Winterizing Your Plumbing: Essential Tips to Protect Your Home

10/28/2024 (Permalink)

As temperatures drop in Twin Falls, Idaho, preparing your home for winter becomes a priority. One key step in winterizing your property is protecting your plumbing from freezing temperatures. When water freezes in pipes, it expands, potentially causing the pipes to burst. This can lead to extensive water damage, high repair costs, and the hassle of cleanup. SERVPRO of Twin Falls is here to share essential tips on winterizing your plumbing and keeping your home safe this winter.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas—like attics, basements, garages, and exterior walls—are the most susceptible to freezing. Insulate these pipes with foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or pipe sleeves to help retain warmth. This is a cost-effective way to protect your plumbing and reduce the risk of freezing.

2. Drain Outdoor Hoses and Faucets

Outdoor hoses and faucets are particularly vulnerable to winter temperatures. Disconnect garden hoses, drain any water left inside, and store them for the season. Shut off any interior valves supplying outdoor faucets, and open the exterior faucet to allow any remaining water to drain. You can also install insulated faucet covers for added protection.

3. Seal Any Gaps or Cracks

Cold air can enter your home through gaps around windows, doors, or where pipes run through walls. Seal these areas with caulk or weather-stripping to reduce drafts and prevent cold air from freezing indoor pipes. Adding insulation to walls where pipes are located can further reduce exposure to cold temperatures.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

On especially cold days and nights, open the cabinet doors beneath sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. This simple step can help keep pipes warmer in kitchens and bathrooms, especially in homes where pipes are located along exterior walls.

5. Keep the Heat On When You’re Away

If you’re planning to leave for a winter vacation, don’t turn off the heat completely. Instead, set your thermostat to at least 55°F or higher to ensure your home stays warm enough to prevent frozen pipes. This also keeps other parts of your home safe from winter-related damage.

6. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

When temperatures drop extremely low, let faucets drip slightly, especially those connected to exposed pipes. This small trick keeps water flowing, making it less likely to freeze. Even a slow trickle can help relieve pressure if ice does form in the pipe, potentially preventing a burst.

7. Know How to Shut Off Your Water Supply

In the event of a pipe freeze or burst, knowing how to quickly shut off your water can help minimize damage. Locate your main water shut-off valve and ensure it’s accessible. Consider labeling it for easy access if needed.

What to Do if Pipes Freeze

Despite your best efforts, sometimes pipes freeze. If you find a frozen pipe, turn on the faucet and apply heat to the section of pipe with a space heater, heating pad, or warm towel. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes, as this can lead to fire hazards. If you’re unable to thaw the pipe or if it’s already burst, contact a professional plumber for assistance.

SERVPRO of Twin Falls is Here if You Need Help

Winter can be hard on homes, but taking steps to winterize your plumbing can help you avoid costly repairs. If you experience water damage from frozen pipes, SERVPRO of Twin Falls is ready to respond 24/7 with expert water restoration services. Our team will assess the damage, remove standing water, and dry affected areas to restore your home to its best condition.

Common Causes of Winter Roof Damage and How to Avoid Them

10/14/2024 (Permalink)

Winter in Twin Falls, Idaho, brings cold temperatures, snow, and ice, all of which can take a toll on your roof. Understanding the common causes of winter roof damage is key to protecting your home or business from costly repairs. SERVPRO of Twin Falls is here when you identify these threats and provide tips to avoid winter-related roofing issues.

1. Snowfall Buildup

Heavy snowfall can put stress on your roof, leading to structural damage, leaks, or even collapse in extreme cases. Older roofs or those with existing weaknesses are especially vulnerable to heavy snow loads and snowfalls.

• Prevention Tip: After significant snowfall, carefully remove excess snow using a roof rake. If you’re unsure about the load, consult a professional for an assessment.

2. Ice Dams

Ice dams form when warm air from your home melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the roof’s edges, blocking water from draining properly. This trapped water can seep under shingles, causing leaks and water damage inside your home. A sign of this may be patches of melted snow on your roof when there is more snow in other places.

• Prevention Tip: Properly insulate your attic and ensure good ventilation to prevent heat from escaping and causing snowmelt. Installing roof heating cables can also help prevent ice dams.

3. Clogged Gutters

Leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate in gutters, preventing proper drainage of snowmelt. When water can’t drain, it pools on your roof, increasing the risk of leaks and ice dams forming.

• Prevention Tip: Clean your gutters regularly, especially before winter, to allow snowmelt to flow freely. Consider installing gutter guards to keep debris out.

4. High Winds

Winter storms often bring high winds, which can lift or tear off shingles, leaving your roof exposed to water seeping in from those damaged and vulnerable points. Damaged shingles can also create weak spots where snow and ice accumulate which can cause more ice dams.

• Prevention Tip: Regularly inspect your roof for damaged or loose shingles and repair them promptly. Ensure your roof is secured and ready to withstand strong winds before winter arrives. Experts recommend replacing your roof every 20 years or so. But this can change depending on the quality of your roof materials and what it is made from.

5. Condensation in the Attic

Cold temperatures combined with poor ventilation can cause condensation to build up in your attic. Excess moisture can weaken roof materials over time and create conditions for mold growth. Not a good combination if you want a strong and structurally sound home.

• Prevention Tip: Make sure your attic has proper insulation and ventilation to prevent warm air from rising and causing condensation. This not only protects your roof but also improves energy efficiency and keeping your heating bills at a reasonable price.

6. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

In Twin Falls, the temperature often fluctuates between freezing and thawing. Water can seep into cracks or crevices in your roof, freeze, expand, and cause those cracks to grow larger. This cycle can lead to serious damage over time.

• Prevention Tip: Inspect your roof for small cracks or gaps before winter and repair them to prevent water from seeping in. Regular maintenance can catch these problems before they become more serious.

Protect Your Roof and Home This Winter

The best way to avoid winter roof damage is through regular maintenance and timely repairs. By being proactive, you can protect your roof from the worst that winter has to offer and avoid costly damage from water damage and leaks.

If you do experience roof leaks or water damage this winter, SERVPRO of Twin Falls is ready to help. We specialize in water damage restoration, mold prevention, and emergency roof repairs. Contact us 24/7 for fast and professional service. Keep your roof and home safe this winter!

Act Fast, Prevent Disaster: Stopping Secondary Water Damage in Its Tracks

6/17/2024 (Permalink)

Discovering water damage in your home can be stressful. But before you panic, take a deep breath! While water damage itself can be disruptive, it's the secondary water damage that can truly wreak havoc. This is the additional damage caused by the initial leak or flood, like mold growth, structural issues, and ruined belongings.

The good news? Secondary water damage is largely preventable with a quick response and the right knowledge. Here at SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties, we're dedicated to helping our community through any water damage situation. So, let's dive into some key ways to prevent secondary water damage and minimize the impact on your home.

Time is of the Essence

The clock starts ticking the moment water enters your home. The faster you address the source of the leak and begin the drying process, the less chance there is for secondary damage to occur. Here's what you can do immediately:

• Turn off the water source: Locate the shut-off valve for the affected area and stop the flow of water.
• Contain the spill: Use towels or mops to soak up as much standing water as possible.
• Move belongings to safety: Elevate furniture, rugs, and valuables to prevent them from getting soaked.
• Promote air circulation: Open windows and doors to encourage ventilation and drying.

Call in the Professionals

While you can take some initial steps, for larger water damage events, contacting a professional water restoration company like SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties is crucial. Our experienced technicians have the equipment and expertise to:

• Thoroughly extract water: We use powerful pumps and vacuums to remove standing water and trapped moisture.
• Dehumidify the area: Industrial-grade dehumidifiers are essential for removing excess moisture from the air and preventing mold growth.
• Inspect for hidden moisture: Advanced tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras help us locate hidden pockets of water within walls, ceilings, and floors.

Preventative Measures Make a Difference

Being proactive can go a long way in preventing water damage in the first place. Here are some tips to consider:

• Regular maintenance: Schedule regular inspections of your plumbing system, appliances, and roof for potential leaks.
• Invest in smart technology: Smart water leak detectors can alert you to small leaks before they become major problems.
• Proper downspout placement: Ensure your gutters and downspouts effectively channel water away from your foundation.

SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties: Your Partner in Water Damage Restoration

Experiencing water damage can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone. At SERVPRO of Twin Fall and Jerome Counties, we understand the urgency of the situation and are here to help you 24/7. Our highly trained technicians will work quickly and efficiently to minimize secondary water damage and restore your home to its preloss condition.

Remember: by acting fast, taking the right steps, and partnering with a trusted restoration company, you can prevent secondary water damage and get your life back on track quickly.

Call SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties today at 208-735-1447 for a fast and professional water damage restoration service!

Beyond the Drip, Drip, Drip: The Hidden Dangers of Water Damage in Your Home

5/9/2024 (Permalink)

A leaky faucet or a minor roof drip might seem like a minor inconvenience, but don't underestimate the potential consequences of water damage in your home. Water can wreak havoc on your property, not just causing structural issues, but also posing serious health risks.

