Water in the Basement

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

A residential basement flood situation in Manassas, Va can cause serious problems for those involved if not addressed in a timely manner. Check out the following resources to better understand what to do if standing water occupies your lower floors.

1. Precautions

The most important consideration for any prudent homeowner is the safety of the occupants. Never enter a completely flooded basement area until you have disconnected the home from the power grid, especially if the electrical outlets or other appliances are still in standing water. You might also consider some form of contact protection, such as a pair of boots or waders, to prevent unnecessary exposure to contaminants from gray water.

2. Assessment

Trudging through the water will do you little good without a solid plan. Depending on the form your insurance coverage takes, you may need to make an inventory of the items affected by your basement flood. Your insurer may also require that you take active steps to prevent any ongoing damage, such as routing new sources of rainwater away from the home. The drying process for affected items should begin at this point. Your insurer may insist that certain sensitive items and procedures are handled by a qualified flood damage restoration service.

3. Prevention and Maintenance

Once you have cleared all standing water from the property and moved any water-susceptible belongings, inspect the basement area to determine why water accumulated. Is the sump pump in working order? Are there any clogged or broken pipes or drains between your basement and the sewer? Take steps to inspect and repair these items. Also, note that any drywall or flooring components that have absorbed too much water may need replacement, as these can harbor bacteria and mold.

Though a wide range of natural disasters or plumbing problems can affect any homeowner, a few preventative steps can reduce the risk of a basement flood and help to mitigate the amount of property damage.

3 Strategies for Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

Three Ways to Prevent Water Damage in Your House

Your Manassas, VA home is probably one of your greatest investments. Beautifying, decorating and improving your property takes hard work, so guarding it against damage can be as important as repairing existing issues. Preventing water in your home can help you avoid a variety of troubling issues, from structural problems to mold growth and more.

1. Insulate Your Water Pipes

Wrapping your home’s water pipes can protect your property from water damage in a few ways. First, it keeps the pipes warm when the temperature drops below freezing and prevents water from freezing inside them. Frozen water tends to expand and may cause the pipe to burst, resulting in a messy pipe cleanup job. Insulating your pipes can also keep your home’s water supply flowing normally, even during a cold snap when the risk of a broken pipe is higher than usual.

2. Upgrade Your Drainage System

When it comes to finding unexpected water in the home, one of the most common trouble spots is likely to be the basement. Basement floods can be common in early spring when runoff and heavy rains cause your yard to overflow. You can prevent this issue by upgrading your drainage system. Replace old gutters and downspouts and have your roof checked to ensure it is draining properly.

3. Have Your Home Inspected by a Water Remediation Company

Contacting a flood cleanup and water remediation company to inspect your home for possible flooding risks can help keep it safe. Knowledgeable flood technicians can identify and resolve issues that may increase the risks, whether you live in an area that floods often or your home’s basement is prone to taking on water. Working with a company like this can help you defend your home against water damage all year round.

Preventing water in the home probably a high priority for you as a Manassas, VA homeowner. Taking the proper steps to reduce this risk can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your happy home.

How Can Effective Water Damage Mitigation Services Protect My Residence?

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

The Right Water Damage Mitigation Company Can Save You Both Time and Money. 

Water leaks are responsible for a lot of costly residential damage in Manassas. Their effects can appear rapidly or slowly over a long period of time. Whatever their cause, it is essential to have them quickly located, repaired and their impact limited to lower overall remediation costs.

There are several things that water damage mitigation companies like SERVPRO® can do to protect your home from further damage. Our emergency water damage services include, among other things, repairing burst pipes and ceiling leaks, water removal services, basement flooding cleanup, and water damage repairs. In performing all of this work, SERVPRO® technicians are generally able to:

• Quickly limit the amount of standing water accumulating in your home and impacting its interiors
• Substantially reduce the number of catastrophic structural failures that often result from waterlogged building materials
• Minimize/prevent harmful microbial growths that could cause health effects, discolor or undermine the structural integrity of ceilings, walls, and floors, and produce persistent foul odors
• Prevent further, long-term damage resulting from high airborne moisture levels
• Save and restore impacted household contents like carpets, furnishings, and other personal possessions
• Protect your home from post-event water damage and vandalism using tarping, fencing, and board-up services

Using all the knowledge and high-tech tools at our disposal, we can often reduce overall repair times and limit your final remediation costs.

