Clean out your gutters to prevent water damage to our home

10/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO LOGO

As we approach fall it is important not to overlook the leaves falling that can accumulate in your gutters. 

Leaves left in your gutters can cause water damage to your home. 

Roof damage:

Trapped leaves in your gutter can cause water to back up and seep under your shingles. This can lead to deterioration to your roof increase the chance of water leaks.

Ceiling Leaks: 

Trapped leaves in your gutters can also cause your roof to leak. Water can seep into your attic space that can result in rotting wood that can cause structural damage.

To help prevent water damage to your home, check your gutters frequently and consider installing gutter guards. 

Should you still find yourself with potential water damage our SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, and Wyoming County is here to help. Call us today at 570-714-0090.

Water Damage Prevention while on Vacation

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

Here to Help

This time of year, is typically a time for travel and vacationing. With travel also comes the worry or concern that something may happen to your property while you are away. 

When you are away on vacation, it is particularly important to take precautions to prevent water damage in your home. Below are some simple tips that can save you potential damage and costs of mitigation to your property. 

Prior to Leaving

• Shut off the main water valve to prevent water from flowing through the pipes. 
•  Disconnect and drain hoses from appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers to prevent water accumulation.
• Be sure if you are traveling during winter months that you maintain a minimum temperature of 55°F to prevent the risk of freezing pipes.
• Be sure to review your water bill to be sure there are not any unusual changes in the monthly bill that could indicate a water leak. 

Water damage can cause thousands of dollars of damage very quickly. It is essential to have the damage mitigated as quickly as possible to avoid higher costs of repairs. 

Our team of trained professionals are here to help should you find yourself in a time of need. Call SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, & Wyoming County today 24/7 at 570-714-0090.

Water heater Leak

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City,& Wyoming County

A leaking water heater can cause considerable damage to a home. 

There are some simple steps you can take to help mitigate the damage.

1) Reduce the risk of Shock

Start by unplugging electrical devices near the heater and switching off power to nearby circuits. Turn off the flow of water and electricity or gas to the heater before inspecting for a leak. 

2) Identify the source 

Try to identify the source causing the leak. Check the supply line, gaskets, and valves. If the tank is corroded, you will need to replace the appliance.

3) Drain the tank

At this stage you should have already had the supplies of gas or electricity and water shut off. Run hot water in a sink or tub to drain the tank and open the pressure relief valve to allow water to drain faster. Allow any water remaining in the tank to cool before connecting a hose to the drainage faucet to empty the tank. 

4) Dry the area 

Use a mop to extract water from floors and remove wet materials. Ventilate the area with fans to promote drying and consider using a dehumidifier.

SERVPRO if Kingston, Pittston City, & Wyoming County can assist you in this time of need and can be reached 24/7 at 570-714-0090

Water Damage Prevention

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage clean up

Water problems within your property are not just inconvenient, they can cause severe damage, mold growth, health hazards, and expensive repairs if not mitigated quickly. Finding water in your home because of a pipe bursting or aged water heater leaking can cause stress and a sense of overwhelmingness. The first step in limiting the damage to your property is being aware of the location of the water shut -off valves. So, knowing how to find and operate the property’s water shut-off valve is essential to mitigating damage.

SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County is a trusted  Mitigation partner and can help you in your time of of need. 24/7 support. Contact us at 570-714-0090

Below are some action steps you can take to prevent an extensive water loss.

1. Locate the Shut Off Valve– If you do not already know the location of this in your home or commercial properties, this is the first step. It is typically found in a utility area, garage, or basement. 
2. Turn Off the Water– Once you find the valve, turn off the water. 
3. Minimize Damage – Try to contain water and move personal items and furniture out of the way to protect your contents. Mop and clean up as much water as possible quickly.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company on the extent of damage.
5. Contact a Professional Mitigation Company who will work with your insurance company to ensure proper clean up. 
6. Repair and Replace– Your Mitigation and Reconstruction partner will extract any excess water and dry out timely to prevent mold and future damage to the property.

As mentioned previously, being aware of the location of the valve and shutting off the water quickly is imperative to minimize the damage and cost of repairs. 

