Time to Check Your Water Heater

5/14/2023 (Permalink)

Call us at 215.368.4110!

Maintaining your hot water heater may increase the efficiency and possibly the life span. Here are a few things you can do to help. 

There is a valve located near the top of the water heater called a TPR valve. This valve will have a pipe leading away from it. Be sure to place a bucket under the pipe and shut of the power and the cold water supply, Then lift the valve to let a little of the water out and let go. If the water does not stop flowing then the valve will need to be replaced. 

Wrap the tank with and pipes. Don't forget to wrap the cold water pipes as well as this will prevent the pipes from condensation in the summer. 

Draining the tank and washing out the sediment until clear water comes out will increase the lifespan of the heater. This should be done yearly. 

Check to see if the anode rod needs to be replaced every year. 

SERVPRO Team Lutz is a professional restoration company that will always be here in your time of need. Call us at 215.368.4110!

6 Common Roof Leaks

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO Team Lutz at 215.368.4110!

When it comes to roof leaks, even the smallest of consistent drips can cause major water damage. This makes stopping any of these potential leaks of paramount importance. But in order to stop these leaks, you need to know where to look and what to look for. Here are the six most common spots where you may find leaks in your home.

Around the Chimney

While it may seem like your roof and chimney are one single entity, they’re actually not. They are connected using strips of flashing which covers the large gaps between the roof and chimney. This flashing often is a primary source of leaks in the home. Over time, this flashing might pull away from the brick or rust. It’s generally easy to spot this when it happens so if you have a leak and the flashing is pulled away from the brick, you’ll know where the leak is originating.

Shingles

The shingles on your roof serve many functions for your home. One way they protect your home is by ensuring the heat or cold doesn’t get into your home. Another way it protects your roof is by keeping water out which helps you avoid potentially dangerous water damage. However, as much as these shingles protect you, they can be damaged by old age or a big storm. If the shingles are damaged or missing, water may be able to seep into the underlayment and sheathing which can then cause leaks inside the home. To make sure you’re not in danger of these leaks and subsequent water damage, look for the signs of damaged shingles which include lost granules, curling or buckling shingles, or obvious missing spots.

Gutters

The gutters that stretch around your roof likely collect leaves, pine needles, and other debris as it falls from overhanging trees. This debris can clog or damage the gutters causing water to collect when it rains. The standing water can then back up in the gutters and cause leaks to occur. People failing to clean their gutters is one of the most common causes of water leaks. But there are other potential dangers. The water can freeze and that has the potential to cause many other problems. Even if you don’t expect that there are leaks, you should clean out your gutters regularly to ensure they don’t clog or become damaged.

Valleys

Unless you have a flat roof, there will probably be spots on your roof where two different planes will intersect. The line where these planes meet is commonly referred to as a valley. These valleys may be covered with flashing, rolled roofing, or some other material depending on where you live. These valleys can be potential dangers because water tends to collect in these low areas and any potential problems with its covering can allow water to seep into the house causing significant water damage.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are potential problems in cold climates in which snow that accumulates on a sloping roof melts and flows down the roof underneath the blanket of snow that insulates the roof. This causes a dam of ice to build up on the edge of the roof and catch melted snow rather than allowing it to run off as it should. This backup of water has the potential to cause major leaks in your roof and cause significant water damage in your home.

Roof Penetrations

Any objects that extend above the roof such as vents, pipes, or other penetrations have the potential to cause leaks in the roof. Most of these objects will have flashing around them to connect them to the roof so it’s important to check the flashing to ensure that there’s no rust or loose spots on or around it. As flashing is a primary source of leaks in homes, this has the potential to cause serious water damage to your home.

Leaks, even minuscule ones, have the ability to cause major water damage to your home. Most of these leaks originate from the roof and allows water to drip down into the attic or walls which can be difficult to see until it’s too late. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to be vigilant of any potential problems. If you suffer water damage in your home, call on the professionals at SERVPRO Team Lutz to remediate the problem.

Wate Removal is the First Step in Drying Out Your Business

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO manages all types of devices for water removal from commercial properties--like this injecti-dry system. We prevented demolition.

