License number is 51995-H, so you can rely on us for any required rebuilding.
Call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200 for this and other emergency services that protect your investment.
What Should I do After a Leak?
8/11/2022 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO mitigate your water damage home in Smithtown.
When Water Leaks in your Smithtown Home, Ensure Your Safety and Call a Water Restoration Technician
Leaking pipes are standard in all Smithtown households, regardless of age. Whether they leak all over your floors and cabinets or in a well-defined area, you must take action to prevent further damage. When you identify the source of the leak and ensure the safety of your structure, you can proceed with the restoration of your home.
For water cleanup in Smithtown, our SERVPRO technicians are your best resource. We are available around the clock to meet your needs and tackle your water accident with industry-grade equipment and following best practices. Our formal training prepares us to address the problem at hand and mitigate any future complications.
Which Equipment Do I Need To Dry My Home After A Leak?
Homeowners have access to household equipment to extract water and dry their homes. Home dehumidifiers and wet-dry vacuums can all help eliminate moisture, but they are insufficient. By not calling a SERVPRO professional, you risk leaving water behind, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Instead, our staff brings some of the following to your home:
Circulators, injectidry technology, and other extraction methods complete our toolkit. Our experience and knowledge guide us in choosing the optimal way of restoring your home.
SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown is your partner in an emergency. Call us at (631) 265-9200 and let us leave your home "Like it never even happened."
Fast Action in Smithtown to Avoid More Water Damage
7/10/2022 (Permalink)
The SERVPRO Green Fleet arrives at your Smithtown home stocked with equipment for water damage removal and mitigation.
Professional Grade Equipment: Why SERVPRO Makes Quick Work of Water Damage in Smithtown
When we train our managers and technicians in water loss mitigation and remediation products and equipment, we must help them understand why we use this inventory for our Smithtown customers. Although powerful equipment can make our job easier, failing to train our work crews properly could expose your home's structural components and contents to the risk of further damage from the force or intensity of the otherwise helpful tools.
Purpose of Professional Equipment and Proprietary Products
Water damage restoration in Smithtown goes more smoothly and efficiently when we match equipment and cleaning products to the specific requirements of your loss. At a minimum, following the manufacturer's instructions is essential. Professional products, including cleaners, abrasives, and disinfectants, must be mixed and applied as mandated on the label.
Equipment Inventory
The equipment needed when responding to a water damage project is stocked in our warehouse and Green Fleet.
Detection Devices
- Moisture Sensors - used to establish the perimeters of the water loss and subsequent migration.
- Moisture Meters - measure the moisture content of damaged structural components to set and monitor the achievement of drying goals.
- Thermo-Hygrometers -- measure both temperature and relative humidity, and sometimes dewpoints. Help determine whether dehumidification equipment used contributes to an effective drying process.
Extraction Equipment
- Pumps - usually gas-powered and submersible, used when water is deeper than two inches.
- Truck-mounted extractors - most powerful and have their own power source.
- Portable extractors - flexible use in tight spaces and areas far from entrances. The same cautions as truck-mounted equipment when employed for pulling water from materials that can sustain damage from robust suction and pressure.
- Air Movers -- create airflow to facilitate evaporation and reduce drying time. Can be used to:
- Float carpets for faster drying
- Push warm air into cavities and under cabinets with the directional and concentrating help of shrouds
- Wall Cavity Ventilating System - replacing moist air in cavities with vents or hoses attached to blowers, often with access provided by drilled holes in walls, baseboards, or toe kicks
- Venting Box Fans (Axial Fans) - used to move larger quantities of air, perfect for removing malodors or fogging agents.
Dehumidifiers
- Refrigerant dehumidifiers - efficient enough to lower the relative humidity in your home to the target of 40 gpp (grams of water per pound of air).
- Low grain refrigerants (LGR) -- refrigerant dehumidifiers that work in cooler environments.
- Desiccant dehumidifiers -- can lower relative and specific humidity to a much lower point and can operate at lower temperatures. We take care to avoid over-drying.
Our investment in a wide range of water damage restoration equipment is why SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown can deliver professional results. Call us at (631) 518-3720.
Winning Tactics for Water Damage Remediation in Smithtown
6/15/2022 (Permalink)
Make sure to quickly deal with water damage in your home before it progresses to mold. Contact SERVPRO right away for best results.
Restoring Areas with Water Damage in Your Smithtown Property Lets You Increase Your Listing Price
New homebuyers often feel very excited about the houses they view in the Smithtown area. They want to buy a house their children can grow up in and where they can feel safe and pursue their dreams of making their new house into a home. One area that most new homebuyers take into consideration is the amount of maintenance a prospective purchase might require in the future.
After homebuyers discover a potential house in Smithtown has water damage, they often cross that property off their list. When several months pass without a serious, qualified offer, many realtors recommend lowering the asking price. However, solving the problem can reverse this trend and allow you to increase the price instead, especially if it involves noticeable water damage (stained walls, warped floorboards, musty smell), leaking pipes, a damp basement, or any number of other indications of a problem.
SERVPRO can assist your family with resolving these issues and making your house more attractive to prospective buyers. Our building services team, under General Contractor License # 51995-H, works alongside our mitigation and restoration teams to provide tailored services to our customers.
Any area of your home that contains water damage can detract from its appeal and decrease offers. Walls and ceilings can become stained or moldy, deteriorate, crumble at the slightest touch, or flake paint, wood trim can warp, as can wood flooring, and other areas, like windows and doors, can swell and become difficult to open and close easily.