Residential and Commercial Water Damage Restoration

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Residential and Commercial Restoration Services

With over 1,800 Franchises nationwide, SERVPRO is a leader in the restoration industry and its professionals are faster to any size disaster. We are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore or clean your property.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

• Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Technicians 
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Industry with over 1,800 Franchises
• Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies

Have Questions? – We’re Here to Help - 570-714-0090 

Residential Services

Whether you need emergency flood damage restoration or top-to-bottom home cleaning, you can trust us to make your house feel like home again. We have the training, experience, and equipment to quickly get your home looking its best. 

Commercial Services

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.” We are proud to serve all of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. 

Severe Storm causes Water Damage to Wilkes-Barre property

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Here to Help after the storm

Since the weather is unpredictable in NEPA, it is important to prepare your home against potential damages. It is important that you know how to prevent water damage during a storm for your peace of mind. There are several ways in which one can be able to prevent any further damages in the event of any unforeseen circumstance.

Find out more about how to prevent water damage during a storm below.

How to Prevent Water Damage Indoors

A. Weatherproof Doors and Windows

Since doors and windows are the gateway to your home, it is important to be certain that they will be able to protect your home against the weather. This is why it is important to seal the cracks and gaps on your doors and windows.

B. Keep Home Clean and Secure

It is easier to prevent water damage when everything in your home is in order and secure. It is important to keep your important documents in one place to ensure easier tracking of vital files. You must place important items in an area where they would not be affected by potential water damage. A home with minimal clutter will help minimize the cost of water damage.

C. Know the Items that you need to Protect first

Keep all of your important documents and items in one area that is easy to grab and take out of your home in the event of an emergency.

D. Gather Survival Kit that you will need during the Storm

A survival kit should contain everything you need since it is dangerous to go out of the house when there is an imminent storm in the area.

Always practice safety during a severe storm and keep these tips in mind to prevent water damage. 

Storm or Water Damage to your home? We can help! 570-714-0090

April Showers bring May Flowers - & Flooding in Wyoming County

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

If April Showers cause flooding to your home or business, we can help.

After a very active and cold Winter in NEPA, most of us are ready for warmer temps and sunnier skies. Although that does sound refreshing, we can't leave out the fact that April Showers are very common. They do lead to May Flowers but could also lead to minor or severe flooding. Follow these tips below to avoid rain water entering your home or business this season. 

• Waterproof Your House Exterior
• Maintain Your Roof
• Seal Windows and Doors
• Maintain Your Home’s Exterior Finish
• Ensure Proper Drainage
• Clean Your Gutters
• Check Your Downspouts
• Redirect Runoff

Wishing you a warm and sunny Spring ahead! Should you unfortunately find water in your home or business from flooding, we are always here to help. 570-714-0090. 

Common Causes of Water Damage in Kingston Homes

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

We make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Discovering a flooded basement or area of your home can be devastating. We're happy we can help and want you to be aware of the top reasons water could damage your Kingston home.

Plumbing issues

Water damage is often caused by plumbing issues. That’s why it’s important to inspect the plumbing systems in your home at least once a year to ensure that there aren’t any problems with hoses or pipe joints. You should also keep in mind that plumbing pipes have a long lifespan. Brass pipes can last for as many as 70 years while copper pipes can last for more than 50 years. The average lifespan for galvanized steel pipes is often between 20 and 50 years.

If your water bill is unusually high, that might be an indication of an undetected leak. You should also check around your toilets, tubs, showers and sinks for any soft spots or moisture. Keep an eye out for loose tiles as well. If you have a dishwasher or a refrigerator with a water line, look for warped or discolored floorboards.

Washing machine leaks

Unless you’re doing laundry, you probably don’t think twice about your washing machine. But if it breaks down, the results could be catastrophic. For example, if the supply hose is damaged or has a faulty connection to the wall or washing machine, more than 600 gallons of water could potentially spill out within an hour. That could lead to significant water damage, especially if your washing machine is located on the second floor of your home.

To prevent water damage to your Kingston home, you should replace your washing machine supply hose at least once every five years. Also, resist the temptation to overload your washing machine. Constantly stuffing too many clothes into your washing machine could loosen gaskets and valves or cause cracks. Take good care of your washing machine and your washing machine will take good care of you.

