Trusted Equipment Used for Water Damaged Homes in Hicksville

9/23/2024 (Permalink)

After water damage, you can trust that your Hicksville home is in good hands with our experienced technicians at SERVPRO.

Making a Home's Water Damage Restoration a Reality 

Our water damage mitigation team, with its extensive training and years of collective experience, is here to provide homeowners in Hicksville with scaled and tailored services. This expertise, the backbone of our work, instills confidence in our clients, knowing that we use advanced tools and machines to restore their homes. 

If your home in Hicksville sustains water damage, you can trust SERVPRO® to restore your home to a condition that is 'Like it never even happened.' This means we strive to return your home to its pre-damage state, using our expertise and advanced tools to mitigate and restore your house after an emergency involving water. 

Here are a few equipment types used in many of our water damage mitigation and restoration projects: 

• Extraction, 
• Drying, and 
• Cleaning 

Before extracting water from your home, we choose the equipment to match the type of material involved. The Injecti-Dry system treats wood floors and other smooth, non-porous flooring types. We often choose a weighted system to remove water from water-logged carpets. Both techniques work exceptionally well at removing water from materials that easily and readily retain water. 

Restoring your home after a water emergency is a thorough process. We rely on heat and air movement to achieve preferred humidity, testing several different materials to ensure our work is progressing as expected. This detailed approach reassures homeowners that we have the equipment and expertise to restore their home to its pre-damage condition, whether it's a small area or the entire house. 

At times, after a water disaster, we might need to use fresh, clean water to rinse an area to proceed with the other steps in mitigating the damage and restoring your home. This ensures a clean and safe restoration process for your home. 

 Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for a team experienced in restoring homes with water damage.

Beyond Drying During Water Damage Repair in Hicksville Properties

1/19/2024 (Permalink)

Neither snow nor sleet shall keep SERVPRO from mitigating water damage for our loyal Hcksville customers. Here To Help®

Additional Steps That Ensure Thorough Water Restoration

The hamlet and Census Designated Place of Hicksville, NY, is a transportation hub, with its train station being the busiest on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) network. It offers several shopping and dining facilities like Kundan Galleria, Shaheen Plaza, The Rabbit’s Foot, Zaoq 100, and Chada Thai Bistro. The Hicksville Gregory Museum is one of the landmarks in the area. Events like the Hicksville Summer Street Festival and Community Parades on Memorial Day or Veterans Day provide a unique chance to interact.

You must promptly remedy the situation if you encounter water intrusion at your property. Most people assume water damage repair means drying Hicksville residences expeditiously, which is partly true. However, professionals from SERVPRO® also take other steps to ensure the property regains its preloss condition.

Other tasks that resolve water damage

• Cleaning
• Deodorizing
• Inspecting utilities 

Water can come from different sources, including fresh supply pipes, waste disposal, appliances, and utilities such as air conditioning systems. These sources contain varying levels of chemicals and other substances, thus soiling any exposed materials. You should be prepared to clean your house after a water damage incident. Even clean water sources may necessitate cleaning since moisture triggers microbial growth, which, given time, taints materials.

Your property may not smell right or may develop pungent odors after water damage incidents. These develop from the combination of soils, contaminants, and microbial processes thriving in the wet environment. Preventive and restorative deodorization procedures are necessary to fight the smells. SERVPRO technicians use chemicals to neutralize odor molecules or other approaches, such as exposing odorous materials to ozone or hydroxyl radicals.

Apart from restoring sanitary conditions in your property, you must also check your utilities to ensure they are in a good working state. Electric outlets, recessed lighting, electric cables, and air ducts are usually affected by water exposure. Inspecting and draining the retained water helps prevent short circuits and corrosion.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview takes every step, including thorough drying, to facilitate water damage repair. Call (516) 733-1800.

Can SERVPRO Save My Water Damaged Wooden Floors in Nassau County?

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

No matter the size of water damage restoration needed in your Nassau County home, SERVPRO IICRC-certified techs are ready at a moment's notice.

SERVPRO Technicians Tackle Water Restoration on Nassau County Floors

Wooden floors lend a touch of elegance to homes. However, water from a leaking pipe, a broken appliance, or bad weather can damage floors. Thankfully, SERVPRO technicians know how to tackle moisture damage on floors.

If your wooden floors in Hicksville have water damage, call SERVPRO as quickly as possible. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we can dry out your floorboards and help prevent further damage.

How Does Water Affect Wooden Floors?

When boards get wet, they absorb moisture, which can cause:

• Cupping: when the edges rise and form a cup.
• Crowning: when the middle of the board rises to form a bump.
• Buckling: when warped boards push against each other and buckle at the joints.

What is a Drying Goal, and Why Does it Matter?

If your floor gets wet, of course, you want it to be dry. But what exactly is dry? It might surprise you to know that dry is not a straightforward concept. What we consider dry here in the Town of Oyster Bay might be different than if we were in a more humid state.

Our technicians set a drying goal to know when the floor is as dry as it should be. We start by establishing a drying standard. The drying standard is the moisture reading we expect from a floor without moisture damage. We aim to dry the wet floor to that standard, typically about 8-11% of total moisture content.

Establishing a goal first makes for more effective water damage restoration because:

• We are working with exact figures, and there is no guesswork.
• We can see how well we are progressing toward our goal.
• We know when we reach our goal and complete the job.

We measure dryness by the amount of moisture in a material. For wood, we measure dryness as a percentage.  

Why Do We Measure Humidity? 

We train our technicians to Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. That includes the S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration. The S500 covers many aspects of restoration, including psychrometry and drying technology. Psychrometry sounds complicated, but it is just the science of how air, humidity, and temperature affect materials. A critical measurement for any drying process is humidity. 

Humidity means the amount of water vapor in the air. When drying water-damaged floors, humidity is a key indicator of how close we are to our drying goal. Our teams measure two kinds of humidity: Relative and specific. 

Relative humidity (RH) means the amount of moisture in the air at a given temperature. We are looking for a relative humidity of less than 50% for drying purposes. Our technicians use thermo-hygrometers to measure relative humidity. 

However, temperature significantly affects relative humidity. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold before it becomes saturated. Our team also measures specific humidity (SH), which tells us the amount of water vapor in the air as a ratio to total air, regardless of temperature. We plot the relative humidity readings and plot them on a psychrometric chart to determine the specific moisture levels. This process enables us to strategically position air movers and dehumidifiers to optimize water evaporation from wet surfaces.

How Can SERVPRO Dry my Floors?

We start by removing carpets or rugs on top of the floor. We also use extractors to remove surface water.

Our team uses their calculations to set up air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers. These tools help reduce the amount of humidity and encourage water evaporation from the surface of boards. We aim to restore your floors “Like it never even happened.”

As well as drying the floor, we can also sand it after it is dry to remove minor irregularities and refinish it if necessary.

If you have water damaged wooden floors, assemblies, or contents, do not delay. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for assistance.

Water Restoration Erases Water-Based Disasters in Hicksville

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview to help with water restoration to your property.

Families Rely on Our Water Damage Restoration Experts

Winter can be a time of fun winter activities for people bundled up against the cold air. When the fun ends in Hicksville, your family wants to return to a warm, cozy house. A broken water line or slipped fitting on an appliance can ruin your return home. Our water restoration services can make everything habitable once more.

Because nobody ever knows when such emergencies will happen, SERVPRO's experts in water restoration remain near Hicksville. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Crises like this are more likely to occur during the worst of winter because of ice dams and frozen pipes that can wreak havoc on area homes.

We use specialized equipment to address the issues that make a water-related disaster inside your home so monumental. We've invested in the following types of machinery, among others:

• Heaters
• Extraction devices
• Drying equipment

We use heaters to resolve broken pipes after we've shut off the nearest valves and then sealed off the line with the proper repairs. These repairs can include something as minor as a new elbow joint or a replacement pipe extension. Heaters also help accelerate evaporation, a vital part of the drying process. We also use air movers and box fans for accelerated drying.

Extracting the water covering your floors before it can seep into any more carpet or more profound into your subfloor saves you money in the long run. If the emergency takes place on an upper floor, this can help protect lower levels from any water damage.

