Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
Calling SERVPRO® after a fire is a crucial step in mitigating damage and ensuring your home or business is properly restored. Here’s why:
11/21/2024 (Permalink)
- Expert Fire Damage Restoration
SERVPRO specializes in fire damage restoration, with the experience and expertise needed to handle even the most severe fire situations. They understand the complexities of smoke, soot, and water damage, and use advanced techniques to clean and restore your property safely and efficiently.
- Smoke and Soot Removal
Even after a fire is extinguished, smoke and soot residues can settle on surfaces, infiltrate materials, and cause long-lasting odors. SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and cleaning agents to remove soot from walls, ceilings, furniture, and other surfaces. They can also eliminate smoke odors that might otherwise linger.
- Water Damage Mitigation
In many cases, fire-fighting efforts involve the use of water or fire suppressant chemicals, which can lead to significant water damage. SERVPRO has the equipment to remove water quickly, dry out your property, and prevent further issues like mold growth, which can develop in as little as 48 hours in a damp environment.
- Comprehensive Restoration Services
SERVPRO’s team doesn’t just clean up the immediate aftermath of a fire—they handle the full restoration process. This includes everything from structural repairs to replacing damaged furniture or flooring. Whether it’s repairing walls, cleaning your keepsakes, or rebuilding parts of your home, SERVPRO can restore your property to its pre-fire condition.
- Insurance Coordination
SERVPRO works directly with insurance companies to help streamline the claims process. They provide detailed documentation and damage assessments, which can make it easier for you to navigate the complex paperwork that follows a fire. This ensures you receive the compensation you're entitled to, with minimal stress.
- Faster Recovery
Time is of the essence when it comes to fire damage restoration. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to salvage certain items or prevent additional damage (such as mold growth or permanent staining from soot). SERVPRO is available 24/7 and responds quickly to your call, minimizing downtime and allowing you to get back to normal faster.
- Health and Safety
After a fire, the property may harbor hazardous materials, including toxic smoke residue, charred debris, and potential structural weaknesses. SERVPRO’s trained professionals follow safety protocols to ensure the health of both their team and your family. They wear proper protective gear, use safe cleaning agents, and follow industry standards to handle these risks.
- Peace of Mind
The emotional toll of a fire can be overwhelming. SERVPRO offers peace of mind by taking the burden of cleanup and restoration off your shoulders. Their experienced team handles everything with care and professionalism, allowing you to focus on your family’s well-being and recovery.
In summary, calling SERVPRO after a fire means getting access to a team of professionals equipped to handle all aspects of fire damage restoration—from cleanup and repair to insurance coordination and health safety. Their expertise ensures a faster, more efficient recovery process, helping you restore your home and life after the devastation of a fire.
SERVPRO of Lynchburg, Bedford and Campbell Counties stands ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to your catastrophic event. Please call us with your questions or concerns at 434.525.9559 or visit us at www.SERVPROlynchburgbedfordcampbellcounties.com for more information.
Better yet, save our contact information in your phone for when an emergency strikes you. When you think fire, smoke, water damage, think SERVPRO. Locally owned and operated.
Why SERVPRO of Lynchburg
3/5/2024 (Permalink)
Mission
To develop a team of Quality People, who Focus on Excellent Service, Fairness and Mutual Respect.
Vision
To be the Premier Fire, Water, Mold Restoration Company in the Communities we Serve.
Values
Integrity: To act with integrity and honesty in the work that we do, the people we interact with, and the decisions we make. We will not compromise what is right, for what is easiest.
Customer Service: To provide premier services through continual reviewing of our goals, expectations, and training.
Leadership: To lead others by our example.
Responsibility: To maintain our team’s strong foundation, and to be a positive agent of change.
Respect: To show respect to others with our words, our actions and our attitudes.
Goals
SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties seeks to honor the Lord in all that we do, and to have a positive impact on the lives of our employees, customers, and community.
We specialize in Flooded basement cleanup and Restoration
3/5/2024 (Permalink)
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 Lynchburg 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 - 434-525-9559
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 Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties 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
Do you know where your water shut off valve is?
2/1/2024 (Permalink)
Do you and your family know where the main water shutoff valve is located in your house? It is always harder to find something when in a panic. That is why we highly recommend that you be aware of its location before a disaster strikes.
”Where It Is Not: It is likely not under a sink. The shut-off to the water heater may look promising, but that only affects the outflow of hot water from that point. Do not confuse the gas shut-off to the furnace or water heater with water lines.”
