What to expect from SERVPRO during a water loss

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

No matter the size of the water loss, we are here to help!

SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley wants to make sure that the people of Clackamas and Happy Valley are prepared for any and everything. If you experience any kind of fire or water loss in your home or business keep us in mind we are Here to Help®!

When SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley responds to a water loss, there are three main components to the drying process: inspection, emergency services, and monitoring.

Inspection

SERVPRO of North Clackamas Happy Valley will inspect the area to the extent of the damage and to evaluate how far the water has migrated. SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley will walk you through the process and a plan of action will be established.

Emergency Services

The goal of our emergency services is to prevent further damage to your property and contents, remove unrestorable materials, and create conditions for drying the structure and contents effectively. This typically involves placing air movers and dehumidifiers.

Monitoring

To help ensure that the structure is drying to industry standards, SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley will monitor the drying process daily. Monitoring occurs until the impacted structure and contents have dried.

If you do experience water damage, do not hesitate to call no matter the time or location SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley is here to help 24 hours a day 365 days a year. SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley professionals can give you peace of mind by helping make it “ Like it never even happened”. Whenever there is a call out to SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley is ready to meet that need. No matter the time or place or time you can always count on SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley To be there for you or your business. If you have any questions or every need our assistance we are always here to help, just give us a call at (503)652-3997.

SERVPRO wants to make sure the community is prepared for any and everything

9/6/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always here to help whenever called upon!

Any water damage in your home or business is bad. There's no such thing as a small disaster. Especially when the water you don't see contains bacteria or causes mold, rot and other unseen damage. Unseen water can create much longer claims later. So before you attempt to dry and clean it up yourself, consider how this will affect my business or home  if this goes wrong. Here at SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley we  understand how disruptive a water loss like this can be for your family or customers. Because of that, we offer a 24- hour emergency response with our trained staff who will arrive on site within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services for you and your family. By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley can help you regain control while  quickly drying, deodorizing and protecting their home and belongings. Do before you risk the value of your home or business by attempting to take care of it yourself and potentially cause further damage give SERVPRO® a call we are always Here to Help® in your time of need. If you do want to take care of it yourself here are some things to not do while attempting to clean!

Things to Not Do

•  Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards
• Use  your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

No matter the time or location SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley is here to help 24 hours a day 365 days a year. SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley professionals can give you peace of mind by helping make it “ Like it never even happened”. Whenever there is a call out to SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley is ready to meet that need. No matter the time or place or time you can always count on SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley To be there for you or your business. If you have any questions or ever need our assistance we are always here to help, just give us a call at (503)652-3997.

Local home owner experiences hot water heater leak!

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

Water Heater Leak!!

SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley received an emergency call from a local home owner in the Clackamas area regarding a water loss. During that emergency call we were told  that “the hot water heater inside the finished basement had leaked and there was standing water!” Within an hour our crew of well trained professionals were on sight with equipment ready to help! Our crew was able to extract the water, unfortunately the water went inside the wallas and the bedroom. The carpet in both rooms absorbed a lot of water.

Once the standing water was extracted and we began to remove the carpet , pad, and baseboards  our crew chief noticed suspicious growth. Due to that suspicious growth, we weren't able to set air movement. We had to wait for the removal of the affected materials in order to set that drying equipment.Once we were able to remove the affected material we came up with a drying plan. The plan was to set two dehumidifiers in addition to demolition to speed up that drying process. We were able to finish demolition and dry the basement out in only 5 days and had their basement restored to preloss conditions.

Here at SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley, we make sure to make your home or business look just as good as new or how we like to say "Like it never even happened.” Please call SERVPRO of North Clackamas and Happy Valley twenty-four a day seven days a week for any Fire, Water, Mold, or Bio-hazard clean-ups. If you have any questions please give us a call at (503)652-3997.

Water damage in your basement?

