IICRC Certifications

Name: SERVPRO of Jefferson County
Address: 800 Starbuck Ave, Ste B-4, Watertown, NY, 13601
Telephone: (315) 777-8377

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Water damages can range from very mild to VERY severe!

SERVPRO of Jefferson County is an IICRC firm.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

If you have any questions about our qualifications please feel free to give SERVPRO of Jefferson County a call at 315-777-8377

Your Watertown area hardwood floors are not a lost cause!

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our floor mat drying system is specifically designed to aid in removing water from underneath hardwood and laminate floors.

Have you heard that your laminate and hardwood floors will be ruined in the event of a water damage? We've got something special that can change that! They are water extraction mats that are specifically designed with the drying of hardwood and laminate wood floors in mind. If we get there quickly enough we have a very high success rate of being able to dry your hardwood floors with very little, if any damage.

They lay flat on the hardwood floor and the extraction hoses are then connected. This creates a great amount of suction that is able to remove water from underneath the flooring. Quick removal of this water will help prevent warping, bowing, and swelling of your floors.

If you've had a water damage, or have any questions about our floor mat system, please give us a call at 315-777-8377!

What Are the Signs of Basement Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

a grey basement showing signs of water damage

SERVPRO of Jefferson County is a full restoration company. Our team is on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

Basements are an extremely useful, versatile part of many homes. They can be furnished for extra living space or a bonus den, or kept bare and used for storage. They can serve as a space for the weekly card game or the monthly book club.

Basements do have one drawback though—they tend to draw in moisture from the outdoors, because they’re built into the ground.

While it’s not guaranteed that your basement will have a water problem eventually, the chances are good enough that it serves you well as a homeowner to be aware of the signs. Let’s go through some of the most common indicators of water trying to muck up one of your most useful home spaces.

How to Know if You May Have Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. Basements just have a smell, right? Well, they shouldn’t. The smell so many associate with our favorite underground rooms is actually an indicator of moisture trapped inside. In fact, this smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these are often hard to see, they are easy to smell.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. While a coat of waterproof paint may seem like a one-time solution for preventing moisture from coming inside, it’s more complicated than that. Waterproof paint really only masks the problem until it’s so bad that it breaks through anyway, bubbling and cracking your paint and letting water inside.

Foundational cracks. Homes do shift over time, that’s true. But if you discover a serious crack in your foundation, it’s likely you’ve got something spilling a lot of water under your floors. Cracks may show up first in the floor, the ceiling, or in your walls,, and they often indicate that a cracked or shifting foundation is causing undue stress on the rest of your home’s structrure. Hairline cracks are no cause for alarm, but if they grow larger, they should be dealt with immediately.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

Take Control of Your Rain Damage Risk With These Simple Steps | SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

bright blue rain splashing into a pool of water

If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County today.

Have you ever had to file a claim for home water damage?

No one wants to deal with water damage, but the reality is that many homeowners will be faced with it at some point during the time they own their home. One in every 50 Americans will also be filing a claim this year. That means if you don’t file a water damage claim this year, someone you know (statistically) will.

Heavy rains aren’t usually the first thing people named when they’re asked about water damage. But rain is common and if your home isn’t prepared, it really can cause damage that will need costly repairs over time.

It’s not as difficult as you might think to lessen your risk, though. A little creativity and some thoughtful planning can go a long way.

Keep Your Home Safe From Heavy Rains

We see many water-damaged homes, so we know some of the basic home maintenance tips that can make a difference.

Understand how your yard drains and correct any problems. This is vital. If your yard drains toward your home, you may want to get professional advice on ways you can fix the problem. Talk with one of your local landscaping experts. They’ll suggest ways to protect your yard.

Don’t overlook native plants when you’re landscaping. You might not believe it, but landscaping really is a form of protection for your home when you do it right. Native plants can be helpful. Talk with a local expert about native plants or visit a native plant sale.

