Recent Water Damage Posts

We Have The State-of-the-Art Equipment Necessary in Clarksville

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

 

Saving Facilities After Silicone Roof Water Damage in Clarksville, TN

As many Montgomery County business owners know, water damage is the second most common type of claim that they can make. A staggering 20% of all insurance claims filed are related to water damage of some kind, whether this is from a pipe malfunction, storm damage, or other water-related issues. Without thorough mitigation and drying, this damage can pose challenges to the structural integrity of your business as well as the safety of employees and customers.

If your Clarksville office needs commercial water damage mitigation, you can count on a certified SERVPRO team to handle the damages quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to business. No matter how large or small the disaster, professionals are dedicated to restoring your business and ensuring that cleanup is done to code.

Silicone Roofing Risks

While silicone roof coatings can help business owners with flat roofing save on electricity and other costs, there are some risks to consider when implementing this in your space after water damage strikes. These include:

  • Abrasion and tear resistance. Compared to other coatings like modified bitumen, silicone roofing is not the most durable. It can get very slippery when wet, which can make it more prone to tears. Foot traffic dropped tools, and other activities can potentially damage the coating. 

  • Attracting dirt. Silicone roofing, which is often white, can get a visible coat of airborne dust and dirt over time, darkening roofing. Clean regularly to maximize the energy-reflective nature of the roof coating and save on HVAC costs.

  • Re-coating. While re-coating may not be needed as often as it is for other roofing solutions, it is imperative to choose silicone compatible with your current coating. 

How SERVPRO Saves Your Facilities

Suppose you have a roof leak in your facilities. In that case, SERVPRO can use centrifugal air movers and low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers in tandem to pull moisture off of surfaces and eliminate it, replacing the moist air with air that is warm and dry. To dry a wet ceiling, technicians may open a few ceiling panels on either end of the affected area and position equipment so that air circulates straight up and through the space between your ceiling and roofing. This placement also helps warm, dry air circulate through the affected space for better results.

SERVPRO of Montgomery County is here to ensure that your business looks "Like it never even happened." Call (931) 645-1285 today for rapid disaster mitigation.

How to Locate a Bathtub or Shower Leak

7/4/2023 (Permalink)

 

Though some water leaks throughout your Clarksville, Tennessee, home can be easy to spot, there're a vast amount of others that require more than a casual glance. A shower or bathtub leak, for example, can fall into the latter category, as they're a variety of places for leaks to emerge from in these areas. If you need help identifying a shower water leak, read how to locate one without much hassle effectively. Once the source has been identified, contacting a trained water restoration team can ensure your home removes any water damage, as well.

Check the Common Sources First

Before tearing into the tile work or uprooting your tub, it pays to investigate the more apparent areas first. After a shower, inspect familiar sources such as the:

  • Showerhead face,
  • The O-ring between the showerhead and arm,
  • Faucet handles, and the areas surrounding them, or
  • Caulking at the base or surrounding of a shower/tub combination.

Leak issues are generally noticeable in these spaces and can be detected by sight after running water through your shower.

Have a Professional Inspect Your Shower Pan

A shower pan leak is another usual spot for an issue, especially in tiled shower designs. These leaks can start from the pan being too old and faulty or merely due to a new one being installed incorrectly. Therefore, it pays to have someone inspect this space as a potential cause for any shower or bathtub leak.

Determine the Severity of the Issue by Searching the Levels Below

There's no more precise indication of a bad water leak within your shower floor than through the ceiling or flooring directly below the shower itself. Look for signs of water damage or condensation on the ceiling beneath a second-story shower or throughout your crawl space below a first-floor shower.

When eliminating a bathroom leak in your Clarksville, Tennessee home, follow any of these efficient methods for a quick solo inspection before contacting a professional for further assistance. For additional questions, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery County.

4 Easy Ways to Prevent Water Damage

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Check out these suggestions from SERVPRO of Montgomery County for preventing all kinds of water damage.