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Water can do great damage to your home, including the loss of personal items, and may uncover previously unknown structural issues or deterioration. Even with prompt removal of the water, your home may incur costly damage. Will your insurance company be there in the event of a basement flood? There are several factors that determine what is and what is not covered.

1. Where did the water come from? Most homeowner's policies typically cover damage from water that originates from the top down, such as rain or melting ice. If the water comes from the bottom, such as from the overflow of a nearby river, you will likely need specific flood insurance.

2. How fast did the flooding or water damage occur? A poorly maintained faucet or toilet that slowly leaked, for example, would not qualify for insurance coverage. However, if a pipe suddenly bursts and leaves your basement flooded, this is likely to fall within your coverage limitations.

3. What type of policy or policies do you have? A basic homeowner's policy with dwelling coverage will extend to water damage as described above to your flooring, drywall, and many other structures in your home. Furniture, appliances, and other personal items will probably not be covered. Personal property insurance is likely to cover items beyond your home’s structural elements in the event that your basement becomes flooded.

4. What else do you need to remember? All insurance policies have deductibles and coverage limitations. Read the fine print and consult your insurance company to be sure your home and belongings will be covered.

If the worst happens to your basement, be sure to consult a professional to minimize damage, regardless of the cause or your insurance coverage. Dealing with a basement is no picnic, but with proper cleanup and drying, damages can be reduced to limit your out-of-pocket costs and to preserve the structure and aesthetics of your home.

Cleaning up water damage in your home

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Our local team in Milwaukie/ Happy Valley has been restoring water damage in our area for many years. We use advanced technology and powerful industrial-grade equipment to speed up the water extraction and drying process. Here are descriptions of the equipment we use to save our customers time and money:

Moisture Detection and Measurement

• Surface moisture meters
• Evasive moisture detectors
• Video borescope

Water Extraction Equipment

• We use powerful extraction equipment to speed 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

• We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
• High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Different levels of water damage

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage from a category 1 classification is from clean and sanitary sources, such as:

• Water lines
• Faucets
• Toilet tanks
• Drinking fountains
• Showerheads
• Rainwater (sometimes)

Although this water is clean, it does not come without risks. If it is not cleaned quickly, it can degrade into category 2—leading to health issues for those inhabiting the structure.

Category 2 – Grey Water Damage

Water damage from a category 2 classification is from sources that have a level of contaminants that may cause illness or discomfort if ingested. These sources include:

• Dishwashers
• Washing machines
• Toilets with urine, but not feces
• Other sources where water has been used

Category 3 – Black or Unsanitary Water Damage

Water damage from a category 3 classification, sometimes called black water, contains dangerously unsanitary contaminants. It could cause serious illness, or even death if ingested. Category 3 water damage includes water from:

• Sewers
• Toilets with feces
• Rivers or streams
• Stagnant water bodies that have become a habitat for bacterial growth

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is necessary,

Ground water flooding your basement?

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Ground water is a pain, especially when it gets high enough it starts seeping through your vents. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies will cover a ground water claim because it is considered a natural cause. Ground water is easily contaminated and is nearly always the result of human activity. In areas where population density is high and human use of the land is intensive, ground water is especially vulnerable. Just as ground water generally moves slowly, so do contaminants in ground water. Because of this slow movement, contaminants tend to remain concentrated in the form of a plume. Virtually any activity whereby chemicals or wastes may be released to the environment, either intentionally or accidentally, has the potential to pollute ground water. When ground water becomes contaminated, it is difficult and expensive to clean up. Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley if you have ground water in your basement/ crawlspace. We are ALWAYS here to help!

Clean up after water damage

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen to anyone at any time, and you never are truly prepared, regardless of business or home. Water can damage your personal items or business items which can cost tons of money. Here at SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley we have the machines and products to thoroughly clean your belongings, restoring them to pre loss condition. If belongings are not able to be restored, we will let you know to talk to your insurance adjuster for reimbursement. If you are not going through an insurance company, it may be harder to find coverage for reimbursement of belongings and chances are you will have to pay out of pocket. On the bright side, we always do the most cost-effective way to save you money. We don’t move forward with cleaning with out owner consent.