The SERVPRO mitigation team also receives training in detecting the source of the water that caused the water damage. Small, tiny leaks can lead to vast problems, and we can often prevent these from occurring again by performing some maintenance or repair work. The effects can benefit your family and the future homeowners’ after the sale.
You can reach SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown by making a call at (631) 265-9200. We understand your desire to sell your home as quickly as possible, so we not only arrive swiftly but also work as quickly as possible. Water damage can make you lose an otherwise confirmed sale, but we can eliminate such damage for you.
How to Keep Microbes at Bay During Commack Water Cleanup?
2/25/2022 (Permalink)
When your toilet overflows and floods your bathroom, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Our team has the experience and tools to help you.
Commack Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Mitigation
Whether the water in a Commack home was from a pipe burst, toilet backup, or floodwater, the potential for microbes or spores is present.
The technicians from SERVPRO undergo extensive training for handling mold and microbes during Commack water cleanup. The techs know from years of experience that the use of products alone will not control the germination and growth of microbial elements. The key to eliminating the threat is:
- A combination of antimicrobial treatments
- Ensuring the interior air humidity levels are below 50%
- Contaminated materials have been moved off-site.
While the drying equipment is running, the technicians take air readings to lower humidity levels. When a reading shows the process is slowing down, the techs quickly determine the reason, such as humid air from outside entering the area or if the worksite requires additional drying equipment to stay on track for hitting drying goals in the time quoted.
To further ensure that microbial growth gets controlled during the cleanup, drying the wet areas of the structure is crucial. The application of EPA-registered broad-spectrum disinfectants often requires exact mixing and dwell time (time to work) to render existing microbes inert.
It is common for the techs to treat a worksite before the mitigation service begins and then again at the end to inhibit the chance of mold or other microbial growth. This action can further be diminished by applying sealants over areas likely to harbor this type of colony growth.
SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200 works to support the Commack community with water cleanup services. The certified techs are available 365 days a year for any size or type of water damage.
What Happens During Smithtown Professional Water Damage Mitigation?
2/13/2022 (Permalink)
Regardless whether the water damage affected the ceiling or the floor, time is of the essence. Contact our team to investigate the cause and help.
SERVPRO Technicians Handle All Phases of Smithtown Water Cleanup
When Smithtown residents experience the need for water cleanup in their homes, there are often numerous issues such as:
- Wet building materials
- Elevated interior humidity levels
- The need for pack out to prevent further damage
- Need for proactive mold prevention
Wet Building Materials
When water wicks into sheetrock, there is a very short period to get it dried before permanent damage occurs. If the technicians locate water damage behind a Smithtown home’s wall, actions such as opening the wall for drying, drilling weep holes, or using tools such as the InjectiDry system may get deployed.
Challenges of a Wet Room
One of the biggest issues in a wet environment is the effects on currently undamaged items. In particular, paper or electronics, both can get damaged beyond repair from long-term exposure to moist conditions. SERVPRO techs take steps to perform pack-outs or cover articles with heavy-gauge plastic to protect the items. In the cases of electronics directly exposed to water, the techs can arrange for an industry professional to inspect and perform any needed repairs. This action is usually done outside the scope of coverage at an additional cost.
On the Lookout for Mold
When there are constantly elevated humidity levels after a water damage incident, the environment can become favorable for sustaining mold growth. SERVPRO technicians stay on alert for mold spore germination and growth signs. The techs can apply many cleaning agents and sealants to inhibit mold colony establishment within the structure.
Alongside the actions that SERVPRO takes for property owners, the homeowners can also rely on the techs to communicate as needed with the adjuster. This step during a water cleanup job ensures that only covered actions get taken, so there are zero surprises regarding out-of-pocket charges.
SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200 supports Smithtown residents with professional water damage mitigation. The trained, certified technicians use professional equipment and methods.
What Should I Do if There Is Water on my Floor after my Pipes Burst in Smithtown?
12/26/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO uses applied structural drying techniques for all water damage restoration projects. We are here to help 24/7 365 days a year.
SERVPRO Offers Water Removal Services in the Smithtown Area
Even if the amount is small, any time water gets on your floor; it is possible that your contents and building materials could get damaged. Moisture on your carpets could cause the fibers to separate from the backing forcing them to be replaced. Hardwood floors can buckle or cup when they get wet, possibly ruining them. If moisture reaches your subflooring, then mold could develop underneath your flooring.
Our SERVPRO technicians know that removing moisture in less than 48 hours can prevent fungi from developing when conducting water removal in Smithtown. Since it is easier to remove moisture as a liquid, we start with the extraction process. If there are more than two inches of standing water on your floors, we can begin the process using a submersible pump. After the standing water gets removed, we can then use a heavy-duty extractor to remove the remaining liquids from your carpets and other flooring materials.
When dealing with hard surface floors or glue-down carpets, we can attach a light wand to our truck-mounted extractor. For thick carpets, we can use a weighted extraction tool that uses the bodyweight of the operator to compress the carpet fibers. Once all of the liquid H2O is extracted, we can set up air movers and dehumidifiers for the applied structural drying (ASD) process.
Whenever we respond to your home after a disaster, our SERVPRO technicians' main goal is to prevent secondary damage such as mold from occurring. We can avoid secondary issues and help you return your house to its preloss state by conducting the following services:
- Moisture Clean Up
- Emergency Water Removal
- Water Damage Repairs
- Water Debris Removal
If you ever have a pipe break and water is visible on your flooring, call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 518-3720.
What Does SERVPRO Use to Dry Commack Homes?