SERVPRO works with area business owners after disasters happen. These situations can start with leaks, backed-up drains, or a broken sprinkler system. The complete restoration of a business requires water removal first.

To protect your business, water professionals must start the process as soon as possible. Otherwise, the damage caused by water spreading continues to worsen. We use the most efficient and powerful equipment possible to do our tasks.

Because we continue the water extraction process until we get the interior of your business dry again, our pump trucks’ large hoses are not the only things we use. Our customers also see different portable water extraction units, such as:

• Hand-held devices, portable wet vacs
• Weighted devices, riding (Rovers) machines
• A floor-mat system.

One type of device is so small it can fit into places that can hold large amounts of water that was forced into small spaces. Once in, this bonded water is no longer under the pressure that forced it into whichever area it now occupies. The small tubes on these injecti-dry system does the job.

Using weighted devices to pull clean water out of your carpeting and the underlying padding can reduce restoration costs by saving the carpet and reducing what needs replacing. These work by forcing the water out and into the device. We might use a small-sized device called the Claw or riding units for larger areas and hallways.

Wood floors are beautiful, but they also require a substantial investment. To rescue these from destruction, we use our Injecti-Dry system. It removes moisture from underneath the floorboards and can also force warm, dry air into enclosed spaces, including the interior cavities of walls or underneath cabinets and stairwells.

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call SERVPRO Team Lutz at 215.368.4110 for the professional water removal services you need.

Why Professional Restoration Is a Wise Choice for Water Damage in Your Home

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO Team Lutz at 215.368.4110!

There are certain things that every homeowner worries about at one time or another. Among these is the possibility of falling victim to a natural disaster like a fire or flood. While these circumstances always remain a possibility with the appropriate conditions, internal water emergencies are often far more likely and frequent than any more detrimental disasters.

While water damage to your home might come from several different sources, cleaning up this damage and restoring its effects is a similar process across the board. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that even moderate water emergencies can get taken care of with conventional drying techniques and that the problem is in the past. Unfortunately, without properly cleaning up water damage and drying the area thoroughly, you could be allowing worsening losses to occur.

Fortunately, our SERVPRO technicians get trained to handle all manner of water emergencies and ensure that the job gets done right. This restoration process begins with a thorough inspection of the immediate damage. We also use thermal imagery to inspect the areas that are out of the line of sight for persistent moisture, and a broader range of damage you could not initially tell was there.

Working quickly to dry the area and clean up the mess are both standard practices of our SERVPRO professionals. Once the site has gotten sufficiently dried using air movers and dehumidification equipment, a better inspection can occur with your home's structural components and building materials to ensure that they are as strong and stable as they should be. Overly damaged materials might require removal and reinstallation to complete the restoration process.

Water damage in your home might come from many potential sources, but overcoming the effects is rarely something that you should handle on your own. Even smaller-scale water damage can have severe impacts on your home if the appropriate, thorough measures do not get taken to ensure the area is cleaned and dried adequately. Trust our SERVPRO Team Lutz technicians to help you through every possible effect of water damage. You can reach us anything by calling 215.368.4110.

Why Your Business Should Call Us Quickly After A Disaster

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO Team Lutz, we would love to help! 215-368-4110

Water damage can be disastrous for any business, leading to significant loss of revenue, property damage, and business interruption. That's why it's essential to bring in SERVPRO Team Lutz as quickly as possible. Here are some reasons why businesses should act fast when dealing with water damage:

1. Minimize Property Damage

Water can quickly seep into floors, walls, and ceilings, causing severe damage to the property's structure. The longer the water remains, the more damage it will cause, and the more expensive it will be to repair. By bringing in SERVPRO Team Lutz quickly, you can minimize the damage to your property, saving you time and money in the long run.

2. Prevent Mold Growth

Mold growth is a common problem after water damage. Mold can start growing in as little as 24 hours, and it can cause health problems for employees and customers. SERVPRO Team Lutz can quickly dry out the affected areas, preventing mold growth from occurring.

3. Save Business Operations

Water damage can force a business to shut down its operations, causing significant loss of revenue. By bringing in SERVPRO Team Lutz quickly, you can minimize the amount of time your business is closed, and get back to operating as soon as possible.