What happens when you call us for water damage

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

When SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley responds to a water loss, there are three main components to the drying process: inspection, emergency services, and monitoring.

Inspection

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley will inspect the area to the extent of the damage and to evaluate how far the water has migrated. SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley will walk you through the process and a plan will of action will be established.

Emergency Services

The goal of our emergency services is to prevent further damage to your property and contents, remove unrestorable materials, and create conditions for drying the structure and contents effectively. This typically involves placing air movers and dehumidifiers.

Monitoring

To help ensure that the structure is drying to industry standards, SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley will monitor the drying process daily. Monitoring occurs until the impacted structure and contents have dried.

If you do experience water damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley at 503-652-3997. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you when disaster strikes. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Kitchen Water Damage

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen Water Damage

This basement was a victim of water damage. Here in this picture you can see the extent of the damage, a water leak from the top floor found its way to the basement causing drywall, flooring, some appliances and personal belongings to be affected. After removing affected materials, drying equipment was placed to ensure no mold would occur, monitoring appointments would be set to check on progress of drying everyday to make sure our drying plan was sufficient. After drying is complete, the rebuild can start to get your home back into preloss condition. "Like it never even happened."

When disaster strikes call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley.  We are available to help 24 hours a day of the week, including holidays. 503-652-3997.

Simple water damage can much bigger than expected

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Not a simple water job!

This customer called us with what would seem to some, a simple water damage. We arrived on site and did our inspection and what we found surprised the home owner. We were able to source the garbage disposal was leaking however it had been leaking for a while. We had to break the news to the home owner that we found microbial growth.

You will see what looks like a simple wet flooring, however under that flooring and on the wall was some pretty strong growth. 

The flooring was removed down to the sub floor as well as the cabinets, sink and stove. 

What seems to be a small water damage or simple leak can manifest into a much larger problem if not addressed immediately. 

If you think you have even the smallest amount of water damage call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley 503-652-3997.

Leaky Air Vents?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Leaky Air Vents

Not all water damages are big and chaotic, some are small and harmless like this one in the picture below. Here we have an air vent that has a small amount of water leaking out of it. Around the vent, the water has made the drywall wet, as long as there is no insulation it can be dried in place making the process short and sweet. Even though this is a pretty small damage we know it can be a big deal to home owners and/ or tenants and we would treat it as so. Our staff here at SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley are trained in handling the situation calmly keeping you updated the whole way through to help put your mind at ease. Water damage can happen to anyone so don't feel singled out!

Water Damage in the Kitchen

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage due to refrigerator malfunction.

Water damage in the kitchen it a common occurrence due to the fact that there are several water lines. Here are the three most common causes of kitchen water losses:

• Ice Maker
• Dishwasher
• Under the Sink

A water loss occurring in the kitchen often does not stay contained to the kitchen. It can spread to adjacent rooms, downstairs, or into your crawlspace. That is why is important to know where you have water lines at in your kitchen and to check on them periodically.

At the first sign of water damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley. We are available for your cleanup and restoration needs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Areas In Your Happy Valley Home

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Every home and property has unique challenges when it comes to extracting water and drying out the structure. These are four of the most common areas.

Every home and property has unique challenges when it comes to extracting water and drying out the structure. These are four of the most common areas and why they prove to be so difficult. 

 Duct Work 

Some duct systems made of fragile and porous materials make it difficult to dry and set up drying equipment. 

Attic Space

Attic spaces can be hard to get equipment into and may have electrical hazards. Oftentimes attic spaces require that insulation is removed to properly dry the space. 

Crawlspace 

Crawlspace may be hard to work in and place drying equipment into. Low temperatures can make it difficult to warm the space and properly dry it. 