Consider sealing your roof. Experts estimate that almost 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles, which can be prevented with this step. It’s definitely worth considering.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

How to recognize frozen pipes in your Jefferson County home

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Here are some quick tips to help if you experience frozen pipes this winter

Identifying Frozen or Freezing Pipes in Watertown Homes

As a Watertown homeowner, you can appreciate the threats to your property when the winter months set in and temperatures drop significantly. Freezing water pipes can pose damaging situations for your house if not addressed in time, and part of that fast reaction to the situation revolves around you understanding when this potential problem exists. Knowing what to look for and when can help to limit the damage to your property when a water line bursts inside your house.

If you have already had a pipe burst in your Watertown residence before, you can appreciate the need for a fast response to get professionals there immediately to begin the water removal process. The more materials that become exposed to the spreading water, the more potential tear out and reconstruction that can become required. Our SERVPRO professionals can respond quickly to the situation, as we are a team of experienced professionals available to our customers 24 hours a day.

Identifying problems with the pipes before ice damming and over-pressurization allows for bursting and splitting can be critical for any homeowner in the area. The problem is, many homeowners do not know that they have under-insulated areas of their indoor plumbing without them freezing first. On especially cold evenings and days throughout the winter months, visual inspections of exposed pipes can help to show which points show crystallization which can indicate the onset of freezing water inside.

Another method for identifying a problem is a noticeable drop in water pressure, or a foul odor emanating from the drains. You can reduce the present pressure to blockage by shutting off the main supply valve to your home and working quickly to thaw out the affected areas of the pipe.

Once our SERVPRO professionals arrive at an emergency break, we can work to remove the excess water and begin drying the area quickly. We can also take this opportunity to identify potential problem areas with the plumbing to prevent future breaks.

Freezing pipes are an ever-present threat for area homeowners throughout the winter. While identifying the issues early can save damaged plumbing, our SERVPRO of Jefferson County water restoration specialists can work quickly to preserve your property once a break occurs. Give us a call today at (315) 777-8377.

Click here for more information about Watertown.

Jefferson County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

This Jefferson County home was affected by ground water intrusion after 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 Jefferson County 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 - 315-777-8377

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 Jefferson County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust 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 315-777-8377

Jefferson County 24hr Emergency Water Damage Service

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Jefferson County

SERVPRO of Jefferson County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 315-777-8377

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Jefferson County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Jefferson County

SERVPRO of Jefferson County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

How to Turn Water Damage in Waretown Into Success

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

During the winter, your outdoor faucet can freeze and cause water damage. Should that happen, contact our SERVPRO team immediately for services.

Water Damage Watertown: Outside Water Faucet Freezes

Homes in northern communities have freeze-proof faucets installed in their homes attached to the outdoor faucet the owner uses for watering their garden and lawns. These faucets are supposed to prevent the outdoor portion from freezing in the winter and cracking the water pipe. Many models require the homeowner to drain the pipe from inside the home. This step avoids water freezing inside the pipe that passes through the wall. Forgetting to drain the faucet can cause significant leaks inside the home once the pipe thaws.

SERVPRO responds to many different water damage events in Watertown and surrounding areas. Leaks from a frozen external water faucet is a common one. Homeowners often forget to drain the freeze proof faucet and find water in their basements once it has thawed.

Unfinished Basements

Even unfinished basements can sustain damage from water leaks. The We remove wet insulation on the foundation wall near the leak. Many people store a variety of personal belongings in their basements. Anything on the floor in boxes or loose on the floor must be cleaned and dried.

Basements are often very damp and have higher humidity than the rest of the home. A leak can increase the humidity level causing mold to appear. SERVPRO removes the excess water and installs dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture in these situations.

Finished Basements

Basements that have been finished by the homeowner require more invasive treatment to remove excess water and moisture. Often water can be found inside the finished. Water dripped from the pipe in the ceiling down the inside of the wall. We remove the paneling or drywall to expose the insulation and structure. The wet insulation must be removed to expose the structure to be dried.