Bursting water pipes

During severely cold winters, pipes can freeze over and burst. 

If temperatures tend to freeze in your area, be sure to protect your pipes. Insulate both hot and cold water pipes using heat tape or pipe sleeves available in your home improvement store. If you have water supply lines in your garage, keep the garage door closed as often as possible. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate. If you plan to spend some time away from your home, leave the heat on and set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees. You can’t control the weather, but you can put up a good fight to save your pipes.

Aging water heaters

Water heaters have a shelf life. You could wait until your water heater starts leaking to replace it. But if you’re being smart about avoiding water damage, you should replace it every 10 years. A tankless water heater can last for as many as 20 years.

You can find out how old your water heater is by looking up the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker near the top of the water heater. Make sure to regularly inspect your water heater to check for signs of moisture build-up, mold or corrosion. If your water isn’t as hot as it used to be or there’s rust coming from your faucets, it’s time to call a plumber or water heater specialist.

Inclement weather

If your home is not weatherproof, a bad storm could damage your roof, walls and ceiling. Make sure your home is ready for inclement weather by ensuring that your rain gutters and downspouts are clean. You should also check doors and windows to ensure that your caulking hasn’t cracked.

Should you unfortunately have water damage in your home call SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County - 570-714-0090. 

Flooded Basement in Pittston

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement? We can Help. 24/7.

Flooded basement or water damage in your basement? We can help! 

Many of us have been there before - Headed to complete a load of laundry only to discover a flooded basement or water damage in areas of the basement. This can be an extremely stressful situation for homeowners and unfortunately can disrupt your normal lifestyle. Not only is water in your home an inconvenience, excessive water and moisture also has a destructive effect on many building materials and contents. Effectively restoring a flooded basement is essential for the home owner and occupants of the home. 

Priority Response 

Properly restoring a flooded basement requires training, expertise and specialized equipment. In addition to understanding the technical aspects of water damage restoration, our team values and respects your home and belongings throughout the process. They will also keep you updated during the project on the work progression. 

It is important for our franchise to respond to the storm damage as quickly as possible to assess the damage. The length of time the water is in the structure before restoration begins is a very critical factor. If the water has been in the structure for an extended period of time, damage is much more severe. Even if the water was a clean source originally, bacteria, mold and other microbiological growth may create an unsanitary condition that poses a threat to the health of occupants of the home. 

Assessing the Flood Damage

Our SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County franchise standard requires  specialized equipment and training. Our technicians are IICRC certified prior to beginning work within our franchise and trained to assess the damage on each loss location. We begin a water damage loss by detecting the moisture trapped within the walls, ceilings, floors and other locations not visible from the exterior surface. Once the damaged area is identified, we extract any standing water, and then drying techniques are used to ventilate, evaporate and dehumidify the environment. 

We are always here to help following an emergency. We can be reached 24/7/365 - 570-714-0090. 

Water damage in your Kingston Home

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County - Fire, Water, Mold Remediation and Biohazard clean up.

Water heaters can be a source of water damage in your residential home. An average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years. In addition to age below are some signs that it may be time to replace your water heater. 

1) You do not have enough hot water 

2) You have varying water temperature issues

3) Your water heater is leaking 

4) You noticed a reduced water flow

5) You are hearing some concerning sounds or noises 

6) Your water has an odor or discoloration to it

SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County are here to help with your water and fire losses, mold remediation and Biohazard clean up needs.

Call us today at 570-714-0900 24/7! 

Commercial Water Damage in Wilkes-Barre

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Your Problem. Our Solution. We can mitigate commercial water damage.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

When responding to a water damage emergency, we begin with a detailed inspection of your home or property, including a damage assessment. At this stage, our professionals are trying to determine the scope of the damage so that we can develop an appropriate plan of action.

Identify and Stop the Water Source

We will check for the source of moisture in your home or business. The source must be stopped before any restoration or drying of the building can be successful.