Basements 

Many basements are unfinished with lots of porous materials that would need disposing of due to possible contamination in water. 

No matter the space or the cause of damage, SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley is always Here to Help when disaster strikes. We have crews who are on call 24/7 because we know that when disaster strikes there is no time to wait. 

Water Mitigation-SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley is here to help!

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley 503-652-3997

When SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley responds to a water loss, there are three main components to the drying process:

inspection, emergency services, and monitoring.

Inspection

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley will inspect the area to the extent of the damage and to evaluate how far the water has migrated. SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley will walk you through the process and a plan will of action will be established.

Emergency Services

The goal of our emergency services is to prevent further damage to your property and contents, remove unrestorable materials, and create conditions for drying the structure and contents effectively. This typically involves placing air movers and dehumidifiers.

Monitoring

To help ensure that the structure is drying to industry standards, SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley will monitor the drying process daily. Monitoring occurs until the impacted structure and contents have dried.

If you do experience water damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley at 503-652-3997. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you when disaster strikes.

We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Small leak? Get help! SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Not all water damages are big and chaotic, some are small and harmless. Here we have an air vent that has a small amount of water leaking out of it. Around the vent, the water has made the drywall wet; as long as there is no insulation it can be dried in place, making the process short and sweet. Even though this is a pretty small damage we know it can be a big deal to homeowners and/or tenants and we would treat it as so. Our staff are trained in handling the situation calmly keeping you updated the whole way through to help put your mind at ease. Water damage can happen to anyone so don't feel singled out! Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley today for your water damage needs.

Your Sprinkler

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Although sprinkler systems can be intended to provide a great service they can unfortunately be accidentally tripped.

In this case a group of young children were rough housing in the apartment alone when one of them hit the sprinkler system on the ceiling. To their surprise a hurricane ensued and drenched the entire apartment.

Remember to NEVER hang anything on your sprinkler system no matter how cute and they can be set off with an aggressive bump. No rough housing indoors unless you bring your swim suit.

Water damage and Flooding can be a disastrous  time consuming and life changing event, but here at SERVPRO our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley is here for you 24/7 365 days a year. 

Speaking the Language of Water Damage

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Categories of water to look out for:

Category 1 – Water originates from a sanitary source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. (Clear water)

Category 2 – Water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. (Grey water)

Category 3 – Water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. (Black water)

It is important to know what water category the water in your home is when the damage occurs to avoid any contact that could pose a harmful effect on your health.We treat your home like its our own. Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley at 503-652-3997 we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Have you had a water damage?

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Have you had a water damage and unsure of what to do? Call SERVPRO Milwaukie Happy Valley and we can walk you through it! Do you need help speaking the insurance language? Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley and we can walk you through it! See a pattern here? SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley can help you if you have had damage to your home or personal property. Give us a call and let us work out the details for you and with you. Our people are experienced and available 24/7 365 days a year, you will talk with a live person and get help immediately. We work with all insurance companies and are always here to help. Give us a call so we can help.

Having a water damage during Covid 19

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Having a water damage during Covid 19 can be a scary thing. Everyone is worried about who is coming into their home. SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley is here to help. Here are the steps and precautions that we are taking when you call us with damage to your home. 

 All technicians have been trained with a weekly meeting on safety. We will wear protective gear the entire time we are in your home to keep you safe as well as us and our families when we go home. You will see technicians with Tyvek suits, gloves and mask on, before we enter you homes. Our offices and warehouses are being cleaned daily as safety is our upmost priority. Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley today!

How to spot water damage

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Water damaged drywall in Clackamas

Here are some early warning indicators to be aware of:

1.Your flooring may change. Tile may loosen without explanation or even any noticeable wetness. Vinyl can peel and laminate flooring may warp or looked buckled.