Here's a wake-up call on the dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly harmless water damage:

Silent Destruction:

Water damage often starts small and goes unnoticed, silently seeping into walls, floors, and ceilings. By the time visible signs appear, like stains, warping, or peeling, the damage may be extensive, requiring significant repairs.

Mold Menagerie:

Mold thrives in damp environments, and water damage creates the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow and spread. Mold spores can then travel through the air, causing potential health effects. Some types of mold can even be toxic to humans and other animals.

Structural Instability:

Water can weaken the structural integrity of your home. Left unaddressed, water damage can lead to rot in wooden beams, cracks in foundations, and even sagging ceilings. Even after the water has dried, leaving water damaged materials alone for long periods of time can lead to increased mold growth if new moisture is introduced, or cause more damage from rot over time.

Electrical Hazards:

Water conducts electricity, posing a serious safety risk. Even a minor leak near electrical wiring can cause malfunctions, sparks, or even fires.

Financial Fallout:

Ignoring water damage can lead to costly repairs down the road. The longer water sits, the more extensive the damage becomes. Additionally, some homeowners insurance policies may not cover damage caused by neglect or long-term leaks.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late:

Here are some steps to take if you suspect water damage:

1. Identify the Source: Turn off the water supply if necessary and locate the source of the leak. Moisture readers and even thermal readers are very helpful in this process.
2. Contain the Damage: Mop up any standing water and remove wet carpets or rugs to prevent further spread. If the amount of water is significant, you may need to use heavier equipment such as a pump or vacuum.
3. Promote Drying: Open windows and doors to encourage ventilation and use fans to circulate air.
4. Call in the Professionals: For any significant water damage, reach out to us here at SERVPRO in Twin Falls and Jerome Counties and we can give you a free inspection and an estimate. We have the expertise and equipment to properly dry out your home and prevent future damages. We work with insurance companies regularly and we can help smoothen out the claims process as well.

By being proactive and addressing water damage promptly, you can avoid the hidden dangers and costly repairs it can bring. Remember, a little vigilance goes a long way in protecting your home and your health.

Prevent Burst Pipes! Understanding & Fixing Hose Bib Breaks in Twin Falls, Idaho

4/29/2024 (Permalink)

Green handled hose bib/water faucet.

Having a functional hose bib (outdoor faucet) is crucial for any Twin Falls homeowner. They keep your lawn lush and your car sparkling. But, surprise! A broken hose bib can cause major headaches and water damage to your home. Don't let a burst pipe turn your spring dreams into a plumbing nightmare. Here at SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties, we help Twin Falls residents prevent and fix hose bib problems. Let's explore what causes hose bib breaks and how to keep yours in the best shape possible.

Common Causes of Twin Falls Hose Bib Breaks:

• Brutal Winters: When water freezes inside your hose bib, it expands with impressive force. This pressure can crack or burst the faucet, especially in our chilly Idaho winters. Proper insulation and draining hoses are key!
• Time Takes Its Toll: Hose bibs face constant wear and tear. Sun, rain, and everyday use can weaken the material, leading to leaks, cracks, or even complete failure. Regular maintenance is your best defense.
• Installation Issues: Ever heard of DIY disasters? A poorly installed hose bib is a ticking time bomb. Loose connections or improper attachment to the wall can cause stress on the fixture, leading to leaks or breaks. Call a professional plumber for peace of mind.

Solutions to Prevent Hose Bib Breaks in Twin Falls:

• Fight the Freeze: Before winter arrives, insulate your hose bibs with foam sleeves designed for outdoor faucets. Seal any gaps to keep the cold air out. Disconnect and drain hoses – no water, no freezing!
• Regular Checkups: Don't wait for a burst pipe to discover a problem. Regularly inspect hose bibs for leaks, corrosion, or worn washers. Replace faulty parts promptly to avoid bigger issues. Consider frost-proof hose bibs – they're built to withstand freezing temperatures.
• Pro Installation is Key: When installing or replacing a hose bib, trust a licensed plumber. They'll use high-quality parts suited for our climate and secure the bib properly to prevent leaks and future problems.

Protect Your Home from Hose Bib Headaches:

By understanding the causes of hose bib breaks and taking preventive measures, you can save yourself from a plumbing disaster. Here at SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties, our Twin Falls plumbers are experts at fixing and preventing hose bib issues. But remember, prevention is always better than cure!

Call SERVPRO today for a free consultation and keep your Twin Falls home safe from hose bib breaks!

Tackling Snowmelt Water Damage in Twin Falls

4/3/2024 (Permalink)

Obviously, SERVPRO has many years of experience to mitigate water damage caused by snowmelt or other factors. Twin Falls has help.

Navigating Winter-Related Water Issues

Twin Falls residents sometimes confront the unique challenge of water cleanup due to snowmelt. This issue is particularly prevalent during the transitional periods between winter and spring, when accumulated snow begins to melt, potentially leading to various property damage, particularly roofing, flashing, and around windows. Strangely, this year, winter arrived almost into Spring with an abundance of snow.

Recognizing Snowmelt Damage Hazards

The risks associated with snowmelt water damage in Twin Falls properties are a significant concern. The rapid melting of ice and snow can lead to unexpected water intrusion in homes. Frequently seen issues include:

• Water seepage into basements or lower levels of buildings
• Overburdened drainage systems lead to indoor flooding
• Ice dams on roofs cause leaks

SERVPRO®'s Expertise in Handling Snowmelt Water Damage

Addressing snowmelt water intrusion, SERVPRO employs specialized techniques and equipment to mitigate and restore affected properties effectively. When needed, the team communicates with your insurance agent to coordinate the restoration service and ensure every action is approved and authorized. Their comprehensive approach includes:

• Fast Water Removal: Utilizing high-powered extraction tools to eliminate standing water.
• Advanced Drying Techniques: Air movers and dehumidifiers are deployed to dry affected areas thoroughly.
• Sanitation and Mold Prevention: Ensuring cleanliness and preventing mold growth through professional cleaning methods.
• Complete Restoration Services: Repairing and reconstructing areas damaged by water.

Tools like thermal imaging cameras help detect hidden moisture, and moisture detectors ensure thorough drying, showcasing SERVPRO's commitment to complete restoration.

Fast Action Lessens Damage to Home and Property

A quick response can significantly reduce long-term impacts and help restore properties efficiently. SERVPRO's round-the-clock availability in Twin Falls ensures immediate assistance, offering residents a reliable solution to the challenges of winter water damage.

At the first sign of water damage from snowmelt, contact SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties at (208) 735-1447. Our team of professional restoration experts is Here to Help®.

How To Avoid Frozen Pipes

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

Winter is here, and a harsh freeze can spell disaster for unsecured pipes. Don't wait until it's too late - make sure your home or rental property is protected by winterizing now! SERVPRO of Twin Falls recommends hiring an experienced plumbing professional to ensure every nook and cranny in the building has proper insulation so you don't have to face costly water damage down the line. When all else fails, trust our certified technicians at SERVPRO for help before or after any potential loss situation!

Easy Ways to Tell Your Home Is Water Damaged

10/26/2022 (Permalink)

Easy Ways to Tell Your Home Is Water Damaged

Obvious water damage often comes as a result of flooding and other natural instances, but it can also affect your home over time in less blatant ways. Here are a few things to look for if you suspect your home might be water damaged.

Structural Shifts

If you notice slight changes in the composition of your house, such as bloated walls, peeling wallpaper, and warping in the floors, you can assume that water damage has taken place.

Rusty Appliances

If metal appliances in your house are starting to display rust, this could be a sign that water has made its way into the building. Keep an eye on the attic and basement in particular for this one.

Mold

Perhaps the most obvious sign of water damage. If your walls are moldy then something must be done immediately, as it can be very dangerous.

What to Do?

If you notice one or more of these signs, then you could use a professional water damage cleanup and repair. Contact your nearest SERVPRO, and we’ll make it like it never happened.

The 7 Steps for Water Damage Restoration

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Call us today!

When water damage affects your home or business, you need to get in touch with professionals as quickly as possible. This blog explains the steps that should be taken after you’ve gotten in touch with the right team.

Inspection & Damage Assessment 

In the first step, your team should visit your space, assess the damage, figure out the hazards, decide what can be salvaged, and work to stop the cause of the damage.

Water Removal

Once the initial assessment comes the first step in recovery - pumping however many gallons of water out of your home thoroughly.

Damaged Material Removal 

The next step in cleaning water damage is removing any damaged materials, be it furniture, or parts of your home’s structure.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Deodorization

Once the damaged materials have been removed, the team should work to clean, sanitize, and deodorize whatever’s left, to make sure it’s still liveable in the future.

Drying

Just because the bulk of the water is gone, that doesn’t mean dampness isn’t still a problem, which is when industrial drying equipment comes in.

Monitoring

Throughout the process, professionals should visit your property daily, to see how the drying is coming along.