• Stop the Source
• Check for Contaminated Water

Identify the Type of Water

We will identify the category and classification of water damage to ensure our professionals restore your property based on industry guidelines. The level of contamination of the water will affect the specific restoration processes we use.

• Category 1: "Clean Water"
• Category 2: "Gray Water"
• Category 3: "Black Water"

Survey the Extent of the Water Damage and Inspect the Premises

We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration. In addition, we will inspect for safety concerns that may be evident. If there are any safety issues like lead or asbestos, please bring them to our attention.

• Survey Damage
• Complete Safety Inspection

Move or Block Furniture

We move furniture and property contents and block items to help prevent rust or furniture stains on wet carpet.

• Block Furniture

After the inspection and damage assessment step, the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

Drying / Dehumidification

Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your home or business. We’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.

• Use Dehumidification Equipment
• Use Monitoring Equipment to Track Progress

Water Damage in your home or business? Call the professionals who could make it "Like it never even happened." 570-714-0090. We are proud to be Wilkes-Barre's leading restoration company and serve all of Luzerne County and surrounding areas in NEPA. 

Water Damage from Frozen, Burst Pipes

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Here to Help following water damage from a frozen, burst pipe.

As the weather get cooler and temperatures head below freezing this Winter, homeowners and business owners should be prepared. 

Below are a few tips to prevent your pipes from freezing, which could ultimately lead to water damage if not handled quickly. 

- Keep the faucet dripping slowly. 

- Apply heat to the affected section of the pipe with a hair dryer or heating pad. 

- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. 

- If you still have trouble, call a licensed plumber. 

Should you unfortunately find yourself dealing with water damage from a burst pipe, call SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County to help - 570-714-0090. 

We are trained in Water & Fire Damage Restoration and we could help 24/7. 

Water loss

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Your Problem our Solution

The wintry weather in approaching and freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes.

When water freezes, it expands by 9% which can cause cracked pipes. About a one-eighth-inch crack in a pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water per day. This amount of water can cause considerable damage. 

It is so important to mitigate this water damage as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and growth of mold spores. 

SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County is here to help. We are available 24/7 to help with your emergency needs. Our trained technicians have the skills and equipment to manage your loss and restore your home or business "Like it never even happened."

Call us at 570-714-0900!

Source:autohomeboat.com

Water Damage in Pittston

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage. Here to help!

Water damage may be slow and minor such as water that could eventually impair a surface, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as burst pipes and flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property.

Something as simple as an Ice Maker line on a refrigerator can spring a leak and cause significant damage to a home without being detected. 

Some helpful tips to ensure your refrigerator is not the cause of water damage in your home: 

1)  Check the water lines and make sure connections are tightened.

2) Break up Ice buildup causing jams

3) Level the Refrigerator and Ice Maker

4) Check your water filter and Dispenser.

If your home or business suffers a water loss, you can call us 24/7 - 570-714-0090.

SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City Wyoming County is here to help!

What equipment do we use after an Avoca water loss?

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Our trained team and state of the art equipment can make water damage "Like it never even happened."

How we help after a water loss? 

Following a water loss at your home or business, you may be wondering who to call or how the damage will be fixed. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but knowing that our trained SERVPRO team uses state of the art technology to restore your property can make you feel at ease. 

Following an emergency situation at your property, below you can find the equipment our team uses that will mitigate the problem. 

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

• An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
• Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. 
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

• High-speed air movers causes moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

• Air scrubbers
• Thermal foggers and deodorization agents

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

• Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
• Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

If your Avoca home or business suffered a water loss, you can call us 24/7 - 570-714-0090. 

Save Time by Calling SERVPRO for Water Damage

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO following an Emergency, and save time!

After a water emergency that floods a home or business, the last thing that most people want to deal with is a bill for cleaning up the damage. This is what leads many homeowners to attempt water extraction on their own instead of calling a professional. 
 
If you're in need of water removal you may be tempted to save money by trying to get rid of the excess water on your own. However, going this route typically has more consequences than benefits and will result in greater losses of time, money, and your possessions in the long run. Here's why calling SERVPRO for professional water removal is a smart move. 
 