1. Be Careful Where You Plant. 

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean Out Your Roof Gutters.

On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high or you do not have the correct tools, be safe and get a professional to check and clean them.

3. Use a Drain Snake Instead of Unclogging Chemicals.

Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes. If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive; you can get these thin, plastic sticks with thorn-like teeth at your local hardware store. Depending on the drain snake, they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes. 

4. Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink.

It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. Grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease in an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. 

We know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. Our SERVPRO team specializes in fire, water a storm damage. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery County. Our number is (931) 645-1285.

Water Damage 101: What Are the Categories of Water Cleanup?

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

stream after rain filled with muddy water, potential flood water causing water damage, murky brown water, SERVPRO logo If you are unsure which water damage cleaning method to take after any type of flooding, call us. We are available 24 hours.

Unexpected water in your home—where it shouldn’t be—isn’t something that should be overlooked. Whether the water damage appears to be minimal or overbearing, understanding the type of water and accompanying damage is important to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Types of Water

Any kind of flooding needs to be immediately addressed to ensure further damage doesn’t occur. Before grabbing the mop and bucket or wet vacuum, it is vital to understand the type of water that is being dealt with because there are three categories of water. These three categories vary by what type of contaminants makes up the water. The categories of water damage that restoration companies like SERVPRO of Montgomery County use are:

Clean Water: As its name suggests, this type poses little threat. This damage occurs when a water supply line leaks, a sink or bathtub without contaminants overflows, melting snow, or rainwater infiltrates the home.

Gray Water: Once water mixes with chemicals or minimal biological contaminants, it moves to this category. Sources may include a leaking dishwasher, urine-only toilet overflow, or water condensation.

Black Water: This is unsanitary water full of bacteria and microorganisms which bring potential harm to humans and animals. If there was a recent flood, it could mean those rising water included sewage and other debris. Flood water from storms is usually in this category. 

Types of Damage

When assessing water damage to determine repairs, understanding the types is important.

Class 1: The least harmful kind, it typically means that a minimal amount was absorbed in the affected areas. It is usually easy to clean.

Class 2: Known for quick evaporation rates, it can quickly absorb into carpeting and other porous materials. This damage typically requires more extensive repairs.

Class 3: If a sprinkler or pipe bursts, it can rapidly drench floors, walls, furniture, and other belongings. The rapid rate of evaporation requires quick action and water remediation measures to ensure the damage doesn’t spread or promote microbial growth.

Class 4: Excessive flooding means massive saturation of integral home components. Consulting a water damage and remediation expert is the best bet containing the situation and ensuring further damage doesn’t happen.

I Have Extensive Water Damage—What Should I Do?

While there are many levels of water damage, quick action in all situations is key to getting your home back to normal. If you are unsure which cleaning method to take after any type of flooding, call us. We are available 24 hours. Our number is (931) 645-1285. We'll assess the level of contamination quickly to advise you on the safest course of action.

By hiring a cleaning contractor like SERVPRO of Montgomery County, you:

  • Reduce your likelihood of exposure to pathogens.
  • Mitigate long-term problems like microbial growth.
  • No longer have to worry about either cleanup or reconstruction—we do both!
  • Salvage flooring, furniture and important personal belongings.
  • Don’t have to hassle with insurance—we do that for you!

Does My Carpet Need to Be Replaced? Professional Water Extraction and Cleaning

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

Professional Water Extraction and Cleaning

If a pipe breaks, a tub overflows, or dishwasher leaks water can spread quickly throughout your home. Moisture from one of these instances can soak into the carpet, damaging the porous fibers.

What does water do to a carpet?

If the water saturates the carpet, padding will disintegrate and glues will weaken, causing the backing to peel away from the fibers. The moisture also causes microbes to develop on the surface of the subfloor. Water will ruin the whole carpet if left too long, so how long is too long? How would a person know if a carpet is salvageable or not?