Repairs & Construction

After the property has been neutralized and any items have been removed or restored, your home may need real structural attention, which should come only at the end of the process.

If your home suffers severe water damage, call us today and we’ll follow these steps to make it "Like it never even happened."

Common Causes of Water Damage in Homes

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO at the first sign of water damage!

A flood in your house can cause all sorts of damage to your belongings, electronics, and even the structural integrity of your home. We know the risks that water damage can bring with it, but it’s important to know what causes that damage in homes, so we can best prepare for it.

Common Causes of Water Damage

• Damaged Pipes: This is especially common in older homes where plumbing systems can become rusted and worn down over time. Watch out for cracks and bulges in the floors and ceilings to stay one step ahead of pipe failure.
• Kitchen Appliances: After being used for a long time, or used improperly, your white goods can start to flood the floors. Common culprits are overfilled fridges, clogged up dishwashers, and leaky washing machines.
• Natural Disasters: Maybe there has been a hurricane, a nearby dam has broken, or your home has been caught in a major snowstorm. There are a number of possibly harmful natural occurrences that mean floodproofing your home against these eventualities is always a smart move.

If you can’t get ahead of water damage and find yourself having to deal with the fallout, don’t take it on yourself, call SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties, and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

The Importance of Professional Restoration for Water Damage

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO restore your water damage.

Flooding is a serious issue for homeowners, whether from natural causes or due to technological malfunctions in your home. If your house suffers water damage you may feel like you could attempt to deal with it yourself, but in reality, it’s vital to go to a professional.

Without professional water removal, your home could be in serious danger. Serious water damage can cause the structural integrity of your home to become severely compromised, with the foundations and walls at risk of falling apart. Similarly, the electrical systems in your home could be majorly damaged, meaning many of your home’s vital technologies could stop working, and you could even risk electrocution. That’s not to mention the potential risks of mold and contaminated water.

The safety of your home and family is priceless, so it’s essential that you bring in professionals with experience in cleaning water damage away. At SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties, we have a crack team of technicians with the expertise and technology to remove water from your home quickly and efficiently, before moving on to a restoration project to mitigate any damage.

If you find yourself in a situation like this, call SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties, and we’ll work to make your home feel “Like it never even happened.”

What To Do When Water Damage Occurs

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

We hope you never experience water damage, but if and when you do, we will treat it and work to restore your space to what it was.

Water damage is a more common occurrence that plagues many homes and businesses. Even in small amounts, any water damage that is left untreated compromises the structure of the house or building and is also a health risk. When left unattended, water damage can eat through concrete, cause electrical shortages, affect structural foundations, and breed toxic molds. In most cases, professional services from SERVPRO are necessary, if only for the safety of you and those occupying the water-damaged space with you. 

First and foremost, when water damage occurs, the priority needs to be safety. If you cannot safely remain in the space, evacuate immediately. Keeping safety first, remember that wet materials can be extremely heavy. Don't move wet furniture or rugs without help, and even then, it isn't wise to risk your health or bodily injury. Water damage can become complicated (and very dangerous) when electricity is involved. Slip and fall hazards are a prevalent concern as people often don't remember how slippery floors make things more challenging. 

While you wait for SERVPRO of Southern Idaho to arrive and you've assessed if you can safely be in the space, there are some tasks you can do to help prevent long-term damage.  

1. Wipe down any wood furniture (after removing anything on the top of the furniture). 
2. Use mops and towels to remove excess standing water. 
3. If your upholstery is wet, remove any cushions and place them in a dry spot to begin drying and reshaping. 
4. If the carpet is wet and you cannot thoroughly remove the furniture, place wooden blocks or aluminum foil between the legs and carpet. 
5. Remove all rugs (if able to). 
6. If it's summertime, turn the Air Conditioning on full blast to start the drying process. 
7. Remove any items off the floor that can be moved to a dry location. 

When a disaster like water damage strikes, it can make us all freeze and not know what to do next. It's important to share things not to do after water damage happens.  

1. If your ceiling is experiencing water damage, do not turn on your ceiling fan, and stay out of that room in case of a ceiling collapse. 
2. Hang all wet fabrics to dry (rugs, furs, leathers, etc.) 
3. Remove any colored items off the wet floor (books, magazines, art supplies, toys, etc.) 
4. Don't use any electrical appliances in that room (I.e., television, refrigerator, hairdryer, streaming devices, etc.) 
5. Never use your home vacuum to remove standing water. 

Using SERVPRO for any water damage emergency is the choice to make. Not only is our team professionally trained and equipped with the highest-grade equipment, and we will help you with your insurance claim too. When water damage occurs, there are often terrible lingering odors left on the furniture and other personal items. The Southern Idaho SERVPRO team can safely, effectively, and efficiently clean furniture, upholstery, and other personal belongings. 

We hope you never experience water damage, but if and when you do, we will treat it and work to restore your space to what it was. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Ice Dams in Twin Falls?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Twin Falls County.

Last February, many Idaho residents had issues with ice dams. SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties responds to water damage emergencies involving ice dams each year and offer this information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for understanding and preventing ice dams:  

Ice dams happen when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes overnight when the temperatures drop. These melting and refreezing cycles may allow water to creep up under the roof shingles, allowing water to enter the attic space and damage the ceilings, walls, and contents.

Ice Dam Prevention Tips

• Clear debris from rain gutters and downspouts
• Keep snow off of your roof using roof rakes. Keeping heavy snow off the roof prevents roof failure and discourages ice dams from forming.
• All winter long, keep gutters and downspouts clear of snow and icicles
• Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. The R-value should be at least R-30, but R-38 is preferable in Northern climates. Good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through roof vents is essential.

Call Us!

When your Twin Falls home or business needs water damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is Here to Help. ® Our technicians typically arrive within four hours of your call. Call us today at 208-735-1447.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Contents Restoration Services in Kimberly?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water-damaged belongings in Twin Falls County.

SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties responds to water damage emergencies every year in Kimberly. In many cases, the water has had time to saturate many household items and belongings. Here are examples of the types of cleaning methods we may use to restore your belongings:

• Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product 
• Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
• Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
• Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
• Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
• Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned

We can also provide specialized cleaning and restoration services for:

Electronic Cleanup

Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device you suspect has been damaged by water. We coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

• Television sets
• DVD players
• Computers
• And more

Document and Photograph Drying

Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:

• Air Drying
• Dehumidification
• Freezer Drying
• Vacuum Freeze Drying
• Vacuum Thermal Drying

Call Us Today!

When your Kimberely home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 208-735-1447.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Flooding Safety Tips for Rogerson?

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Twin Falls County.

There are more water damage claims made in the United States than any other property damage claim. Secondary damage can occur when water is left standing for too long. SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties offers these flooding safety tips from our website for things to do and not do while waiting for help to arrive:

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
• Gather loose items from floors

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water
• Don’t use television or other household appliances
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us!

When your Rogerson home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 208-735-1447.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Black Water Contamination in Twin Falls?

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

We restore sewer backups in Twin Falls County.

SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties technicians are highly trained to mitigate and remediate dangerous black water contamination scenes. Sewer water is grossly unsanitary and can cause serious health effects. Our technicians have the specialized cleaning equipment, personal protective gear, and disinfecting and cleaning agents to restore dangerous sewer system backups.  

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category two or three

Category 2: "Gray Water"

• It may contain bacteria and viruses
• It can quickly degrade into category three if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category three water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Call Us Today!

You never know when your home or business will need sewer cleanup and restoration services, but when you do, SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is Here to Help. ® Our restoration technicians are on-call 24-hours a day, every day. Call us today at 208-735-1447. We’ll clean and restore your sewer damage in Twin Falls, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Sewer Backup in Roseworth?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to sewer emergencies 24-hours a day in Twin Falls County.

Do you know that when your sewer backs up, you can be exposed to dangerous bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness? Sewer water is grossly unsanitary and should be mitigated by trained professionals. At SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties, our technicians have the equipment, training, and experience to safely clean and restore areas compromised by sewer water. Here are the three classifications for contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

• If left untreated can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with some urine but no feces, or dishwasher overflow.

• It May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe health effects if ingested. Any contact should be avoided.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Call Us Today!

When you need residential or commercial sewer cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is Here to Help. ® Our restoration technicians are on-call 24-hours a day, every day. Call us today at 208-735-1447. We’ll clean and restore your sewer damage in Roseworth, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Refrigerator Flood in Twin Falls Home?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Jerome County.

Faster to Any Size Disaster in Twin Falls

You never know when water damage will happen. Thankfully I was at home when my refrigerator ice dispenser’s supply line valve cracked and caused my kitchen floor to flood. My neighbor told me to call SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties. They arrived quickly and immediately went to work. They extracted the water and documented the drying process. Then they cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized the area. Now you would never know there had been a flood in my kitchen!

Here is a timeline describing what damage water can do in a short amount of time:

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

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

Call Us Today!