Drying the house afterward can make all the difference in developing secondary water damage. Keeping this dry means a reduced risk of corrosion to your electrical system, as well as less microbial activity, less uncomfortable high humidity, and less odor from moisture.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for your restoration needs after your home experience a disaster.

Water Damage and Hardwood Floors in Hicksville

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage mitigation done by SERVPRO ensures your Hicksville home appears "Like it never even happened."

When Is Hardwood Flooring Beyond Salvaging?

With any water intrusion affecting a Hicksville home, many materials can become saturated immediately upon exposure to water. Flooring is among the most commonly affected, as this is where the highest concentration of pooling and standing water typically exists. The longer elements like wood flooring are exposed to the standing water, the more saturated and damaged they can become. We work to provide our customers with an immediate response to these situations to protect these flooring materials, however possible.

Wood flooring, a common element of Hicksville homes, is particularly susceptible to water damage and saturation concerns when loss incidents occur. Our SERVPRO team has multiple options for addressing these conditions, beginning with our advanced equipment and extensive training in structural drying from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

As with any damaging water situation, arriving at the property as promptly as possible is critical. With the array of extraction tools that our team has at their disposal, we can quickly remove standing water continually affecting wood flooring. Once the excess has been removed, our technicians can set up rapid drying solutions like:

• high-velocity air movers
• desiccant dehumidifiers
• Injecti-Dry system that can slowly draw moisture from saturated wood flooring

While getting professionals like our SERVPRO technicians on site and working towards immediate mitigation and recovery is critical, wood flooring typically takes a few days before saturation becomes so bad that the material warps and distorts. However, the faster that professionals can address the problem, the more likely that these materials do not require removal and reinstallation.

Fast response to any water spillage or leaking incident is vital to protecting your home and its contents, but the timetable becomes more defined when wood flooring gets involved. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview restoration specialists has the equipment and the expertise to make water loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

Water Damage Repair in Hicksville

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your water damage needs.

Call SERVPRO For Your Hicksville Area Water Recovery

Water damage to your home is not only an inconvenience, but it can also be a scary experience. In addition to the hassle of cleaning up, you never know if you’ll be able to restore your home to its previous state.

Call SERVPRO to help with your Hicksville residence water mitigation and restoration. We shall get your home back to normal as quickly as possible and make it look “Like it never even happened.” We specialize in restoring your home. We have highly trained technicians who use advanced water removal techniques and drying equipment standing by to take your call.

How Does SERVPRO Do It?

Our top priority is to remove water as quickly as possible. We have technicians available to begin the mitigation without hours. By removing the water before it has a chance to cause severe damage, we can focus on restoring your water-damaged structural components instead of replacing them. Even when water is not removed immediately, our proven process can mitigate the damage.

Some of Our Equipment

• Portable wet vacs – These are used to suck up all standing water
• Wands engineered for carpet and hardwood water extraction.
• Air movers – These enhance evaporation, reducing the overall dry time.
• Dehumidification equipment – This is used to remove excess moisture from the air.
• Moisture sensors and meters are used to determine the moisture content in various materials. We compare these readings to unaffected materials within the environment--the baseline level.

All this equipment allows technicians to ensure your home is dry and back to normal as soon as possible. Repair work can only begin once the restoration completes.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for your water damage emergency.

Why Fast Remediation is Necessary After Hicksville Flood Damage

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

The clock is ticking after water damage occurs

What Professional Water Damage Remediation Delivers in Hicksville

When your Hicksville home suffers from water damage, you might consider trying to manage the aftermath on your own. Whether your motivation is to avoid disruption or save money, it is likely that skipping an expert assessment and refusing a skilled response increases the time and money required to recover from the water loss. Our highly-qualified technicians and experienced managers have the skills to return your home to pre-damaged condition fast.

Once water damage is evident in your Hicksville abode, the clock is ticking. Water is corrosive, damaging structural components and contents immediately and progressively. Moisture that remains can accelerate mold and mildew growth. A solo householder's effort to remove the water and dry out the house and possessions cannot complete the tasks needed quickly enough to avoid expensive repairs in the long term. 

SERVPRO scales our response to your water emergency after we complete a thorough assessment. We understand that mold growth takes hold after just 24 to 48 hours, so we make sure to plan a water removal and structural drying schedule within that time frame. Our service vehicles arrive stocked with water extractors and pumps, as well as the air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers needed for drying out your home. 

Our technicians complete IICRC training in water removal, structural drying, and moisture measurement and monitoring. SERVPRO uses sensitive moisture meters and thermal scanners to isolate hidden caches of water and heavily saturated building materials. We master techniques to move water from porous items like walls and wood trim into the air, where we capture the vapor for disposal.

Since floors often take the brunt of water damage, SERVPRO provides comprehensive hardwood and other flooring moisture mitigation training to our crews. Innovative equipment like floor drying mats uses negative air pressure technology to suction water from several layers of flooring in one treatment. Just mopping or using a consumer shop vac leaves significant amounts of moisture under and between the planks of hardwood floors.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview offers homeowners the speed and full-spectrum services needed to remediate water damage rapidly. Halt the progressive damage fast by calling (516) 733-1800 to schedule a consultation.

SERVPRO is Among Premier Water Restoration Companies in Plainview

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling leaks quickly become visible as they continue to damage your home. Call our certified SERVPRO water restoration technicians for services.

How can water restoration companies like SERVPRO protect Plainview homes?

Water issues like burst pipes and ceiling leaks can have a lasting impact on your property if not handled promptly. After such incidents, water restoration companies like SERVPRO can prevent long-term damage to your Plainview home. Our IICRC certified technicians have years of experience, and We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, making SERVPRO one of the most trusted names in water damage remediation.  

With state-of-the-art equipment and tools in its arsenal, SERVPRO is one of the few water restoration companies in Plainview to handle any size disaster. Once the techs assess the situation, they design a tailor-made restoration plan for the situation at hand. SERVPRO techs use moisture detection devices, extraction equipment, air movers, and dehumidifiers. 

Why are air movers so effective during water damage restoration in Plainview? 

SERVPRO techs use air movers at your Plainview property to enhance evaporation at the surface level and reduce the drying time. Air movers are strategically positioned to create airflow across all wet surfaces.  

• If the lower portions of the walls are wet, SERVPRO techs position air movers to create a vortex of circular airflow. 
• Several air movers are positioned close to each other at an angle between 15-450 to maintain the airflow in a circular vortex pattern. 
• Technicians place one air mover for every 10-16 linear feet along the walls for effective drying. 

What safety precautions do SERVPRO techs take while using air movers?

The two most important safety precautions that SERVPRO techs take while using air movers include –

• Make sure that the air inlets are not blocked 
• Make sure that all air movers have their safety screens in place 

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for water damage repairs.  

Need Help with Water Damage in Your Hicksville Home? Call SERVPRO

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Quick action is required to tackle the water cleanup needs in your home. Contact our certified technicians for a custom water damage remediation plan.

Hicksville homeowners trust SERVPRO for water damage restoration

Ignoring water damage to your Hicksville home can prove costly. Not only can water create a breeding ground for microbial contamination, but it can also slowly cause structural damage to your home. 

SERVPRO's IICRC certified techs have the experience, training, and equipment to help you control the extent of water damage to your Hicksville property. Once our techs are at your property, they use special equipment to scan for the damage and prepare an action plan. The restoration involves creating conditions that speed up the drying process. SERVPRO techs accomplish this task by using dehumidifiers and air movers. 

What is the role of air movers in water cleanup from Hicksville homes? 

Controlling the airflow is one of the most important tools during water damage repair of your Hicksville home. In most drying situations, the faster the airflow across a wet surface, the quicker is the drying rate. SERVPRO techs use air movers to increase the airflow by placing them strategically throughout the affected area. Air movers increase the rate of drying in two ways-

• Help remove the boundary layer: Boundary layer is a thin layer of cold air saturated with water vapor close to the drying surface, slowing down further evaporation. Strategically placed air movers can remove this layer and replace it with warmer, drier air. 
• Circulating dehumidified air: For drying to be fast and effective, the dry and warm air from dehumidifiers must be distributed throughout the structure. Air movers can precisely do this by creating a circular vortex, thereby reducing the humidity ratio of the air. 

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800; we are available round-the-clock to assist you.

Are Pumps or Vacuums Better for Water Removal in Hicksville Homes?

