What To Do If Your Toilet Overflows - 5 Steps To Take

3/16/2023 (Permalink)

Steps to take when you have a leaking toilet.

If you're reading this, it means you've either just experienced a toilet overflow or are about to. Either way, this is an unfortunate and stressful situation that can be avoided with proper preparation and safety precautions. Here's what you need to know:

Don't Flush

If you have an overflowing toilet, don't flush it. The reason for this is that if you do, the water level will continue to rise and overflow even further.

Locate The Flapper

Next, you need to locate the flapper. The flapper is usually located at the bottom of the tank. If you're not sure where it is, look for a small piece of rubber or plastic that covers up an opening in the tank and moves when water flows through it. The flapper exists to regulate the amount of water that enters the bowl when you flush.

When the flapper is pushed closed, it closes off any gaps between itself and other parts of your system so water can't escape through them anymore. This will stop any more overflow from happening until the cause of the overflow is remedied.

Turn Off The Water Supply

If your toilet has overflowed and is still overflowing, turn off the water supply to the toilet. You can do this by locating a valve under or behind the tank of your toilet and turning it clockwise until it is completely shut off. If you cannot find this valve, turn off the main valve at your home's main water line coming into your house, usually located near where all of your plumbing meets.

If you cannot turn off either type of valve yourself, call a plumber immediately!

Secure The Float

Next, you need to secure the float. The float is a small plastic or metal device that floats on top of the water in your tank and regulates its level. If it sticks, it can cause your water level to rise above normal and cause an overflow situation. To prevent the toilet from overflowing further, secure the float to stay in place. This will prevent water from filling the tank.

Locate The Cause of the Overflow

If your toilet is overflowing, the first thing you should do is locate the cause of the overflow. There are several things that could be causing it, clogs or leaks.

If there's a clog in your pipes, this can cause water to back up into your toilet bowl and overflow onto your bathroom floor. The best way to check for clogs is by using an auger or snake tool and pushing it down through one side of your drainpipe until it reaches the other end--if there's nothing obstructing it, then you're good! If there's something stuck inside, the snake can help you remove the clog.

Leaks from broken pipes or fixtures can also lead to overflows if they aren't fixed right away. These often occur near faucets or toilets themselves. If you notice stains on the walls or flooring near your toilet, there is a possibility of a water leak nearby. If you suspect you have a leak, it is important to mitigate the damage as quickly as possible.

If your toilet overflows, act fast! Don't panic, but do take immediate action to stop the water from flowing. If your home or business has suffered from water damage due to an overflowing toilet, don't hesitate and give our SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County team a call today! Our team can quickly take care of all your water damage cleanup needs.

Tips For Water Damage Repair

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a lot to handle

How To Handle a Water Damage Repair

Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, but you should also be prepared for water damage if it does happen to you. It's important to know how to handle a water damage repair as quickly as possible so that the problem doesn't get any worse.

1. Start water cleanup as soon as possible.

Water damage can be a major problem, especially if you don’t start cleanup as soon as possible. The longer you wait to start cleaning up water, the more likely it is that mold will grow in your home or business. 

Mold spores are everywhere and just waiting for their chance to grow into full-blown molds that destroy property. If you see any signs of mold on the walls, ceiling or flooring after a water loss has occurred—or even if your house smells musty—you probably have an issue with mold growth.

2. Remove the source of water.

This step is critical, because if you don't stop the flow of water, it will keep coming in and causing damage to your home. You can do this by turning off the main water shutoff valve in on your property. Once that's done, open a window for ventilation to allow fresh air into your home as well as prevent mold growth. Use a wet/dry vac to remove any standing moisture from carpets and other surfaces; if you don't have one available, use towels instead.

The best course of action to take after a water loss is to call a certified water cleanup professional, they will ensure that your damage is mitigated properly.

3. Inspect for hidden water damage.

Check the walls and ceiling for signs of damage, such as discoloration, mold growth, or bubbling paint/wallpaper.

Feel along your flooring to see if it’s damp underneath. If you find that your floor is wet, move onto another room where there may be a leak as well – this could save you time in discovering an issue that needs fixing right away!

Check around windows and doors to make sure they aren’t leaking into your walls or ceilings. Use a flashlight to inspect these areas better if necessary.

When inspecting insulation around pipes or other places where moisture could build up inside walls/ceilings check for any discoloration or mold growth; if found call our SERVPRO team so that we can properly remove it from those locations before starting repairs!

4. Check for mold.

If your home or business has been suffered from a water damage event, it is important to check for mold. Mold can grow very quickly in water-damaged areas. If you notice any mold, it must be removed immediately to keep your property as well as any person present on your property safe.