Considering all of this, it is easy to understand why SERVPRO of Manassas is one of the best water damage mitigation companies in the Orlando area. So, whenever the unexpected happens and a water-related event impacts you, call us at (703)656-9028.

We Love The Kids But Do The Kids Love Us?

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Let’s be honest, we love the kids but do the kids love us? When we get home after a long day of work, and one of the toilets is clogged up for the thousandth time it seems like they can’t possibly love us. Maybe we need to sign them up for camp instead of letting their older siblings watch them. Either way, our toilets are overflowing and we need help!

According to Google

According to Google, the most common cause of toilets overflowing is a clogged toilet bowl. That means that thick toilet paper that helps our tushies isn’t helping our pockets. What if it isn’t the thick toilet paper… Maybe it’s those “flushable wipes”, that really shouldn't be flushed. Either way when your toilet overflows water (dirty/contaminated water) hits your bathroom floor and can possibly still be under that tile or flooring if it isn’t properly cleaned up.

Let SERVPRO help!

Here at SERVPRO we always want to help you put your best foot forward to avoid any fire, water, or mold damage. In the event that you do experience water damage, we’re here to help!

Give us a call for your quote today at 703-656-9028.

We take pride in serving your neighborhood! We are a locally owned and operated franchise with employees dedicated to providing a quality customer experience!

Be Prepared: Winter Storms Impact Your Business & Residential Home | Manassas

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

If you have storm damage, call us at 703-646-9028.

You see a big winter storm in the forecast. What can you do to make sure you and your home are ready for it? Well, we’ve got a few tips for you. First of all, make a list of anything you need from the store and get there well before the storm is set to hit. Chances are, everyone in town will be doing the same thing, so give yourself plenty of time to make it through the store and get back home. Make sure you have some backup sources of heat such as space heaters. Also, having some flashlights or candles on hand is a great idea in case you lose power. You’ll need to make sure that you have a snow shovel to dig your way out and some rock salt so that you and your family don’t slip once you do. If you have pipes in any part of your house that is unheated or not insulated well, run cold water through them. Even a small trickle of water can help them not to freeze up. If they do freeze, you not only run the risk of not having water, but them bursting and causing water damage in your home that can be devastating. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed well to keep the warm air in and the cold air out! Sometimes, even with all this preparation, things are beyond our control.

Does winter storm damage have you worried about your business? We know how stressful that can be, especially in Northern Virginia! You could have a day that’s fifty degrees and sunny, and the next be stuck in your house because there is so much snow. With so much unpredictability in our weather, one thing you can depend on is that we are always here to help! With our 24 hour emergency services, we are faster to any size disaster. We know how important your business is. We also know you can’t run it effectively if you’re worried about how you’re going to get the water cleaned up from that pipe that froze and burst. So let us worry about that for you! We’ll do whatever you need to work with your schedule, insurance carrier and any other needs you may have. We know getting you back to preloss conditions as quickly as possible is the priority, so all of our managers and technicians are trained to be efficient and effective in their work. Let us take it from here. 

What To Do If My Home Gets Severe Water Damage? | Manassas Homes

11/13/2023 (Permalink)

There are many possible causes for water in home, including flooding from outside and water damage from a broken pipe or other damage along your pipes. Whatever the original cause, as water spreads through your home, some of your most precious belongings can suffer damage. The steps you take right after the water recedes could mean either successful recovery or lasting damage:

4 Steps to Follow After Water Damage

1. Contact Professionals

The sooner cleaning and restoration professionals get to your home, the better your reconstruction efforts. It does not take long for water damage to spread; within just a day or two, mold may begin to set in. Additionally, floodwater is not clean, and without the right cleaning techniques, your home may suffer from insect infestations, other pests, and lasting odors. In addition to cleaning pros, you should reach out to your insurance provider.

2. Remove Water and Dry Your Home

Once you have pumped or mopped out as much water as possible, begin drying off your furniture and other belongings. You may need to move some furnishings to a dry spot outside. Delicate fabrics and clothing may require dry cleaning or other professional efforts. Be aware that hardwoods, subflooring, and other parts of your home do not dry quickly. It may take days of effort before all water in home has been removed.