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO van carries a gas-powered pump for water extraction from Hicksville homes

We have multiple extraction tools to help a range of damages in Hicksville properties.

Extraction tools are a staple of our mitigation response to water damages. While the impact of situations like burst pipes, appliance failures, or ceiling leaks all leave varying degrees of cleanup, we quickly assess the needs of the house and our appropriate response.

Determining the Standing Water Threat

When water removal in Hicksville homes is necessary, several considerations must be made to determine the standing water threat. Some of these include:

• Depth – The severity of the standing water situation begins with an assessment of depth. Several inches or feet of standing water is often too much for portable extraction units and requires a more powerful approach like truck-mount pumps. 
• Contamination – Natural flooding can welcome contaminants, pathogenic threats, and even sewage into the house with the water. 
• Debris and Solids – Natural flooding also often demands an extraction device capable of clearing surface water and floating particles/debris in the pool. 
• Damage Area – The size of the work area is also a consideration. A small vacuum is unsuitable for a vast open space with standing water concerns, but instead, this relies on units like trash pumps and engine-driven extractors. 

The Applications for Wet-Vacuums

Wet vacuums are more ideal when a shallower damage level exists or when the workspace necessary is in a confined or challenging area to reach. The lightweight build of our wet vacuums allows them to be portable solutions that could also be suitable for apartment and office buildings with multiple levels.

Using Submersible Pumps

Our SERVPRO team has multiple submersible pump options beginning with electric submersibles that run on portable power like the trailered generators we supply to job sites. Water removal needs often come after disasters that can sever the electricity, so we also have gas-powered trash pumps and engine-drive truck-mount pumps to help in this process as well.

Our technicians at SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview have effective mitigation services to help 24/7 when you call (516) 733-1800.

Where Can Homeowners Get Prompt Water Restoration Services in Hicksville?

10/17/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the size of water damage restoration is needed for your home. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs are ready at a moment's notice.

Take Immediate Action and Involve SERVPRO for Professional Water Restoration in Hicksville 

When water damage occurs, it can cause havoc on your property and possessions. Leaving the excess water in your property for an extended period can lead to irreversible structural damage. To save money and reduce your worries, immediate action is required. Whether the culprit is a small leak from a broken pipe or an overloaded washing machine, you can involve certified restorers like SERVPRO for remediation services. We are always available to respond to our customer's emergency calls. 

We understand how stressful water damage can be, especially when you have a lot on your mind. If you are looking for a company that can perform water restoration in your Hicksville home or business, we have decades of experience behind us. SERVPRO's water remediation services include:

• Assessing the damage
• Thorough cleanup 
• Devising long-lasting solutions 

You can trust our SERVPRO team to listen to your concerns and address them properly. We aim to provide customers with the best possible experience at SERVPRO. Our team strives to provide lasting results while exceeding expectations. We use advanced technology to speed up the restoration process and get your life back to normal. 

We can use stationary tools to remove water from carpeting and padding using only the weight of the technicians standing on the device. The stationery tools have a vacuum system that pulls water through several tiny holes at the unit's base. We can use centrifugal air movers to hasten the evaporation process to eliminate the moisture that remains after using a stationary tool. Since odors may persist, our SERVPRO restorers can use duct cleaning systems to clean your HVAC system and injection devices to apply effective deodorants in confined areas. 

Water damage can be expensive to handle if not taken care of on time. Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for professional services. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Where Can Homeowners Get Prompt Water Restoration Services in Hicksville?

10/16/2021 (Permalink)

When appliances go awry and cause water damage to your home. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate water damage restoration services needed for you.

Take Immediate Action and Involve SERVPRO for Professional Water Restoration in Hicksville 

When water damage occurs, it can cause havoc on your property and possessions. Leaving the excess water in your property for an extended period can lead to irreversible structural damage. To save money and reduce your worries, immediate action is required. Whether the culprit is a small leak from a broken pipe or an overloaded washing machine, you can involve certified restorers like SERVPRO for remediation services. We are always available to respond to our customer's emergency calls. 

We understand how stressful water damage can be, especially when you have a lot on your mind. If you are looking for a company that can perform water restoration in your Hicksville home or business, we have decades of experience behind us. SERVPRO's water remediation services include:

• Assessing the damage 
• Thorough cleanup 
• Devising long-lasting solutions 

You can trust our team to listen to your concerns and address them properly. We aim to provide customers with the best possible experience at SERVPRO. Our team strives to provide lasting results while exceeding expectations. We use advanced technology to speed up the restoration process and get your life back to normal. 

We can use stationary tools to remove water from carpeting and padding using only the weight of the technicians standing on the device. The stationery tools have a vacuum system that pulls water through several tiny holes at the unit's base. We can use centrifugal air movers to hasten the evaporation process to eliminate the moisture that remains after using a stationary tool. Since odors may persist, our SERVPRO restorers can use duct cleaning systems to clean your HVAC system and injection devices to apply effective deodorants in confined areas. 

Water damage can be expensive to handle if not taken care of on time. Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for professional services. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Can Water Damage Restoration Help Hicksville Homeowners Limit The Areas Affected By Moisture?

6/27/2021 (Permalink)

When a burst pipe or leaking ceiling cause damage. SERVPRO is the team to call for all water damage restoration services.

SERVPRO Does Not Start Water Damage Repairs before Taking Steps to Contain Moisture 

After a water intrusion from burst pipes or ceiling leaks, the damage is not contained even after stopping the source. The water already released can wick through materials or evaporate and then condense, spreading damage beyond the initially affected areas. Involving a professional like SERVPRO in water damage restoration helps.

Although water damage restoration in Hicksville homes is meant to fix areas already affected by moisture, soiling, or other issues, it can also play a preventive role when done correctly. Reducing the areas affected can minimize costs and the time taken to finish the restoration process. Our SERVPRO teams can help take the necessary steps to stop further deterioration before taking the other restorative actions.

The primary restoration processes may involve:

• Water clean up
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Water damage remediation

A typical restorative step taken by our SERVPRO crews is making flood cuts along the walls in waterlogged rooms. We cut the wall panels a few inches above the waterline, removing the deteriorated drywall and insulation. The move also severs the connection between the standing water on the floor and the rest of the structure, thus halting moisture from spreading through wicking.

On arrival at the loss site, our SERVPRO technicians use thermo-hygrometers to check the humidity and temperature levels in different rooms. We then set up dehumidifiers to help keep relative humidity levels at optimum levels below 60%, thus preventing damage from condensation. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview has extensive experience handling water damage restoration processes, thus acquiring the skills to handle any loss, “Like it never even happened.” You can reach us at (516) 733-1800 when you need assistance.

Finding Evidence of Attic Mold While Evaluating Ceiling Leaks in Hicksville?

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen weather will cause major damage to your home. SERVPRO has trained techs for any size water restoration service needed for your home.

Hicksville Spring Water Damage Restoration Could Need SERVPRO’s Mold Remediation Expertise

Winter is over, but the after-effects can linger in Hicksville homes. Ceiling repairs from water damage traced to ice dams or heavy snow and ice build-up can lead to the discovery of black mold where structural supports became and remained damp during thawing cycles. Damp and crumbling ceilings or walls indicate the need to evaluate for necessary water removal in Hicksville residences. Secondary damage from black mold signals its presence through musty smells and dark staining. 

What Safety Concerns Arise the SERVPRO Addresses When Preparing for Hicksville Water Removal Services?

Snug in your living areas on lower levels during the winter, you might be oblivious to the destruction overhead frozen burst pipes and openings in your roof inflict upon your Hicksville attic. Cleaning up water can involve finding trapped reservoirs of melting ice and snow that threaten to collapse structural components when you hope the problem instead is a minor leak. Ceiling repairs from water damage must wait until SERVPRO trained project managers assess the cause and the extent of the damage. Informed decisions might include controlled demolition to release water and to check for hidden attic mold removal. Once SERVPRO lists all the issues and matches the problems with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) best-practice strategies, we provide some or all of the following for your home in Hicksville: 

• Water Removal Services
• Water Damage Repairs
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal

The transition from one season to the next often reveals the need for SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview’s water damage remediation and attic mold removal expertise. Call (516) 733-1800 24/7 for a consultation.