When you need help with a water damage emergency of any size, SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is ready to respond to your call 24-hours a day, every day of the year. Call us today at 208-735-1447. We’ll restore your water damage in Twin Falls, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is Independently Owned and Operated.

Toilet Overflow in Twin Falls?

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Twin Falls County.

Toilet Trouble in Twin Falls?

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) faulty supply lines, toilet flanges, fill valve assemblies, or toilet backups and overflows were attributed to 78 percent of water damage from toilets. SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties responds to water damage emergencies often and we know that our fast response time minimizes further water damage in many instances. Here are some loss prevention and maintenance tips from the IBHS:

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply, and flush valves, and the supply line. Make sure you can turn off the supply. If you have older screw-type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Call Us!

When you have a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 208-735-1447. We’ll restore your water damage in Twin Falls, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is Independently Owned and Operated.

Hidden Water Damage in Jerome?

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jerome County.

Water bill too high in Jerome?

At SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties, we know what water can do when it remains unmitigated for too long. If you suspect that you have a water leak but cannot locate the source, there are some ways to narrow down the problem. Here are some tips from the Environmental Protection Agency to help you determine if you have water leaks in your home:

• Take a look at your water usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties have a team of highly trained restoration technicians on-call 24-hours a day to respond to water damage emergencies in Jerome. Call us today at 208-735-1447. We’ll restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties is Independently Owned and Operated.

Drying Process

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

When you have a water loss in Twin Falls https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Falls,_Idaho 

or Jerome http://www.city-data.com/city/Jerome-Idaho.html

SERVPRO has a proven process. Once the excess water has been removed, the floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Drying / Dehumidification

Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your home or business. We’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.

• Use Dehumidification Equipment
• Use Monitoring Equipment to Track Progress

Monitor Floor and Walls

We check the moisture levels to monitor the drying process. 

• Monitor Floors
• Monitor Walls

Drying Equipment

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

Water Damage Restoration Process

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water disaster is different, from the amount of water to the level of contamination of the water. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Water

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

We Use Advanced Drying Equipment and Techniques

Properly restoring your home after a water damage event requires specialized equipment and products. This advanced equipment help us to remove the water, even hidden moisture, quickly and efficiently. We then dry the structure with powerful dehumidifiers. Finally, our technicians will clean the affected area with professional grade cleaning and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety.

If your home or business experiences water damage, call the water damage cleanup and restoration specialist. Our SERVPRO of Ogden team is highly trained and has the expertise, experience, and equipment needed to clean up and restore any size water loss that might have occurred on your property. Our crew uses state-of-the-art water removal and drying equipment to quickly get the job done and minimize the chances of secondary damages. Give us a call today!

Water Damage Jerome

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Having kids means that your home can go through many messes, including ones that leave you in need of water removal services. However, you may be wondering how you can tackle the mess by yourself so that you are not continually calling professional help to your home. If you called for help with every mess your child made, you would quickly find yourself racking up expenses. However, always remember that you should call for professional help if you are unsure of how to fix the damage, or if it is particularly beyond your expertise. 

You might be wondering what the best course of action is for you to complete a DIY water removal for your Jerome home. When it comes to water spills, acting fast is critical. Your timing can often mean the difference between a cleanup job and a water damage remediation job. 

Here at SERVPRO, we always recommend that the very first step is to stop the source of water from making the mess even larger. In the case of your home, this is an easy task. Turn off the faucet and then drain the tub, before immediately finding something that you can use to absorb the excess water. A wet/dry vacuum is ideal for removing standing water, but not every home is equipped with such equipment, which is a reason many people choose to reach out for professional help. When you call SERVPRO, we already have all the tools you need to get the job done fast. 

If a wet/dry vacuum isn't a possibility, towels are an acceptable stand-in to clean up the water damage. However, it may take several to remove all of the water that was spilled. Once finished, SERVPRO recommends placing a space heater in your bathroom. Doing so can help dry any excess moisture and prevent microbial growth. Now that the damage is handled, you can relax. Nevertheless, always remember to reach out for professional help if the job seems out of your scope of expertise, to ensure the longevity of your home. 

If you find your home in the pressing need of water removal services, get help immediately. Speak with SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties by phoning (208) 735-1447. We're here to help 24/7. 

See more about Jerome.

Common Consequences of Water Damage

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

When people think of water, it is often in regards to sandy beaches or long, relaxing soaks in the tub. Hardly any homeowner thinks about water damage unless they actually experience it first-hand.
However, when a homeowner experiences such damage or threat of it, they likely fear the worst. Thankfully, water problems vary in the degree of challenges, and while there are significant and costly issues that may arise, the three most likely are as follow:

• Wallboard and ceiling tiles
• Flooring
• Cabinets and furniture

3 Common Consequences of Water Damage

1. Wallboard and Ceiling Tiles

Many people realize they need a plumbing repair because they find staining on wallboards or ceilings tiles. The staining is an indicator of where the problem is, but it doesn't always mean there is a significant problem. Sometimes, a large stain can stem from a small leak, meaning repairs are minor.

2. Flooring

Pipes also run under your flooring, which can lead to significant problems in the event of a pipe break. However, even water damage stemming from a sink leak can lead to issues with your flooring. While water may cause irreversible damage to laminate and other flooring types, hardwoods can often be sanded down and refinished. However, you will need to inspect the subfloor, and you might want to hire a mitigation service in Twin Falls Idaho for such an inspection.

3. Cabinets and Furniture

A supply line break can also damage cabinets and furniture, depending on its location. The quality of the furniture and cabinetry will also play a role in the salvageability of the materials. If made from hardy woods and materials, the pieces can likely be restored, but if the furniture or cabinets use particleboard and MDF, the damage is likely permanent.

As a homeowner, it is vital to familiarize yourself with common water damage issues. Knowing about the possible problems can help you in your preparation and home management.

Water Damage Twin Falls Home

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

The time for frozen pipes is upon us. SERVPRO of Twin Falls wants to make sure you are protected, before any water loss strikes your home. Please make sure any vacant rentals, vacation homes, or buildings are winterized properly to protect from broken pipes and water damage. You should always double check insulation in crawl spaces, out buildings, and attics. SERVPRO of Twin Falls recommends hiring a licensed plumbing professional to winterize water systems in homes and other properties. Protect yourself from the damaging effects of a water loss situation. SERVPRO of Twin Falls is always here to help in any pre or post loss condition. The certified team at SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties can take care of any size or type of loss and restore your home. 

Water Damage Twin Falls Home

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Kitchen

Water damage is the #1 reason homeowners file a file a claim with their insurance company.  Water can be very intrusive to your home very quickly.  Water will always follow the path of least resistance, saturating everything in its path.  It is important to know what you as a homeowner can do to help to prevent further damage from occurring.

Most of the time, water damage in a home is the result of an accident within the home and not weather related.  Whether it is a burst water line connected to an appliance, a bathtub overflowing, a washing machine that is malfunctioning or any of the other mishaps that can happen in a home; the most important thing to remember is to CALL A PROFESSIONAL!

At SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties it is always our goal to put our customers worries at ease.  When you make contact with our office, you will always speak to someone local that knows this business inside and out.  We will ask a variety of questions including: what type of flooring you have in your home, what the square footage is, and what areas are affected.  This allows our team to arrive promptly and ready to handle whatever disaster you are facing.  If you are planning on filing a claim with your homeowners insurance, we can help guide you through the process and deal with your insurance adjuster directly.  At SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties we are a preferred vendor for many local and national insurance companies.

After calling us at SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties use the guide below to minimize the damage to your home and belongings.

DO-

• Shut off the source of water if at all possible or contact a qualified person to stop the water.(city water department, plumber)
• If water has affected anything electrical, turn off the power to the affected area at the breaker box if it is safe to do so.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water off of wood furniture after removing table top items.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and flooring.
• Remove any paintings, documents, computers or any other materials that are valuable or sensitive and store them in an unaffected, dry area of the house.
• Hang curtains and/or draperies off of the floor.
• Take and furs and/or leather items to a separate dry space at room temperature.

DON’T-

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches or any other electrical equipment has been exposed to water.
• Leave books, magazines, newspapers or any other colored items on wet flooring and/or furniture to prevent staining.
• Leave wet Oriental rugs or any rug, on a carpeted surface to prevent staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water.
• Use TVs or any other appliance while sitting in wet material.
• Enter rooms or turn on light fixtures in a room where the ceiling is wet or sagging from retained water.
• Wait to call our team. The longer you wait to call, the more secondary damage is occurring.  

Why Choose SERVPRO for Water Damage

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

A burst pipe can cause significant water damage in a home.  Water leakage can also be terribly expensive, possibly causing personal schedule changes and insurance claims. Additionally, mildew and mold can become a problem long after the initial damage. Thankfully, there are experts in water damage that can help the problems from a burst pipe be much more manageable.

Leaking Pipes

Pay attention to leaking pipes! Diligence can minimize the collateral damage from a burst pipe. Pay attention to where water has leaked. The water and moisture may have already caused a small amount of damage. Call a professional to determine the best course of action as soon as possible. Attempting to mitigate the damage by yourself will, more often than not, create more damage.

Preventing Structural Damage

The possibility of structural damage is the key reason homeowners should be extra vigilant regarding the plumbing in their homes. Structural damage may be difficult to spot. You should always contact an experienced contractor such as SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties to assess possible structural damage from leaky or burst pipes.

Mold Hazards

Mold is another serious problem that stems from water damage. Mold can be particularly vexing to homeowners. Because mold is living, it can grow and fill large portions of a home without the homeowner being aware. Eventually, mold can lead to structural damage. Mold can be in basements, laundry rooms, kitchens and crawlspaces. Mold removal can be a very difficult task once a foothold has been secured.

Additional Considerations

The above factors illustrate how complicated the ramifications of a burst pipe can be. A homeowner should not attempt to deal with any of these issues without the assistance of an expert well versed in water damage repair and mold remediation. The skills needed to deal effectively with mold, structural damage, and leaking pipes are beyond the average homeowner. Homeowners that attempt these tasks quite often worsen the existing problems. It is always best to hire an expert to inspect the damage after experiencing a burst pipe. SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties has the experience as a full-service water restoration company to rectify and repair all the problems related to a burst pipe.  Solving the problem of a burst pipe correctly will protect the investment of your home for years to come.

Professionals Discuss Water Restoration in Twin Falls

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

We have the equipment to dry water damage in your floors and walls. Call us today!

Water Damage Twin Falls – Full-Service Approach

Have you ever experienced damage from a water leak in your home? The water may have come from a broken water pipe inside a wall or an overflowing sink or perhaps a dishwasher. Water is everywhere, the floors are damaged, and there is even water inside one of the walls. How can you dry everything and who is going to make all of the repairs?

SERVPRO® provides full-service water damage restoration, mitigation, remediation, and reconstruction in the Twin Falls and surrounding area. We know our customers' stress after a water damage event. We can provide them with a full-service solution that looks after every need related to water damage. We can deal with water and mold situations and coordinate a full crew of contractors to return your dwelling to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Full Service

When the water has leaked from a broken pipe or overflowing sink, the water often spreads across several rooms, inside walls, and even to adjacent rooms in floors below the location of the leak. SERVPRO technicians understand the process of water flow in homes, know where to focus attention to make sure there are no hidden cavities with high moisture levels left after completing the drying process.

We use a combination of moisture extractors, vacuums, moisture meters, specialized air movers, and dehumidifiers to dry your home and return humidity levels to normal. Moisture can cause floors to buckle, drywall to swell, and mold infestations to occur if not removed quickly. Someone must also repair plumbing leaks or broken pipes.

Our reconstruction contractors can assist with the repair to walls, floors, and plumbing as needed. Our team can help with the full-scale build back after removing the water and moisture, and humidity levels have returned to normal levels. Our Contractor License: Residential: RCE-43137 allows our team to provide everything from the board up of broken windows and doors to replacing and repairing tile and marble floors and much more.

Call SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties at (208) 735-1447 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Rock Creek, Roseworth, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

More about Twin Falls.

For Your Twin Falls Home, Call SERVPRO Quick to Remove Water Damage from Frozen Plumbing

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

A Split Frozen Pipe in a Twin Falls Home Can Lead to an Emergency Call to SERVPRO for Cleanup, Water Removal, and Repair.

How to Get Efficient Water Damage Restoration in Your Twin Falls Home After a Pipe Freezes

Frozen pipes are an issue during winter in Twin Falls. It is crucial to take certain precautions to prevent pipes from freezing, such as ensuring that the pipes under the sinks are well insulated or exposed to the warmth in your house by leaving the cabinet doors open. However, this does not eliminate the chances of pipes freezing.

When pipes freeze, they can break and cause water damage in your Twin Falls home. As the water seeps into your residence, it can ruin appliances, furniture, drywall, and other structures or contents. To deal with the water intrusion problem that frozen and burst pipe cause, you can call SERVPRO franchise professionals. Our team can perform quick water removal in your home to restore it to its preloss state. We provide thorough evaluations and repairs when dealing with frozen pipes.

The pipes that freeze are the ones exposed to extreme cold. They include the water pipes in unheated areas of a property such as attics, crawl spaces, garages, and even under the bathroom or kitchen sink. The pipes that run along the exterior walls of your house with insufficient or no insulation can also freeze during the cold season.

You need to start the Twin Falls water damage mitigation process immediately after water builds up. Letting water sit in your home can lead to secondary damage, which can increase repair expenses. Microbes can grow in materials soaked in water, and cause water-borne diseases.

Our team can work quickly to extract the water using appropriate techniques based on the affected materials. We can remove excess water through wet vacuuming. The amount of vacuum lift that portable extractors provide enables us to remove a high volume of water. Wet-vacuuming is suitable for removing water from all kinds of flooring. We can also use pumps, such as electric submersible pumps to remove the water. Our team can also remove some water from various contents, hard surface floors, and fixtures through absorption.

Once we extract the water, our technicians begin restorative drying. We can set up air movers in the affected areas to promote faster drying of surfaces such as wet walls and floors. Air movers increase the circulation of the air inside the affected areas. We also use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air. Our SERVPRO team also takes atmospheric and moisture content readings to determine if it is necessary to make adjustments to prevent excessive uncontrolled humidity levels or speed up the drying process.

Porous materials like wood, drywall, and unsealed cement can degrade when exposed to water. You may have to replace such materials completely. Our team can remove the affected materials and rebuild the affected areas, utilizing our Residential Contractor License #: RCE-43137.

If you are dealing with a water loss problem because of frozen pipes in your Jerome, Buhl, or Kimberly home, call SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties at (208) 735-1447 to restore your property. We have the expertise to make a water intrusion incident seem, “Like it never even happened.

Find Out How SERVPRO Can Help With Water Removal in Twin Falls After a Leak

1/5/2020 (Permalink)

Having excess moisture from a leaking humidifier can cause water damage in your home. Call SERVPRO to assess the situation and remediate damage.

Water Removal Twin Falls – Humidifier Water Leak

During winter months, many residential consumers run humidifiers to increase humidity in their homes. The humidity level in a home can drop below 30%, which can dry out furniture, floors and even make it uncomfortable for occupants with dry, itchy skin. Many humidifiers are attached to a water supply and fill automatically. Just like any other appliance, these humidifiers can develop a leak, creating wet conditions in the area of your heating system.

Water removal in Twin Falls in basements presents unique challenges. SERVPRO has worked with clients, who much to their surprise, encounter wet basements, involving carpets, a variety of wet items stored on the floor, and furniture. In most situations, everything can be dried and restored; however, it is essential to complete repairs and dry everything to avoid further damage.

Restoring Contents Stored in the Basement

Many consumers use their basements for storage, and everything is placed directly on the floor in boxes. When there is a water leak, cardboard boxes naturally soak up any moisture present. Everything must be removed from exposed containers. Every item is evaluated for cleaning in place, dry cleaning if needed, and repacked. Most cardboard boxes must be thrown out and replaced.

There are many different types of flooring found in the basement. SERVPRO evaluates the amount of water and damage to floors to design the best water removal approach. We mop or vacuumed all water from hard floors such as tile and hardwood. We use water extractors for carpeting and underpad.

SERVPRO may suggest turning off the humidifier until humidity levels return to normal levels. Depending on conditions, we may also deploy dehumidifiers and air movers to lower humidity levels. Many homeowners install floating floors in basements to allow water to drain under the floor. SERVPRO can check under the floor to confirm moisture levels and can deploy specialty air movers to dry these areas as well.

SERVPRO can also provide full-service restoration services to our clients. Our Contractor License is: Residential: RCE-43137

Call SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties at (208) 735-1447 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Buhl, Rock Creek, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Twin Falls.

Our Water Damage Professionals Can Return Your Twin Falls Home To Pre-Damage Condition

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Water Cleanup in Twin Falls to Restore Your Property

Homeowners today like to purchase modern appliances to save time and money while making life a bit easier. With most of today’s appliances utilizing water, any malfunction of the hoses, connections, or pumps can spell trouble. If the structure of your home is exposed to water, calling the professionals at SERVPRO to clean it up fast is an excellent choice to make.

If you find a water leak in your home, initiating water cleanup in Twins Falls reduces the risk of excessive damage. You may have water leaking under the flooring from a faulty dishwasher, or there is a hidden leak underneath your refrigerator with water filtration. The professionals can access the area quickly and employ the latest techniques for detection to pinpoint the source.

Once our team of technicians arrives at your property, we can disconnect the faulty appliance and remove it from the area. Water tends to flow across the surface of the floor, but it may seep down in between the flooring material and into your subfloor. In such a situation, SERVPRO technicians can devise a plan to preserve your flooring and dry up the moisture in your subfloor. We can then assess the floor or crawlspace below, along with any supporting structural elements.

Your flooring must be addressed to quell moisture levels to prevent distortion from setting in. We can get into the subflooring and the crawlspace to perform water removal and work on speeding up the drying process. Our team can remove any necessary planks to start moisture removal using specialized equipment.

Once moisture readings are taken and the area is contained, we can implement the use of heaters and air movers that help to pull moisture out of the subflooring. Such equipment also creates ample circulation throughout your crawlspace below. Dehumidifiers may also be used to help remove any water vapors remaining in the air. Any impacted surfaces can also be disinfected using products that are registered through the EPA. After the area is adequately dried, we can then replace the flooring to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Give our team a call at SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties at (208) 735-1447 should you need water cleanup assistance. We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

For more about Twin Falls click here.

Our Water Damage Experts Can Save Your Buhl Home

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

If you have any water in your home, call us today at (208) 735-1447 for fast and professional restoration.

Professional Water Cleanup And Restoration For Buhl Homes

Buhl residents get to enjoy the benefits of living close to the Snake River without excessive flooding. That’s not to say water intrusions don’t happen; every home is vulnerable to failed plumbing, cracked pipes, and broken appliances.

Water cleanup in Buhl homes after one of these incidents can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. At SERVPRO, our restoration technicians can remove any standing water, perform minor repairs, dry the home, and return it to its original condition.

As an example, take a home one of our teams restored several months ago. A family departed for its summer vacation, had a wonderful time, then returned to find a broken toilet had sent water flooding through the entire first floor and into the basement. Team members replaced the broken toilet in less than an hour, but removing the water took a bit longer.

Fortunately, it was clean water from the tank and not the bowl. SERVPRO technicians removed it from the first floor and the basement in a couple of days then used a series of fans and air movers to dry out the carpets. Unfortunately, delamination had already set in, separating the top and bottom layers in the living room and master bedroom. That meant throwing them out and installing new ones after drying the floor.

After cleaning up and drying the home, we can rebuild it too. As a licensed residential contractor (RCE-43137), team members not only returned the home to its original condition but made some improvements as well. For this home, that meant tearing out and installing a new set of stairs leading into the basement.

Since our carpenters were down there, the owner also had us complete the task of finishing the basement. They installed framing and hung sheetrock that created a pleasant game room and divided off a laundry room to reduce noise. As they completed work, other technicians lowered the humidity to a comfortable level by using dehumidifiers to remove moisture directly from the air.

Here at SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties, our goal is to provide the same effort and results to every home here and in surrounding communities like Filer, Kimberly, and Rock Creek. If you have any water in your home, call us today at (208) 735-1447 for fast and professional restoration.

For more about Buhl click here.

We Have The Best Techniques To Restore Your Jerome Home

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Drying out water from a burst pipe in a home if done with the right equipment, and soon upon discovery, can be remedied quickly.

What You Can Do When Your Child Overfills Your Jerome Bathtub  

Having kids means that your home can go through many messes, including ones that leave you in need of water removal services. However, you may be wondering how you can tackle the mess by yourself so that you are not continually calling professional help to your home. If you called for help with every mess your child made, you would quickly find yourself racking up expenses. However, always remember that you should call for professional help if you are unsure of how to fix the damage, or if it is particularly beyond your expertise. 

You might be wondering what the best course of action is for you to complete a DIY water removal for your Jerome home. When it comes to water spills, acting fast is critical. Your timing can often mean the difference between a cleanup job and a water damage remediation job. 

Here at SERVPRO, we always recommend that the very first step is to stop the source of water from making the mess even larger. In the case of your home, this is an easy task. Turn off the faucet and then drain the tub, before immediately finding something that you can use to absorb the excess water. A wet/dry vacuum is ideal for removing standing water, but not every home is equipped with such equipment, which is a reason many people choose to reach out for professional help. When you call SERVPRO, we already have all the tools you need to get the job done fast. 

If a wet/dry vacuum isn't a possibility, towels are an acceptable stand-in to clean up the water damage. However, it may take several to remove all of the water that was spilled. Once finished, SERVPRO recommends placing a space heater in your bathroom. Doing so can help dry any excess moisture and prevent microbial growth. Now that the damage is handled, you can relax. Nevertheless, always remember to reach out for professional help if the job seems out of your scope of expertise, to ensure the longevity of your home. 

If you find your home in the pressing need of water removal services, get help immediately. Speak with SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties by phoning (208) 735-1447. We're here to help 24/7. 

See more about Jerome.

We Are Available 24/7 For Your Burley Water Damage Restoration Services

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage to the stored documents at this office facility called for quick action. Saving the documents needs to be done fast and we show up quick.

SERVPRO Can Help Keep Your Tile Safe!

Leaks are a normal part of a home owner's life in Burley. Pipes get old, sinks get clogged, and faucets break from the wear they experience from normal everyday usage. Most leaks are not a cause for concern for homeowners and do not require professional help, however, some leaks can go on for long periods of time without being detected. Long term leaks from a faulty bathroom pipe can cause major damage to bathroom tile, requiring professional help.

IICRC technicians from SERVPRO are experienced in water cleanup in Burley homes from bathroom tiling. The longer a leak goes on, the higher the chance that spillage seeps into sub flooring. Once our technicians arrive, they can first perform an inspection to determine the amount of damage that has occurred and can use moisture meters to detect how much water penetrated into the sub flooring. To draw any excess moisture out of your floors, we can deploy air movers to pull moisture out and utilize dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air.

Unfortunately, drying your subfloor can require that the some tile be removed. Asphalt and vinyl tile may have to be discarded after being removed, however, in some cases they can be dried, cleaned and replaced. Concrete and ceramic tile, on the other hand, is unlikely to be damaged beyond salvaging. Both are more resistant to water spills and may only require re-grouting after being exposed to water. However, concrete tile can absorb water and make it easier for mold to grow in your home. To prevent this, disinfectants can be sprayed to kill off any mold that appears.

If you are in urgent need of water cleanup services, then don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties at (208) 735-1447. We are available 24/7 and are always ready to assist you in beginning the consultation process.

We will get you up and running faster than any city anywhere, click here for here are a list of new and expanded businesses.

Get Rid of Water Damage In Your Jerome Home For Good

5/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause many headaches. Contact SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

SERVPRO - Restoring Water Damaged Homes In Jerome

Around Jerome, flooding is not a real concern unless much snow melts over a weekend. Even then, most home water intrusions are from more common issues like a pipe connection freezing and cracking. As the weather warms, homeowners get out more and can see where even minor damage can spill a lot of water over time.

When Jerome residents find this type of water damage, it can run from minor problems like replacing a couple of drywall panels, to an extensive rebuild of a garage or laundry room wall. Regardless of the extent, SERVPRO response teams are ready to repair and restore each home to its original condition.

Specialists begin with repairing the damage and removing the water. Team members can perform minor repairs such as replacing a connector or changing out a split hose. For major damage, the team leader always recommends using a licensed plumber or general contractor. After stopping the leak source, another team member begins drawing out the water with an extraction wand. In a smaller location like a garage, removal usually takes less than a day.

Next, SERVPRO specialists remove property for disposal or restoration. For leaks unnoticed over the winter, water can soak into and ruin paper, cardboard boxes, building material like wood and drywall, and fabrics like stored spring or summer clothing. In some cases, mold spores can expand and grow, rendering many of these items not restorable.

For restorable items, team members can combine drying them with drying out the garage as well. They place wet items on pallets or racks and install several fans to create air circulation within the garage and open the doors, weather permitting, to push the damp air outside.

To remove water from the inside air and draw it out of both personal and structural property, they install a dehumidifier. This device can remove over 20 gallons each day, depending on the amount of moisture in the air.

When needed, specialists can perform minor demolition and replace interior walls to include the framing. One of our trained teams can install it and hang new drywall, even in a large garage or laundry room, in only a day or two.

For SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties, our goal is to return you to a dry, safe home as quickly as we can. To schedule a visit, contact us today at (208) 735-1447. We are here for you.

Click here for more information about the city of Jerome.

Our Experts Provide Fast Water Removal Services In Your Jerome Home

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can provide swift service to extract the water damage in your home to avoid further problems.

What to Do When a Child Overflows Your Jerome Bathroom

Children can be inquisitive and mischievous, but it is never a good thing when their play leads to your bathroom needing critical water removal services. Accidents happen, and kids can get up to trouble whenever a parent has their back turned. In these kinds of situations, the vital thing to remember is to remain calm and get help swiftly.

The volume of water spreading out from the bathroom into the hallway may seem intimidating, but it is essential to call local and professional Jerome-based water removal services as soon as you find the problem. A spill like this can be incredibly easy for a technician to clean up, as they have the advanced equipment to find every nook and cranny that water has run to. Ensuring that it is cleaned up properly can prevent water damage from taking root in your home.