3. Separate Items for Cleaning and Disposal

Before you throw out cherished memorabilia, ask professionals about cleaning and repair steps. There are many techniques that can be used to save rugs, documents, artwork, and other valuable belongings.

4. Disinfect Your Home

After your home has been dried and your possessions fully cleaned, everything must be disinfected to prevent bacteria from infecting your belongings and the structure of the home. Trust professionals to appropriately apply disinfectants, so you can avoid damaging wood, fabric, and other textiles.

You cannot always prevent water in home from spreading to your belongings, but you can take quick action to correct the situation. Remember that even a minor delay could lead to further, lasting damage. So, call us here at SERVPRO of Manassas we are ready to help 24/7/365!! 703-656-9028!!!

The Dangers of Leaving a Leak Untreated

11/10/2023 (Permalink)

When you first notice the signs of a leak in your home, it’s easy to dismiss them. You might be concerned about this seemingly tiny leak, but you might not think to repair it right away. 

That decision could have disastrous consequences and result in a variety of disasters in your home. 

Knowing what a little leak can cause will help you better understand why you should fix it before it gets out of hand. 

Where Do Leaks Emerge? 

Before we go over some of the dangers that a leak might cause, let’s take a look at where you might find water dripping in your Manassas home: 

Clogged pipes are a common source of leaks within the home. Backed-up pipes can occur in rooms such as your bathroom or kitchen. Debris, hair, soap scum and grease are all possible causes of a clogged pipe. 

Supply line leaks are another cause of leaks in the home. Supply line leaks occur when corroded pipes give way, resulting in water leaks in places where you may not notice until the leak has progressed. 

Appliance malfunctions can cause leaks, as well. Your washer or dishwasher can leak when equipment fails, a hose loosens or water drips from the appliance’s water supply. Toilets can lead to devastating leakage too when water drips from the base due to a broken seal. 

The Dangers of Waiting to Repair a Leak 

Now that we’ve talked about where you might find a leak, let’s talk about why you need to have it repaired immediately. Standing water isn’t the only danger—you might also see… 

Mold growth. Mold is one of the most dangerous consequences of a leak, and if left unchecked, it can lead to structural problems! When a leak forms, mold can begin to grow quickly when conditions are right, and it could pop up in areas you may not notice at first. 

Electrical hazards. We all know water and electricity don’t get along too well! Water can drip down into electrical sockets, light fixtures or your fuse box. A leak can cause short circuits and electrical failure, leading to another dangerous disaster: an electrical fire. 

Ruined infrastructure. Leaks can have a disastrous impact on the structural integrity of your home. Discoloration can occur on your ceilings and walls. Any type of wood flooring has the potential to warp and deteriorate over time. If you detect odors, peeling paint, cracks or damp spots on your ceilings, walls or flooring, it’s probably time to get that leak fixed!

Clogged Toilet Can Cause Water Damage

11/9/2023 (Permalink)

When you think of overflowing toilets, you may picture a small flood confined to your commercial bathroom. However, if this type of overflow goes unnoticed, your commercial building could have much more extensive sewer damage. The unattended water may travel down walls and through ceilings to affect two floors or more. When this major destruction takes place, you need to call SERVPRO of Manassas Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices..

• Stop the flood. A flooded toilet may continue adding water to your building unless you cut off the water supply. Turning off the water may help minimize the damage or at least stop it from getting worse.
• Tear out materials. Because you're dealing with sewer damage, any materials or furnishings that got wet may need to be removed and thrown away. This can include flooring, drywall, insulation and ceiling materials. These items often have to be tossed because sewage usually contains fecal matter, viruses, bacteria, chemicals and other potentially harmful contaminants.
• Disinfect the space. Once the items that can be torn out have been, you need to make sure your commercial space is thoroughly cleaned. The cleaners used will depend on the type of surface getting cleaned, but any sewage company that often deals with this type of cleanup will have the cleaners and equipment needed to get the job done right.
• Dry out the space. Putting dehumidifiers to work ensures your building is rid of excess moisture. If extra water remains, even in the form of humidity, you may have to deal with mold growth in the future.
• Repair the damage. The final step in this cleanup process is repairing any of the damage that was done. If building materials were torn out, they need to be replaced to return your building to normal.