Professional water extraction works extremely well. While some homeowners resort to opening windows and doors, turning on ceiling fans, and blotting towels around the house, SERVPRO has powerful equipment that ensures efficient and thorough water removal. We're also often able to restore documents, books, furnishings, and electronic devices affected by water damage, plus we'll get your home's humidity back to an appropriate level. 
 
Many water emergencies are hazardous. 
If your house has been flooded with gray or black water, such as that from a natural disaster, backed up sewer line, or a leaky toilet, expert attention to the problem is best. These types of water are risky for untrained persons to handle because it involves disease causing waste and debris. This is the type of material that can't simply be put out with the week's garbage and needs proper and safe disposal.  We're knowledgeable about how to get rid of contaminated waste during water extraction, so there are no lingering health risks to your family or pets. 
 
It's important to consider mold and mildew. 
One reason that so many homeowners who attempt DIY water removal eventually end up calling a pro is unseen damage caused by mold and mildew. While your flooring and possessions may look and feel dry, without proper water extraction and controlling humidity mold and mildew will thrive, cause off odors, and ruin your home's structure along with your possessions and furniture. SERVPRO technicians are skilled at protecting against the growth of mold and mildew and have effective strategies to combat it. 
 
At SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County, we know how important it is to get your home back in order as quickly as possible. We'll help you mitigate the costs of any water emergency by restoring your possessions and preventing future damage to your home. For more information about our water removal services or to receive a quote, call us 24/7 at 570-714-0090. 

Water Damage in Factoryville

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

We are water damage restoration specialists and are ready to restore your Factoryville home back to pre-water damage condition. We quickly extract the water and then dry your property using state-of-the-art equipment. SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County uses moisture monitoring equipment to effectively measure and document the drying process to ensure your property is dry. We know during the process, you may be a little stressed, concerned and confused, but our trained technicians will walk you through the process and make the water damage like it never even happened. We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Luzerne and Wyoming County communities and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Frozen, Burst Pipes in Shavertown

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen, Burst Pipes can cause severe Water Damage. We can help.

The winter months usually bring frigid temps which in turn can be a problem for homes and businesses without proper maintenance. After temperatures drop below freezing for consecutive days, pipes can freeze. When the temperature goes above freezing again, it's possible that these pipes can burst and cause severe water damage. Are your pipes frozen? Here are some signs: 

• The Temperature Is Right- Pipes cannot freeze if it is not cold enough outside for them to do so. Water does not freeze when it is 60 degrees Fahrenheit outside, and neither do pipes. When the temperature falls to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, you should begin to take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing. 

• There Is Frost on the Pipe- For pipes that can actively be seen, such as those under sinks, you may be able to see frost that has accumulated on the exterior of the pipe. This can serve as a warning sign that the pipe is frozen before you ever try to turn on the faucet.

• No Water Is Coming Out of the Faucet- Another sign that you may have a frozen pipe on your hands is lack of running water. If you or a tenant turn on a kitchen or bathroom faucet and only a slight trickle of water or no water at all comes out, the water pipe leading to the faucet may be frozen.

• Strange Smells- A fourth potential sign of a blocked pipe is an odd smell coming from a faucet or drain. If the pipe is partially or completely blocked, the only way the odor can escape is back up in the direction of your property.

It's important to act quickly if you think your pipes are frozen. You can try to thaw them yourself, but also call in an experienced plumber to analyze the situation. Should you unfortunately find yourself dealing with water damage from a burst pipe, you can always call upon SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County to help - 570-714-0090. 

Frozen Pipes Cause Water Damage in Duryea

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen, Burst Pipes can cause severe Water Damage.

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County has the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

Damage from Frozen Pipes, Cold Weather, or Winter Storm?
Call Today - 570-714-0090. 

Frozen Pipes

Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. We can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:

• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines

Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Garages

Ice Dams

An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.

Roof Damage

Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.

Regardless of the Winter Storm, We Can Help

Cold weather and winter storms can cause significant damage with little warning. Regardless of the type of storm, we can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, we can respond quickly with additional resources.

• Cold temperatures
• Heavy snowfall
• Ice storms and freezing rain

Use caution this Winter and know we are always here to help in emergency situations. 