The answer depends on a few factors. A professional restoration company will examine the cause of water damage and determine if the water is Category 1, 2, or 3. These categories describe the levels of toxicity of the water. Flood water and sewage water are seen as unsafe and are categorized differently than tap water overflowing from a sink or bathtub.

A professional will also lift the different layers for cleaning and drying. The carpet padding will likely be thrown out, no matter how long it’s been sitting, because it is relatively inexpensive to replace. This saves a lot of time, effort, and money cleaning a potential breeding ground for microbial growth. 

In general, many carpets can be restored by technicians without needing replacement—even when water seeps deep into the fibers. If the water type and severity of damage poses a risk, though, a professional will know to rip out the carpet and replace it.

Water Extraction

After technicians inspect the danger and its source, lift layers, and remove pieces, they will extract water from the carpet fibers using specialized equipment. This equipment pulls the water up through a vacuum and sends it to a tank. Heavy-duty weighted extraction tools will be used for highly saturated carpets. Weighted extraction tools use the operator's weight to compress the carpet, allowing more moisture to be extracted.

Drying

After water extraction, a professional will set up drying equipment. Air moversSERVPRO’s name for industrial, high-powered, blower fans—push air in a circular motion speeding up the evaporation process. Dehumidifiers are simultaneously set up to pull moisture out of the environment and lower the property’s relative humidity.

Finally, a professional will disinfect the carpet. For additional information, call our office today at (931) 645-1285!

Clean Up Flood Damage: Call a Pro

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Professional Flood Water Damage Cleanup

While some water damage events aren’t very predictable, flood damage from storms is comparably easier to forecast. Storm surges, torrential rain, and rising water levels cause massive water damage for those who live along the coast or in low-lying areas. Flood damage is terrible in every instance, but the good news is homeowners and business owners usually have adequate time to prepare their home and/or business for the impending water damage as best they can.

When a storm ends, and it's safe to return to a damaged property, many find the water damage in the home or business worse than they could have imagined. It sometimes seems impossible that water levels can rise so high and cause such devastating damage. In the unfortunate case that this has or will happen to you, follow the following important guidelines for safely handling flood waters and their effects.

Do Not Go Back To the Property Without Permission

Even if your curiosity wants to know how much water is in the property or the kind of water damage; never return to the property without being notified first that it's safe to return by proper authorities. Flood damage and waters can be hazardous, and it's easy to forget that there is so much more than just water on the road or in a home. 

Beware of Bacteria

Before anyone enters a home or office with water damage to begin the water cleanup process, they must know how much danger potentially awaits. The water cleanup process should begin as quickly as possible, but it cannot be done if the area is still unsafe.

  1. Live electricity. Don't assume just because the power is out in the town that there's nothing to worry about. The power could come back on at any moment, which means it could cause serious bodily harm to anyone in contact with the electricity or its conductors. Make sure all electricity is turned off at its source before entering any building with standing water.
  2. Danger in the water. The second danger is what might be waiting for people in the water. There could be animals like snakes or dangerous bacteria found in feces like E. Coli. Always let the local authorities do a neighborhood sweep before taking steps to prepare for the water cleanup and drying process.

Call the Pros

Restoration companies have powerful equipment designed to allow adequate drying in minimal time. Professional mitigation and restoration are imperative because any missed moisture leads to much larger problems like microbial contamination. Restoration is designed to clear out all the water in places others might not realize it is hiding. 


Call for professional restoration and mitigation rather than handling the drying process without a pro's help to remove water in a business or home. Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery County for professional flood water cleanup, professional drying, and content cleaning.

Does a Remediation Company Need To Be Certified?

5/15/2022 (Permalink)

Okay, scenario: You have recently experienced a flood or other water damage and now see subsequent microbial growth. You look online for, "best mold remediation company near me," then pick the first result — or the cheapest, right?

A bad situation has been averted? Maybe not. All remediation companies aren't created equal — a costly lesson to learn if your insurance company does not cover uncertified remediation companies. When facing mold damage in your Memphis property, choosing a certified mold remediation company is your best bet. So, what does that look like?