Water on tiled floors can be vacuumed and dried. Water under raised floors presents added challenges. Any moisture remaining can potentially cause mold to grow within a few days. The floor may need to be removed to expose the subfloor and the area dried accordingly.

Draining the freeze-proof faucets should be on everyone's to-do list in the fall. We are licensed Mold Remediation Contractor License #: 00261.

Call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Fort Drum, Adams, Carthage, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about the city of Watertown.

Watertown Home Smelly after a Water Loss? SERVPRO is Closeby

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Poly duct leading from a basement window to extract moisture

SERVPRO Provides lay-flat tubing with desiccant dehumidifiers to extract water vapor from this Watertown basement. Whatever it takes!

How to Avoid Mold and Get Water Odors Out of Your Watertown Home

Water damage is the second most common type of insurance claim filed in the United States. It is estimated that billions of dollars in damage occur as a direct result of water loss, including mold and foul odors that require remediation. One of the main reasons that unpleasant scents linger in a home afterward is due to inadequate water cleanup.

Rapid Water Spill Removal Mitigates Damages
When damage occurs in a Watertown home, attention to the affected areas in the house, and furnishings are a top priority. When SERVPRO arrives at the home, we immediately use our various types of detection equipment to determine the location of all excessive areas of moisture. We work fast to move out items that have restoration potential to another area of the property or our location.

Equipment and Methods Salvage Furnishings
Then we remove water from the home. We have special attachments for pulling moisture out of upholstered furnishings as well as weighted extraction heads to push the water out of wet carpet padding. These methods assist with saving furnishings and stopping them from becoming a loss.

Mold Can Be a Secondary Problem--Dry, Dry, Dry
Standard home cleanup methods cannot effectively remove water that migrates under subflooring or behind walls. Moreover, once there, it has the potential to encourage dormant mold spores to germinate and build colonies if temperatures are ideal. Our SERVPRO location holds a Mold Remediation license #00261, and we know the signs to look for to stop for the formation of mold colonies. After drying, there are many steps we take to ensure that both mold and water odors do not become an after-the-fact issue.

?    Confirming ambient room humidity is under 50% after achieving drying goals
?    Thorough hand cleaning with professional-grade antibacterial cleaners
?    Application of antimicrobial sealers in areas that have the potential for mold growth
?    Use of odor control methods to eradicate residual water odors

When any kind of water damage affects your property, call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377. Our certified technicians work fast and thoroughly to make the water loss in your home "Like it never even happened."

Here is your town.

You Can Reach Our Professionals 24/7 If Your Watertown Home Experiences A Water Damage Emergency

6/8/2019 (Permalink)

Contact our 24/7 emergency response team at (315) 777-8377 to begin the process of preserving your memories.

Don't Let A Leak Destroy Your Family Photos In Your Watertown Home. Call SERVPRO!

It might be difficult to believe, but a pipe that leaks overnight can quickly result in a water damage disaster for you and your home. If you wake up after a long night's sleep to find your office covered in water, then you need professional assistance. Water can quickly destroy your prized paper photo albums and can even damage digital copies of photos stored on affected electronics.

SERVPRO can be your first line of defense against losing your pictures. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified technicians are experienced in minimizing water damage in your Watertown home to both electronic and paper media. We can arrive at your home and plug the source of the spillage to prevent further damages and can remove the standing water from your floors with wet vacs and pumps. Dehumidifiers can then be deployed to remove excess moisture from inside your office, which can prevent further condensation on papers and electronics.

Paper is difficult to preserve in cases of water damage. Photos must be frozen and dried through sublimation where moisture is frozen and is then allowed to escape the paper as a gas. Electronic media can be removed from areas containing spillage and can be wiped down to help mitigate further water damage. Additionally, SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians (WRT) can seal electronics in bags to prevent further condensation on electronic surfaces. This can help preserve your electronics for specialized electronics repair workers. SERVPRO can help recommend repair services for your electrical equipment as we cannot repair physical, electronic hardware or salvage digital data.