SERVPRO can help you with ceiling repairs from water damages in Plainview

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the latest in technology and equipment when it comes to water damage restoration.

Water Removal in Your Plainview home.

Two-story homes can offer more living space on a smaller lot, but they do have some setbacks. In many cases, plumbing for upper-level bathrooms can run directly over the living room or other areas in the house's downstairs section. If a pipe from a bathroom sink upstairs breaks, it can cause ceiling leaks downstairs.

During water removal in Plainview, our technicians can inspect your entire house to see where the water travels and what building materials it affected. If needed, our SERVPRO team can provide the following:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Water Clean Up
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Water Removal Services

During the inspection phase, we can utilize the following equipment to find moisture and determine how wet items got:

• Moisture Sensors: These can help us figure out if your carpets got wet.
• Penetrating Moisture Meters: We can hammer the prongs of this instrument into your wall studs and drywall to calculate moisture content.
• Infrared Cameras: Thermal imaging can help us find moisture through surface temperature changes.

Water leaks on the second floor of your home can become devastating in a short period. If you ever notice a leak coming from your house upstairs, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. 

SERVPRO can conduct water remediation in Hicksville

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is a specialty of SERVPRO. Our technicians are IICRC certified and experienced in any size disaster.

Moisture Damage in Your Hicksville Home.

Hicksville, New York, is a gem located in Nassau County on Long Island. The town is only about 20 miles away from Times Square, making it a favorite place to visit for those coming from the big city.

The city has a rich history and is filled with famous attractions. Many like to enjoy all that the town has to offer, including enjoying its natural beauty. While visiting Nassau County, people can enjoy several acres of white sand beaches on the Atlantic Ocean shoreline and miles of the rugged coastline on the Long Island Sound.

There are plenty of things to do in Nassau County.

If having the Long Island Sound sights on one side and the ocean on the other isn't enough, visitors can enjoy plenty of other attractions as well. The following popular attractions make Hicksville and surrounding areas a fun place to visit for a day or stay the weekend:

• American Manhasset: Some people over the years have called this strip the "Rodeo Drive of the East Coast." This shopping hub boasts over 60 international boutique stores, including Gucci, Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Christian Dior.
• Sands Point Park and Preserve: This preserve is home to three historic buildings that look like castles. The Hempstead House, Castle Gould, and Falaise all reside on the grounds. The park also consists of wooded hiking trails that end up at a beach on the Long Island Sound.
• Old Westbury Gardens: This property was once the residence of John and Margarita Phipps. The Phipps family's estate for over 50 years is now a venue for concerts and other special events. The 160-acre venue also contains ponds, lawns, and woods with over 100 different species of trees.
• Museum Row: This region in Garden City houses some of the best museums on Long Island. Visitors can enjoy several museums all in one spot including, the Nassau County Firefighters' Museum, the Long Island Children's Museum, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, and the Nassau County Veteran's Coliseum. 
• Old Bethpage Village Restoration: At this famous local attraction, visitors can take a step back into history and experience what American towns looked like in the mid-1800s. The village spans over 200 acres, and it has over 50 restored buildings. The buildings were brought to the town from other parts of Long Island as a way to restore pre-Civil War America.

SERVPRO can assist you with restoring water damage in Hicksville

When it gets cold outside, it is always a possibility that your house can flood due to burst pipes. Once your building materials like your flooring, walls, or ceilings get wet, water damage repairs may be required.

After you suffer from a leak, SERVPRO can provide the following services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Water Clean Up
• Leaking Roof from Storms
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages

To start, we can provide initial inspection services to see what items got affected by moisture. Then, we can utilize our heavy-duty extractors to remove moisture while it is still a liquid. We can then set up air movers and dehumidifiers to complete the applied structural drying (ASD) phase.

After you notice moisture inside your house, do not wait; call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainsview at (516) 733-1800. 

Make Blankets that Earn the Envy of your Plainview Neighbors

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to seeing the "chunky" blankets the Plainview community will craft!

Creating Awesome “Chunky” Blankets in a Workshop Near Plainview

Crafters of Plainview, get your hands ready for a unique opportunity. One of the most popular crafts circulating on social media is the “chunky” blanket – a heavy, comfortable blanket made with huge stitches of thick threads. For those unfamiliar with the style, think of a knitted blanket that got supersized. These blankets can be tricky to make, which is why local Northport shop Nest on Main will be offering a small-group instructional workshop on Tuesday the 26th of January.

For a fee of $85, the shop will set you up with high-quality special yarn in colors of your choosing, as well as an experienced instructor. No experience or needles are required since the threads are so large that your fingers end up being the perfect size to work them. As a bonus, your admission gets you a coupon to use at the shop for a nice discount on some excellent handcrafted items.

Mitigate Water Damage in your Plainview Home

Calling SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview ensures that water damage in your Plainview home receives the best mitigation possible. We can even dry out your “Chunky” blankets. Call us at the first sign of trouble at (516) 733-1800.

Hicksville Virtual Wine and Chocolate Tasting

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

If your home needs water removal, call the experts at SERVPRO, sit back, relax and enjoy some wine while you wait.

Indulge Your Taste Buds During the Holidays in Hicksville

Get in the mood to celebrate the holidays in Hicksville at the Taste of Christmas, a wine and chocolate virtual tasting put on by The Dessert Plate and hosted by Kylie Suich, a chocolate lover, and Jenny Polack, a wine enthusiast. The two hosts will introduce participants to a selection of wines and three chocolate choices. 

The wines and chocolates slated for the tasting are:

• Zlatan Otok 2015 Organic Zinfandel from Croatia
• Kaesler Cottage Block, a white wine from Barossa Valley 
• The chocolate showcased is from Australia and is: Birdsnake, Cocoa Rhapsody, the Meltdown Artisan, and Monsieur Truffe. Which is a selection of dark, milk, white, and vegan chocolate made with fruit. 

The tasting event takes participants through the history and the production process for the wines and chocolates. Once you purchase your ticket for the Zoom event, attendees get a sample box of the wine and chocolates to have during the tasting. 

When flood damage from storms is the problem, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800, The trained, experienced technicians arrive quickly and turn around the water damage in the home to make it "Like it never even happened."

Do All Wet Materials Need Tear-Out and Replacement from My Hicksville House As Part of Water Damage Repair?

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO save your home from water damage. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

Hiring an Experienced Disaster Recovery Company Like SERVPRO Focuses Efforts on Restoration During Hicksville Water Damage Repair.

Although some building materials cannot withstand a thorough soaking, many more structural items in your Hicksville home than you might have hoped are durable enough to survive a water loss. Working with a reputable water damage contractor lets you learn about the options available to repair water incursion, short of a complete removal and rebuilding of affected surfaces, and replacement of supportive structures.

What Are Common Causes of Residential Water Damage?

The media broadcasts loads of information about natural disasters, including severe weather resulting in the need for water damage repair in Hicksville and environs. Although the harm done to your home, if it is unlucky enough to be in the path of a storm, can be substantial, significant water damage can also occur without torrential rains, winds, or other storm activity. Common causes of non-natural disaster-related water damage include, but are not limited to:

• Broken or burst plumbing supply lines
• Malfunctioning appliances
• Waste pipe and drain backups
• Broken or missing caulking around tubs, sinks, and toilets
• Cracked or unsealed grout in a ceramic floor
• Clogged air conditioner or refrigerator or freezer drains
• Poorly installed or maintained gutter and downspout systems
• Landscaping erosion near your foundation
• Ice dams
• Missing or torn vapor barriers in crawl spaces
• Failure to install, maintain, or use exhaust fans in high humidity spaces

What Types of Building Materials Resist Water Damage or Rebound Successfully?

SERVPRO strives to maintain a restoration focus during water damage recovery projects. If surfaces and structures can return to their previous functionality and appearance with professional mitigation and remediation, we embrace and deliver on that opportunity. Structural components and fixtures that respond well to restoration efforts include:

• Hardwood flooring and trim when trained technicians pursue efforts to remove water and dry out subfloors, walls, and ceilings.
• Concrete and resilient flooring, particularly if asphalt and vinyl tiles weather the water without damage
• Ceramic tile flooring, especially if the subfloor receives water removal and drying and cracked or missing grout is replaced and sealed
• Carpeting, especially if we replace the padding and concentrate on swift, skillful but aggressive extraction and appropriate drying
• Built-in cabinets, bookcases, and buffets when creative ways to open up the spaces under and behind the structures permit water release and facilitate the flow of warm, moving air  
• Cinder block or concrete construction when we find any recesses filled with water and implement strategies to release the fluids and dry out the spaces

What Types of Building Materials Struggle with Water Damage and Might Need Repairs?