What Is Mold Certification?

While plenty of businesses in this field have the equipment to cleanup mold, not everyone can do it well or safely. This is why the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets standards for mold remediation and certifies specific companies. An IICRC means a business meets standards involving:

  • Ethics
  • Technical knowledge
  • Procedures
  • Accountability

Choosing a certified microbial growth removal company can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Need more reasons, we have them!

Why It Matters

Not only are these standards relevant in the legal sphere, but they have practical applications to your property, too. For one, these certifications ensure accountability, as the company is compelled to maintain a standard of quality in order to keep their certification.

Secondly, acquiring the certifications also requires a high amount of knowledge, so choosing a certified company ensures you've chosen one of the best in the field.

Also, many insurance companies hesitate to cover work by an uncertified mold removal company. As an obvious result, choosing a company that your insurance covers lightens the cost load to your pocket because your insurance will likely cover the majority of the cost.

When you're looking for mold remediation, it's not time to cut corners. Look for a certified mold remediation company with the proper IICRC verifications, and you can rest easy the job will be done right the first time.

Floods Happen, Here's What to Expect

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

white text on an orange background covering a blurry picture of water, SERVPRO logo, text says Flood damage is more than wate Floods happen. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery County for a free estimate at (931) 645-1285.

An Unexpected Flood, Now What?

Unless a house is in a floodplain, it might be unexpected that a creek would rise to flood levels, especially if it has never flooded before. However, sometimes it does and the house becomes a muddy mess of debris, water, and extensive damage. Moving homes might be the first thought to come to mind. For others, repairing the home and continuing to live in their house is the only option.

Flood damage is more than just the standing water. It's ruined clothes, toys, and keepsakes; it’s washed away memories, financial troubles, anxiety, and uncertainty. SERVPRO understands that because we handle disasters, damages, and people going through hardships—daily. We try to help you in every way we can. Part of that help comes in the form of disaster cleanup. We work with you and your insurance to make sure you can get back into your home as soon as possible.

Water in the home or business is just the start of the problems. Without proper clean-up and sanitizing, mold can grow, floor damage can be permanent, and drywall can be ruined. It is imperative to start the restoration process quickly in order to help limit the extent of damage and mounting costs. 

What To Expect

Water cleanups begin with bringing in equipment to extract the water in the home. Pumps and specialized vacuums are used to suck up the water. Restoration is a process. Once the puddles have been cleared, the next step will begin. The water damage will be on the walls, floors, and furnishings. Drying is imperative to help stop the damage and to prevent mold from growing.

Fans, dehumidifiers, and other equipment will be brought in to help dry out the water in walls and moisture from furnishings and floors. Thoroughly drying water in the home will save thousands of dollars’ worth of damage later. Sanitation of anything that touched the potentially hazardous floodwater and odor elimination is next.

After the restoration process of water cleanup, drying, sanitizing, and odor elimination, there is still one last step in the water damage mitigation process —repairs. The food waters have the potential to damage anything in came in contact with. The drywall may need to be replaced. Electrical outlets and wiring should be checked and fixed. Water in a business may have warped sub-flooring, damaged floor joists, and wrecked major appliances.

Professionals who know how to deal with the devastation left behind are the best option for quick, safe, no hassle restoration. Since professional water damage restoration companies have the equipment and training to handle cleaning, drying, and even rebuilding homes and businesses, they should be the first choice for water mitigation.

Floods happen. Call SERVPRO of Montgomery County for a free estimate at (931) 645-1285.

Tips on Professional Water Damage Remediation

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

If you suspect water damage in your property, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery County. Image of water damage icon. If you suspect water damage in your property, contact SERVPRO of Montgomery County.

Plumbing defaults, floods, and sewerage systems defaults can cause much water damage to any commercial building or residential premises in Clarksville, Tennessee. Water damage affects the structure of a house and the contents of that building. Whether the damage is from a pipe break, supply line break, or flooding, it's recommended to work with water restoration professionals who help restore the building to its normal condition. In flood damage mitigation, several things are accounted for because the process can be complex.