Your personal photos are important records of your favorite life experiences, and they shouldn't be permanently damaged from a single negative life experience. SERVPRO of Jefferson County can help preserve your media in instances of water damage. Contact our 24/7 emergency response team at (315) 777-8377 to begin the process of preserving your memories.

Click here for more about Watertown.

Time-tested Ways to Water Removal in Waretown

4/7/2019 (Permalink)

If your home has been affected by an ice dam and has resulting water damage, call our SERVPRO team for water removal as well as minor roof fixes.

The Dangers of Ice Damming for Your Watertown Residence

With the winter seasons that Watertown residents become accustomed to experiencing, many provisions get made to protect homes against the potential hazards winter weather presents. While snowfall becomes heavy and can put a great strain on roofs, this is not the most immediately threatening situation that occurs in this area of your house. Snow beginning to melt and freezing again along the eaves and edges of your roof create literal dams that prevent melting snow from escaping. Without an ability to move away, this dam continues to increase in size and tests the mettle of your roof as it holds higher volumes of water and ice than it gets built to withstand.

While you cannot predict or plan for the possibility of the damage that this can do to your home, ice dams often lead to penetration of the shingles and backing and require professional water removal in Watertown. Our SERVPRO professionals can help to understand the full extent of this damage and possible flooding scenario and arrive with the equipment and personnel that can help quickly.

With flooding and excess water in areas like your attic or coming through the ceiling, getting professional assistance immediately can begin mitigation work to protect your home and its occupants from considerable loss. Our certified professionals have effective mitigation tactics that can seal up penetration points in the roof temporarily until reconstruction and repair can begin.

Our SERVPRO technicians inside can work to remove the water effectively with high-powered gas pumps and portable electric sump pump extractors. Removing the pooling water helps to reduce penetration into construction materials and structural elements, and can also reduce the need for excessive demolition and reconstruction.

While you cannot account for when ice damming would occur on your roof, our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team can help you remove the water and clean up the mess whenever it happens. Our experienced professionals are available 24/7 by calling (315) 777-8377.

Click here for more information about the city of Watertown.

Have You Ever Wondered if You Could Prevent Frozen Pipes in Waretown Homes?

1/6/2019 (Permalink)

When frozen pipes burst, water damage can result. Contact our team at SERVPRO for water removal and remediation services.

Identifying Frozen or Freezing Pipes in Watertown Homes

As a Watertown homeowner, you can appreciate the threats to your property when the winter months set in and temperatures drop significantly. Freezing water pipes can pose damaging situations for your house if not addressed in time, and part of that fast reaction to the situation revolves around you understanding when this potential problem exists. Knowing what to look for and when can help to limit the damage to your property when a water line bursts inside your house.

If you have already had a pipe burst in your Watertown residence before, you can appreciate the need for a fast response to get professionals there immediately to begin the water removal process. The more materials that become exposed to the spreading water, the more potential tear out and reconstruction that can become required. Our SERVPRO professionals can respond quickly to the situation, as we are a team of experienced professionals available to our customers 24 hours a day.

Identifying problems with the pipes before ice damming and over-pressurization allows for bursting and splitting can be critical for any homeowner in the area. The problem is, many homeowners do not know that they have under-insulated areas of their indoor plumbing without them freezing first. On especially cold evenings and days throughout the winter months, visual inspections of exposed pipes can help to show which points show crystallization which can indicate the onset of freezing water inside.

Another method for identifying a problem is a noticeable drop in water pressure, or a foul odor emanating from the drains. You can reduce the present pressure to blockage by shutting off the main supply valve to your home and working quickly to thaw out the affected areas of the pipe.

Once our SERVPRO professionals arrive at an emergency break, we can work to remove the excess water and begin drying the area quickly. We can also take this opportunity to identify potential problem areas with the plumbing to prevent future breaks.