9/29/2021 (Permalink)
When water damages occur from a burst pipe don't worry. SERVPRO will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.
When In-Home Flooding Occurs SERVPRO Uses Powerful Tools as Part of Our Water Restoration Service in Commack
Water intrusions happen every day. A water heater springs a leak, pipe bursts, or the ice maker has problems, and your home ends up flooded. Water extraction is the first action once a scope takes place. When all the moisture gets extracted that our equipment can pull out, we move on to drying.
Powerful Commercial Drying Equipment
The drying phase takes place after we have removed as much water as possible. Our IICRC certified techs are trained to know what equipment to use and the correct ratio needed for optimum drying. Here is what we use for water restoration in Commack homes:
• Dehumidifiers – We use several types of dehumidifiers depending on the job. They include:
- Conventional
- Refrigerant
- Low grade
- Desiccant
• Centrifugal Air Movers – These units replace moist air with fresh airflow. They get used alongside air movers. Carpet clamps can float carpets and allow air to flow from above and below.
• Axial Air Movers – Axials are larger than the centrifugal units and move more air. They can cover more areas too.
• Structural Drying Equipment – We have a number of tools that can direct warm, dry air in spaces that are hard to reach.
We also use air conditioning units and portable electric heaters to help dry out the premises. With a well-stocked arsenal, we can battle water damage with ease. For professional water damage services, contact SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
What Inspection Tools Are Used When a Smithtown Apartment Has Water Damage?
9/13/2021 (Permalink)
When an appliance goes wild and causes water damage to your floor, SERVPRO is the team to call. Water damage restoration is a specialty of ours.
Water Damage in Smithtown Is Handled by a Number of Professional Water Detection Tools
When a dishwasher or bathtub overflows in an apartment, it can mean problems for those living below and where the water intrusion happened. It is essential to get SERVPRO in quickly to mitigate the damage.
What Inspection Devices Does SERVPRO Use During the Initial Scope?
When there is water damage to Smithtown condos, a scope of the premises has to get done before any restoration happens. A scope shows the techs what areas have been impacted by the water. Inspection equipment assists with that assessment. We use the following to locate and track moisture:
• Infrared Cameras – Thermal imaging cameras get used in the initial inspection and to monitor the moisture in building material. They help find hidden moisture that has migrated behind structural elements.
• Moisture Sensors – These sensors have a short probe and get used on carpet and padding. Tells the technician whether or not the water has penetrated the subflooring.
• Thermal Hygrometers – Water removal is based on many factors, including humidity levels. Hygrometers measure the air mass temperature and relative humidity. We then know what moisture needs removing.
These are some of the equipment used in water restoration. We also use moisture meters, inspection cameras, and borescopes. We then use powerful drying equipment like air movers, portable electric heaters, and dehumidifiers.
Professional Water Restoration Services You Can Trust
We take care of burst pipes, ceiling leaks, and other water intrusions. Even a small home flooding situation can cause problems, such as mold if left unattended. For more information, contact SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200.
Address Water Damage Right Away to Avoid Excessive Cost in Smithtown
8/9/2021 (Permalink)
Basements are common areas for water damage. You can trust the techs at SERVPRO for complete restoration.
SERVPRO Provides Smithtown Homeowners with Rapid Water Damage Assistance
Some Smithtown homeowners may try to pull up water after a significant spill or emergency with a wet/dry vac or a mop and bucket. You need to realize that these DIY methods alone can lead to a great deal of secondary damage in the form of rotting building materials or black mold development. Emergency water damage technicians from SERVPRO arrive at your door within hours of your call so that we can begin the water cleanup project.
Any standing water that gets left to linger can bring on immense secondary water damage in Smithtown. Common reasons why homeowners in your area call us for water removal services include:
- Leaking or burst pipes
- Basement flooding from a washing machine or water heater
- Ceiling leaks or a leaking roof from storms that came through
- Cleaning up after a sewage backup
There is no loss event too large or small for our certified water restoration technicians (WRT). We arrive in our Green Fleet of vehicles with all of the necessary equipment for the job. Some of the steps that you may see us initiating after arrival and assessment include:
- Extraction of all standing water
- Water damage mitigation by working to reduce saturation
- Putting up containment barriers
- Ensuring water does not migrate into dry zones of your home
With any water damage call, we take the time to ensure no moisture gets left behind with the help of industrial fans, air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture detection equipment. Everything gets thoroughly deodorized, and your home gets left with the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned stamp of approval.
Call us when you need help with water damage at (631) 265-9200. SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will ensure your home gets left “Like it never even happened.”
Arrange for Water Removal to Avoid Mold Growth in Commack
5/25/2021 (Permalink)
Water damage may affect the health of your loved ones. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate water damage remediation services.
Need Water Removal Services in Commack – Call SERVPRO
Many consumers hesitate to arrange for water removal after a leak in Commack. They feel that the water will evaporate on its own, and their flooring materials and walls will dry naturally. They may not realize that mold infestations can begin to form after a short period, often in 24 hours or less.
SERVPRO can help you with water removal and mold removal in Commack if water clean-up has been delayed. The best approach is to immediately remove all excess water from flooring materials, walls, and cavities. We add dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the structure and contents thoroughly.
If mold is suspected, our technicians will utilize personal protective equipment for their protection, including:
Mold infestations can cause health effects, especially for very young people, the old, folks with respiratory problems, immune deficiencies, and those sensitive to chemicals such as disinfectants used to treat and remove mold.