4. Insurance Claim Assistance

Water damage can be complicated to navigate when it comes to insurance claims. SERVPRO Team Lutz can assist with the claims process, documenting the damage and providing the necessary information to ensure you get the coverage you deserve.

Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage in a business setting. By bringing in a SERVPRO Team Lutz quickly, you can minimize property damage, prevent mold growth, save business operations, and receive insurance claim assistance.

Sump Pump Insurance Coverage - What to Know

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

When your basement floods, give us a call at 215.368.4110!

Sump pumps can be a homeowner's best friend when it comes to keeping their basement or crawl space dry. These pumps work by removing excess water that has collected in a sump pit and pumping it out of the house. However, what happens when the sump pump fails or is unable to keep up with the water flow? This is when a homeowner may experience a sump pump water loss.

A sump pump water loss occurs when water that should have been removed by the sump pump ends up flooding the basement or crawl space. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including a power outage, mechanical failure, or overwhelming water volume. In such cases, a homeowner may be faced with extensive water damage and cleanup costs.

The good news is that many homeowner's insurance policies provide coverage for sump pump water losses. However, the extent of coverage and any exclusions will depend on the policy and the insurance company.

Coverage for sump pump water losses typically falls under the "water damage" section of a homeowner's insurance policy. This coverage may include the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, as well as the cost of cleanup and restoration. It's important to note that some policies may have a separate deductible for water damage, which could be higher than the standard deductible.

It's also important to understand any exclusions or limitations that may apply to sump pump water losses. For example, some policies may exclude coverage for losses caused by a sump pump that was not properly maintained or installed. Others may limit coverage to a specific dollar amount or only cover certain types of damage.

To ensure adequate coverage for sump pump water losses, it's important to review your homeowner's insurance policy and speak with your insurance agent. You may want to consider adding additional coverage or increasing your coverage limits if you live in an area with a high risk of flooding or have experienced sump pump water losses in the past.

In addition to insurance coverage, there are steps homeowners can take to minimize the risk of sump pump water losses. This includes regular maintenance of the sump pump and backup power options in case of a power outage. It's also a good idea to have a plan in place for dealing with a sump pump failure or water loss, including having emergency contact information for a professional water damage restoration company.

In conclusion, sump pump water losses can be a costly and stressful experience for homeowners. However, with the right insurance coverage and preventative measures, homeowners can minimize their risk and have peace of mind knowing they are protected.

Call SERVPRO Team Lutz at 215.368.4110!

Why SERVPRO?

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

We would love to your home or business in your time of need, call at 215.368.4110 today.

SERVPRO is a franchise company that provides fire and water damage restoration services, as well as mold remediation, storm damage cleanup, and other related services. The company has been in business for over 50 years and has over 1,700 franchises across the United States and Canada. Here are some reasons why some people may consider SERVPRO to be a reputable company in the restoration industry:

1. Experience: SERVPRO has been in business for over 50 years, giving them extensive experience in the restoration industry. With over 1,700 franchises across the country, they have the resources to handle a wide range of restoration projects, from small water damage cleanup to large-scale disaster response.

2. Training and Certification: SERVPRO technicians undergo extensive training and certification programs to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality restoration services. The company is also certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which sets industry standards for restoration and cleaning.

3. Advanced Technology: SERVPRO uses advanced technology and equipment to ensure efficient and effective restoration services. They use specialized drying equipment, air scrubbers, and moisture detection tools to quickly and thoroughly dry and clean damaged areas.

4. 24/7 Availability: Water damage and other disasters can happen at any time, which is why SERVPRO offers 24/7 emergency response services. Their technicians are available around the clock to respond to emergencies and begin the restoration process as quickly as possible.

5. Customer Service: SERVPRO is committed to providing exceptional customer service. They work closely with insurance companies and adjusters to ensure a smooth claims process for their customers. They also communicate regularly with their customers throughout the restoration process to keep them informed and answer any questions or concerns.

SERVPRO Team Lutz has extensive experience, advanced technology, and a commitment to customer service. Call us at 215.368.4110, we'd love to help! 