Freezing pipes are an ever-present threat for area homeowners throughout the winter. While identifying the issues early can save damaged plumbing, our SERVPRO of Jefferson County water restoration specialists can work quickly to preserve your property once a break occurs. Give us a call today at (315) 777-8377.

Click here for more information about Watertown.

How To Inspect for a Shower Leak

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

Discovering a bathtub leak early in your Watertown,NY home can save time and money

4 Steps Home Inspectors Take to Look for Bathtub and Shower Leaks

When buying or renting a home in Watertown,NY, don’t forget to inspect for a bathtub leak. Spending the time to do a thorough check of the home for water damage can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. From tiled showers to enclosed shower bathtub units, many of the ways to check for leaks are similar. Here are four simple steps home inspectors take to look for bathtub and shower leaks.

Check surrounding areas for water damage. Stained baseboards or ceilings, rusted tacks holding down carpet or loose bathroom floor tiles are all indicators of a shower pan leak. Another quick trick is to push a finger into the baseboards or surrounding grout to feel for any give. Ideally, they should be hard, nonporous surfaces and provide no movement.
Examine crawl spaces beneath bathrooms. If your house has a crawl space or basement, be sure to look for black wood dripping with water, as that is a sure sign of a bathtub leak.
Let your suspicious nature run free. An old pan, a fresh coat of paint, or an unused shower could all be signs of a leak that may not have been properly sealed. Note the age of the home and consult with the owner to find out the last time the shower pan was replaced.
Inspect a tiled shower stall. A loose threshold into the shower can be a sign of a shower pan leak. Vertical or horizontal cracks in the tiled wall or tile separating from the wall can lead to leaks due to water spraying from the showerhead directly into the cracks.

Water damage in your home can be frustrating and costly. Your local water damage repair and restoration specialist can help you get your home back to normal. Discovering a bathtub leak early can save you time, money, and hassle.

Water Damage: Three Important Facts

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss in a Watertown,NY home

You may be worried about water damage if you recently experienced a pipe burst in your Watertown,NY, home. Such situations can cause flooding and other issues but try not to panic. Instead, learn about the following three facts, so you can be prepared for any future problems that arise.

1. Damage

When water enters your home, it can damage many different structures. However, the severity of the damage can vary widely. There are three recognized classes of water damage:

White or Category 1 Water Damage: This is clean water.
Gray or Category 2 Water Damage: This is often waste water.
Black or Category 3 Water Damage: This is considered contaminated water.

Category 3 damage is urgent and requires quick cleanup, while Category 1 water is not contaminated, but still requires rapid cleanup. A broken water line that leads to a pipe burst typically will only result in Category 1 damage as long as the matter is quickly addressed.

2. Restoration

Taking advantage of remediation services is not always just a practical move. In cases where you are dealing with complicated damage, such as when white water is left to sit for too long, a service may be necessary. Most trained workers will arrive on the scene quickly, assess the damage and take measures to restore your property.

3. Salvage

You may think that the random valuables around your home cannot be saved after a water damage incident. This is not always the case. Technicians such as those mentioned above can typically help you remove certain furniture and personal items and may even offer move-out assistance to help you preserve items before they get damaged. Most professionals also understand that your keepsakes are precious and may attempt to restore photographs and other mementos.

A pipe burst at home is never fun, but understanding the issue at hand helps. If you put an action plan into place, you have a better chance of returning to normal life sooner rather than later.

3 Keys To Managing a Toilet Overflow Situation

8/17/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Watertown, NY

Many people have heard that unmistakable sound of water splashing to the floor and turned to see the unwelcome waterfall of a flooded toilet. There are efficient ways to manage the cleanup and get the system restored to proper functionality. The key to reducing sewer damage is to remain calm and act quickly.