• You may see evidence on walls. saturated drywall is obvious. Some not so obvious signs can include paint that is peeling or bubbling, or drywall that is cracking due to small amounts of water on the inside of the wall that can cause the material to swell and retract without looking wet.
• Discolorations or spots is an obvious sign that water has intruded.
• Odors, specifically a musty smell, this is a sign that microbial growth may have occurred.
• You may hear water running. at night when the house is quiet, can you hear the subtle hiss of water running in the plumbing system or sounds of dripping inside walls, try to document where you hear the sounds so that it can be further investigated.
• Have no fear, you can call SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley 24/7 365 days a year and you will reach a live person who cares about your home just as much as you do. Even if you aren’t sure where it is coming from or what is going on, call on the professionals hear at SERVPRO Milwaukie Happy Valley.

Water Damage Timeline

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know the timeline for water damage looks like?

Within Minutes:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property and can saturate everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods start to spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Dishwasher Water Damage

3/17/2019 (Permalink)

We receive a lot of calls about water damage in kitchens. Upon arrival to the job, our technicians often find that the cause of the water loss is due to the dishwasher. There are three main causes of a dishwasher leak:

Supply Line

The water supply line that comes standard to most dishwasher is a copper tube. Copper tends to decay over time which leads to leaks or a total detachment. It is important to check your supply line twice a year to make sure that it is in good shape. It is also recommended that you replace the copper supply line with a stainless-steel tube for more durability.

Water Inlet Valve

There is a valve under your dishwasher that can slowly leak over time. Taking off the bottom, front plate of your dishwasher and checking for leaks twice a year is a great way to monitor if a leak is occurring.

Gasket Leaks

A gasket acts as a seal.  If you have water pooling in front of your dishwasher after using it, this may be a sign of a weak door gasket.

If you notice any sort of dishwasher leak, call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley immediately at 503-652-3997. We will answer the phone 24/7, 365 days a year to lead your water damage restoration and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Kitchen Water Damage

3/16/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in the kitchen it a common occurrence due to the fact that there are several water lines. Here are the three most common causes of kitchen water losses:

• Ice Maker
• Dishwasher
• Under the Sink

A water loss occurring in the kitchen often does not stay contained to the kitchen. It can spread to adjacent rooms, downstairs, or into your crawlspace. That is why is important to know where you have water lines at in your kitchen and to check on them periodically.

At the first sign of water damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley. We are available for your cleanup and restoration needs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Frozen Pipe Facts

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

With low temperatures in the Milwaukie and Happy Valley area this week, your friends at SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy want to share these facts about frozen pipes!

• 37% of all frozen pipe failures occur in a basement.
• Frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks of property damage when the temperature drops.
• A frozen pipe that bursts can lead to more than $5,000 in water damage to your property.
• 32 degrees is the point of freezing. It is important to keep your home above this temperature.
• Pipe insulation can cost as little at 50 cents per linear foot. This can be crucial in preventing your pipes from freezing. 

If you do experience a burst pipe, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley at 503-652-3997. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you when disaster strikes. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Preventing your Pipes from Freezing

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

If you are going to be away from your home for an extended time during the winter, use these tips from your locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley to prevent your pipes from freezing:

• Don’t lower your heat too much. A lower temperature can help keep your heating costs down, but if a cold snap stakes and pipes that normally would be safe, can freeze and burst
• The best safeguard is to drain your pipes. With no water in the pipes, there is nothing there that can freeze. You can do that by shutting off your water at your main shut off site and turning on every water fixture in your house until the water stops running. When returning home, simply turn your water back on and turn on every water fixture until water starts flowing again.

If you do experience a burst pipe while away from home, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley at 503-652-3997. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you when disaster strikes. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley at 503-652-3997

When SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley responds to a water loss, there are three main components to the drying process: inspection, emergency services, and monitoring.

Inspection

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley will inspect the area to the extent of the damage and to evaluate how far the water has migrated. SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley will walk you through the process and a plan will of action will be established.