Water damage survivability depends primarily upon the length of time objects are in contact with the fluids. The permeability of the structural components and the likelihood that the compromised building materials would warp, distort, weaken, or disintegrate because of the prolonged contact with moisture are also critical factors. Fortunately, most of the building materials requiring removal, replacement, and repair after water damage can be rehabilitated or swapped out in a straightforward manner, including:

• Drywall and lath and plaster
• Insulation -- loose and backed
• Plywood and particleboard
• Loosened vinyl tiles
• Ceiling tiles
• Laminate flooring

Why Do Professionals Choose Planned Partial Demolition of Intact Building Materials During Water Damage Repair?

Some of the structural “damage” occurring during a water damage repair project instead is deliberate, chosen as a strategy by water removal and drying professionals. We use devices to detect water pooled in building cavities, filling cinder block cells, and suspended over ceilings. Planned or controlled demolition permits the release of trapped water and an enhanced airflow for more efficient drying. Once we achieve the goals of water extraction and structural drying, we arrange for the build back of the intentional tear out and hole drilling or cutting. Controlled demolition during water damage repair includes:

• Punching of weep holes from the edge to the center of ceilings
• Drilling of water release holes in mortar joints of blocks and bricks
• Cutting of water release holes under baseboards and beadboard pried off drywall or lath and plaster
• Sawing of flood cuts between studs through drywall several inches above the waterline

Water damage repair is a core service offered by SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview, provided by highly-trained and experienced managers and technician work crews. Call us at (516) 733-1800 to explore your options for a fast and successful outcome.

How Many Dehumidifiers Do I Need to Use?

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Is your personal dehumidifier enough for your water damage? Call the pros of SERVPRO to mitigate all your damage needs.

The SERVPRO Team Calculates the Number of Dehumidifiers for Drying Your Water Damaged Hicksville Property

Our SERVPRO team in Hicksville calculates the appropriate amount of dehumidification required for your specific water damage situation. We take into account the type of dehumidifier, desiccant, conventional refrigerant, or low grain refrigerant (LGR) since each machine has a different capacity. They also take into consideration the amount of damage and the total impacted area. Our technicians create specific drying goals based on their calculations but also understand that each loss situation is distinct and can change throughout the drying process.

Do More Dehumidifiers Mean a Quicker Drying Process?

No, More Machines Do Not Always Mean a Faster Process

For water mitigation projects, more does not always mean faster and faster does not always mean better. Too hasty of a drying project in your Hicksville home may cause further water damage in the long run. Materials can become too dry, making it essential to monitor the process carefully. Dehumidifiers work in conjunction with air movers to facilitate evaporation through airflow, so it is vital to keep the equipment balanced.

How Do SERVPRO Technicians Determine the Appropriate Number of Dehumidifiers?

• They determine the class of water damage. Class 1 being the least amount of damage and Class 4 requiring specialized drying. 
• Technicians measure dehumidifier capacity based on the size in cubic feet of the impacted area. 

I have Class 3 Water Damage in My Home, What Does That Mean?

• A large number of porous materials sustained water damage.
• The impacted area is large, requiring a lot of dehumidification.
• Technicians may create smaller drying chambers using 6-mil polyethylene to foster targeted drying. 

For 24/7 assistance with water damage or any other home disaster, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

A Leaking Pipe Has Caused Water Damage in My Hicksville Property, What Should I Do?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

When your home has water damage, hiring professionals is vital.

Hire SERVPRO’s Team of Experts to Perform Water Cleanup in Your Hicksville Home

Water from a leaking pipe in your Hicksville property can cause costly damage to your carpets, drywall, electronics, appliances, and other valuable items. By seeking professional help from SERVPRO, you can save most of the structures and contents of your home.

Why should I act quickly?

The longer water stays in a property, the more damage it causes on various surfaces. Therefore, it is crucial to act immediately by calling us to perform water cleanup in your Hicksville property. Some of your valuables can withstand several minutes of exposure to the water, but electronics can be challenging to save. If you ignore the water for an extended period, mold can grow. Our response team is available 24-hours a day. Immediately we receive an emergency call, we act fast since we understand the destruction water and moisture can cause.

My carpet is soaked with water, do I have to replace it?

Carpet manufacturers use synthetic fibers to make the carpets fluffy and warm. When the fibers absorb water, it is not easy to dry the surface manually or naturally. Our team of experts has access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools that can minimize the drying time and save your carpet.

Depending on the level of water damage, we may remove your carpet and pad to dry the area effectively. Removing the carpet and padding gives us an excellent opportunity to check the floor below it for potential water damage. Also, the carpet can dry fast since we expose both sides to dry air. Our technicians can use Knee kicker, seaming tape, and power stretcher to repair your dry carpet and pad.

What about my wet drywall?

Drywall may seem hard, but the material used to construct it is porous. When the drywall is wet, it can:

    •    Swell
    •    Bow
    •    Sag
    •    Discolor

In severe cases, drywall can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Thankfully, we can restore your drywall by drying it effectively in a brief period using an indirect fired furnace. This is a heat and air-exchange drying system that heats the airspace of the affected building to increase evaporation. It takes dry air from outside and warms it before introducing it in the drying zone. The machine can dry even the hard to reach areas, including wall cavities and crawl spaces.

When your home has water damage, hiring professionals is vital. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for effective restoration. We can mitigate the water damage and rebuild the affected areas.

What Equipment is Most Effective in Water Cleanup Projects in Hicksville?

5/30/2020 (Permalink)

If you need a professional inspection or help with something you cannot handle on your own, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview.

In Hicksville, the Most Competent Services Have a Wide Range of High-Tech Gear to Efficiently Remove Water from Your Home

Homeownership can be a wonderful thing, but it also comes with its occasional difficulties.  It is, therefore, crucial to plan for these potential difficulties before they impact you. Some common issues Hicksville residents have been keeping up with routine home maintenance and protecting their property from weather-related damage. Over time, when homeowners fail to perform these essential tasks, they eventually have to deal with the problems resulting from their inattention. However, sometimes, even unavoidable accidents or unpredictable weather can lead to negative repercussions like standing water inside your home. Local water cleanup services, including SERVPRO, routinely encounter and effectively handle these unforeseen situations.

What Can Cause Standing Water in Your Hicksville Home?

Hicksville water cleanup services have dealt with standing water from a myriad of sources. These sources range from the readily apparent to the more inconspicuous. Water leaks can arise from structural issues, defective pipe networks, deteriorating containers, and malfunctioning appliances.  Some examples of water leak sources are:

    •    Ruptured water pipes, resulting from natural freeze-thaw cycles or long-term deterioration
    •    Rusted-out or otherwise deteriorated water containers
    •    Malfunctioning appliances like washing machines or dishwashers
    •    Clogged gutters or roof leaks, which allow rainwater to enter your home

While you cannot reasonably prevent all of these potential problems, you can avoid many of them with regular attention and maintenance.

Is There Any Way to Lower My Risks of a Water Leak?

There are several ways you can substantially reduce your chances of developing a water leak. Many of these suggestions involve limited effort on your part, while others require more. Some of the measures SERVPRO recommends for preventing water leaks are:

    •    Allowing your faucets to drip during periods of freezing weather
    •    Periodically examining exposed pipes for signs of deterioration and having those with issues repaired as needed
    •    Routinely monitoring the condition of containers and appliances and having deteriorated ones repaired
    •    Regularly examining your roof for leaks and repairing those found
    •    Cleaning your gutters periodically
    •    Cutting tree limbs that could potentially damage your roof during a severe storm


Often, by taking these relatively simple steps, you can prevent most potential leaks. Dripping faucets during freezing weather helps prevent water from freezing in pipes and rupturing them. Noticing container and appliance deterioration early enables you to fix or replace them before leaks occur.  Regular roof inspections and gutter cleanings often prevent leaks or allow you to discover them early enough so that they can be repaired before they do much damage. Ultimately, these suggestions should save you a lot of future trouble.