Sewer damage requires an extensive cleanup to ensure your building is safe for inhabitants. If you skip any important steps, you may have to deal with secondary damage sometime down the road.

Cupping Vs. Warping

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

When our Project Managers go to a job site and the scope of the property, they are looking for multiple factors to present themselves. One of the most common indicators of this damage is cupping or warping.

Cupping is when the floor boards create a concave shape with higher sides than the center. Cupping is associated with a change in moisture content levels. Warping is more severe than cupping because it involves the floor buckling/popping off of the subfloor. Water vapors can cause this to happen.

If this doesn’t get taken care of by professionals, it can cause microbial growth from the layer of paper that goes in during the installation process to prevent squeaking. If you let this continue without restoration, it can permanently damage your floor.

How Do Professionals Remove Water from Your Property After Flooding?

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Arrive Equipped to Dry Out Your Water Damaged Property

Water removal is one of the most crucial steps in successful restoration after a flooding incident. Both standing water and residual moisture need to be removed quickly and efficiently. Professionals have a host of equipment to accomplish this job. 

When SERVPRO professionals arrive for water removal on your Manassas property, they bring some of the best equipment. Here are some of the equipment you should expect to see during the restoration process. 

Extractor 

This equipment is used to pump out the stagnant water from your property. Our team utilizes hand-held or truck-mounted depending on the amount of water to be removed. Extractors are one of the first equipment to arrive on site. 

Dehumidifier 

Once the extractors remove the standing water from the property, the next challenge that SERVPRO technicians square off against is the residual moisture. Dehumidifiers are the equipment that gets this job done. They extract water vapor from the air speeding up the drying process. 

SERVPRO technicians use two types of dehumidifying equipment- Refrigerant and Desiccant Dehumidifiers. While the refrigerant dehumidifiers work on the same principle as an air conditioner unit, the desiccant one uses special chemicals that absorb moisture from the air. 

Air Mover 

Dehumidifiers alone can not eliminate the residual moisture. Our team uses air movers to circulate and replace wet air with drier air. Strategic placement of dehumidifiers and air movers ensures a complete and rapid drying process. 

If the residual moisture is not eliminated promptly, it can lead to secondary issues, including mold growth. Seek professional help to remove water as soon as possible after a flooding incident. Both the standing water and residual moisture removal are crucial for a successful restoration process. 

The Science of Drying

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be able a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damage area, your local SERVPRO of Manassas professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your home or business suffers a water damage, your local SERVPRO team will: 

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening. 
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

After the Storm... What's Next?

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

The second you notice flooding in your home do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Manassas immediately! Time is the biggest factor in preventing further damage, as well as slowing the spread of water into places like your floors and walls. With a quick enough reaction to the issue can make a huge difference! Regardless, if you notice damage days after a storm we can still help. With a team of experts who know the ins and outs of storm damage we can find the solution to your issue! Not only do we perform the cleanup and treatment of the area, we restore what was ruined. When we leave it will be, "Like it never even happened." 

Water Damage Can Result From Problems Such As

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can result from problems such as flooding or a burst pipe in your home. It is important to have a Manassas water damage company clean out for you as soon as possible. The water can ruin your possessions, cause waterborne and vector-borne diseases and weaken the structural integrity of your house. Here are a few tips for cleaning your house after the damage. 

Inform Your Insurance Company
Before you do anything, call your insurance agency and tell them about the water damage. You also need to inform them about what you plan to do to mitigate the damage. Doing this saves you time and makes it less hectic when you decide to claim any money for damages. 

Disconnect The Power And Unplug All The Electronics
Water is an electricity conductor. If you enter a house where it has come into contact with live wires, you are likely to get shocked or even electrocuted. Switch off the power that leads to the affected area, particularly if the water is above the electrical outlets. Alternatively, you can turn off the power at the main switch that is often located at the entrance of the house. Additionally, remove all electronics, furniture, and other movable items. The quicker these items are out of the water’s harm, the higher your chances of salvaging them. 

Turn Off The Water Main
It is important to know the location of the main water valve in the house, or outside nearby. In the case of any floods, turn off the water at the valve. It does not matter whether the water came from the ground runoff or a burst pipe. You are safe switching off the water and checking for the source of the flooding later. 