Water Damage Mitigation Approach


Initial Inspection

The primary consideration is assessing the entire pipe break or supply line break systems and understanding the work requirements. Therefore, the water cleanup experts must conduct a comprehensive inspection process regarding the water in the home or business premises. The inspection process helps the restoration company understand the cost caused by the flood damages, the time frame of the mitigation process, and the materials and machines required.


During an inspection, the professionals evaluate the cause of the pipe break or supply line break and try to stop excess water from entering the building. Some components inspected by a restoration company include the pipes supplying water on business premises, the water source, and supply lines. If the flood damages contain some sewerage components in the supply line break, the professionals will proceed with the necessary precautions.


Water Removal

After SERVPRO of Montgomery County has inspected the entire project, we'll proceed to the water cleanup process. We'll evacuate the water in business or residential areas, including moisture removal. With good technology and efficient water extraction machines, thousands of water in a home can quickly remove the affected premises.


The Drying Process

After water extraction, SERVPRO uses dehumidifiers and air movers to ensure that space is dried. During the drying process, windows are opened to allow air circulation. Restoration companies must monitor the affected areas and make adjustments to their water cleanup equipment if necessary during the drying process.


The primary objective is to provide the most effective services, save the client money, time, and restore the building to its normal conditions within the agreed period.


Actual Remodeling

Remodeling is the final step in any water damage removal process. The process entails re-tilling the house, painting, reconstruction of the walls and the floor, or even renovating the roof. Every remodeling process in each premise is done differently. This mostly depends on the extensiveness of the damage and the desires of the homeowner. 

The remodeling process reflects the kind of design a homeowner shall have after the entire damage renovation process. The homeowner should define and declare the designs they want to be restored to their flooded homes before the actual work is done. This helps in ensuring that the remodeling fits the desires and anticipations of the homeowner. It also helps the expert know the materials in restoring the flooded home, pipe breaks, and necessary supply line breaks.


Things to Consider


In case you experience floods in your home or business premises, it's essential to start the water cleanup process early. Removing items from the flooded home, such as the furniture, fittings, electrical fixtures, and other belongings, are necessary even before calling the experts. Things that absorb water and cause more flood damages result in additional losses. Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery County to start the mitigation process of your flooded home in Montgomery County.

What Happens When You Have Water Damage

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery County is available 24 hours. Call today for assistance! SERVPRO of Montgomery County is available 24 hours. Call today for assistance!

Nobody likes the unexpected – it can be scary and overwhelming and, worse case, time and cost consuming. That's why at SERVPRO of Montgomery County, we try and ease the blow of the unexpected. We are a team of highly trained individuals with specialized equipment, tools, and skills needed to make sure your water damage is "Like it never even happened."

What Can You Expect When You Call Us?

One of our employees in the office will first take your call. We'll take your name, number, and address down and then ask detailed questions, so we know exactly what your situation looks like. As soon as we hang up the phone with you, we will dispatch a team to your home and business so they can be on-site as quickly as possible. Next, we'll assign an admin within the office to take care of your job. They'll provide you updates and work with your insurance provider.

Once we get to your home, we will extract any standing water using either a handheld extractor or an extractor that we can ride on. We will then place fans and dehumidifiers to help with the drying process. In the next few days, we will continue to monitor the drying process, and we will drill holes and pull baseboards if necessary.

If you find yourself with unexpected water damage, call SERVPRO of Montgomery County at (931) 645-1285!

Reasons Water Removal May be Needed for Your Home

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Tennessee home occurs when excess water starts to pool where it shouldn't. Several factors can make this excess water, and therefore, contribute to damage to your structure. When you know the potential causes, you can take precautionary steps to help you avoid water loss. You can also spot an issue once it arises and gets it fixed before it has a chance to do additional damage.

