Assessing and restoring fire-damaged plumbing systems

12/4/2024 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes, the damage is not limited to what you can see on the surface. Plumbing systems, which are often hidden behind walls and beneath floors, can suffer serious damage during a fire. At SERVPRO® of Greater Carrollwood, we understand the importance of a thorough assessment and expert restoration to ensure the safety and functionality of fire-damaged plumbing systems. In this blog, we’ll cover essential steps in assessing and restoring these systems, backed by expert insights.

Assessing Fire-Damaged Plumbing Systems

Fire damage can compromise plumbing in multiple ways. High temperatures can warp or melt pipes, while smoke and soot can corrode materials. Water used to extinguish the fire can also cause additional damage, especially to older pipes. Here's what a professional assessment typically involves:

1. Inspecting for Heat Damage: The intense heat from a fire can cause metal pipes to warp, melt, or crack, and plastic pipes to become brittle. Even minor deformations in pipes can lead to leaks or ruptures.
2. Checking for Water Damage: Water used during firefighting efforts can cause flooding or create standing water around pipes. This can lead to rusting, mold growth, and potential long-term structural issues if left unaddressed.
3. Evaluating Soot and Smoke Residue: Smoke and soot can be acidic, leading to corrosion of metal pipes. Even if the pipes appear intact, they could still suffer from internal damage that could cause problems later on.

Restoring Fire-Damaged Plumbing Systems

Once the assessment is complete, restoring your plumbing system requires an expert approach to ensure everything is safe and up to code. Here are some key restoration steps:

• Pipe Replacement: In many cases, damaged pipes, especially those made of plastic or copper, will need to be replaced to prevent future leaks or failures.
• Cleaning and Flushing: For pipes that aren’t severely damaged, a thorough cleaning and flushing process can remove smoke and soot residue, preventing corrosion over time.
• Water Heater Inspection: Your water heater is another vulnerable component. Even if it wasn’t directly exposed to flames, smoke and water can damage electrical components or cause corrosion.

Quick Statistics on Fire-Damaged Homes

Did you know that around 50% of homes suffer water damage as a result of firefighting efforts? This makes a thorough inspection of plumbing systems after a fire essential.

Professional Restoration for Peace of Mind

Assessing and restoring fire-damaged plumbing systems is not a DIY project. It requires specialized knowledge to ensure your home’s plumbing is fully functional and safe after a fire. At SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood, we offer expert fire damage restoration services to get your home back to normal, including inspecting and repairing plumbing systems.

Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive restoration services.

Preventing Arson: Tips for Property Owners

8/14/2024 (Permalink)

Stay safe and proactive in protecting your property.

As a property owner, safeguarding your investment is a top priority. One often overlooked threat is arson. With intentional fires causing significant damage and loss, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your property. At SERVPRO®, we understand the importance of fire prevention and are here to provide you with practical tips to reduce the risk of arson.

Secure Your Property

One of the most effective deterrents against arson is a visible security presence. Installing surveillance cameras around your property can help monitor suspicious activities. Modern cameras offer high-resolution footage and can be accessed remotely, giving you peace of mind even when you're away. Ensuring your property is well-lit, especially around entrances, exits, and parking areas, is also essential. Motion-sensor lights are particularly effective as they can startle potential arsonists and draw attention to their presence. Additionally, erecting fences and gates around your property can act as a physical barrier to unauthorized entry. Ensure that these are well-maintained and locked when not in use.

Maintain Your Property

Regular maintenance of your property is another crucial step. Inspect your property for flammable materials such as dry leaves, paper, and wooden debris, and dispose of these materials properly to reduce fire hazards. Keeping garbage bins away from the building and ensuring they are covered is also important. Proper landscaping is vital; maintaining your landscaping by trimming bushes and trees, especially those close to the building, can prevent overgrown vegetation from being used as kindling for an arsonist. Consider using fire-resistant plants in your landscaping design.

Community Involvement

Community involvement plays a significant role in arson prevention. Participating in or initiating a neighborhood watch program can make a big difference. A community that looks out for each other is less likely to experience arson. Encourage neighbors to report suspicious activities and share information about any potential threats. Establishing a good relationship with local law enforcement and fire departments can also deter criminal activities, as their presence can be a significant deterrent. Additionally, they can provide valuable insights on how to secure your property against arson.

Implement Fire Safety Measures

Implementing fire safety measures is another key strategy. Ensuring that your property is equipped with functional smoke detectors and fire alarms is crucial. Regularly test these devices and replace batteries as needed, as early detection can significantly reduce the damage caused by fire. Placing fire extinguishers in accessible locations throughout your property and training staff and family members on how to use them effectively can also help. Quick response with a fire extinguisher can prevent a small fire from escalating. Investing in a sprinkler system for your property is another wise choice, as these systems can automatically detect and extinguish fires, minimizing damage and potentially saving lives.

Stay Informed

Education and training are vital components of fire safety. Educate yourself, your staff, and your family about fire safety and arson prevention. Regular training sessions and fire drills can ensure everyone knows how to respond in case of an emergency. Stay updated with local news and alerts about arson activities in your area. Being informed allows you to take timely precautions and stay vigilant.

Preventing arson requires a combination of security measures, community involvement, and fire safety practices. By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of arson and protect your property from potential threats. Remember, SERVPRO is always here to help with fire damage restoration and recovery services if the unexpected happens. Stay safe and proactive in protecting your property.

5 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Fire Damage Restoration

4/16/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be a devastating experience for any property owner, but unfortunately, there are many misconceptions surrounding the restoration process. In this blog post, we are going to debunk some of the most common myths about fire damage restoration and provide clarity on what to expect during the restoration journey. At SERVPRO®, we're committed to helping our customers navigate the restoration process with confidence and peace of mind.

Myth 1: Fire Damage Restoration is Only About Cleaning Up Ash and Soot

Reality: While cleaning up ash and soot is a significant aspect of fire damage restoration, the process is much more comprehensive. It involves assessing and addressing structural damage, removing water from firefighting efforts, deodorizing the property to eliminate smoke odors, and restoring damaged belongings and contents. A professional restoration company like SERVPRO has the expertise and equipment to handle all aspects of fire damage restoration.

Myth 2: DIY Fire Damage Restoration is Cheaper and Easier

Reality: Attempting to tackle fire damage restoration as a DIY project can be risky and may end up costing you more in the long run. Fire damage restoration requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and techniques to ensure thorough and effective restoration. Professional restoration companies have the training and experience to handle the restoration process safely and efficiently, saving you time, money, and stress in the long term.

Myth 3: All Belongings and Contents Must Be Discarded After Fire Damage

Reality: While some items may be too severely damaged to salvage, many belongings and contents can be restored through professional cleaning and restoration techniques. SERVPRO offers content restoration services to clean, deodorize, and restore damaged items such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and sentimental belongings. Our goal is to salvage as much as possible and minimize the impact of fire damage on your personal belongings.

Myth 4: Fire Damage Restoration Takes a Long Time

Reality: While the duration of the restoration process depends on the extent of the damage, professional restoration companies work efficiently to restore your property as quickly as possible. At SERVPRO, we utilize advanced equipment and proven techniques to expedite the restoration process without compromising on quality. Our priority is to help you return to your normal life as soon as possible after fire damage occurs.

Myth 5: Fire Damage Restoration is Only Necessary for Visible Damage

Reality: Even if your property appears relatively unscathed after a fire, there may be hidden damage lurking beneath the surface. Smoke and soot residues can penetrate walls, ceilings, and ductwork, causing long-term damage and hazards if left untreated. Professional fire damage restoration involves thorough inspection and cleanup to ensure that all traces of damage are properly addressed.

In conclusion, understanding the realities of fire damage restoration can help dispel common misconceptions and guide property owners toward making informed decisions. By partnering with a reputable restoration company like SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood/Citrus Park, you can trust that your property will be restored with care, expertise, and attention to detail. If you need fire damage restoration services, don't hesitate to contact us for prompt and reliable assistance.

Career Opportunities at SERVPRO

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Career Opportunities at SERVPRO

With 19 franchises in 6 locations throughout TN, FL, and TX, SERVPRO Team Nicholson is an exciting, diverse, innovative place to work. We foster positive company culture, offer competitive compensation packages, and prioritize community involvement. Come find out what it takes to be a part of our team! 

Our Mission

Our mission is to be a proud, laser-focused team holding each other accountable while creating positive opportunities for our people and becoming the most efficiently run organization in the markets we serve.

We value honesty, reliability, relationships, trustworthiness, and authenticity! Our team develops and provides solutions; we are go-getters and carry a “bring it” attitude to our work environment. We listen and value each other’s thoughts and ideas and strive to bring them to life.

We are built on hard work, transparency, good business, and integrity. We believe, “You can’t go wrong doing the right thing.” 

Bill Repsel, our Regional Administrator, shared his testimony on what it's like working for SERVPRO. He said, "Every day is a new day. It is an opportunity to serve others in our community in a time of need. We have an incredible team of people with great talent that strives to make a difference every day." 

SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park is proud of the work we do and is always looking for like-minded people interested in a rewarding career.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume to recruiting@SERVPROclarksville.com, stop by our office from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday, or click here to check out our current job openings.

Commercial Damage Remediation in Your Business

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Some of the Regular Water Damages SERVPRO Sees in Hotels

Water damage can happen anywhere in a hotel, but some areas and types of damage happen far more often than others. When problems go beyond simple cleanup and sanitation matters, your cleaning personnel or company may be ill-equipped to handle the consequences of significant water damage. Professionals in the restoration industry are specialized in fast and complete hotel services, ensuring rooms stay clean, undamaged, and pleasant-smelling after the incident. If these common problems happen in your building, call a highly-esteemed restoration company or use our Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) system to get a crew of technicians to your location.

Overflowing Sinks and Bathtubs

One of the reasons SERVPRO might be called into hotels is when a guest causes a sink or bathtub to overflow. Guests remain in their rooms for various lengths of stay, so it may not be uncommon to only find out about the matter days later or when water starts to leak elsewhere and cause further damages. SERVPRO inspectors create a detailed assessment of the situation to understand what specific problems might come from these scenarios and estimate our work times and costs.

Water Line Leaks and Breaks

With so many water lines running throughout the building, it may not be uncommon for them to leak or burst, especially when they are ancient. Be sure to call us as soon as you suspect that a water line may have been ruptured, as the speed of our response may be critical to prevent as much damage as possible. To avoid most water line problems in your hotel, make sure that pipes receive semi-regular maintenance and checkups.

Left-Open Windows

Any time a guest can open a window, the potential for damage rises. Currently, there are laws about which levels can have fully-open windows in certain facilities, but regardless, if the window opens even a tiny bit, moisture can enter the facility. If guests can open a window in your hotel rooms, they may forget to close it before a storm rolls through the area. Water entering through the open window can cause significant damage to the carpet and upholstery.

SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park can handle both small, isolated incidents and large-scale disasters throughout an entire building. For the best outcomes, call quickly after an incident at (813) 694-9092.

What Is The IIRC? What Does It Mean For Me?

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

What Is An IICRC Certification? Why Does It Matter?

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Industries. 

When considering who to call for water damage, do you go with the company your insurance company recommends? How about your neighbor’s recommendation? In the internet age of information-overload and bias, how can you know what’s right? Who really does the best job? Who does the most work for the money? Who handles a water loss job from start to finish? SERVPRO is proud to be your one-stop-shop for disaster relief after a fire, flood, or storm—but don’t take our word for it—let us show you.

Your local SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park is proudly an IICRC accredited firm.

What is an IICRC Certification?

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise.

All IICRC Certified Firms must:  

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.  
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. 
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.  

When it comes to cleaning, restoration and inspection, the IICRC writes the books. As an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC has paved the way in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.  