Concentrate on Drying Your Home
Even without any industrial grade equipment like that which water damage and restoration professionals like SERVPRO have, you need to focus on making your home dry. Open the doors and windows in your house to increase the air flow. Increasing the rate of evaporation through air movement helps. In so doing, you lessen the chance of mold growth. But for more than a mere puddle.....

Call A Restoration Company
You can clean small amounts of water. However, for extensive water extraction, cleaning and restoration, consider calling a competent Manassas water damage restoration company. Unlike you, SERVPRO has the expertise, equipment, and tools to restore your house fast and efficiently. IICRC Certified technicians competently salvage personal items, photos, and mementoes that may otherwise be lost forever. Water pumps, air movers, dehumidifiers, and foggers are some of the arsenal stocked within their green vans and box trucks. Professional water damage services allow you to focus on other aspects of getting your life back in order.


If you experience flooding and any other form of water damage, place your trust in a premier company that can restore your home "Like it never even happened." Call SERVPRO of Manassas 24/7 via (703)656-9028 for quick and professional services.

Can You Trust SERVPRO of Manassas?

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we take pride in sending highly trained Technicians to service Manassas and surrounding locations. Each Technician of ours is IICRC Certified and is required to maintain that certification. Here at SERVPRO our Technicians are trained to look for damages that may not be visible to the eye and utilize the latest method & equipment to locate damages.

IICRC Training & Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, biohazard remediation, carpet & upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning courses.

SERVPRO’S Technicians Arrive Quickly to Help Prevent Additional Damages

Whether you have an overflow in an upstairs Bathroom or water damage caused by a recent storm, SERVPRO of Manassas can provide you with services to recover quickly and efficiently with full service solutions, to making your restoration experience as stress free as possible. You only have to make one call! 

Heavy Rain Leads to Flooding...

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy Rain Leads to Flooding…

Our team here in Manassas restores storm damage throughout the year.

Although, we don’t experience many Tornadoes in our county here are the National Weather Service alert definitions for tornadoes and high winds:

Tornado Watch: This means a tornado is possible.

Tornado Warning: This means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon.
Go to a safe place immediately.

High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose items and adjust plans as necessary, so you’re not caught outside.

Wind Advisory: Take Action! A thunderstorm is happening or is imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms have wind gusts of 58 miles per hour and or hail one inch or larger. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building.

Preparing for High Winds

• Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures
• Remove loose objects outdoors, on patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away.
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors
• Bring in unsecured objects from outside and secure things that could blow away and cause damage or injury

Give us a call!

When your home or commercial business has storm damage, you can trust our local team here in Manassas to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 703-656-9028.

How Can I Protect My Business?

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

What is the Emergency Ready Program?

• As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest research.
• The overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-Planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.
• SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water & fire damage can affect your business.

As a business owner you ALWAYS want to make sure you have an action plan if ever an emergency occurs. If there was a flood, major leak, tornado you would want contacts and action plan close by.

- A no cost assessment of your facility.
(This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost)

- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an Emergency. (It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed)

- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
(This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action)

- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. (You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by)

- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. (This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money)

- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. (Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens.")

SERVPRO of Manassas wants to ease that stress and we realize that you might not think about the unexpected things that may happen, therefore we have implemented the ERP Program.

Common Cause of Water Damage...

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common problem that many homeowners in Manassas face each year. These problems can cause thousands of dollars in damages, and even force the family out of the house temporarily. The worst thing about water damage is that it can happen at ANY time.

When water creeps into areas of your property where it shouldn’t be, your floor could warp. Water damage also discolors walls and ceilings. Moisture can cause microbial growth if the damages are not immediately addressed.

List of Common Causes:

1. Severe Weather (Thunderstorms)
2. Clogged gutters
3. Leaking / Burst pipes
4. Washing Machine / Water Supply Line
5. Blocked drains
6. Water Heater
7. Toilet leaks

If you discover water damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Manassas our highly trained and certified professionals are here to handle any disaster you find yourself in! (703)656-9028

What Category & Class Is Your Water Loss?

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

The category and class of your water loss refers to the level of contamination in the water, considering its originated source. ALL water damages require restoration, but some cases are a little less severe.