The faster you see a problem, the less work and extraction there are. Either way, water cleanup needs to be done in your Tennessee home, and you should hire the help of a professional remediation company to do the job. SERVPRO staff is available to help you at any time with the experience and knowledge that you would expect from a reputable company.

A common cause of water damage in your home is broken hoses and pipes. Things such as aging pipes, a burst water main, or ice maker supply lines, and washing machine supply hoses that fail certainly ruin your day. It is a good idea to purchase copper pipes and braided metal lines to replace the original ones, as they hold up much better so you can avoid accidents.

SERVPRO technicians can help you get your home dry and back in its usual condition no matter what has happened. We have various tools to help extract water, including moisture meters and sensors to find any hidden moisture, truck-mounted pumps to get rid of any standing water over a few inches deep. Additionally, we have air movers dehumidifiers to dry everything back out. SERVPRO of Montgomery County works promptly to avoid additional damage to your structure, such as mold growth.

Another common reason for water damage in your home includes broken toilets and overflowing bathtubs. Children are big culprits, so your best defense is to watch them! Water is fascinating to children, especially when it is flowing over the toilet and tub rims.

Sewer backups, unfortunately, happen as well. Tree roots can invade and clog your drain lines. Using an enzyme drain treatment to flush out your lines every month during the spring and summer months when tree roots grow the most is a good idea to avoid this kind of catastrophe.


SERVPRO of Montgomery County can help you dry your home after a water damage emergency, no matter what type it is. Call (931) 645-1285 as soon as you realize

SERVPRO Drying Out Water Damaged Clarksville Homes

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment in Clarksville, TN Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery County if you need water damage restoration.

After a plumbing disaster, Clarksville homeowners need more than merely using a water-vac to pull water off the floor, open the doors and windows, and rent a rug shampooer from the local big box store. To completely restore a home takes a professional restoration service. 

Drying out a home with water damage in Clarksville requires attention to four key factors that affect humidity. SERVPRO restoration specialists train to analyze each one, knowing which drying methods and equipment they need to use in each home. It all comes down to HEAT. 

Water vapor level determines the humidity levels in the air in a home compared to its capacity. A level of 60 percent or higher indicates the air is saturated. That dramatically slows evaporation and increases drying time. Specialists use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity level in each affected room. Properly working dehumidifiers can lower the level up to 20 percent every 24 hours. 

Evaporation is the natural process of water converting to vapor. With large amounts of water, it's prolonged. Our SERVPRO specialists use pumps and smaller extraction devices to remove the bulk of the standing water. Once they get the amount to less than two inches in depth, the evaporation rate rapidly increases. They can also augment the evaporation rate with dehumidifiers and use exhaust fans to increase movement, forcing saturated air outside the home. 

Air movement can also be increased using air movers to force warm, dry air throughout affected rooms and across damp surfaces like walls, tables, and countertops to gently increase the evaporation rate. Air movers and fans' combination to increase air movement is also very useful to dry out clothing in a gentle manner that does not damage the fabric. 

Temperature is also an essential factor, especially in cold weather. Since the preferred range to dry home and property is 70 to 90 degrees, we try to engage the HVAC system if it is operational carefully. If not, then specialists use space heaters to raise the internal temperature. They carefully monitor the temperature in every affected room to keep it under 80 degrees on the first day; however, a higher temperature can increase the humidity. 

At SERVPRO of Montgomery County, we use every tool and method available to return every residence to a dry, safe condition for families. If you have had a recent water issue in your home, call (931) 645-1285 to schedule a visit.

4 Easy Tips to Prevent Water Damage

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

With the school year coming to an end, this means kids will be “flooding” into homes this summer. View these suggestions from SERVPRO of Montgomery County for preventing water damage while your kids are home.

1. Be Careful Where You Plant.

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean Out Roof Gutters.

On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high, be safe, and get a professional to check them.

3. Use a Drain Snake Instead of Unclogging Chemicals.

Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

4. Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink.

It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water; grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease in an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. However, we know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays.