Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Ways To Repair and Prevent a Basement Flood

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Cartoon of a Flooded House. Our tips will help you if you experience a Basement Flood.

Whether used for storage or another living area, a basement flood in a client’s Bountiful, UT, home is a frustrating situation. Luckily, there are professionals available 24/7 who are trained and ready to get the home back to normal. Choosing a certified water damage restoration company provides peace of mind that whatever mitigation and restoration needed will be done fast and right with a focus on restoring and not replacing.

Steps To Fix a Flooded Basement

Whenever there is an excess amount of unwanted water, insurance companies are typically the first to be called. If the insurance coverage includes flooding, the next call should be to a company dedicated to minimizing secondary damage and ensuring the property is returned to preloss condition.

Basement Flood Restoration

Once a restoration team arrives, the first step will be an assessment to develop a plan of action. Although every situation is unique, fixing the basement often includes the following steps:

  • Protective clothing and gear will be worn before entering the affected area.
  • Saturated belongings are removed from the premises and taken off-site to be dried out, pre-tested for salvageability and cleaned.
  • The water extraction process begins. This typically involves industrial-grade pumps to speed up the process.
  • High-grade fans, air movers and dehumidifiers are brought in to begin drying the property. Depending on the severity of the damage, this may take several days.
  • The walls, floor, ceiling and any other affected areas are cleaned, sanitized and deodorized. Technicians will also inspect for any signs of mold or other hidden damage.
  • Once the basement is dried and cleaned, restoration repairs will be made.

Floodproofing Tips

Once a home has water in the basement, it’s vital that homeowners take steps to keep it from happening again. While natural flooding may be out of everyone’s control, there are ways to beef up the home to be resistant to other water issues. Four easy ways to help make that happen include:

Regularly clean downspouts and gutters

Any debris that builds up affects the water flow. Instead of moving away from the home, it will start coming down the sides and pooling against the foundation. The downspouts should be positioned so that water is directed a minimum of three feet from the foundation.

Rethink landscaping

An improper slope may be the cause of water issues. Bringing in some extra dirt and rock may be needed to ensure it flows away from the home. Flower beds, French drains and swales are other ways to direct the flow of water to greenery instead of the basement.

Inspect the foundation

One tiny crack opens the door to a slow leak that may turn into bigger problems. The exterior foundation and interior basement should be regularly checked for signs of a leak.

Install covers over window wells

Designed for easy installation and relatively inexpensive, these covers help seal out moisture from building up.

Homeowners dealing with a basement flood have a lot on their plates. Choosing a professional to handle the mess and taking steps to prevent flooding is essential to getting the home back to "Like it never even happened."

How Can You Get Your Business Ready for a Storm?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded Wood Floor Get Your Business Ready for a Storm following our Tips.

When it's storm season in Bountiful, UT, you want to make sure your business can withstand any of the weather that comes its way. Whether you own the building or rent, you can do a few things to prepare your company for the potential flood water, hail damage and wind damage caused by storms. You can get your business ready by protecting operations and preparing for the worst-case scenario.

Protect Your Operations

A storm can affect day-to-day operations of your business. You can do a few things to make sure you can get back up and running even if you lose power or have damage to your building.

  • Back up your data. Keeping your billing and customer records intact can help you transition smoothly.
  • Set up business interruption insurance. This type of insurance can help cover lost time caused by the storm.
  • Store extra equipment safely. If you have any extra equipment, it should be kept in a safe area to avoid flood damage.

If a storm causes water damage, you may have to close your business to make repairs. When you stop operations, you could lose business unless you have a backup plan in place. Many company owners try to rent a temporary workspace if theirs is too damaged to use after bad weather leaves flood water in the space.

Know Who To Call.

One of your first steps in preparation is knowing what you would do when disaster strikes. If you ever come in, in the morning to find a flooded building, what would you do? Your first step should be to call in a commercial restoration team. This band of experts can help you remove the water and remediate the damage.

A big storm can bring flood water into your commercial building. If you take a few precautionary steps prior to storm season, you may have an easier time bouncing back no matter how much damage your building sustains.

Share the Work: Content Cleaning After a Fire

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Property destroyed by fire Content Cleaning After a Fire is a complex task. Let the Specialists help you.

Smoke and soot contain many chemicals and substances that could be harmful. After your building has been affected by fire, it's important to begin content cleaning efforts as soon as possible. While you can tackle some chores, including wiping items down, other tasks should be handled by professionals, such as dry-cleaning textiles.

Get to Work As Quickly As Possible

The longer you wait to address fire and smoke damage, the harder it will be to get rid of odors and related problems. Don't give smells and substances time to soak into carpets and furniture.

  • As soon as it's safe to enter your property, open doors and windows to provide ventilation.
  • Wear gloves, a face mask, and eye protection to avoid coming into contact with smoke particles.
  • Turn off air conditioning or heating systems that might circulate air from affected area to isolated parts of the building.
  • Position fans toward open doors and windows.

Identify Tasks You Can Handle

There are several tasks you can complete without the help of content cleaning professionals. These include vacuuming soot and wiping down hard surfaces. You can throw out items that have been too damaged to salvage. Deliver items, such as window furnishings, to a dry-cleaning professional.

Contact Professionals for Deep Cleaning

Other tasks should be completed by experienced fire damage remediation professionals. These technicians often have specialized tools and cleansers to ensure that deep cleaning reaches under carpeting and behind walls. Ultrasonic treatments deodorize and disinfect non-porous materials. Powerful cleansers leave your building and possessions looking and smelling as good as (or better than) their pre-fire conditions.

Ask About Storage

Professionals often provide content storage for those items that require further attention and will hang onto them until your property is ready to be put back together. This service can protect your goods from being re-affected by smoke and soot.

Knowing that smoke-affected goods can be cleaned and repaired provides peace of mind for many property owners. From dry-cleaning to ultrasonic treatments, take advantage of Bountiful, UT, smoke damage remediation services for thorough restoration of your business.

Understanding Water Damage Categories and Cleanup

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

 Wet Surface Know more about Water Damage Categories and avoid Damage in your Property.

Water damage refers to the destruction caused by the presence of water in places that it shouldn’t be for a period of time. It can range from minor water spots that affect the appearance of a surface to major destruction such as burst pipes and flooding, resulting in the rot of materials, mold growth, and property loss. Water damage falls under one of three categories, ranging from clean water to black water. Let’s take a closer look at these categories.

Exploring Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3

The three major categories for damage are as follows:

Category 1:

Water in this category usually comes from a source such as a broken water supply line or overflow of a tub or sink. Also known as clean water damage, category 1 water damage is the least severe as the water is free of toxins and sewage. It’s also implied that the places impacted by this damage are also clean.

Category 2:

Known as grey water, this water likely contains some contaminants and should be cleaned immediately. Sources of grey water include toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, and sump pump backups. Clean water that has not been cleaned or dried in 48 hours can become Category 2 water.

Category 3:

The most severe of damage, this category of water is also known as black water. This water contains bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. Sources include toilets containing feces, sewage backup, seawater, groundwater, and flooding. Grey water that has not been removed in 48 hours should be treated as the most severe water damage.

Cleanup of water damage differs significantly between the various categories, but each category can lead to more serious problems, including mold growth and spread. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals in Bountiful, UT, are equipped and ready to fully clean and restore water damage in any category.

Handling Water Damage Cleanup

Severe water problems require approaches that are more advanced and beyond the ability of a DIY solution, such as sewage cleanup. Disinfection and sophisticated drying techniques are necessary for the most severe of damage. Restoration professionals assess the damage, determining the class of damage accordingly:

Class 1: This applies when less than 5% of a space is impacted, evaporation is slow, and little moisture has been absorbed.

Class 2: A faster rate of evaporation is noted for this class, and between 5 and 40% of the space is affected, especially the entire carpet and upholstery.

Class 3: This class is used for the fastest rate of evaporation in a room with over 40% of the area affected. Typically water damage comes from overhead.

Class 4: This applies specialty drying for surfaces such as wood, concrete, plaster, and other materials.

Involving the pros is not just about the level of water damage, but also the best approaches for cleanup and drying.

Water can be a destructive force on your property based on different factors, primarily the source, the level of contamination, and whether it’s been left to sit. Black water represents the most severe category of damage. Cleanup is best left to damage restoration professionals not only to return your place to pre-damage conditions but also to determine the best way to accomplish this.

The Secret to Disaster Response Is Teamwork

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Bountiful, UT SERVPRO's Main Office Our local Cleaning and Restoration Professionals can help you if you experience Damage in your property.

Cleaning and Restoration Business

There is a small cleaning and restoration business located in the Bountiful, UT, area. You see their green trucks at businesses and residences around town. Their advertisements talk about disaster recovery, but how can that be? There are so few of them. They seem to be good at drying buildings and always have the right equipment.

It’s easy to predict where to find them. They will show up at commercial and residential locations after:

  • Fires
  • Floods
  • Winter storms
  • Spring thaws
  • Mold outbreaks

They seem to be pillars of the community and are nice to have around. They look good doing the small jobs but how effective could they be in a regional emergency? Looks can be misleading.

That Cleaning and Restoration Business Has a Secret Weapon

That small company is one of many similar businesses around the country. At last count, there were more than 1,700 of them. Every one of them works locally, just like the one near you. When disaster is imminent, their corporate office activates the Disaster Recovery Team. In a flash, that team turns those local hometown experts into a regional task force.

The recovery team is the communications center. It coordinates the activities of the task force and temporary labor brought in to assist with the storm damage.

Smaller Local Disasters Also Require a Team Approach

Not all emergencies require a regional response. They also have smaller storm response teams positioned at strategic locations around the country. Those teams provide the same support as the corporate team, but on a smaller scale. These storm teams also play a role in larger regional disasters. They provide an intermediate level of control and operate as mobile command centers.

The Secret Is Out

You now understand what makes that small cleaning and restoration business so special. They really are disaster recovery specialists. When fire, water or weather damages your home, you now know who to call. Those local cleaning and restoration professionals are ready to handle your problem. When they finish with the damage, your home will look “Like it never even happened."

Taking Care of Clogged Drains

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Sewer Cleaning. If you have clogged drains in your Bountiful, UT home, call a remediation specialist to have an effective solution.

A clogged pipe or drain in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room can result in many problems, but primarily flooding. It is essential to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In most situations, you will not need to contact a remediation specialist in Bountiful, UT, because a simple plumbing snake will do the trick. However, to use a snake or auger effectively, you need to know how to use it:

  • Slightly uncoil the auger
  • Gently insert the head into the drain
  • Rotate the auger at trap and push
  • Extend auger to reach the clog
  • Rotate and use a push-pull motion to free the blockage
  • Withdraw the auger

While it is easy to use a snake or plumbing auger, sometimes, the auger will not be enough to resolve the issue. If you cannot reach the clog or free the blockage, you need to call a professional.

Why Calling SERVPRO Is Your Best Option for Clogged Pipes

With any plumbing crisis, time is of the essence. Waiting too long to call for help can mean the difference between releasing a basic clog or repairing a full-blown pipe break.

If using an auger did not help to resolve the stopped sink, then calling a professional is likely your next best option. Experts working with SERVPRO have the tools necessary for reaching dip and set-in clogs.

Additionally, calling in the experts can ensure that no damage comes to your system from potential mistakes. For instance, sometimes, drain snakes can get tangled in the system. If a homeowner attempts to force the snake out, they can potentially damage the pipe or the tool, making matters worse.

A Snake Might Not Be Enough To Resolve Every Issue

A snake is a limited tool. Most manual augers are limited to 25 feet, which should be sufficient for reaching minor clogs. However, your home’s plumbing is a complex system with internal and external components that might be well outside the reach and scope of a basic auger.

Additionally, not every blockage is the result of a clog. Sometimes, there are more significant issues at play, like a pipe collapse or supply line failure. In these instances, an auger is not the right tool for the job.

The experts working with SERVPRO have access to video equipment, allowing them to snake a camera into your home’s plumbing to locate the issue and determine the best mitigative response.

Chemicals Are Not the Solution for Pipe Blockages

Too often, homeowners will turn to chemical drain cleaners to resolve their issues. Chemical cleaners are not worth the hassle. Not only are these cleaners less effective than traditional cleaning options, but if you use the wrong type of cleaner, you can damage your plumbing. Using multiple cleaners can also result in explosions within the system or other unwanted chemical reactions.

If you want to try using a snake on your clogged drain, go ahead. However, suppose the auger does not resolve the issue. In that case, it is best to call in mitigation professionals, like those working for SERVPRO, to assess the system and develop a more effective solution.

Why Do Insurance Agents Choose SERVPRO's Restoration Services?

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Insurance agent. SERVPRO is a service of professionals and certificated teams giving the customers quality work.

When a disaster affects your home in Bountiful, UT, an insurance company will surely get a call. The insurance agent handling the claim wants to feel confident that the homeowners are performing every reasonable measure possible to prevent further damage to the property. The central part of this process involves getting a reliable team of experts on the scene to begin the mitigation and restoration work as soon as possible. To ensure a better customer experience, major insurance companies developed the Preferred Vendor program. SERVPRO not only meets or exceeds the stringent requirements of this program, but the company has rigorous specifications its own franchisees must meet.

SERVPRO's Requirements as a Preferred Vendor

1. Each Franchisee Must Meet the Insurance Companies' Requirements for the Program

To be a Preferred Vendor, the restoration company must first meet the requirements set forth by the insurance companies that utilize this program.

Customers will never be surprised by hidden restoration fees. They will receive a set price before the work begins.

Repairs are always performed by professionals who have met all the insurance company's requirements for its vendors. Before getting on the vendor list, the technicians must apply to the central Quality Assurance Department with their credentials and be approved.

Customers can be confident they're getting quality work. There are precise standards and specifications under which the qualified professionals must complete each repair.

2. Each Franchisee Must Complete the Proper Training

All of SERVPRO's employees must go through a 15-day training program that the local business holds. Then, the technicians advance by participating in certification classes for water and fire damage. Employees are also required to attend continuing education programs regularly.

3. Each Franchisee Must Adhere to SERVPRO's Guidelines

SERVPRO has 21 distinct performance guidelines that each franchisee must meet before receiving client referrals from an insurance agent. These guidelines are some of the most extensive in the restoration industry. They include each technician earning the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and each employee passing a background check. Additionally, the franchisee must maintain the required insurance coverage, submit to routine internal quality assurance audits, and prove that the business possesses the proper equipment to handle any job.

4. Each Franchisee Must Apply for Preferred Vendor Approval

Each of SERVPRO's franchisees must apply for approval as a Preferred Vendor. The application process is simple for most because most have already reached SERVPRO's rigorous corporate guidelines.

5. Each Franchisee Must Practice Full Transparency

From the initial contact with the restoration hotline and throughout every step of the project, SERVPRO's professionals document their work. Clients can have peace of mind knowing that the damage restoration company is helpful, reliable and that they're performing their work to the highest industry standards.

Next time you need to file a claim for a loss on your homeowners insurance, your insurance agent will give you a list of restoration companies in their Preferred Vendor program. You're highly likely to see SERVPRO on the list, and for good reason; their technicians guarantee superior service to each client every step of the way, from your initial contact to the job's completion. Whether your home has sustained damage from a flood, fire, or mold infestation, you can be confident you're hiring the best company in the industry.

What Is Category 3 Water Damage?

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Contaminated water. Cleaning a flooded home will depend on the category of the contaminated water.

Water damage, including black water, is classified into one of three categories based on the level of contamination in the water. It is important to know which category of water you are dealing with before attempting to clean a flooded building because each class comes with different risks and requirements.

Water Damage Categories

You may see water damage referred to as either clean water, grey water, or black water. These phrases refer to the three categories of water damage:

  • Category 1 Water is water that does not contain any harmful contaminants.
  • Category 2 Water may contain significant amounts of chemicals, physical or biological contaminants.
  • Category 3 Water contains unsanitary agents, such as fungus and bacteria.


Examples of Category 3 Water

Examples of this type of water include sewage cleanup, water from streams and rivers, ground surface water, seawater, storm surge, and standing water. Category 2 water that has become stagnant or has remained standing for too long can be reclassified into this category. Toilet overflows that contain feces or originate from beyond the toilet trap are another example.

Category 3 Water Removal

The removal of this category of water requires protective gear and safety training. For this reason, it is not recommended that property owners attempt to remove the water themselves. A professional water remediation company in Bountiful, UT, has the training and equipment to safely remove the water and decontaminate the affected area. Additionally, they can evaluate affected contents to determine which items can be safely cleaned and sanitized and which should be discarded and replaced.

Some types of water can be removed safely by property owners. Other types are best left to professionals with the correct safety gear and training. If you are dealing with a black water situation, it is usually best to avoid the risk of coming into contact with contaminated water and potentially spreading contamination around your property by attempting to clean it yourself.

My Basement Has Flooded! What Next?

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold in drywall caused by water damage. If a flooded home in Bountiful, UT, is not cleaning well, mold can grow in the affected surfaces.

Discovering standing water in your Bountiful, UT, basement is a disaster no one wants to experience. A basement flood can not only be hazardous to your and your family, but it can also cause severe damage to your home and its contents. It's essential to know the steps to take during this situation to minimize the negative impact.

1. Shut Off the Electricity

First and foremost, it's vital to turn off the home's electricity before you step into the basement. An electrical current can be flowing through the water if electrical components (including outlets) are exposed to the water. If you can't navigate to the power box safely, call a professional electrician to shut it off before anyone enters the basement.

2. Investigate the Origin of the Flooding

Next, inspect the area to find the origin of the flooding. Once you find it, stop it by shutting off the source, if possible.

3. Extract the Water

Remove the standing water by using a wet/dry vacuum, if available. It's typically the most efficient and effective method of extracting water and floating debris from a basement flood. Otherwise, you'll need a mop and towels. Flood restoration specialists can use their commercial-grade equipment to remove all of the water.

4. Clean and Sanitize the Area and Contents

Next, you must clean and sanitize the entire affected area and all salvageable contents. This washing is vital if it's water from a sewer backup or an outdoor flood.

5. Thoroughly Dry the Area and Contents

One of the most important parts of cleaning after a flooded basement is ensuring the thorough drying of the whole area and everything in it within 48 hours of water exposure. Mold can quickly begin growing on most surfaces.

Water from a basement flood can wreak havoc on a home's structure and contents. Remediation needs to begin immediately. Be proactive and check your insurance coverage beforehand so you'll know what is and isn't included in your homeowner's policy.

The Dos and Don'ts of Business Fire Cleanup

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Firefighters putting out a fire. Follow any instructions you receive from the firefighters and other local officials in Centerville, UT

Once the smoke clears after a fire in your Centerville, UT, workplace, there's still plenty to do, accompanied by a lingering sense of vulnerability. You may not be sure what you should or shouldn't do in this new situation. Fortunately, much of the cleanup and repair work will be handled by fire restoration professionals. In the meantime, there are plenty of dos and don'ts you should follow.

A Short List of Dos

Some of the steps you take right after the fire can have long-term, positive consequences.

  • Do contact the insurance company. Your fire insurance policy may affect who you contact to complete smoke cleaning and damage restoration services.
  • Do schedule an assessment from fire remediation professionals.
  • Do follow any instructions you received from the firefighters and other local officials. Anything you do may affect your insurance coverage.

A Quick List of Don'ts

There are some steps you might take that could cause a lot of harm to your property. It's just as important to understand what not to do as to understand what you must do for comprehensive fire restoration.