5. Use fans and a dehumidifier.

When you're drying out a water-damaged area, you should use fans to dry out the damaged area and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air.

Fans are one of the best ways to remove moisture and humidity from an indoor environment. For best results, use multiple fans that are positioned at different angles throughout the room or space being dried. You can also purchase powerful industrial-strength fans that will circulate air more quickly through this process. Place these along walls so they blow directly toward other walls (creating cross-ventilation) rather than directly into windows or doors—this prevents moisture from being pushed.

Use dehumidifiers with fans: Using both of these methods together can help keep humidity levels down and take care of any residual moisture left behind after initial drying has taken place.

6. Toss anything that can’t be salvaged.

Remove wet items from your home as soon as possible. When you begin the process of removing wet things, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to salvaging items—whether they're clothing or books. 

You'll need to decide what stays and what goes for each item on a case-by-case basis, but here are some general guidelines:

• Remove wet insulation from walls and ceilings; replace with new insulation when possible
• Remove wet carpeting; replace when possible
• Remove damaged drywall and replace

There is a lot to do after a water damage, but you can do it.

You must be proactive. If you wait too long, the situation will get out of hand, and you will have no choice but to call a professional. 

In the end, water damage can be a lot to handle. If you follow these tips and get help from SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County, then you’re well on your way to making sure that your home is safe and restored after this unfortunate event.

3 Tips To Salvage Electronics After a Flooding Event

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Don't assume all flooded electronics are destroyed for good.

Recovering Electronics Following a Flood

Flooding events, either due to Mother Nature or a plumbing mishap, can cause tremendous damage to a business. A building's structure can be compromised, as well as its contents, including a number of electronic devices. Fortunately, it is possible to save these devices after a flood. Here are three tips for doing so in the event your High Ridge, MO, business is impacted.

1. Safely Remove Devices From Power Source
Restoring flooded electronics cannot begin without first disconnecting the power source. For machines that are hooked up to an outlet, shut off the circuit breaker to avoid any electric shock hazards. For smaller, handheld devices, first check for signs of a shorted battery, such as smoking or heat from the device. If these issues are not present, turn off the device, drain it of any excess water and remove the battery.
Be mindful of the amount of water within the space and any shock hazards at hand. For optimal safety, do not grab devices if standing water remains. Call a water damage cleaning and restoration company to address flooding and dry out the building before attempting to salvage electronics.

2. Sanitize the Device’s Circuit Board
The next tip for saving flooded electronics is to thoroughly clean the circuit board. This can be achieved by first disassembling the device and then using a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Gently brush along each crevice of the circuit board to remove any water residue or buildup and let the board dry completely.

3. Inspect for Further Electronic Damage
The final step is to re-assemble the device, install a new battery if required and test it to see if it works. If issues remain, other likely repairs include replacing the LCD screen or logic board.
Don't assume all flooded electronics are destroyed for good. Try restoring them by disconnecting from power, cleaning the circuit board and testing with a new battery for further damage.

3 Possible Causes of a Drain Clog

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

A clogged drain in your home can cause a variety of problems.

Three Reasons for a Drain Blockage

A clogged drain at your Arnold, MO, home can cause plenty of problems, from low or stalled drainage of a sink to flooding that can damage floors and equipment. A drain may clog for a variety of reasons, and learning to spot potential causes can help you decide when you need assistance to resolve the problem. 

1. Residue Clogs Can Slow Drain Speeds 
Your bathroom sinks can start to drain more slowly over time due to soap, makeup and dead skin residue that builds up in the pipes. When this occurs, cleaning the drain trap is not likely to help, as the buildup tends to form where you cannot see it. You may need a plumber to resolve this type of problem. 

2. Grease and Fat Clogs 
If you discover a clogged drain in your kitchen sink, this could be due to fat and grease deposits that build up in the pipes. As grease cools in the pipes, it could cause them to narrow and create a stubborn or slow drain that can make cleaning your kitchen difficult. When old grease sticks to the inside of your kitchen's plumbing, hardware store plumbing cleansers may only solve the problem temporarily. 

3. Plant and Tree Roots 
Over time, tree and plant roots can invade your home's drainage system and cause multiple clogs throughout the residence. This may become a serious issue when many roots tangle together and block a drainage system. A water cleanup and mitigation service can assist you with resolving this problem, especially when these drain issues cause floods inside your building that interrupt your employees. 
A clogged drain in your Arnold, MO, home can cause a variety of problems, including overflowing sinks and standing water. While some clogs are simple to fix, knowing when to call for assistance can resolve the problem quickly and allow you to resume normal operations. 