Don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO to help with water removal and avoid water damage and mold growth.
Call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown for water removal in Commack and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (631) 265-9200.
Do You Need Water Removal after Basement Flooding in Smithtown – Call SERVPRO
5/20/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO will be onsite within 4 hours of the initial call to start your water damage restoration process for your property.
SERVPRO Provides Water Removal Services in Smithtown
Smithtown is part of the New York Metro area on the North Shore of Long Island. The population is approximately 116,000 people. Smithtown was known as Smithfield originally. The location was first settled in 1665. Local legend suggests that a man named Smith rescued a local chief's daughter. In return, he was told he could lay claim to the land he could encircle in one day while riding a bull. He accomplished this challenge on the longest day of the year to allow him the largest land claim. A statue of Smith's bull still stands today.
Situated on Long Island and close to New York City, there are many interesting things to do in Smithtown.
- Harmony Vineyards
- Smithtown Library
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
- Whisper the Bull statue
- Hoyt Farms
- Sweet Briar Nature Center
- Blydenburgh Park Historic District
Harmony Vineyards
Harmony Vineyards are known for their waterfront tasting room, circa 1690, Bordeaux Red Wines, Chablis, and Chardonnay wines, along with a few Long Island Beers. Visitors can enjoy the harbor side terraces. The vineyard is only 70 minutes by car from Manhattan, and 3 min's by taxi from either St James or Stony Brook LIRR Stations.
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve covers 543 acres. It offers hiking trails, nature programs, history exhibits, bird watching opportunities, cross country skiing in winter, fly fishing on the Nissequogue River, and meeting space for rent to groups at reasonable rates. There is a fee for parking and interpretive programs as well as fishing. The park organizes several events throughout the year. Check often for the latest activities.
Whisper the Bull statue
Visit the Whisper the Bull Statue at the fork of St Johnland Road and the Jericho Turnpike. The anatomically correct representation of Smith's bull reminds residents of Smithtown's history and how the city's boundaries were set.
Sweet Briar Nature Center
The Sweet Briar Nature Center on the Nissequogue River covers 54 acres providing access to gardens, woodlands, and wetland habitats. Dogs are not permitted on the grounds. There are regular events held at the center, such as Yoga sessions, egg hunts, paint nights, and discovery days. Check for themes and schedules.
Blydenburgh Park Historic District
The Blydenburgh Park Historic District is located in Smithtown and consists of eight buildings representing the town's history and the area.
We Keep Your House Clean While Providing Water Removal Services
Whether floodwaters or burst pipes cause basement flooding, there is a lot of traffic in and out of your basement. Hoses and pumps have to be installed, and equipment carried in to clean, including dehumidifiers and air movers.
SERVPRO makes sure that your floors on the entrance level are protected during water removal in the basement of your Smithtown home. We use exterior basement windows if available for hoses, and we lay down protective rubber mats to protect your undamaged interior floors. Our team goes the extra step during water damage restoration to protect your home.
Our initial inspection includes:
- What areas are undamaged and should be protected
- What parts of the structure and contents will dry and clean to preloss condition
- Identify structure and contents that will not dry to preloss condition
- Areas of the structure and contents that require detailed assessment
Call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown for water removal companies in Smithtown and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (631) 265-9200.
Do You Have Hidden Water Damage?
2/15/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO will be with you from start to finish of the water restoration process. Our General Contractor is license and insured for any size job.
SERVPRO can help locate and address water damage and problem areas in your Smithtown home
Even though you might not see it, there could be trouble looming within your Smithtown property. Many homeowners do not notice slow leaks or drips until it is too late and the damage settles in. When it comes to detailed leak detection and water restoration, there is nothing like our skilled crew at SERVPRO.
Water damage in Smithtown often remains unnoticed until you see signs that it is time to act. Some of the signs to keep an eye out for include:
- Unpleasant, musty odors that point to bacterial and mold growth
- The visible mold that may look like black spots, blotches, or fuzzy discoloration
- Staining that develops on your ceilings or walls
- Paint or wallpaper that begins to bubble or peel
- Ceilings or walls start to sag
- Buckling, bowing, or warping of your floorboards
Once our SERVPRO Green Fleet arrives, we get to work with moisture detection tools to located and eradicate hidden moisture. Any secondary damage that caused materials to deteriorate gets addressed right away. In many cases, unsalvageable materials must be entirely removed and replaced with controlled demolition. General Contractor License #: 51995-H
By calling (631) 265-9200, you will have access to our team's 24/7 emergency response here at SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown. With our prompt action and proven methods, we can tackle any water damage on your property to make it "Like it never even happened."
Give the Gift of Healing and Life in Smithtown This Holiday Season
11/15/2020 (Permalink)
Smithtown Residents Contribute to the Blood Drive as SERVPRO helps with water damage mitigation
Participate in the New York Blood Center Blood Drive at Smithtown’s St. Catherine Of Siena Medical Center -- Donations Are Always Needed at This Time of Stress in the Health System
Donating blood if able is one of the most compassionate things Smithtown residents can do for others. Almost anyone can recall a time they or a loved one required blood or blood products to survive a surgery or overcome a health setback. Why not repay those selfless people who were there when others were in need by registering to donate blood to the New York Blood Center when they set up in Smithtown?
- Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2020
- Time: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Location: Catherine of Siena Medical Center
50 Route 25A
Smithtown, NY 11787
Register through the New York Blood Drive website, clicking on “Donate Now,” and searching by zip code or using Smithtown as the requested city.
The team at SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown is always available, completing water removal fast and to the highest standards by following the industry’s best practices. Call 24/7 every day of the year at (631) 265-9200 to schedule an appointment.
Truth or Charming Traditions? Stories About the Origin and Boundaries of Smithtown Long Island
11/14/2020 (Permalink)
Smithtown relies on SERVPRO for water damage cleanup and restoration
Learn About Smithtown Lore and Make You Own Decision About the Veracity of the Legend of Richard Smith and Whisper the Bull
Slightly to the west of the junction of West Main and St. Johnland Road is a proud and almost prancing statue of a bull in Smithtown, Long Island. The large and detailed work of art was commissioned in the early part of the 20th century and erected in 1941 by descendants of the town's founder Richard Smith. Recently the bull and its supporting masonry and landscaping were rededicated after an unfortunate vehicle accident on the iconic confluence of Routes 25 and 25A.
What Is the Story Behind the Whisper the Bull?
Many tall tales are told in various areas of the United States, and the story of Richard Smith (or Smythe) and his bull Whisper is widely considered in the Smithtown area to be one that joins their ranks -- and maybe even starts the trend. In contrast with stories about fictional characters like Paul Bunyan or Pecos Bill, this legend has a historical figure at its heart like Molly Pitcher, Johnny Appleseed, Davy Crockett, or Daniel Boone. Told repeatedly and memorialized by a significant monument right in the center of Smithtown, the fantastic story begins to feel as though it could be real.
What Set the Stage for the Antics of Whisper and His Master?
Richard Smith (Smythe, in some renderings) came to Long Island after some time in other areas of New England. He emigrated from England to Boston in roughly 1635 on the ship "John of London." Because land for settlement was already hard to come by in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Smith traveled to the relatively pristine wilderness of Long Island. The story goes that Smith was instrumental in saving a kidnapped indigenous woman who was a Montauk Sachem's (leader or chief) daughter. Some versions further embellish the story by naming the woman as "Heather Flower" and explaining she could not elude capture when a Narragansett band spirited her away to Connecticut. Richard Smith allegedly succeeded in returning Heather Flower to her family after his friend Lyon Gardiner rescued her and brought back to Richard Smith's dwelling.
Was There a Reward for Richard Smith's Achievement?
The legend goes on to set out the compensation received by Smith for this remarkable feat. In appreciation, the woman's father offered Smith ownership of a parcel of real estate on Long Island. In keeping with the fantastical story told to this point, Smith could not merely describe the borders he desired for the Montauks. He instead was challenged to complete an epic journey to trace the boundaries of his "win." The invitation given by the Sachem was as follows:
- Richard Smith was granted one day to complete a circuit in the area of present-day Smithtown that would set the perimeter of his prize.
- Smith could ride on his bull Whisper to ease the burden on his legs.
- Only the land circled by man and bull would become Richard Smith's property.
What Strategies Did Smith Employ to Enhance the Fruits of His Labor?
Richard Smith is portrayed in the retellings as a savvy soul who used his wits to make the very best of this opportunity. Instead of jumping on Whisper and completing the task as soon as practical, he waited for the perfect circumstances:
- He traveled around the desired track with Whisper's favorite cows the night before to lay down their appealing scent.
- He chose the longest day of the year (the summer solstice) to complete his bull ride.
What Was the Route Putatively Followed by Smith and His Bull?
Beginning at the east end of modern Smithtown, Smith and Whisper headed south toward Raconcamuck, today's Ronkonkoma. A right took the pair to Hauppauge, followed by another right along the current Veterans Highway. Whisper and Smith then traced Town Line Road, or the western border of Smith's parcel, ending at the coast of Long Island Sound. Midway through, Smith munched on bread and cheese, immortalized in the authentic Bread and Cheese Hollow Road, in Fort Salonga, Smithtown.
How Likely Is It that the Tall Tale Is True?
Although stories that seize the imagination are always great fun, it is unlikely that this cozy tale has more than glancing bits of truth. The following parts are consistent, somewhat, with the legend:
- Riding a bull was not uncommon during the mid-1600s and was probably necessary to make the way through the heavily woody and grassy wilderness in Long Island at the time.
- According to written evidence, Wyandanch, a Montauk leader, gifted Lion Gardiner land in the area of modern Smithtown.
What Are Discrepancies in the Story?
The most telling issue with Whisper's traversing the Smithtown boundary is its 55-mile total length. Moving five or six miles every sixty minutes over 16 hours is more grueling than any bull could walk, especially through a wilderness. Also:
- A deed exists that has Gardiner transferring the Smithtown region to Smith in 1663.
- It is far easier to believe that Smith either bought the Smithtown site (he possessed other real estate and money) or won it in a card game.
Is There a Happing Ending for Burst Pipes in Richard Smith's Old Stomping Grounds?
As you enjoy dreaming about the legend of Whisper and Richard Smith on a cold winter night, ensure you have a plan if your Smithtown home suffers from frozen pipes. Plunging temperatures and placement of water lines in uninsulated exterior wall cavities can result in a horror story.
Who Can Intervene to Restore Cold Weather Plumbing Damage?
Be sure to hire a trained and experienced contractor when facing the nightmare of frozen pipes and water damage in Smithtown. SERVPRO crews are skilled at mitigating the water spread and remediating the damage done by both the water and the freezing temperatures, which can warp and deteriorate structural materials.
How Can SERVPRO's General Contractor's License Improve Restorations Outcomes?