  • Don't begin cleaning furnishings, such as chairs and upholstery. Without specialized tools and cleansers, you may cause permanent damage.
  • Don't handle wet papers or equipment. Water from the firefighters' hoses could have soaked into many of your possessions. Picking up wet papers or moving electronics around could increase the level of damage to these items.
  • Don't use any of your electrical appliances. At the very least, you may cause irreparable damage to that equipment. You could also spark new fires.

When your Centerville, UT, business has been affected by an emergency, knowing there are professional fire restoration experts in the area may help. When you know what to do after the fire and what you should not do can help you take the quick action necessary to prevent further damages. Taking the right action can help you get back to your normal schedule in less time.

What To Do When Your Basement Floods

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Image of a flooded room Basement floods may involve significant property damage

One of the most annoying things that can happen is a basement flood. It is time-consuming and problematic to clean and may involve significant property damage. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to mitigate the damage.

5 Things You Can Do To Mitigate Flooding 

1. Call the Professionals

When you are unsure what to do, it is always best to call a professional cleanup company in Bountiful, UT. In most cases, they can:

  • Work with your insurance company
  • Clear out the water
  • Dry your belongings
  • Prevent mold and mildew from growing


A good cleanup company will help you with any insurance coverage claims that you need to file.

2. Do Not Enter

Never for any reason enter a basement that is covered in water before checking a few things. You need to turn off the electricity and make sure that it is safe before you even consider entering. You should also make sure the water is fresh and not contaminated with chemicals or sewage. Once you are certain it is safe, you can consider entering.

3. Remove the Water

Once you are certain there is no harm from electricity or contamination, pump the water out. If you have a sump pump and it is not broken, you can use it to clear the water.
If not, you might have to rent or buy pumps to take care of the basement flood. This will clear most of the water out. Once the pumping is done, mop up the remaining water.

4. Dry Your Basement

Be sure to thoroughly dry your flooded basement. Concrete takes a long time to dry and often requires fans or commercial drying equipment. This is an extremely important step because mold and mildew can cause hazardous conditions and seriously devalue your home.

5. Remove and Dry Damp Items

Remove and dry everything you can thoroughly. Be very careful to get everything that has water on or under it. If you do not thoroughly dry everything, you could wind up with mold and mildew.

A basement flood can seem like a serious problem, but with the right equipment and some time, you can get your basement back into shape again. Just take it slow and make sure to follow these steps.

The Importance of Quick Storm Services After a Disaster

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Image of a flooded street and white letters stating "flood damage" Heavy storms can lead to flood damage.

A storm in Bountiful, UT, can be devastating to a home, and working with a company that is experienced in restoring homes affected by storms is important, though some companies work more quickly than others. Starting the storm restoration process quickly is often wise for a variety of reasons.

3 Reasons Why Starting The Restoration Process Quickly Is Important

  1. Quicken the Claims Process

After a storm occurs, one of the first steps homeowners need to take is to begin making a claim to their insurance. After a claim has been filed, homeowners will be able to begin the restoration process. However, the longer it takes to file a claim, the longer the process of restoring the home will likely take. When a restoration company is able to respond in a timely manner, this can help to speed up both the claims and restoration process.

  1. Mitigating the Damage

Storms with heavy winds and rain can affect the overall structure of a home. Often, ceilings, roofs, drywall and even the foundation of a home may need to be replaced or restored, and the longer these areas are left alone, the more likely it becomes that the areas will need major fixes. However, if storm restoration begins quickly, this can decrease the likelihood of major structural damage occurring.

  1. Restoring Items

While storms are capable of damaging the overall structure of a home, flood damage can also impact personal belongings within a home. When items are left in wet or damp environments, mold growth often occurs, and it’s not always possible to restore items that have mold growth. However, if there is a quick response to a storm, items within the home are more likely to have sustained less damage, therefore making it more likely that they can be restored.

When storm restoration occurs quickly, the claims process is likely to be fast, damage can be prevented and items will more likely be able to be restored. When homeowners need a reliable storm response, contacting storm damage and restoration professionals is often helpful.