How Can I Avoid an Electrical Fire?

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

fire in living room area

Electrical fires are one of the top causes of home fires in the United States. Our SERVPRO Team Lutz members are on standby 24-hours a day to respond to your call for help. We have been restoring fire damage for local residents for over thirty years! Here are some outdoor electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association for outdoor electrical safety:

Outside Electrical Work

Have a qualified electrician do all electrical work
To prevent an electrical shock, make sure all your outside electrical receptacles are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
Have a professional tree-cutting service trim any branches that might fall into electric wiring
Equipment Safety

Use lighting and power tools that a qualified test laboratory lists, and make sure they are made for outdoor use
Store your electrical tools indoors
Keep electric tools away from children
Keep the area around your electric meter and other electrical equipment clean
Check lighting and extension cords for damage before using. Replace any damaged cords right away
Use extension cords listed by a qualified test laboratory and marked for outdoor use.
Extension cords are not meant for long-term use
Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency in your home or commercial business, team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 215-368-4110.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Tips for Removing Smoke Odor from Your Home

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

A thermal fogger might be used to remove smoke odor from your home.

After a fire cleanup, home deodorization can be an important next step to making the area livable again. When setting up the cleanup process may professionals in the Buck County area, recommend these three steps for successful odor removal.

1. Identify the Source

Knowing the source of the smoke odor can help determine the best cleanup plan. Odor can come from cigarette smoke, a house fire, or even extended use of a fireplace. In the event of a house fire it may be important to know what type of materials were burned, how long the fire lasted, and how long it’s been since the fire occurred. The smoke odor from cigarettes may also be stronger the longer it has been allowed to settle.

2. Use the Right Tools

When it comes to home deodorization, masking the smoke odor is only a temporary fix. Things may seem fresh for a while but over time the odor will reemerge. This is why it’s important to use the correct tools and cleansers from the start. The method used may depend on the severity of the smoke damage, but in most cases, a ozone machine or thermal fogger may be the best tool for the job.

3. When in Doubt Call a Professional

Whether you’re dealing with cigarette smoke or fire cleanup, you may want to consider contacting a professional for your smoke removal needs. Many professional teams already have the tools needed to successfully remove the smoke odor from your home. They also have the knowledge they need to access the odor’s source and determine the best cleaning plan.

The process for home deodorization requires knowing the source of the odor, and which tools are best for the problem. Knowing these things can help you formulate a plan for smoke odor removal. In many cases, it may be best to contact a professional as they already have the tools and cleaning solutions needed for the job.

5 Ways to Use Landscaping To Protect Your Home

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

You can use mulch to protect your home during a rainstorm.

During a big storm in our area, you take precautions to protect your home. You board up windows and place sandbags to divert water flow. Did you know that you can use your landscaping to protect your yard from outside flooding? Here are five ways to do it.

1. Extend Rain Spouts

The downspouts on your home are supposed to help move water away from your foundation, but only when they're correctly installed. Many rain spouts are too short, so rainwater pools next to the foundation. Extend rain spouts further into the yard to prevent flooding.

2. Choose Heavy Mulch

You can choose many types of mulch based on appearance or price. You can use mulch to protect your home during a rainstorm. Heavy mulch such as shredded bark won't float away but will help the soil absorb excess water and keep it away from your home.

3. Plant a Rain Garden

A rain garden can be planted on a slope and helps to absorb excess water. You can divert rainspouts into a rain garden which protects your house and keeps your home beautiful.

4. Research Native Plants

The most effective way to plant a rain garden is to use native plants. Native plants thrive in your yard, develop deep roots, and help prevent soil erosion. If outside flooding has become a problem at your home, a storm restoration company can make helpful suggestions to prevent future flooding.

5. Level Your Yard for Rain Drainage

A more intense intervention is to correct the slope of your yard. If the ground slopes even slightly toward your foundation, you are more likely to have inside flooding during a storm. You can work with a professional landscaper to correct the slope and help water flow away from your home.
Outside flooding during a storm can cause inside damage. Use landscaping strategies to protect your yard and home from water damage.