Emergency Services

The goal of our emergency services is to prevent further damage to your property and contents, remove unrestorable materials, and create conditions for drying the structure and contents effectively. This typically involves placing air movers and dehumidifiers.

Monitoring

To help ensure that the structure is drying to industry standards, SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley will monitor the drying process daily. Monitoring occurs until the impacted structure and contents have dried.

If you do experience water damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley at 503-652-3997. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you when disaster strikes. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Washing Machine Safety Tips

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage by washing machine.

Washing Machines Study fact A burst water supply line caused half of all water damage incidents involving washing machines. On average, these incidents caused more than $6,000 in damage per incident. Loss prevention and maintenance tips

1. Turn supply valves off when not in use. 

2. Consider installing a lever-type valve that is easy to operate between uses.

3. Do not operate the washing machine while the home is unoccupied.

4. Leave a 3 to 4 inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose near the valve connection.

5. Inspect the water supply line hoses every 6 months.

6. Ensure that the connection to the valve is secure, but avoid over-tightening.

7. Hand tighten first. Then tighten an additional 2/3 of a turn using pliers.

8. Check the hoses for cracks, kinks or blisters, which are most commonly found near the hose connection.

9. Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every 5 years.

10. Consider reinforced braided stainless steel hoses.

Standing Water In Your Home

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

ground water in basement

Standing water is a pool of water of any size that does not flow. It can occur after excessive rains, severe storms, from hurricanes or other natural events but can also be caused by human induced methods such as an old bucket or abandoned swimming pool. It can cause an immense amount of damage to your home and your belongings. Unfortunately, living in Oregon we seem to have a great amount of ground water that likes to pop up whenever it feels like (usually when it rains heavy) and most insurance company do not cover ground water so you end up paying out of pocket to repair your home AND replace the personal items that were contaminated by the water. Call SERVPRO we can help!

Categories of water

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

Important facts about water damage

Categories of water to look out for:

Category 1 – Water originates from a sanitary source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. (clear water)

Category 2 – Water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. (grey water)

Category 3 – Water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents.(black water)

It is important to know what water category the water in your home is when the damage occurs to avoid any contact that could pose a harmful effect on your health.We treat your home like its our own. Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley at 503-652-3997 we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Who will you call when it rains indoors?

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Leaky pipe on second level causes water damages on the main level

Living in Oregon we are use to the rain, but raining indoors? not so much. When water comes pouring though your ceiling or rushing out of your walls call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley. Here is a photo of a pipe leak that seems small but if left untouched could result in water migrating to different areas of your home, mold growth as well as secondary damage. Our on call crew is trained to handle any situation that occurs while keeping you updated on the progress of your home to ensure  you are completely comfortable with all work that is provided by SERVPRO. We are ALWAYS here to help, customer satisfaction is our #1 priority. Licensed, bonded and insured by many agencies throughout the city.

Leaky air vents?

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Water leaking out of air vent

Not all water damages are big and chaotic, some are small and harmless like this one in the picture below. Here we have an air vent that has a small amount of water leaking out of it. Around the vent, the water has made the drywall wet, as long as there is no insulation it can be dried in place making the process short and sweet. Even though this is a pretty small damage we know it can be a big deal to home owners and/ or tenants and we would treat it as so. Our staff are trained in handling the situation calmly keeping you updated the whole way through to help put your mind at ease. Water damage can happen to anyone so don't feel singled out!

What a sprinkler system can do

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

Sprinkler system went off during a party

Although sprinkler systems can be intended to provide a great service they can unfortunately be accidentally tripped.

In this case a group of young children were rough housing in the apartment alone when one of them hit the sprinkler system on the ceiling. To their surprise a hurricane ensued and drenched the entire apartment.

Remember to NEVER hang anything on your sprinkler system no matter how cute and they can be set off with an aggressive bump. No rough housing indoors unless you bring your swim suit.

Water damage and Flooding can be a disastrous  time consuming and life changing event, but here at SERVPRO our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley is here for you 24/7 365 days a year.