Frozen pipes can destroy walls and severely damage other building materials. Once our crews remove the water and dry out the affected areas, our team can begin repairs and rebuilding. Upgrading insulation and considering replumbing away from exterior walls are ways we can avoid frozen pipes in your home during the next cold snap.
You can count on the highly-qualified team at SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown when pipes burst due to below freezing conditions. Call us at (631) 265-9200 for a fast response and to clear the pathway to "Like it never even happened."
Contractor Licenses:
General: 51995-H
Who Can Clean Up a Water Damaged Property in Smithtown?
10/11/2020 (Permalink)
Water damage to your property can happen without you even noticing. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for remediation and mitigation services to help you.
Winning Tactics For Dealing With Smithtown Water Damage
Water damage is something that can happen to anyone, even in Smithtown. Storms and floods happen. Fires need to be put out with drenching hoses. Pipes burst. Washing machines malfunction. You would not think something as passive as water could do much damage, but it does. It causes wood to rot, steel to rust and encourages some stuff you would rather not know about.
SERVPRO Is Ready for You At Anytime
Not only can water damage happen to anyone, it can happen at any time. That is why we at SERVPRO employ highly trained technicians who are ready to help you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Just call us and we are there immediately to clear up the flood or water damage at your Smithtown property. We are efficient and experienced enough to get the job done as quickly as possible. We use technologically advanced equipment for inspection and extraction to find the water and get rid of it before it can do any more damage. Our local technicians meticulously monitor and document the drying process until you are satisfied that your property is back to the way you want it.
Here is How It Is Done
How do we do it? First, you call SERVPRO, at any time of the day or night. We ask you a few pertinent questions and be right over. We inspect the damage to determine what needs to be done. Then we get to work sucking that extra water right out and getting rid of debris. We use a drying process to get rid of anything we missed the first time. We do not stop there! We clean up and sanitize everything and restore your property to just the way it was before if not better.
Call SERVPRO Right Away
Our technicians eliminate water damage from Smithtown homes. The longer water is allowed to set, the more damage it can do. If you have water damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200. You will be happy that you did!
Click here for more information about Smithtown.
Is The Flood Water In My Smithtown Home Contaminated?
6/21/2020 (Permalink)
Regardless of the room affected, flooding can damage the walls and contents of your home. Call team SERVPRO today for services.
SERVPRO Experts Are Biohazard Experts Who Will Identify and Properly Treat Flood Waters in Your Smithtown Home
When experiencing water damage from flooding in your Smithtown residence, immediate mitigation is needed to control further damage.
Is there more than one type of floodwater?
Water removal in Smithtown is the first step in emergency mitigation. Before water extraction happens, determining the type of water is fundamental, as this dictates how the water will be handled and disposed of. There are three types of water from flooding:
- Clean water – It has no contaminants and poses no immediate dangers. Flooding from rain, snow, toilet holding tanks, and appliances such as air conditioners or refrigerators is the usual source.
- Gray Water – it has the potential for health risks from biological or chemical contaminants. Gray water leaks from aquariums, dishwashers, sinks, and washing machines.
- Black Water – can contain any number of contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. Toilets are a source of black water. Floodwaters are another source due to the sewage and dirt collected as it flows.
Standing Water Can Be Detrimental
One of the reasons immediate water removal is crucial is because the status of the water can change. Clean water becomes gray after 48 hours, and the gray becomes black. The health risks increase the longer the water stands. Our SERVPRO Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) technicians are trained in the removal of all 3 types of water.
- Clean Water – Extraction method depends on the size and depth of the flood. Truck pumps are used for large amounts of water, while portable pumps deal with more contained flooding.
- Gray Water – Technicians immediately spray with an EPA-registered disinfectant. If you have carpet, the padding will be disposed of properly.
- Black Water – items in black water may need disposed of and considered infectious waste if they cannot be decontaminated. Using proper PPE equipment and disinfectants assures decontamination.
The bottom line is to deal with floodwaters right away before the health risks increase.
Contact SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster
Click here for more information about Smithtown.
A Faulty Dishwasher Has Led to Water Damage in My Nesconset House. What Should I Do?
6/9/2020 (Permalink)
Our experts can make the water loss seem, “Like it never even happened.”
Call Restoration Experts Like SERVPRO to Restore Your Water Damaged Nesconset Property
It takes only a few inches of water to cause water damage in a Nesconset home. Prompt and reliable water damage restoration can significantly reduce the chances of property loss and expensive repairs. Our response team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to our customer’s emergencies and prevent further damage.
What steps can I take to minimize water damage?
When handling water damage in your Nesconset residence, our dedicated team of technicians can offer on-site evaluation and work closely with your insurance company. We do that to make your restoration experience hassle-free. However, before we get to your property, you can take the steps below to minimize water damage:
• Turn off the water supply in your property.
• Disconnect the power supply to the affected areas.
• Remove all electronics and other valuable items from the affected area.
Why do I need professionals while my neighbors can help?
Cleaning up a property is an extensive and crucial task after water damage. Simple do-it-yourself techniques cannot remove the water and moisture effectively. Your walls, carpeting, and floor coverings can absorb a lot of water during the unfortunate incident, making it difficult for a simple cleaning to suffice. Thus, you need extensive water damage cleanup from professionals. Our team has gone through thorough training on what it takes to clean, dry, disinfect, and deodorize all affected surfaces.
How do technicians handle the drying?
We have access to high-tech equipment that speeds up the drying process. The process is essential since it is the only way to stop further damage. Since your walls, carpet, and floor coverings are porous, mold can grow if they are not dried on time. Our technicians can use structural cavity drying equipment to dry affected materials. This equipment allows our technicians to direct airflow into wall cavities to replace the cool, moist air with warmer dry air to increase the temperature in the surface and lower vapor pressure. That increases the rate of evaporation, which leads to fast drying.
What about the odor in my property?
Our technicians only leave a property after restoring it fully to its preloss state. Odors in the property can persist even after cleaning and drying the affected area thoroughly. Our technicians can use a ventilating box fan, which can move enormous volumes of fresh air into the affected property to eliminate the odor even in the hard to reach areas.
After a water intrusion problem, contact SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200 immediately to prevent further damage. Our experts can make the water loss seem, “Like it never even happened.”
Can You Remove Water from Drywall?
5/20/2020 (Permalink)
Do you have water damaged drywall in your Smithtown home? Call SERVPRO to mitigate your issue.
Drying structural materials is possible with the fast response of our SERVPRO team to damaged Smithtown homes.
Restoring and drying your Smithtown home after a water loss can sometimes be more of a challenge than homeowners might realize. Identifying the extent of the damage and implementing counteractive measures is only part of this equation.
With hundreds of drying decisions made on every water loss situation, areas like drywall get inspected, and water damage to Smithtown homes gets cataloged. While it might be possible at times to dry or restore sheetrock wall systems, it might not always be a cost-effective solution. If we determine it is worth attempting, some of the specialty tools for this task might include:
What Happens When Drywall Cannot Get Dried?
Being unable to restore drywall is a common scenario with widespread loss incidents, so we have in-house contractors that can perform controlled demolition. Removing only severely damaged portions of the drywall makes reinstallation faster and more efficient later.
It might not always be cost-efficient to take the time to dry and recover drywall when it could get replaced more quickly. Our SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown team can help with either of these scenarios by calling (631) 265-9200.
How Do I Safely Clean My Furniture and Carpet After a Water Spill in Smithtown?
4/26/2020 (Permalink)
Water leaks can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving you unprepared. Contact team SERVPRO for effective remediation efforts.
SERVPRO Professionals Clean Textiles and Upholstery Effectively
After a water leak, you may find your furniture, rugs, and carpet with damage. Our restoration specialists use specialized techniques and cleaning agents to effectively sanitize your carpet while also restoring them to the preloss condition.
My Carpets were Dirty Before the Spill, Can SERVPRO Still Clean Them?
Yes, SERVPRO Professionals Clean Carpet Using Four Elements of Soil Suspension
Dealing with water cleanup in your Smithtown home requires adequate drying while also appropriately tackling dirt and grime. A clean water leak (Category 1) does not carry soil, however existing dirt and grime loosen and require additional cleaning of surfaces. Technicians dry affected textiles, while also using the appropriate cleaning agents and techniques to clean them. Drying the impacted area is essential in mitigating secondary damage.
What are the Four Elements of Soil Suspension for Cleaning?
- Time: The amount of dwell time for a cleaning product's effectiveness
- Agitation: Movement that brings dirt to the surface for easy removal
- Chemical Action: Proper use of cleaning detergents with the appropriate pH levels
- Temperature: Using the correct temperature of a cleaning product, usually heating the cleaning solution makes it work faster. However, heat can negatively affect enzyme cleaners, such as SERVPRO's Urine Odor and Stain Remover.
Are There After-Cleaning Treatments to Extend the Life of My Carpet?
- Soil Repellent: Fluorochemicals work on carpet to repel oil and water-based soils, making them easier to vacuum them away.
- Soil Release Agents: Makes fabric more absorbent, allowing detergent to get into the fabric and work to release the dirt. Scotch Gard works in this way.
- Stain-Resistant Treatments: Products coming from sulfonated aromatic aldehyde that work to repel dye molecules.
For help with any restoration, contact SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown 24/7 at (631) 265-9200.
Click here for more information about Smithtown.
When Water Damage Strikes
10/3/2019 (Permalink)
The First 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing the following steps.
Inspections: SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.
Emergency Services: SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. Our trained Crew Chief 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, a SERVPRO Technician will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you.
Restoration Services: SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown clean the affected areas for your property and belongings. A final walk through of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property is returned to preloss condition.
The Science of Drying
7/26/2019 (Permalink)
Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved stands to help lower the chances of any secondary damaged. If your business or home suffers a water damage, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will:
- Inspect the building or home to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
- Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
- Speed up Mother Nature by using profession drying equipment.
What exactly does it mean to help “speed up Mother Nature”? A wet building or home 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 drier. The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building or home is drying out.
SERPVRO of Greater Smithtown have the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls and much more. We also use state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.
It’s not only the equipment but the technology too! SERVPRO has developed a DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry trying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process.
The bottom line? SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown has the professional training and equipment to help make water damage “Like it never even happened.”
Water Damage Types
3/12/2019 (Permalink)
UNDERSTANDING WATER TYPES
When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water your are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.
There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage. Flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.
Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.
Damage from Clean Water
- Shut off the water source if possible or contact a plumber to do so.
- Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and table top item.
- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
- Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to safe place.
- Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
- Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as here is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
- Do not turn on the ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
Damage from Contaminated Water
- Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact contaminated items.
- Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
- Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is possibility of spreading contaminated air.
- Do not use household fans to dry structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
- Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminate areas.
When you have a water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown 631-265-9200.
Water Damage Timeline
8/3/2018 (Permalink)
When flooding or water damage happens at your home or business, time is of the essence. The faster you call team SERVPRO for help, the less damage that unexpected water will be able to do.