If this happens to you whether it’s your home or commercial building - Contact SERVPRO of Manassas (703)656-9028

3 Basic Categories of Water:

Category 1 – Originates from a sanitary source. It may not always remain clean after it comes into contact with other surfaces or materials.

Example: Water supply lines, toilet tank, or faucet.

Category 2 – Significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans.

Example: Washing machine overflow, toilet overflow, or a dishwasher overflow. These situations can quickly escalate into a Category 3 if not properly taken care of.

Category 3 – Grossly unsanitary contaminated water. This contains human and/or animal waste, along with other contaminants that could cause severe illness or even death if ingested.

Example: Sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.  

4 Basic Class of Water:

Class 1 – It affects only part of a room or area, or larger areas containing materials that have absorbed minimal moisture.

Class 2 – The entire room or area is affected. Water has gone up less than 24 inches. There is moisture reading in structural materials like plywood, particle board, structural wood and concrete.

Class 3 – Water may have come from overhead. The ceilings, walls, carpet, insulation and subfloor are saturated in the entire area.

Class 4 – Wet materials with very low permeance like hardwood, plaster and concrete have deep pockets on saturation. They may need to be treated with low levels of humidity and often take longer drying times and more specialized methods.

3 Tips to Help You Prevent Water Damage...

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Manassas, VA has the experience, expertise and proper training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our Technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to “Like it never even happened."

Water Damage can be a costly and devastating event. We have often found that careful routine maintenance can lower the risks and costs of water damage restoration. The restoration process can be stress, but by following some simple home maintenance tips, you can prevent flooding from structural issues.

If you or someone you know needs restoration services; Save our number for the future or call today for a rapid response (703)656-9028.

1) Assess your water heater

Water heater issues are common when it comes to our emergency calls in Manassas and surrounding areas With regular routine maintenance, you can prevent this from happening. Make sure the water heater’s thermostat is regulating the temperature properly to prevent any pressure buildup.

Tip: If you notice an odd taste or odor in the water from your water heater, it may have rust or sediment buildup inside. Also, if your water starts to make strange noises it may require you needing an inspection or replacement.

2) Appliance hoses and connectors

Always check for cracks, kinks, unraveling, wear, or corrosion on hoses & connectors. If you find any damage to these replace them immediately. DO NOT WAIT! Most manufacturers and plumbers also recommend replacing water hoses/connectors every 3-5 years.

3) Replace old caulking in your windows and doors

Caulking your windows can not only stop water leaks, but also help to keep out drafts. It is a simple process that you can do yourself. Most window caulks should last about five years, but you should always inspect your caulking at least every six months to a year; and replace it if you notice any cracks developing.

Tip: You should also check your exterior door flashings for holes or rust that can allow water entry.

Flood damage prevention

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Flood Insurance program flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States causing $2.7 billion in losses between 2001 and 2010. Flooding is not covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies so it may be necessary to buy a separate flood policy for your home.

Here are a couple of tips to keep water from entering your home during a heavy rain event:

1. Fix foundation leaks that may allow water to enter your home.
2. Make sure your roof is secure and protected.
3.  Clear gutters and drains

If water ever floods your home, getting someone on site as soon as possible is key to keeping the amount of damage to a minimum. SERVPRO of Manassas is ready to respond at any time and also provides a free assessment and estimate.

How to protect the pipes from freezing

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

1. Insulate pipes - Exposed pipes are most likely to freeze. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be. Make sure to drain the water from outside faucets and insulate them from outside elements.

2. Let water drip - Simply maintaining a light trickle or steady stream of water in your faucets can go a long way in preventing water from freezing up in your pipes.

3. Steady thermostat  - Keeping a consistent temperature in your home or office puts less strain on the furnace. 

All we need to follow these tips is to reminisce on the events following the freeze of 2021. Rolling blackouts, homes completely destroyed due to burst pipes, and citizens stranded with no place to go to keep warm and stay safe. Our team is here, and we are Ready for whatever happens®. 

What to do when your refrigerator leaks

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

What happened?