When you call SERVPRO, we make an effort to arrive quickly, no matter the time of day or night. Our IICRC-certified techs can arrive at your home with just the right equipment to tackle the water pooling in your bathroom and the surrounding hallway. SERVPRO can use wet/dry vacuums to remove the majority of the water from your home. Furthermore, we can also use extractors to remove water from the hallway. The heating element inside can help dry your hallway carpet as it pulls moisture away from it. These tools help us get the water out of your house swiftly, which is essential to prevent damage.

Once the water appears to be removed entirely, SERVPRO can use moisture meters and thermal imagining technology to check for pockets of water that were not found, perhaps inside of the walls or under the floor. From there, if needed, SERVPRO can lay down drying mats or feed air blasting tubes between your walls, to ensure that all of the excess moisture has been adequately removed.

When a water removal emergency happens, never wait to get help. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties by phoning (208) 735-1447. Day or night, our technicians are here for you.

Bruneau Dunes State Park is open and ready for your visit click here for more details.

SERVPRO To The Rescue When Your Drywall Suffers Water Damage In Jerome

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties rapid response team a call at (208) 735-1447 for fast mitigation and restoration.

Drywall Moisture Damage And Repair In Jerome Homes

Drywall is a common staple of Jerome home construction and serves as a constant structural element for walls throughout the property. Water incidents can quickly threaten this material, as it is porous and absorbs moisture and pooling water quickly. Preventing widespread damages throughout this element in your house requires fast response and call to our technicians who can respond with mitigation tactics designed to protect your property. The longer that you wait to contact professionals like ours, the more damage that can occur.

Drywall is often one of the first structural elements to become affected by water damage in your Jerome home. From the time that the incident first occurs or begins, drywall can begin to become affected immediately. Within 24 hours of exposure, drywall can become too damaged in places to restore and protect. Our SERVPRO professionals can work efficiently to provide the right level of protection for materials that can get preserved, but also have the skills and expertise to utilize controlled demolition practices to replace overly damaged drywall effectively.

While they are known as flood cuts, water damage incidents often require the same approach to exposed drywall. The longer that homeowners wait to contact our SERVPRO professionals, the more that water and moisture can wick up the sheetrock material and degrade and erode its composition. Flood cuts identify the point where the moisture wicking has reached and allows our technicians to cut out exposed drywall beneath the dry line and later replace it once drying efforts have completed.

Our team features licensed contractors who can transition between the mitigation work and reconstruction seamlessly. By offering a comprehensive restoration approach, we can prevent delays for our customers who require build back services as well as our advanced mitigation and restoration methods.

While you cannot predict when a water loss incident might occur in your home, how you respond to the situation could make the difference between saving affected materials and widespread reconstruction. Give our SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties rapid response team a call at (208) 735-1447 for fast mitigation and restoration.

Click here for more about Jerome.

The Complete Guide to Understanding Water Damage in Kimberly

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

Whether the water entered your home from an outside or inside source is immaterial. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation.

Thorough Water Removal From Start to Finish for Kimberley Residents

A personal property disaster can be a challenging situation that requires expert advice and remediation. Cleaning up a severe water spill often requires more than just household goods. Standing water, in particular, can seep into crawlspaces or saturate your subfloor mat. As with most water issues, a fast restoration process is essential to preventing permanent damages to your property or possessions.

We can bring industrial equipment for water removal in Kimberley properties in as little as four hours of notification of loss. Our emergency line is manned 24 hours a day and provides our community with an immediate contact point for those looking to arrange service. Depending on the severity of your property damages, we can tailor our approach to your needs by sending specialist technicians directly to your home.

A severe case of water damage can occur when standing water is above two inches. SERVPRO uses fully-submersible gas-powered pumps to vacuum water into a nearby sewer point. The advantage of using equipment like this is that the amount of water that can be removed is limitless. Although effective at quickly clearing away standing water or water pools, using a pump is only the initial phase of your restoration process.

Once all standing water is removed, the real work begins. SERVPRO technicians have training in a wide variety of different restoration processes including mold assessment and remediation. Residual moisture can often promote mold growth in the home so ensuring the property is thoroughly dry is essential. However, this undertaking is made harder by fabrics and furnishings in the home, like carpets, which can be up to 50% weaker when wet.

Mitigating loss is a central tenet of a SERVPRO service. In private properties, we favor portable water extractors which are kind to carpets and other fabrics. Usually, the extraction process is quickly followed up with the strategic placing of rapid air movers and dehumidifiers. Rapid air movers lift residual moisture into the air through evaporation; dehumidifiers then pull the evaporated moisture out of the air, reducing the risk of mold or mildew, which thrives in moist, humid environments.

For a thorough restoration from start to finish, contact SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties at (208) 735-1447.

Click here for more about Kimberley.

Understanding water damage in your home

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

-The different categories of water.

In restoration, we see three different categories of water. The first (category 1) is what we’d call clean water. No, this does not mean you can drink it. What it means is the water came from a clean source such as a sink or toilet supply line (not the tank or bowl). Then we have category 2. The nickname for category two water is grey water. Some reasons you’d find category two losses are say the water from the upper level leaked through and damaged the lower level. If the water on the top level was category 1, passing through the multiple layers adds more possible pollutants, irritants, just overall dirt maybe, but because it’s moved through to a second level it’ll be considered category 2. Finally we have category 3 water. This water is dirty and carries any number of bacteria, waste, or so on. Anytime water comes from outside of a structure, contains feces, or is even found to be in a filthy environment we consider it category 3. Category 3 water requires us to wear full personal protective equipment and take care in our work so as to avoid contamination, injury or illness.

-Water and its ability to travel.

Water is both a necessary component to life as well as an amazing force of nature. One thing we find in many homes is water wicking up the walls. What that means is water doesn’t obey the typical laws of gravity. When looking at floods in structures we commonly find water climbing in drywall or wooden surfaces. Luckily we have a way to mitigate that. By drilling small holes behind the baseboards we are able to add airflow inside of the wall cavity in order to pull water out of the walls.

-How quickly should you respond?

In order to prevent secondary damages it’s suggested that you respond within 72 hours. Some of the secondary damages you could possibly see would be microbial growth (mold), or structural deterioration. Wood will start to swell, carpet can begin to delaminate, flooring may bow, waiting can cause a multitude of problems no building owner wants.

-Why should you use professionals to mitigate?

As mentioned before, secondary damages can occur quickly. Many people think that they can put air movement in the damaged area and use a shop vac to pull some water up. While that may “help”, remembering water will travel in any direction it wants is wise. We use high output air movers, not your standard fan, that are capable of pushing up to 3000 CFM (cubic feet per minute). It’s this volume and force combined with machines that can remove the moisture from the air, dehumidifiers, as well as some temperature control that will actually facilitate drying. At SERVPRO we’re proud to use the latest technology available to make your loss “Like it never even happened.”

Burst water supply line in Twin Falls

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

A burst supply line was the cause of a large loss in a Twin Falls home

A burst pipe can cause significant water damage in a home.  Water leakage can also be terribly expensive, possibly causing personal schedule changes and insurance claims. Additionally, mildew and mold can become a problem long after the initial damage. Thankfully, there are experts in water damage that can help the problems from a burst pipe be much more manageable.

Leaking Pipes

Pay attention to leaking pipes! Diligence can minimize the collateral damage from a burst pipe. Pay attention to where water has leaked. The water and moisture may have already caused a small amount of damage. Call a professional to determine the best course of action as soon as possible. Attempting to mitigate the damage by yourself will, more often than not, create more damage.

Preventing Structural Damage

The possibility of structural damage is the key reason homeowners should be extra vigilant regarding the plumbing in their homes. Structural damage may be difficult to spot. You should always contact an experienced contractor such as SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties to assess possible structural damage from leaky or burst pipes.

Mold Hazards

Mold is another serious problem that stems from water damage. Mold can be particularly vexing to homeowners. Because mold is living, it can grow and fill large portions of a home without the homeowner being aware. Eventually, mold can lead to structural damage. Mold can be in basements, laundry rooms, kitchens and crawlspaces. Mold removal can be a very difficult task once a foothold has been secured.

Additional Considerations

The above factors illustrate how complicated the ramifications of a burst pipe can be. A homeowner should not attempt to deal with any of these issues without the assistance of an expert well versed in water damage repair and mold remediation. The skills needed to deal effectively with mold, structural damage, and leaking pipes are beyond the average homeowner. Homeowners that attempt these tasks quite often worsen the existing problems. It is always best to hire an expert to inspect the damage after experiencing a burst pipe. SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties has the experience as a full-service water restoration company to rectify and repair all the problems related to a burst pipe.  Solving the problem of a burst pipe correctly will protect the investment of your home for years to come.

Water Damage in your home, now what?

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

A water damage can happen in the blink of an eye. Call SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties for any of your restoration needs.

Water damage is the #1 reason homeowners file a file a claim with their insurance company.  Water can be very intrusive to your home very quickly.  Water will always follow the path of least resistance, saturating everything in its path.  It is important to know what you as a homeowner can do to help to prevent further damage from occurring.

Most of the time, water damage in a home is the result of an accident within the home and not weather related.  Whether it is a burst water line connected to an appliance, a bathtub overflowing, a washing machine that is malfunctioning or any of the other mishaps that can happen in a home; the most important thing to remember is to CALL A PROFESSIONAL!

At SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties it is always our goal to put our customers worries at ease.  When you make contact with our office, you will always speak to someone local that knows this business inside and out.  We will ask a variety of questions including: what type of flooring you have in your home, what the square footage is, and what areas are affected.  This allows our team to arrive promptly and ready to handle whatever disaster you are facing.  If you are planning on filing a claim with your homeowners insurance, we can help guide you through the process and deal with your insurance adjuster directly.  At SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties we are a preferred vendor for many local and national insurance companies.

After calling us at SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties use the guide below to minimize the damage to your home and belongings.

DO-

• Shut off the source of water if at all possible or contact a qualified person to stop the water.(city water department, plumber)
• If water has affected anything electrical, turn off the power to the affected area at the breaker box if it is safe to do so.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water off of wood furniture after removing table top items.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and flooring.
• Remove any paintings, documents, computers or any other materials that are valuable or sensitive and store them in an unaffected, dry area of the house.
• Hang curtains and/or draperies off of the floor.
• Take and furs and/or leather items to a separate dry space at room temperature.

DON’T-

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches or any other electrical equipment has been exposed to water.
• Leave books, magazines, newspapers or any other colored items on wet flooring and/or furniture to prevent staining.
• Leave wet Oriental rugs or any rug, on a carpeted surface to prevent staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water.
• Use TVs or any other appliance while sitting in wet material.
• Enter rooms or turn on light fixtures in a room where the ceiling is wet or sagging from retained water.
• Wait to call our team. The longer you wait to call, the more secondary damage is occurring.  

Why us? : This humble bloggers opinion on choosing the right restoration company.

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

As I am sitting at my desk racking my brain, trying to figure out what readers would like to see in our company’s blog, it suddenly hit me...  Why us?  It seems like such a simple question but, to our potential customer it is a very important one. 

When my wife and I bought our first home, I can’t express the overwhelming feeling we had.  We had finally quit throwing our hard earned money out the window on rent and finally had a place to call our own!  A place that we could watch our 3 boys grow into young men, a place that we could paint the walls whatever color we would like, finally being able to hang our family pictures to the wall instead of trusting the silly putty wall hangers because we couldn’t put nails in the wall and get our deposit back.  Your home is your castle, whether it’s a one bedroom one bath starter home that you bought to start your journey in life, or it’s the dream home that you built after years of hard work.  You see, it doesn’t matter whether it’s your first or the 100^th home you’ve owned, when you pull in the driveway you can’t help but feel pride in ownership.  So I find myself trying to answer this question; what would drive you as a homeowner to trust SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties to restore your castle after a disaster? 

Here are a few reasons why I would trust our crew in my castle:

Culture

At SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties we believe in treating every home or business we step foot into as if it were our own.  One of our company goals is to treat everyone and everything as you would if it was our family going through this loss.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a small stain on the carpet or three feet of raw sewage in a basement, we will treat your loss with the utmost respect and professionalism.

Communication

At SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties we know that communication is key. When you experience a loss in your home, you have many questions.   It is our goal to have someone available to answer your questions right away.  We want you to know that as our customer, we work for you, not the other way around.  We have worked hard to develop our brand in the Magic Valley as the company that works for you! 

You and your insurance company will be informed every step of the way.  We always work on an approval only basis.  This means that we will only do the work that you as the homeowner and/or your insurance company has approved.  We want to make sure this process is as smooth and painless as possible. 

Dry First

At SERVPRO of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties we believe in Applied Structural Drying.  In simple terms, we do not want to come into your house and just start tearing things apart.  We have invested a lot of time and assets into equipment, training, and tools that allow us to dry the structure with minimal disruption.  If there is a way to extract and mitigate the damage without tearing out floors and/or walls, we have the equipment and knowledge to do it.  By doing this, we minimize the disruption of your life and more importantly keep the overall cost of the loss down.

Highly Trained Specialists

Since first opening the doors in 1967, training has been the backbone of SERVPRO success nationwide.  In Twin Falls, this is something that is very important to us as a company.  We are an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified firm.  The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries and is what most insurance companies base their standards on.  Unlike most companies, ALL of our employees are trained to these standards.  

Faster to Any Size Disaster

A fast response is crucial!  An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. Our Technicians arrive fast and start the extraction right away.  The faster we can extract and stabilize, the fewer things become damaged.

At SERVPRO we utilize the 1-4-8 method when responding to emergencies.  Within the first hour you will receive a follow-up call from our team, letting you know our estimated arrival.  Within the first 4 hours, we will arrive on-site ready to start mitigating the loss.  Within the first eight hours, we will have a job scope verbally communicated to the property owner.   

5 easy steps to prevent frozen pipes this winter!

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are one of the main sources of water damage in a home.

Summer is over, the first chill is in the air and your garden is wilting due to the early morning frost.  As homeowners, there are a few easy, yet critical things we need to do to prevent pipes from freezing once that cold East wind blows through the Magic Valley.

Why you ask?  When water freezes it expands, if there is water trapped in your pipes it could cause a burst- Flooding your basement, ruining drywall and costing thousands of dollars in repairs.  Frozen water lines that burst are often some of the most expensive and time consuming losses we see in the Magic Valley.

Bottom line, take these precautionary measures in the fall to prevent a catastrophic failure within the plumbing of your home during our cold winter months. 

Here are 5 steps everyone can take to help prevent frozen pipes this winter.

Step 1: Drain exposed/ unused lines.

The first thing every homeowner should do is get the water out!  Garden hoses and sprinkler lines are one of the most common culprits of burst pipes. 

Make sure all outside hoses are detached from the spigot and allow the spigot to drain.  If you leave a garden hose attached to the outside water spigot, your chances of having a water damage in the spring increase dramatically.  While it is true that most outside water sources are “frost free,” if a hose is connected there is no way for the water to drain and will lead to a burst.

In Idaho, our main water supply line coming into our homes is typically buried 36” or more due to our average frost line being 31”.  The same can’t be said for our automatic sprinkler lines.  The average depth for sprinkler lines is only six to eight inches, well above our frost line.  This means that if your sprinkler lines have not been properly drained, there is an overwhelming chance that the lines will freeze.

It is best to have a professional come and blow out your automatic sprinkler lines every fall.  While most of us have an air compressor at home, few of us have one with the appropriate psi to purge all of the water through the system.

Step 2: Insulate exposed piping

In an ideal situation, all of our homes plumbing would be within the structure and in a heated space.  Unfortunately for us as homeowners, this is not always the case.   Focus on the unheated areas of your home- attics, crawlspaces and basements.  If you have any piping within these spaces, insulated them properly with sleeves wrapping or heat tape.  All of these can be purchased at your favorite hardware/home improvement store.

Step 3: Open cabinet doors

When we get into the coldest months of the year, when the temperature rarely gets above the freezing mark, even our indoor plumbing can be subject to freezing.  The easiest and most cost effective way to help with this is opening your cabinet doors.  I know that none of us want every cabinet in the house open (especially my wife) but, during our cold snaps, the increased airflow will help keep the pipes within the wall above the freezing point.

Step 4: let it drip!

When one of our famous Idaho cold fronts move in and the temperatures plummet, let all of your faucets drip.  By just allowing the water to continuously drip, the water inside the pipes is moving, relieving pressure.  Therefore not allowing a freeze up to occur.

Step 5: Shut off the water completely

If you’re planning a trip during the winter months, take the extra precaution and turn off the water coming into your home.  This ensures that you won’t come home to a new swimming pool where your living room used to be.  When the cold water sits unused in your pipes it increases your chance of a frozen pipe.  More importantly, if your home was to lose power for a few days while you’re away during sub-zero temperatures, you could come home to an absolute disaster!  So, why take the risk?  Take the extra precaution and turn your water off while away.  The water main shut off is typically found in the basement of your home where the water line enters the structure.  If you can’t find it, look in your property records to locate the shutoff valve.

SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Twin Falls & Jerome Counties

SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties 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 - 208-735-1447

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 Twin Falls & Jerome Counties 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)?
• What year the house was build?

About SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties

SERVPRO of Twin Falls & Jerome Counties 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.

Stop Frozen Pipes!

12/7/2016 (Permalink)

Water Pipe damage caused by freezing.

The time for frozen pipes is upon us. SERVPRO of Twin Falls wants to make sure you are protected, before any water loss strikes your home.  Make sure any vacant rentals, vacation homes, or buildings are winterized properly to protect from broken pipes and water damage. Double check insulation in crawl spaces, out buildings, and attics. SERVPRO of Twin Falls recommends hiring a licensed plumbing professional to winterize water systems in homes and other properties. Protect yourself from the damaging effects of a water loss situation. SERVPRO of Twin Falls is always here to help in any pre or post loss condition.