Which Water Heater Noises Indicate Attention Is Needed?

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Inspection and regular maintenance of your water heater can eliminate many of these noises.

A Noisy Water Heater, What Does It Mean?

Your home in Murphy, MO, is filled with the normal noises of a home. Floors may creak and ceiling joists may pop. Your freezer and refrigerator whir and hum through their cycles. Your furnace or air conditioning unit may produce a fan noise. But when you start hearing noises coming from your water heater you may feel a bit uneasy and worry about whether it is safe. In the natural course of its function, sediment may collect at the bottom, calcium may build up on the sides, or an element may vibrate loose. What do the sounds mean?

Normal or Unusual Sounds Your Water Heater May Produce

•Screeching or singing noises mean a valve needs to be opened

•Humming may mean the element needs to be tightened into place

•Tapping and ticking sounds are normal and can be caused by cooling cycles

•Knocking or hammering is usually from the abrupt shutoff of the tank, for instance following a shower, or wash load finishing

• Popping, crackling or rumbling usually indicate mineral buildup on the element and it should be replaced or you should perform a water heater flush

So, what can be done about some of the noises that need attention? Inspection and regular maintenance of your water heater can eliminate many of these noises. Performing a water heater flush using a deliming solution can help prevent sediment and mineral build-up on the walls of your tank and may also keep your element cleaner. You may also find that installing a water softener may be of great help in keeping mineral build-up to a minimum.

If you hear something more bothersome, calling a water damage control specialist in Murphy, MO, may ease your mind. They will be able to help you assess and repair any damage that may have happened as well. Dealing with a water heater problem on your own can be intimidating. With regular maintenance you can increase your chances of having a happy and healthy water heater for years to come.

3 Reasons Why Your Home’s Plumbing Pipes Might Be Noisy

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Your Byrnes Mill, MO, home’s noisy pipes can be indicative of a pipe break in the near future.

3 Causes of Noisy Plumbing Pipes in Your Home

You might be used to all the sounds your Byrnes Mill, MO, home makes, from a squeaky stair to a rattling windowpane in your attic. However, when your plumbing starts making new and unusual sounds, it is not something you want to ignore. Banging, squealing and knocking may indicate an imminent malfunction, such as a pipe break, so noting these noises and taking action can be important for preventing serious indoor floods.

1. Pipe Obstructions

If your pipes are squealing or whistling, there might be several causes. The first is a pipe blockage, which can narrow the water’s path and create the noise. This can be especially common in areas with hard water, where calcium or lime can build up inside the pipes. Loose screws and old or distorted washers inside the faucet’s hardware might also be to blame. You can chase down the issue by turning faucets on and off in your bathrooms until you find the source of the whistling.

2. Loose Pipe Clamps

When the water in your home is shut off and your pipes bang and chatter for several moments, this can be startling as well as troublesome. This noise usually means one of your pipes has a loose or missing clamp, and the vibrations could eventually lead to a pipe burst unless it is located and strapped down. If you cannot find a spare strap, you can pad the area between the pipe and the wall to reduce the sound.

3. Failing Pipe Joints

If you hear hissing sounds while the water is running, this could mean a pipe break is imminent. When the water is forced between two plumbing joints where the seal is failing, it can cause this odd sound. Have a flood damage and remediation service in to inspect and fix broken pipe joints before they burst.

Your Byrnes Mill, MO, home’s noisy pipes can be indicative of a pipe break in the near future. Knowing what causes these sounds can help you prevent flooding and the damage it causes.

Problematic Noises From a Water Heating Unit

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

A noisy water heater can give you a heads up that something is not right.

Noises Caused by a Water Heating Unit

The water heater in your Imperial, MO, home may make noises while it is in use. Not every sound from this system is cause for alarm, but some of the sounds may be worse than others. Having a basic understanding of problematic noises can help you understand when to call in a water damage expert and when to leave your heater alone.

1. Crackling: The sound of crackling and popping could mean your heater has too much sediment buildup. The sound is caused by residue caking the heating element. As the heat rises, the water trapped by the sediment is forced through the buildup. Eventually, the buildup may become too thick for the heating element to work properly. You can address this problem with a water heater flush.

2. Screeching: When the valves in your heater are not set properly, you may hear a scream-like sound come from the unit. This screeching typically occurs when the valves are not opened wide enough. The buildup in pressure could eventually lead to a pipe burst or other issues.