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including:

1. allied trades persons
2. manufacturers
3. international, national and regional trade associations
4. individual or franchise professionals
5. cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations
6. insurance industry
7. training schools
8. contractors and public health professionals

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

We don’t take this stamp of approval lightly—we uphold it. If your home or business suffered water, storm, or fire damage, call us for 24 hours emergency service or for a free estimate.

3 Areas of Fire Risk for Businesses

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Make workplace fire safety a priority!

The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Even moderate damage can result in your facility closing for repairs for weeks on end, which can be devastating. Some facilities are more prone to damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, many fire hazards are present in workplaces regardless of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take steps to address and mitigate unsafe conditions and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

3 Areas of Concern 

1. Electrical Concerns

Faulty electrical wiring can result in sparks that lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring impairment may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. For example, desktop computers that are connected to power outlets can damage wiring inside the walls, potentially causing a spark. Additionally, electrical fires may start when power sockets overload or when equipment gets too hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

2. Poor Equipment Maintenance

Keep a maintenance schedule to provide regular service to business-related equipment. For example, failing to service your furnace may result in dust accumulation and other flammable debris. Furthermore, a gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may include dusty, dirty, or greasy components, such as air ducts, kitchen exhaust vents, and many other features used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

3. Flammable or Combustible Materials

Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners, and many other types of businesses may store combustible materials onsite. These materials should remain sealed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 

If your business has already experienced fire damage repairs are needed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park is your trusted source for quality repair services. Although we hope your business does not experience a fire emergency, we do hope you keep us in mind for fire emergencies. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that you can resume operations as soon as possible. We are available 24/7 and can respond immediately. Call us at (813) 694-9085.

Fire Damage Restoration Services

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration Services

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects the structure of your house and also your belongings. SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park understands your family's furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home. Check some of SERVPRO's fire restoration services below:

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and "restore" versus "replace" mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that are replaceable. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. Several methods of cleaning your contents include:

Dry Cleaning: Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean.

Wet Cleaning: Used 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 to the surface.

Immersion Cleaning: Contents dip into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs 

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, we can conduct an organized, efficient movement of the affected area.

Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from on-site damage 

When restoration's complete, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs.

The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup 

Fire-damaged electronics can present a severe hazard. Don't attempt to turn on or operate any damaged electrical device. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If not removed, the residues corrode, causing electronic failure in the device.

For additional information regarding our services, call us today at (813) 694-9085.

Fire Extinguisher At The Ready

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Be Fire Extinguisher Ready

Fire extinguishers are staples in disaster-ready homes and provide billions of people with a quick, effective way to respond to sudden blazes. With proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save your life and your property. For hands-on training, contact your local fire station. Generally, all fire extinguishers are alike, as they follow the same usage procedure known as PASS:

• Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
• Aim the nozzle at the bottom of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle and release extinguisher chemicals.
• Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire until it’s extinguished.

Choosing Your Extinguisher

Not every fire extinguisher is suitable for every job. Research different types of extinguishers before deciding where to place them around your home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends keeping multipurpose fire extinguishers in your home close to an exit. Class B extinguishers should be located in the kitchen and garage, as they are effective for putting out small grease and gasoline fires. 

Emergency Services

If a fire sparks, call 911 first, then use a fire extinguisher if the situation allows. This ensures you will be able to get the assistance you need if your attempts are unsuccessful. Furthermore, know when to leave the house. The first priority is a safe escape. If the blaze becomes large or your extinguisher runs out of fumes, it’s time to get out of the house. Let firefighters and emergency responders take care of the fire. Work with us afterward to get your home back to normal. We specialize in fire restoration services such as smoke and soot cleanup, water removal, repairs, and more.

Being knowledgeable of fire extinguisher handling tips can save your home and your family. Discuss the above tips with every member of your family and create a fire escape plan. Call SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park at (813) 694-9082 for additional information regarding fire damage cleanup.