Water in Bathroom in Kingston

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

We can help following water damage to your bathroom.

Close to everything in the bathroom uses water, so it's no surprise that around 75% of household water use takes place there. All that water is meant to be confined to specific places, though: in the sink, in the tub/shower, in the toilet. Beyond these fixtures, a bathroom is just another room. Apart from the sealant around those fixtures, and waterproofing materials in the floor/walls of a shower, there's not a whole lot else to stop rogue water from doing damage. Except you!

It's the vigilance of the homeowner that keeps mold and rot at bay. Knowing the signs of water damage, where it's most likely to occur, and how it happens is just as important as a properly-installed shower pan. A keen eye, paired with the information below, can help you avoid the water damage repair and mold remediation.

Helpful Tips:

• Leaks can be deceitful: just because evidence of a leak appears in a certain spot doesn't mean the leak originates there. Take time to track down the source before planning out or attempting a repair.
• Discoloration on walls or floors? Musty smell? Are any areas softer than others? These could point to a leak, mold, or bacteria. If you have access underneath/behind the suspicious area, you may be able to address it. Otherwise, you're best off calling a professional.
• If drywall has become warped or bubbly, it's gotten wet. Poke a hole to allow any moisture a way out. If the drywall isn't saturated and feels nearly dry, you may be okay. If it's soft, it should be replaced. If the source of the water isn't obvious, there may be a leak in the wall.
• Regularly test the shut off valves on fixtures, and replace as necessary. Keep an eye out for any wetness or staining around them that could indicate a leak. These valves are hugely important: should a fixture overflow, they're the quickest way to shut the water off. If you have flexible supply lines connected to them, make sure they're tightly secured to both valve and fixture.
• If your bathroom doesn't have an exhaust fan, it needs one. While you can get away with a good window, nothing beats a properly-installed bathroom vent fan in taking moisture (and odors) out.
• Always check around your shower after taking one. Curtains can get torn and seals on doors can deteriorate, allowing water to escape, collect, sit, or find its way to cracks and openings elsewhere.
• A good bath mat goes a long way!
• Drain the tub as soon as you're done with it: standing water can find its way into all sorts of hairline cracks and spaces in compromised drains.
• Cracked, broken, or missing tiles allow water to seep in behind walls and under floors - repair or replace them immediately! The same goes with decaying or cracked grout. 
• Shower pans can crack or be punctured, potentially leading to serious damage. Test your shower pan annually to catch any leaks before they have a chance to destroy your subfloor.
• Toilets will leak, but most of the time it's a "contained" leak between the tank and the bowl - something that definitely needs to be fixed, but probably won't ruin anything else in the room. If the floor around the toilet is wet, has any give at all/is spongy, or you notice significant staining around the base, there's a problem. If you don't have experience with toilets, call a plumber - there could be a problem with the tank-to-bowl connection, the floor flange, or the gasket. Note: The wax ring under a toilet only seals air and gases from entering through the closet flange connection. It is not designed to seal against water.
• If your toilet does not appear to be leaking, be sure that the base is sufficiently sealed with silicone caulk or a similar product. This keeps water and other liquids from making their way underneath. Keep an open gap at the rear so that any future leaks can make themselves known, otherwise that water will be completely sealed in (and you won't know until it's too late!)
• Keep in mind that the toilet is usually the lowest point in a bathroom, and it's not uncommon for water to collect there from other sources. For instance: a small leak from a supply line could travel along pipes to the floor, remaining unnoticeable until enough of it accumulates where gravity directs it: the base of the toilet. Assuming there's a leak in or around the toilet, unnecessary repairs could be made while the real problem keeps dripping away.
• Regularly check inside and under vanities, where leaks from supply lines and poorly-caulked sinks can be hidden.
• Also check sinks for cracked or deteriorating caulking, and repair as needed. Keep the faucet and the area around the sink dry (don't let water collect and sit).
• If you're going on vacation, or just leaving the house for the weekend, it's a good idea to shut off the water supply to the entire house. A burst pipe or similar emergency when no one's home can be catastrophic.

Should you find yourself dealing with water damage in your bathroom, SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County is here to help.

Source: Plumber Source