“Check Your Inspection Report: If you still have your property inspection report from when you purchased the house, it should indicate the location of the shut-off valve. Inspection reports often follow a standardized format, so you may find this information located in Section 6.1.”
Follow the link for more helpful tips to help you locate the shutoff valve in your home.
Once you have located your main water shutoff, give us a call or stop by our office and we will give you one of these brightly colored shutoff tags at no cost to you to help you quickly find the valve should an unexpected water damage occur.
SERVPRO Available 24/7
2/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 434-525-9559
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties
SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties 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.
Lynchburg Residents: We Specialize in flooded basements
2/1/2024 (Permalink)
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 Lynchburg 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 - 434-525-9559
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 Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties 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
Follow this link for a basement cleanup done by SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties following a heavy rain. The article was taken by WSET news crew.
http://wset.com/archive/storm-leaves-cleanup-crews-to-deal-with-flooded-basements
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 434-525-9559
Does your Lynchburg home have a mold problem?
11/10/2023 (Permalink)
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
- Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 434-525-9559
Do you know where your water shut off valve is?
3/8/2023 (Permalink)
Do you and your family know where the main water shutoff valve is located in your house? It is always harder to find something when in a panic. That is why we highly recommend that you be aware of its location before a disaster strikes.
”Where It Is Not: It is likely not under a sink. The shut-off to the water heater may look promising, but that only affects the outflow of hot water from that point. Do not confuse the gas shut-off to the furnace or water heater with water lines.”
“Check Your Inspection Report: If you still have your property inspection report from when you purchased the house, it should indicate the location of the shut-off valve. Inspection reports often follow a standardized format, so you may find this information located in Section 6.1.”
Follow the link for more helpful tips to help you locate the shutoff valve in your home.
Once you have located your main water shutoff, give us a call or stop by our office and we will give you one of these brightly colored shutoff tags at no cost to you to help you quickly find the valve should an unexpected water damage occur.
Water damage from Frozen Pipes: Call SERVPRO
3/8/2023 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties to clean up water damage from burst pipes.
Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.
Pipes that freeze most frequently are:
- Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
- Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
- Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
How to Protect Pipes From Freezing
Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:
- Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
- Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
- Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
- When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
Does your home have a mold problem?
2/22/2023 (Permalink)
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
- Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
We specialize in Flooded basement cleanup and Restoration
2/22/2023 (Permalink)
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 Lynchburg 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 - 434-525-9559
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 Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties 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
Follow this link for a basement cleanup done by SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties following a heavy rain. The article was taken by WSET news crew.
http://wset.com/archive/storm-leaves-cleanup-crews-to-deal-with-flooded-basements
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 434-525-9559
SERVPRO Available 24/7
2/22/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 434-525-9559
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties
SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties 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.
Why SERVPRO of Lynchburg
11/2/2022 (Permalink)
Mission
To develop a team of Quality People, who Focus on Excellent Service, Fairness and Mutual Respect.
Vision
To be the Premier Fire, Water, Mold Restoration Company in the Communities we Serve.
Values
Integrity: To act with integrity and honesty in the work that we do, the people we interact with, and the decisions we make. We will not compromise what is right, for what is easiest.
Customer Service: To provide premier services through continual reviewing of our goals, expectations, and training.
Leadership: To lead others by our example.
Responsibility: To maintain our team’s strong foundation, and to be a positive agent of change.
Respect: To show respect to others with our words, our actions and our attitudes.
Goals
SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties seeks to honor the Lord in all that we do, and to have a positive impact on the lives of our employees, customers, and community.
SERVPRO Available 24/7
3/30/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 434-525-9559
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties
SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties 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.
Remediating Mold Damage in Campbell County, VA
3/14/2022 (Permalink)
Air quality is an issue for every homeowner and resident. Airborne mold is not a dangerous threat to most people, but it can cause adverse health effects in many.
Remediating mold damage and improving air quality requires more than a spray bottle of bleach and a scraping tool. SERVPRO restoration teams use specialized equipment and materials to kill active mold, remove it from the home surfaces, and reduce the levels in the air.
Once a mold infestation spreads across walls and ceilings, the mold content in the air around them increases as well. Individual mold spores are microscopic, so there can be thousands of them in the air as a homeowner walks into the kitchen and he never sees them.
SERVPRO technicians use air scrubbers to remove the spores and clean the air inside a home. Each commercial grade device has multiple stages of filtration and uses specialized HEPA to catch even a single mold spore from the air, trap it in the scrubber or send it through a hose to a containment bag outside the home. The air scrubbers are also very useful in removing pollen, dust, and pet dander.
As technicians set up air scrubbers, other team members spray anti-fungal agents on mold covering structural and personal property surfaces. Once they dry, team members use commercial-grade vacuums with the same type of Hepa filters to remove spores. If the mold layer is very thick, team members wipe down surfaces using sponges or a scrub brush with a mild cleaner if needed and then vacuum again.
Although it is not possible to remove all mold, bringing down the level of spores in a home to a safe level can be done. Our goal is to return each home to its original, pre-infestation condition as quickly as possible.
If you see mold, call SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties.
Water Damage from Frozen Pipes: Call SERVPRO!
3/14/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties to clean up water damage from burst pipes.
Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.
Pipes that freeze most frequently are:
- Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
- Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
- Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
How to Protect Pipes From Freezing
Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:
- Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
- Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
- Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
- When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
Lynchburg Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration
3/1/2022 (Permalink)
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 Lynchburg 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 - 434-525-9559
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 Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties 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
Follow this link for a basement cleanup done by SERVPRO of Lynchburg / Bedford & Campbell Counties following a heavy rain. The article was taken by WSET news crew.
http://wset.com/archive/storm-leaves-cleanup-crews-to-deal-with-flooded-basements
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 434-525-9559
Do You Know Where Your Water Shut Off Valve Is?
3/1/2022 (Permalink)
Do you and your family know where the main water shutoff valve is located in your house? It is always harder to find something when in a panic. That is why we highly recommend that you be aware of its location before a disaster strikes.
”Where It Is Not: It is likely not under a sink. The shut-off to the water heater may look promising, but that only affects the outflow of hot water from that point. Do not confuse the gas shut-off to the furnace or water heater with water lines.”
“Check Your Inspection Report: If you still have your property inspection report from when you purchased the house, it should indicate the location of the shut-off valve. Inspection reports often follow a standardized format, so you may find this information located in Section 6.1.”
Follow the link for more helpful tips to help you locate the shutoff valve in your home.
Once you have located your main water shutoff, give us a call or stop by our office and we will give you one of these brightly colored shutoff tags at no cost to you to help you quickly find the valve should an unexpected water damage occur.
Is Professional Carpet Cleaning Worth the Cost?
3/1/2022 (Permalink)
Yes, and here's why.
There are certain chemicals that can be used to clean stains on a carpet. However, knowing which chemicals to use on what type of carpet as well as the proper procedure to use the chemical should be left up to a professional.
There are various materials used to manufacture carpets and rugs, and they cannot all be cleaned with the same equipment.
Attempting to remove stains yourself and cleaning your own carpets with rental equipment is a bad idea. Call SERVPRO today at 434-525-9559! We offer commercial carpet cleaning at this franchise. We hear to help and our technicians are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week!
Our Marketing Department
11/2/2021 (Permalink)
At SERVPRO, a typical day in the marketing department largely involves communication with insurance companies and local agencies. Because of the nature of SERVPRO’s work, customers often call their insurance companies before they call us. Since the majority of SERVPRO’s jobs involve insurance companies, our marketing department constantly works with insurance companies and their local agencies to ensure that everything is going well with our ongoing jobs and claims. The SERVPRO marketing department makes rounds to our local agency partners to see how we can assist them. We work with over 250 local insurance agencies in the Lynchburg, Bedford, & Campbell County areas.
Training is another part of our marketing effort to assist the insurance companies and local agencies. At least once a year, SERVPRO offers a continuing education course to help insurance companies maintain their licensing requirements. We are very grateful for the stellar marketing team that we have here at the SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford/Campbell Counties!
Is Professional Carpet Cleaning Worth the Cost?
4/2/2021 (Permalink)
Yes, and here's why.
There are certain chemicals that can be used to clean stains on a carpet. However, knowing which chemicals to use on what type of carpet as well as the proper procedure to use the chemical should be left up to a professional.
There are various materials used to manufacture carpets and rugs, and they cannot all be cleaned with the same equipment.
Attempting to remove stains yourself and cleaning your own carpets with rental equipment is a bad idea. SERVPRO can clean all of the carpets in your home or simply remove a single stain. Call SERVPRO today at 434-525-9559! We hear to help and our technicians are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week!
Does Your Lynchburg Home Have A Mold Problem?
6/2/2016 (Permalink)
In Lynchburg, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
- Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 434-525-9559
24/7 Emergency Service