What Tools Does SERVPRO Usually Use to Clean Up Standing Water?

The water cleanup industry has advanced rapidly in recent years, and SERVPRO is no exception to this tremendous progress. Water removals in Hicksville that were more difficult twenty or more years ago have been made much easier now with our state-of-the-art water removal equipment. This gear more rapidly removes water and dries moisture-affected structural elements and contents. Our advanced tools include:

    •    Moisture sensors/meters that can identify precisely what is affected by moisture and how much it is affected
    •    Infrared cameras that can see through baseboards, walls, and ceilings to identify the source of leaks
    •    Industrial-strength truck-mounted and portable water extractors that can quickly remove inches to feet of standing water
    •    Submersible pumps that further facilitate fast water removal
    •    Large desiccant and refrigerant dehumidifiers that rapidly dry your home’s interior and air
    •    Powerful fans and air movers that circulate air, pulling dry air in as they blow moist air out of your home
    •    Advanced Injectidry systems that can be attached to air mover-dehumidifier networks to dry hard-to-access areas behind walls and ceilings

Using an arsenal of high-tech tools, SERVPRO’s technicians can often solve your standing water problems effectively, efficiently, and quickly. We do the job right the first time so that you can save time and money in the long-run.

Owning a home in Hicksville is a dream, but it comes with a great deal of responsibility. You need to remain vigilant against the harmful effects of wear and tear, as well as those caused by the powerful storms that routinely batter Long Island. Hicksville homeowners must properly perform maintenance on their property when needed. They need to periodically inspect their residence for potential issues or have trained professionals like SERVPRO do it for them. When you find problems, act fast, and properly address them. Never procrastinate in doing what needs to be done.

Always do your best to maintain your home. Prepare for things that can be expected and repair what you are able to fix. If you need a professional inspection or help with something you cannot handle on your own, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

Fast Water Removal Essential to Recovering from Hicksville Plumbing Disasters

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Hicksville water damage? No worries our SERVPRO team is standing by ready for your call.

It is essential to tackle your Hicksville water damage as soon as possible.

Everyday life in Hicksville can be difficult as it is without the addition of more stress from an unexpected plumbing catastrophe.  Unfortunately, trouble arising from old pipe networks and appliances is not that uncommon.          

Area residents and business owners face such water-related headaches several times a year.  When they do, finding a good water removal service in Hicksville is essential.  Once an internal water disaster strikes, it is a race against time to limit structural damage, save belongings, and limit further damage.  Standing water can quickly undermine the structural integrity of buildings and destroy precious personal property and significant business items.  Water-saturated floors can weaken and give way, increased moisture could soon lead to mold and fungal growth, fungi might cause wooden flooring, walls and furniture to dry rot, and airborne moisture can irreparably harm electronics and important business equipment.  Irreplaceable family photos and documents, as well as crucial business files, can also be affected by the moisture-rich environment. All this is why quickly finding an expert water removal service like SERVPRO is necessary.    

When searching for the right service in Hicksville, find one that is appropriately trained, fully experienced and has a proven track record of quality customer service.  Choose a service like SERVPRO that has certifications in Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT), and Water Damage Restoration (WRT).  Our technicians have expertly handled the water removal needs of area residential and commercial owners for nearly twenty years.  We have successfully resolved standing water and water damage issues of every magnitude. Professional and friendly SERVPRO staff members are available 24/7 to answer all concerns, and our technicians arrive on-site within four hours of your call.  Our experts make sure you are fully informed of progress throughout the water removal process and are fully satisfied.

Unforeseen difficulties, by their very nature, cannot be avoided.  The best you can do is to realize there is a potential threat and then find the right people to help when the unavoidable happens.  Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733 – 1800 if you need assistance.

To learn more about Hicksville, click here.

Ultimate Solution for Water Damage in Your Hicksville Home

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Whether the plumbing leak is in your kitchen or bathroom, team SERVPRO will quickly arrive to start water removal efforts. Call right away.

Water Damage Restoration In Hicksville Requires Monitoring The Drying Progress

If the plumbing system inside your house in Hicksville ever fails, many of your building materials and contents could get wet. Once items inside your house soak up moisture, it is wise to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO. We can start the restoration process by extracting all of the liquid H2O with a heavy-duty extractor. Then, we can set up a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your structure.

When our SERVPRO technicians first arrive at your water damage project in Hicksville, we start by taking several measurements of the moisture in your contents and building materials as well as the atmosphere. These initial readings help us set a drying goal, so we know when we can pull out the drying equipment. After the equipment gets set up, and before it gets removed, we monitor the progress of the drying process. Monitoring a project always requires the following six steps.

1. Observe

We start by observing the conditions in the house and figuring out the temperature and humidity levels.

2. Inspect

We then further inspect your affected building materials and contents by testing their moisture content.

3. Document

Next, we document all of our observations in your project's drying log so that we can keep track of all of the reading during the whole time equipment is set up to help us monitor the progress.

4. Consider

After we have all of the readings documented, we then consider the data and see if everything is working the way it should. We can compare data to unaffected areas to rule out any natural changes in the environment that could make it look like the drying procedures were not working.

5. Apply

Next, we apply our knowledge of how moisture dries and evaporates to make sure that we are still conducting the most effective drying procedures possible.

6. Adjust

After we apply our knowledge to the data and figure out if there is something that we can do to speed up the drying process, we then adjust the equipment as necessary.

If you ever have a plumbing failure occur inside your house, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Hicksville.

Our Experts Have The Training And Equipment In Hicksville To Handle Water Damage

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

We provide 24/7 emergency service and could dispatch a well-equipped team of industry certified technicians immediately.

How SERVPRO Saves Carpet from Water Damage in Hicksville Homes

Most homeowners consider their carpeting in the homes a real investment. When water damage occurs, if certain factors are present such as fast action on the cleanup and drying, it may not be a loss. 

When SERVPRO technicians scope water damage to carpet in Hicksville homes, they take several factors into account:

• The length of time the carpet received exposure to water
• The period before cleanup actions occurred
• Type of water in the home: clean, gray or black
• Presence of chemicals or sewage
• If cleanup actions happened before the arrival of the technicians

Extraction is Key to Limiting Water Loss

SERVPRO technicians have more potential to salvage both carpet and padding when the loss in the home comes from clean water, and cleanup actions began less than 24-hours after the event. Once 48-hours pass, the water degrades into black water as the presence of harmful bacteria is likely. When this occurs, the carpet and padding require removal and disposal as a biohazard.

Pack Out as Needed

To extract the water damage using their weighted extractor heads, the technicians remove furnishings sitting on and around the carpet. Each item receives an inspection for any necessary restoration needs and gets removed to a secure location for safekeeping until the completion of mitigation. Although the technicians avoid disrupting the home as much as possible during restoration services, in some cases, the carpet may require removal for in-house drying.

Specialized Drying Methods

Drying a carpet in place presents challenges. The carpet may appear dry, but the padding underneath remains damp and soon invites the development of musty odors and sometimes mold. To avoid this outcome, SERVPRO technicians use techniques such as floating the carpet where they lift one side and air movers force warm, dry underneath. Another common way of drying a carpet is where the top of the carpet gets encased in a plastic covering, and air movers blow into it while dehumidifiers port away moisture. 

At the first sign of water damage to carpet, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at 516) 733-1800, and with their specialized training and equipment, they make the water loss "Like it never even happened."

See more about Hicksville.

We Have The Best Techniques To Restore Your Hicksville Home

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

If your home is affected by water damage, you will want to select a restoration company that can respond quickly and has equipment available 24/7.

Can You Protect Water Damaged Drywall in Hicksville Homes?

Not all water loss incidents affect Hicksville homes in the same way. With circumstances that present a larger volume of water damage, including standing water, a swift and confident reaction can help to limit the overall effects experienced. With how quickly elements like drywall, wallboard, or plasterboard can absorb moisture and standing water nearby, you have a limited amount of time to protect these elements if you can at all. Many turn to the experience and fast response of our SERVPRO professionals to help assess the damage and determine the best approach to protect exposed elements like sheetrock.