1. Shut the Water Valve Off

The very first thing to do is to shut the valve off that goes directly to the toilet. It’s located behind the bowl and under the tank. That should stop the water from continuing to flow. If you don’t see a valve, open the tank and find something to support the float ball in the open position. If neither of these methods prevents water from continuing to fill the bowl, then you are probably dealing with a clogged sewer line and a plumber should be called immediately.

2. Attempt To Unclog the Drain

Keep a plunger and rubber gloves on hand for such occasions. A plunger with a flange creates a better seal and provides the suction needed for quick removal of debris. If the clog is stubborn, you may want to try a snake that’s specially designed for the curves associated with a toilet’s plumbing. If neither of these devices works, you will need to call a sewage company in Watertown, NY, to come and inspect the lines.

3. Clean Up the Mess

Once you’ve stopped the overflow, you should take immediate steps to keep the sewer damage from expanding further. If you’re lucky, the overflow only involves clear liquid. If that’s the case, then put towels or rags down or use a mop to keep it from seeping into flooring and drywall. Use items you can discard after use. You can clean the area thoroughly with warm bleach water after you’ve fixed the clog.

If the damage is more extensive, you may want to call in a sewage company in Watertown, NY, to disinfect the affected area and remove badly contaminated materials, such as carpeting, insulation, or drywall. Sewer damage can promote mold and disease when not properly taken care of.

5 Steps for Filing a Water Damage Claim

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Returning your home to normal after water damage involves more than just drying everything out or filing an insurance claim.

Effects from storms can be devastating. Water damage in Watertown, NY, can be difficult to recover from, but filing an insurance claim may help. Here are five steps to take in the process:

1. Review your policy. After a storm, make sure you review your policy regarding what is covered under your insurance. This might not answer all the questions you have, but it may give you a starting point.

2. Call your insurance provider. Always phone your insurance provider right away to ask any additional questions you might have. Is this covered? How does one file an insurance claim? How long will it take to process? Please don’t be shy about asking questions. Your insurance specialist is there to help you through this.

3. Photograph the damage. One thing insurance adjusters may ask for is photographic evidence of any results from the storm. You might be required to submit photos as part of the process.

3. Fill out forms. If you need to file a claim, your insurance company will send you forms within a specified time frame. Filling these out and returning them in a timely manner can help avoid delays.

4. Prepare for the visit. After the paperwork is filed, an insurance adjuster may need to see the damage. Have a list of all items lost or broken ready to show the inspector. You may also want to have a list of where all the damage from the flood or pipe burst is in order to make things easier.

5. Make repairs. Some damages may be too severe for you to handle alone, but if possible, make temporary repairs to prevent further incidents from occurring. For example, a pipe burst can be temporarily fixed to stop more damage until a professional can see to it.

Returning your home to normal after water damage involves more than just drying everything out or filing an insurance claim. When you contact restoration specialists for help in Watertown, NY, you know everything will be expertly taken care of as the cleanup and repairs are completed. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/.

Dirty gutters could mean water damage in your Watertown home!

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Water can cause damage in all areas of your home!

SERVPRO® of Jefferson County would like to remind everyone that being proactive is the best way to prevent damage. And even though it is one of the more time consuming chores, keeping the gutters around your home in good shape can greatly reduce the chances of a water damage disaster.

Clogged gutters can result in basement flooding, roof damage, erosion and foundation damage. Regularly check and clear the gutter system around your home to ensure there are no problems.
Fixing loose gutters can also mitigate damage. Loose gutters will allow water to flow along the roof which can affect siding, doors, windows and foundation.
Splash blocks are important as they direct the water away from the home. Without a splash block the water can build up around the foundation of the home and cause flooding and mildew.

Hopefully, by checking out the gutter system in your home you will be able to stop disaster before it begins. But if, by chance, something does happen, SERVPRO® of Jefferson County's water damage technicians are here to help 24/7. Call us at 315-777-8377

IICRC certified firm

5/17/2018 (Permalink)