3. Hammering: A knocking or hammering noise could be a sign that your piping has to undergo major water pressure changes. This sound may often follow the shut off of a faucet. While it may seem harmless, the rattling of the pipes could cause damage to the interior of your walls or the plumbing.

4. Humming: A low humming coming from your water heater could indicate there is a loose heating element. When the water heats up, the fast-moving particles cause the loose element to shake. If left unattended, the element may break due to the repetitive movements. However, this is an easy fix. Your professional simply has to re-tighten the coil.

You rely on your water heater to provide comfortable water to your house. Strange noises coming from this system may give you a heads up that something isn't quite right with the equipment.

Frozen Pipe Cleanup

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

With frigid temperatures for the next week, it's important to monitor your house for signs of a burst frozen pipe. Sometimes, these can be caused when exterior water hoses were not disconnected prior to freezing temperatures. Exterior walls with not a lot of insulation can also be culprits. 

If you're going out of town for a few days and are trying to save money on your heating bill, make sure that temperatures in your home do not get colder than 55 degrees. It's also a good idea to allow faucets to be on a slow drip to keep water flowing through pipes instead of freezing. If you have a basement, check downstairs daily to make sure you don't see any leakage, especially if water pressure upstairs has weakened.

Sometimes, however, frozen pipes are unavoidable. If you find yourself a victim of a burst frozen pipe, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County. Our on-call professionals can assist you at any time of day or night. We will extract the excess water, check all areas to see how far moisture has traveled, and then set drying equipment to get your structure back to "Like it never even happened."

Search No Further

If you find yourself in need of our services, call 636-296-6813. You can do a Google Search, find us on Facebook, or submit an inquiry right here on our website.

Our goal is to not only put your mind at ease, but to make sure we can help make the whole nightmare "Like it never even happened."

Professional Equipment Matters

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

When you are faced with a fire or water loss, why is it important to have a professional do the mitigation instead of cleaning it up yourself? Aside from understanding the science behind fire and water mitigation through our IICRC certifications, we have the professional equipment to help us perform the job. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense whenever you have a fire or water loss.

Equipment Matters

When time matters, technology and equipment must be relied upon to perform well. SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County professionals answer calls promptly with a full arsenal of drying equipment. Below are some of our tools we use.

Moisture Sensors

These are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls to find all affected materials.

Moisture Meters

These are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The accurate readings these testers provide allow us to monitor the drying process.

Thermohygrometers

These meters measure temperature and relative humidity. SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County professionals use this information to calculate and create an environment most conductive to drying.

Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers

ULV Foggers atomize liquid deodorizing agents that produce a fine mist that easily penetrates the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This machine is also able to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.

Thermal Foggers

These foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog that is made up of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor-causing particles. This helps deodorize structures, garments, vehicles, and other places where cleaning cannot reach.

Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County for their training and equipment to make it "Like it never even happened."

No Disaster is a Small Disaster

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County is available 24 hours a day--nights, weekends, and holidays included.

There's no such thing as a small disaster when it happens to you and your home or business. Small leaks can eventually become big claims later. Time is of the essence.

We are available 24 hours a day all year long--holidays included--for emergency mitigation work. But what is emergency mitigation? That means under normal circumstances, a SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County professional can be at your property within four hours of the initial loss call to begin drying your home or facility and restoring your contents.

The Drying Process

Each one of our employees, from office to marketing to production, is professionally trained and IICRC certified. Our team manages the drying process by using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology. As a result, the structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried which will aid in preventing any secondary water damages. SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County professional technicians will remove moisture and any contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing to safely clean and dry your home or commercial building and all the contents.

SERVPRO is the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration and stands on over 50 years of national experience and expertise in the industry. Locally, SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County has over a decade of combined experience. As the economy reopens, it's especially important to ensure your business is taken care of, and allow us to serve you.

24/7/365 Water Damage Service

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

When fire or water damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. That’s why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO® is so important. Just call 636-296-6813 to get the team that’s faster to any size disaster. We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water or fire. So whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – be ready for the worst with the very best: SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County.

We are a local water restoration company. We work with your insurance company to provide you with the best possible experience for your disaster. We want to help make it "Like it never even happened."®

Faster to your Arnold Water Damage Event

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Arnold.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 636-296-6813

Water Damage Timeline

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.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County

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

Jefferson County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

This Jefferson County home’s basement flooded due to a leaky pipe.

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

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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 636-296-6813

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (636) 296-6813

North Jefferson County’s 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in North Jefferson County and Arnold.

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today - 636-296-6813

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 Arnold/North Jefferson County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County

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