Protecting drywall installed in your home begins with mitigation tactics like water removal for Hicksville homes. We have a broad array of powerful extraction tools that can remove standing water quickly from damaged areas of your property. With multiple units ranging in size and power, we have machines suited to fit every level of severity our Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) might experience.

One of the best things that you can do, whether you intend on pursuing the experienced restoration professionals of our SERVPRO team or not, is to determine where damaged drywall exists. Part of the mitigation process for our team is preparing the property for the reconstruction efforts it could need based on the severity of the internal flooding. Ideally, the best approach here is to use a probing moisture detector. This equipment is not always something easy to find or even rent. An alternate approach involves removing baseboards and poking holes with a screwdriver. If the drywall is soft, it has become exposed to moisture.

With substantial water loss incidents, our SERVPRO team often employs a flood cut approach. Not only does this allow direct access to wall cavities for thorough drying, but it also removes all exposed portions of drywall. By not removing the entire panel of sheetrock, we can more efficiently replace the affected areas of construction materials.

We strive to provide our customers with the confident and knowledgeable response that they need in a crisis, and with a proactive approach by our clients, it is much more likely that more significant portions of drywall can get recovered and preserved. No matter how we can help, give our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview rapid response team a call at (516) 733-1800.

See more about Hicksville.

We Have The Proper Techniques To Restore Your Hicksville Home After A Water Damage Disaster

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in Hicksville can be brought on very quickly and sometimes in large quantities. We have the equipment ready to restore your home.

Water Removal Tactics You Can Start Now in Hicksville Homes

Fast response to emergencies like water loss incidents can reduce the detrimental damages that these situations can have on your Hicksville home. With more widespread and substantial loss scenarios, pooling water can also become a threat to the house as well. Understanding what you can do immediately to reduce the severity of these water effects and to better protect your home is vital in helping restoration complete more quickly and for a less total out-of-pocket expense.

Effective water removal for Hicksville homes begins with an awareness of the damage and how best to approach drying and extraction. While our SERVPRO professionals can help our customers to overcome these effects in their houses, there are also strategies that you can employ as well to complete this essential stage of recovery without professional restoration services like our team can provide.

Before you become overwhelmed by pooling water in your property, here are a few tips from our SERVPRO team to you:

Find the Source – No matter how severe standing water becomes in your house, this water damage is only going to continually worsen until you locate the source of the loss incident and address it directly. With situations like plumbing or fixture breaks, you can often find helpful online content for DIY replacement.

Use the Right Tool for the Job – Our professionals do not approach any water loss incident without the full measure of our recovery and mitigation equipment. Not all extraction tools are ideal for each scenario, and you might find it is much wiser to rent a larger unit for more efficient water removal than to rely on the slower pace of tools like wet-vacs.

Know Your Limitations – As much as there are many situations where you can save your household money with a DIY approach, water loss can be a substantial challenge for even experienced hands. Know your limits and reach out to our professionals if you must.

Water loss incidents present a continual risk to area homes and businesses because of their plentiful sources and how quickly the emergency can get out of control. Give our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team a call at (516) 733-1800 anytime you need to make these water effects “Like it never even happened.”

See more about Hicksville.

Water Can Destroy Your Hicksville Home Within Minutes!

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

DIY Restoration For Your Water-Damaged Hicksville Home

Knowing what to do when disasters strike is something that can set many Hicksville homeowners apart. The push for DIY approaches for both repairs and restorations can save you time and money on getting your property back to pre-damage condition, provided that you are thorough and knowledgeable about how to accomplish the work. The earliest choices that you make when water damage begins in your house are among the most critical, and determine how challenging full restoration later becomes.

Water damage to Hicksville properties can occur in many stages and present unique risks, especially when you cannot immediately determine where the problem originates. Once you get the damaged element in your home shut off to the water supply, you can begin to set your sights on drying out the affected areas. Our SERVPRO team encourages customers to focus on keeping relative humidity levels low to protect construction materials, structural elements, and prevent microbial growth.

As much as many homeowners might be under the impression that cleanup of water loss incidents is sopping up standing water and drying areas naturally, there are many specialized tools that you might find are necessary. These reduce the time invested in restoring the property and reduce moisture and dampness before harmful secondary effects such as mold growth can take hold. Here are some tools, devices, and equipment our SERVPRO team uses that you might want to look to rent or purchase from local home improvement locations:

    •    Moisture Content Reader
    •    Infrared Camera
    •    High-Velocity Air Mover
    •    Desiccant and Low Grain Refrigerant (LGR) Dehumidifiers
    •    Wet-Vacs with Extraction Attachments
    •    Engine-Driven Trash Pumps with Discharge Hoses
    •    Professional-Grade Carpet and Floor Cleaning Machines
    •    Deodorization Equipment

Not all of the equipment is going to be necessary to recover your property, as every situation is unique in the damages present and tools needed to overcome it. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team is always available 24/7 if you find that the situation has gotten out of your control or you need a second opinion. Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

For more about Hicksville click here.

Our Water Damage Experts Will Identify And Repair Plumbing Issues In Your Hicksville Home

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team has the experience and equipment to help.

Identifying And Repairing Plumbing Damage In Your Hicksville Home

Indoor plumbing has been a staple for Hicksville homes for over half a century, and with its presence in every home throughout our region, the likelihood for breaks and leaks is a constant threat. Our professionals must remain vigilantly prepared for the possibility of water loss incidents from plumbing concerns 24/7, so we keep production trailers and service vehicles stocked with recovery and mitigation equipment to get helpful steps started immediately upon our arrival.

We understand the importance of identifying plumbing breaks that allow for water damage in your Hicksville home, and so our rapid response team consists of individuals that can both begin mitigation steps and work to identify what must get done to stop the flow of water through your home. Our SERVPRO professionals have sophisticated equipment to help identify the source of these breaks and leaks, and these tools can pinpoint precise locations to minimize unnecessary tear out and reconstruction of materials like drywall.

While there are multiple devices and attachments that our SERVPRO professionals rely on to recover the effects of water loss incidents in area homes, identifying the presence of this moisture out of sight is critical to ensuring the work gets done thoroughly. We have probing and electromagnetic moisture detection devices that can identify the presence of moisture and saturation in specific tested materials throughout the property. Thermal imagery and infrared tools can also help to note dampness and moisture in cavities beyond materials, which can double check the progress of our drying efforts.

We also rely on tools like leak detection equipment. This is a device that utilizes audio cues against materials to identify leaks and breaks in the plumbing. Once the tool narrows the location of this compromise, our professionals can remove a small portion of the drywall to access this portion of plumbing and repair the damage.

Water loss incidents can quickly spread to affect many areas of your home, especially with breaches in the plumbing network. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team has the experience and equipment to help. Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

Click here for more about Hicksville.

Making the correct decision when you encounter a water damage

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

A flooded basement is no fun. You have a big mess and you need help now. Any type of devastation in your home or office can be disastrous. It is important to do your homework when hiring a contractor. Some companies dabble in restoration work, but, in fact, they just specialize in carpet cleaning or reconstruction.  Here are some things to consider when you are looking for a reliable water restoration company in an event of an emergency.

Construction companies may offer restoration services, but they don’t have the proper training and expertise to be a restoration company. To restore something means to bring it back to what it looked like before. A restoration company should be certified in water and fire damage.

When an emergency happens, it usually isn’t going to happen during business hours. You want a company that can start to work right away. You want a company with 24-hour representatives that can get to your home quickly. You want to talk to a live representative day or night. You don’t want to wait till business hours to call. The longer that water and fire damage is left sitting, the worse the situation will become.

Any company who is reputable should stand behind their work.

You also want a company that can start to work right away. The longer you delay and allow the damage to sit, the more problems it is going to cause.

You have the power to hire any water restoration company that you think is best and SERVPRO is here to help you with all your restoration needs.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

As the calendar turns to Fall, and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to prepare your water pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Most of these problems happen in basements that are poorly insulated and unfinished. The good news is there’s a simple tip to prevent pipes from freezing – space heaters.

By placing one or more space heaters you’ll help to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. The heat generated acts as an insulation barrier.  You’ll also save money in the long term. As for attics, wrap the pipes with heat trace tape.

Don’t be a penny wise and a pound foolish when it comes to your thermostat temperature setting. Keep it set at a minimum of 65 degrees throughout the day.

It’s also a very good idea to have your HVAC system checked and inspected by a professional before it gets too late. By practicing common sense maintenance you may prevent a disaster.

Make sure to know where the main water valve is located in case your pipes do freeze so you can turn it off. Turn on all faucets to drain the pipes.

Be proactive. Take preventative steps. By acting now you can save money and lots of headaches.

What Causes Flooding?

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

Besides the unfortunate pipe burst, what normally causes floods? Floods can happen anywhere and can be caused by human-made structures or nature.
The most common cause of a flood is heavy rains. Cities have drainage systems for the sole reason of heavy rains. However, if the system becomes overwhelmed an overflow can occur.
Overflowing rivers are another cause of flooding. Even if you do not experience heavy rains in your area, flooding can occur from rivers if you live upstream of a location that did have heavy rains.
Many urban cities use concrete to build their water basins in case of heavy rains. Even though concrete is durable, it is not permeable so when these basins fill up the water has nowhere else to go and can cause flooding in low-lying areas.
Winter months can also cause flooding. Melting snow and ice, in large quantities, can cause low-lying areas to flood. This only occurs when there is a winter of heavy snowfall.
Flooding can be a severe problem depending on where you live. Check your residential flood maps to see if your home falls in an at-risk area so you can prepare yourself for possible floods. If you home does flood, call SERVPRO of Hicksville and Plainview so we can help you start the restoration process.

Why You Should Never Install Your Carpet Yourself

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

We all have those moments when we think, "I don't need to call a professional. I can do this myself". Where in some cases this may be true, do not try to install your carpet yourself after you have experienced a flood. Flood-damaged carpet and carpet padding need to be dealt with by professionals. Here are some common mistakes people make when they try to DIY their carpet installation.
1. Having a patterned carpet means matching up the pattern as you install. This can be tricky, and some people don't realize that the design doesn't match up until after they completed their installation.
2. People make the mistake of thinking that they don't need proper tools and equipment. When water has damaged your carpet, there is an intensive drying process to make sure mold won't grow under the carpet after installation. This process requires tools not many people have at home.
3. Often when people install their carpet, they come across the dilemma of the floor layout. "Many non-professional flooring installers may not realize that the floor layout has a big impact on how the carpet should be cut. All floors have different shapes and sizes, and usually don't have perfect, clean squares and rectangles. Disregarding this important fact can lead to lumps and mismatched look to the carpet flooring" (SelfGrowth.com, 2018).
4. If you are trying to get the job done as quickly as possible, you might lay the glue down too quickly. Professional carpet installers check to see if the carpet lays right on the floor without puckering before they put the glue down. However, most people overlook this step and go straight to putting the glue down. Once the glue is on, there is no going back so if the carpet was not cut right you might end up with lumps.
Always have professionals install your carpet after a flood. If water has damaged your carpet, call SERVPRO of Hicksville and Plainview so we can start the carpet removal and cleaning process.

Ways You May Be Ruining Your Wood Floors

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Forgetting to Sweep

Sweeping and vacuuming hardwood floors isn't only a good cleaning tip, but it can also lengthen the life of your floors. Dust, dirt, and other abrasive particles can scratch and dull the finish of wood floors once they’re underfoot. Tidying up often, though, will keep them from causing lasting damage.

Using the Wrong Vacuum Attachments

Vacuuming is an important chore for keeping dust and dirt off of your wood floors and out of tiny cracks and crevices—but use the right attachments. The beater bar on your vacuum can gouge wood floors; instead use the hardwood brush attachment.

Mopping

Water is a wood floor’s worst enemy. Moisture can penetrate the wood’s fibers causing boards to swell, cup, warp, and separate. If your hardwood floors need a deep clean, use a barely damp mop or cloth and then dry the floor immediately and completely with a towel.

Letting Spills Wait

Dried and caked on spills can take a lot of force to remove, if left to sit. Avoid that trouble (and possible damage) by wiping spills up immediately with a soft, clean cloth. If you need to use a spot of water to lift the spill, be sure to dry the floor thoroughly with a clean towel.

Wearing High Heels

No one would ever take a tiny hammer to their floors, but walking on wood with high heels can do similar damage. The force of walking in these sharp shoes can easily ding and scratch wood floors, so check them at the door. You can minimize the risk of scratches from other damaging items by placing floor protectors under table and chair legs, and keeping the dog's claws clipped and trimmed.

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Flood Safety Tips

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding can occur anywhere, but water and electricity don’t mix. Because electrical hazards may linger after flood waters recede, it’s important to take precautions before, during, and after flooding takes place.

Know the Danger

• On average, more deaths occur due to flooding each year than from any other severe weather related hazard.
• In the past 5 years all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods
• A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater
• Nearly half of all flood fatalities occur in vehicles
• Those living outside of mapped “high-risk” flood areas file nearly 25% of all flood insurance claims and receive 1/3^rd of Federal Disaster Assistance aid
• From 2003 to 2012, total flood insurance claims averaged nearly $4 billion per year
• An area’s risk of flood can change over time due to new construction, changes in levee classification, or other environmental factors

Reduce the Risk

• Follow any directives to turn off utilities. If you’re advised to switch off the main power source to your home, flip each breaker and THEN turn off the main breaker. You may also need to shut off the main valve for your home’s gas and water
• DO NOT go near any downed power lines especially if there is standing water nearby
• If your home experienced flooding, keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety
• Have an electrician inspect electrical appliances that have been wet, and do not turn on or plug in appliances unless an electrician tells you it is safe
• A trained professional may be able to recondition some devices while others will require replacement
• Do not touch a circuit breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface

Dealing with a commercial water damage in Hicksville/Plainview

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage to a home is a mess, but when it occurs in a commercial property it can be catastrophe. Commercial buildings present many different issues than residential homes when it comes to dealing with water damage 

One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential structures is size and scope. Most residential homes are a few thousand square feet and are three stories at most. While commercial properties can be thousand or more square feet and have more than ten stories. If a pipe breaks on the third floor of an office building and flows down multiple floors, it can create a huge disaster.

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview response time is fast and is something you need to prevent secondary damage. From extracting to drying SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is guiding you through the whole process quickly and efficiently to get you back to business. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is a 24/7 emergency water extraction & flood clean-up restoration company.

Call on SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview to Restore your water damaged property

11/22/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is a reliable and trusted water damage company with plenty of experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently. We always advise our customers to address the damage issue before it escalates and causes more damage to their property. We are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are dedicated professionals that are ready, willing, and able to clean up after any size disaster.

Discovering Sources Of Water Damage

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Hicksville/Plainview we are experts at mitigating water damages. Our skilled technicians work quickly and efficiently to extract the water, remove dampness, and restore your property to its pre-loss condition. While also providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today 516-733-1800. We are here to help! 

SERVPRO

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

One of SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview specialties  

This SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview  home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your  basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today -SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the tust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help SERVPRO Of Hicksville/Plainview

Call Today: 516-733-1800

With any leak, It's the water you don't see that causes the most damage

3/17/2016 (Permalink)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! - From Your SERVPRO Professionals

Any water damage in your home is bad.

But trying to clean it up yourself can be a disaster. Especially when the water you don't see contains bacteria-or cause mold, rot and other unseen damage that can affect the value of your home. So before you risk your health or the valve of your home by cleaning it up yourself.

Your local SERVPRO® of Hicksville/Plainview is highly trained to safely clean and RESTORE your building, utilizing the following procedures:

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.So, before you risk further damaging the value of your home or facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local SERVPRO® of Hicksville/Plainview water damage cleanup and restoration specialist at 516-733-1800. We look forward to restoring your property "Like It Never Even Happened"

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

1/21/2016 (Permalink)

The American Red Cross provides information and suggestions around how to prevent water pipes from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze. 

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing. 

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of Cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by the following these recommendations:

Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is the environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping. 

Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supply outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break. 

Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes, Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes- even 1/4" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing. 

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children. 

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe-even at a trickle-helps prevent pipes from freezing. 

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst. 

If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55°F

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. 

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area, running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by  wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do NOT use a blow torch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. 

Apply Heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed professional.  

Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes. others may freeze too. 

Future Protection

Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing. Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.

Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview are the Disaster Recovery Experts and are here to help! 

Article by: The American Red Cross