Inspecting Your Home for Damages after a Fire

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

A house fire is life-altering and leaves homeowners feeling heartbroken and directionless. Knowing where to begin and who can help is important. SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park is here to assist our Tampa, FL community mitigate damage after a house fire. We are available 24/7 and specialize in smoke and soot removal, water removal, cleaning, repairs, and restoration. Do not face fire damage on your own, contact us at (813) 694-9085. 

Reacting to the fire damage in your Tampa home can seem impossible. When the extinguishing process is completed, you can begin restoration. However, DIY fire cleanup methods are not the most effective way to rehabilitate your home. Conventional cleaning efforts and general deodorization pale in comparison to professional restoration services. Fortunately, this isn't a battle that you have to fight alone. SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park handles fire restoration, from soot clean-up to deodorization. 

Our estimator and project manager work to identify the full scope of the damage at your home. We survey every area, whether connected to the fire in your home or not. This thorough inspection records the damage for insurance, and our SERVPRO professionals have the commercial-grade equipment and strategies to contend with the damage. We'll deliver the assessment of your damages to the insurance company that covers your home, which will help process your claim efficiently. Whether the damage in your home was widespread or not, this process remains the same. Our professionals take great care in assessing the scope of the damage that your home faces so that no stone is left unturned in the restoration process. 

You can trust our SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park fire restoration specialists to work quickly to make your home “Like it never even happened,” giving you peace of mind and a sense of normalcy. We’re available for you 24/7, 7 days a week at (813) 694-9085.

Rug Cleaning After A Fire

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

The highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling overtime after experiencing fire damage, like in this case. Protect your investment by calling SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery.

SERVPRO System offers several cleaning options to match any upholstery or carpet.

We also offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: Used when color-fastness is an issue.

SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park may be able to save your rugs and carpet after a fire. Give us a call today at (813) 694-9085!

Prevent Dryer Vent Fires

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

t's no surprise that having a fire within the home can damage anything in its path. Your household dryer is an excellent example of this since many homeowners deal with dryer related fires all the time. The usual culprit would be a clogged dryer vent. However, the fire is preventable if you care for your dryer throughout the year, ensuring that its vent is clean and clear of buildup.

The local fire department receives over 15,000 calls every single year for home-related fires and smoke issues. The unfortunate part is that most fires are due to clogged dryer vents within the home. Some of these fires are minimal, but others have been damaging when not caught in time.

Some homeowners are new to appliances, and home maintenance doesn't know that their dryer needs care. Dryers work by creating hot air in the drum itself, and this is the hot air going to dry up your clothing. You might know the small lint trap on your dryer when you open its door, but excess lint passes through this filter and goes through the dryer vent. The dryer vent is located on the outside of your home so that the hot air goes outside. From dryers being so hot, heat attracts lint built up in that area and causes a fire. Fires related to clogged dryer vents can generate tons of damage to a person's home. The best way to prevent fires, in this case, is to clean the lint hose weekly. Special tools and services exist that can help to get this particular vent cleaned for you.

Warning Signs that Your Dryer is Clogged and May Result in a Fire

1. If it takes longer than 45 minutes to dry your clothing, it could be a sign that the dryer vent is clogged.
2. Your clothes are roasting hot to the touch after they have gone through a dry cycle.
3. The flapper on the dryer's vent may not open when the appliance is on.

Preventing a Fire with Your Dryer

1. You should clean the vent of your dryer at least twice each year.
2. Make sure to clean the lint trap inside the dryer before each cycle.
3. For those individuals who're noticing any of the warning mentioned above signs, make sure to contact a professional company to repaired and clean the appliance.

For those homeowners who aren't lucky to catch the warning signs in time, fire damage can be a daunting thing to clean up on your own. Professionals of SERVPRO come in handy, and they can work on your home's fire restoration when it is most convenient for you. Make sure to contact SERVPRO at the first sign of fire damage so that issues are resolved immediately.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Greater Carrollwood / Citrus Park is locally owned and operated—so we are part of the Carrollwood / Citrus Park community. Additionally, we're apart of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large-scale disasters.