The common cause for these water leaks is the plastic water line behind the refrigerator will crack, a slow drip begins and water pools behind the fridge unnoticed. Another common cause is excess condensation buildup which has the same effect. Water damage from your fridge can cause numerous problems in your home especially since the problem can go unnoticed for so long, at this point the damage has already taken a toll on your floors and surrounding areas. Moisture and heat in the dark environment create perfect conditions for mold to form and your floorboards to rot. This should not be overlooked. Over at SERVPRO we are experts in mold remediation and will gladly remove and prevent further frustrations for you.

So now what?

It is important to first clean up any visible water to avoid further damage and possibilities of mold occurring. Once this is done you should inspect your fridge and see if there are any noticeable leaks or areas where condensation may be forming to excess. It is important to replace any faulty connections to stop the immediate leak if possible. If you are able to, assess the damage done to the area under and around the fridge. Most of the time floorboards will show visible damage, but the real problems can occur underneath where you cannot see. We recommend you give us a call at SERVPRO of Manassas where we are available 24/7 to assist. We will send a team out to stop any further damage and spread of mold and help prevent this issue from occurring again. While you may be able to swap out the damaged areas of flooring, mold can continue to grow and cause more problems in the future. With many years of experience we will make the cleanup a quick and easy experience.

Pro tip: add a water alarm behind/under your fridge to catch any further problems from getting far

What to do after burst pipes

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

With the temperatures quickly rising and the hot summer season headed straight towards us, our natural inclination is to turn up the A/C indoors and head to the pool each chance we get. 

However, just because the risk for frozen pipes has passed, the risk of water damage still poses a threat even during the summer months. 

The extended use of air conditioning units, if not properly maintained, can cause drainage issues. To avoid this, make sure to change your air filter regularly. Regular inspections and cleanings are also important to prevent and stop any issues in your unit from worsening. One thing to keep an eye on is the drainage pan. Check to make sure water isn’t leaking and accumulating in the pan. Especially in the hotter weather; mold, mildew, and fungus can easily grow and spread. 

Another thing that keeps in mind is the potential for pipes to burst. Although burst pipes are more common during the colder months, hot summer weather can still cause this headache for a home or property owner. A good rule of thumb is to notice whenever there is a change in your water pressure. While it could be simply just an irritation, it could also be a sign that something bigger is on the verge of happened. This could be a result of corrosion build-up which leads to leaks and eventually, water getting into your home or office. 

The risk for pipes bursting doesn’t stop there. If you notice cracks appearing on the walls, especially around the corner, it’d be safe to assume there have been changes in your foundation. An easy solution, however, is to consistently water the soil and even place plants around the perimeter of the foundation. The plant helps moderate the temperature of the soil and can also serve to hold the ground together with its roots.

Fixing busted pipes

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

As the cold weather is starting arrive in Manassas, you may experience bursting pipes. You may inspect your commercial property on a regular basis, but sometimes bursting pipes still occur. If you experience water damage, as the result of a damaged pipe, time is of the essence. You want to get it fixed quickly so that you can avoid as much damage as possible. Here is a timeline of how that may go.

Expert Location
As soon as you notice there is a problem, you may want to call water mitigation experts to fix the broken pipe. The representative who answers the phone will likely ask you a few questions to determine what kind of problem you have.

• Where is the pipe located?
• How big is the damaged area?
• How long has it been leaking?
• How fast is it leaking?
• Have you turned off the water and power to the area?

Make sure before you call know these answers or we can guide you through it. If you want to be extra prepared for the cold season, contact your Marketing Rep and have them conduct an ERP, that way you know 100% how to turn off your water at your commercial property.

Damage Assessment
Bursting pipes are as critical as they sound. Water is likely spewing in all directions, soaking everything in its path. Once the technicians arrive, they will assess the damage this has caused and be able to devise a plan.

Water Extraction
If your preliminary report over the phone was accurate, it will likely match the professional assessment pretty closely. This means the technicians can get right to the water extraction. They pump the water out to halt its potential to cause secondary damage.

Surface Drying
It's not enough to just remove the standing water. Everything has to be dried, or your building is likely to develop a mold problem. This is particularly probable if the leak has significantly raised the humidity of the area.

All of these things ideally happen within the first 24 hours. Mold can start to grow in as little as a day, so you are probably rushing the clock to get everything dry again. The sooner you call the problem with your bursting pipes in and get the repair process started, the better chance you have of avoiding secondary damage.

If you do experience a pipe bursting, call SERVPRO of Manassas