According to the American Insurance Association, 37% of all homes will suffer water damage each year. Of the water damage that occurs, the association says 93% of that damage is preventable. According to the association, the first 24 to 48 hours are the most crucial when dealing with water damage.
SERVPRO has a timeline that lists the damage you can expect following a flood or water loss:
Within Minutes
- Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
- Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to swell and break down.
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Furniture begins to swell and crack.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
- Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
- Metal begins to rust and corrode.
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
- Paint begins to blister.
- Wood flooring swells and warps.
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
The message here is that if water ends up where it does not belong, you should NOT WAIT to call for help. Getting someone on the scene ASAP will only save time and money in the long run.
We’ve heard before that people will sometimes not even realize they’ve experienced a water loss until days, maybe even weeks later. For example, they may have a basement they don’t go into very often that floods. So, we recommend checking those isolated areas on a regular basis and after any major weather event, like torrential rains.
There are some steps you should also take while waiting for help to arrive. SERVPRO recommends as follows:
- Stop the source of the water: if, for example, you have a broken pipe, make sure to turn off the water supply to prevent anymore leaking.
- Remove items of value: move any valuables and furniture away from the water, to prevent permanent damage to those items.
- Prevent the spread of moisture: as best you can, try to soak up any water by toweling or mopping the area. This will be a good temporary help. (Only do this if the water is clean!)
- Take notes and photos for your insurance company.
- Stay Safe! Make sure to turn off any electrical connections that could pose a danger in the flooded area. DO NOT mop or towel up any water that may be contaminated, if it came from a sewer backup, for example.
As we have said, time is not on your side when it comes to water damage. So, the sooner you call for help, the better!
You can always contact us a SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at 631-265-9200. We’re faster to any size disaster!
Flooding Can Happen Anywhere
6/1/2018 (Permalink)
Flooding can happen anywhere
According to the national Weather Service (NOAA). Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding”. NOAA lists the most common flood hazard in the United States as:
- Flash Flooding
- River Flooding
- Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
- Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
- Ice/Debris Jams
- Snowmelt
- Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
- Dam Breaks/Levee Failure
Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. In Fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, Floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S. and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).
When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown can help. We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible.
SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown Professionals are ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
When Water Damage Strikes
2/16/2018 (Permalink)
The First 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled by completing the following steps.
Inspections: SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.
Emergency Services: SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. Our trained Crew Chief 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, a SERVPRO Technician will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated to you.
Restoration Services: SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown clean the affected areas for your property and belongings. A final walk through of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property is returned to preloss condition.
Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming
12/29/2017 (Permalink)
Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and a sidewalk to shovel. If you live where temperatures sink below freezing level, you are also at risk for frozen pipes and ice dams, which can create a major disaster at your home or property. FROZEN PIPES Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the back-flow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. To prevent pipes from freezing, here a few steps you take, according to The American Red Cross:
- Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses.
- Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near plumbing.
- When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes.
- Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.
ICE DAMS
Ice dams can be a little-known, but major problem during the snowy season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can back-flow under the roofs shingles and into the structures interior areas, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall. Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, according to Travelers.com To spot ice dams inside, check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along the ceiling of exterior walls of your house. Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane. Removing and ice dam as soon as it is found is vital to helping prevent damage to your property and can be done using heated cables, a roof shovel, or calcium chloride ice melter. If winter weather causes water damage to you or your insureds property, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown are only a call away 24/7, ready to restore to preloss condition. Call 631-265-9200
Emergency Ready Profile
4/27/2017 (Permalink)
Emergency Ready Profile App
Call the Cleanup Team that is faster to any size disaster
Flooding can happen anywhere
According to the national Weather Service (NOAA). Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding”. NOAA lists the most common flood hazard in the United States as:
- Flash Flooding
- River Flooding
- Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
- Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
- Ice/Debris Jams
- Snowmelt
- Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
- Dam Breaks/Levee Failure
Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. In Fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, Floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S. and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).
When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown can help. We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible.
SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown Professionals are ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
The #1 Reasons Homeowners File a Homeowners Claim
3/24/2017 (Permalink)
Water damage is responsible for more homeowner insurance claims than fires, storms or theft. However, it is often easily preventable.
For example, four in 10 homeowners never bother to check a washing machine's hose line. Chances are, sooner or later, those lines will fail. The same follows for dishwasher hoses, automatic ice-make lines and hot water heaters. As they age, they all pose hidden dangers.
It is simply a matter of time before hose lines fail, and when they do, it's usually quite expensive. Preventive maintenance is the best solution. We advise:
- Check hoses for kinks and cracks every time you do the laundry. Replace your washing machine hoses every five years with a high pressure hose, preferably a durable metal-mesh hose. These hoses cost only $5 to $10.
- Check for signs of leaks, inspect flooring around your water heater and other fixtures or appliances.
- Inspect refrigerator, dishwasher and outside faucet lines for leaks and crimps. If you move appliances to clean, please be careful not to overextend or pinch hoses.
The danger of a water leak is that if it's not addressed right away, even a small leak can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your floors and walls. It's the water you can't see that may cause the most damage.
In the unfortunate event that you do suffer water damage, trust your home to the professionals. SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown knows that your home is a reflection of you. We offer the very best of service at a fair price. Call us today for a free estimate.
Contact us for all your restoration needs 24/7 and for additional information call us 631-265-9200
We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration
9/13/2016 (Permalink)
A pipe broke above and caused this basement to be flooded.
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- And many more
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today – SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown 631-265-9200
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
- Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
- We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown 631-265-9200
24/7 Emergency Service