Sink Overflow Prevention Tips

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

You can avoid the hassle of a sink overflow by being proactive to keep drain clogs from happening in the first place.

You can avoid the hassle of a sink overflow by being proactive to keep drain clogs from happening in the first place. Drains are not built to handle everything that winds up in the sink, so grating the drain is the best way to avoid these issues. Read the following tips to prevent sink overflows in your home.  

• Food - Minimal food should end up in the sink. Throw food scraps into the trash and use a sink strainer to catch food particles that end up in the sink. Coffee grounds, pasta, rice, and fibrous foods are common culprits for clogging drains, so keep them out of the sink as best you can. Use a strainer and empty it regularly to keep the sink clean and clear.    
• Grease - Hot grease looks clear and fluid like water, but when it cools it becomes gummy. Fatty grease and oil will build up along the sides of plumbing and create stubborn clogs.  
• Hair - Loose hair clogs up a vacuum cleaner hose and it will do the same to your drain. Bathroom sinks are especially susceptible to hair clogs because it’s a place for personal grooming. Use a cover that collects the hair but still lets the water through the drain. This way you can swiftly toss the hair collection into the trash instead of having to fish it out of the drain.  

Maintaining Your Sump Pump

5/14/2023 (Permalink)

A sump pump can be an effective option for preventing water damage.

If your home has a wet basement, you’re not alone. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that more than 60 percent of homes have issues with water in the basement. A sump pump can be an effective option for preventing water damage. Installed in a pit in the basement, sump pumps sense when the water from rain or snowmelt is rising in the pit and approaching the floor level. The incoming water is then pumped outside before it can damage the home or its furnishings. Sump pumps are relatively low-maintenance devices, but you can help keep your unit operational by inspecting it regularly. Steps in a regular maintenance program can include: 

• Checking the discharge line to make sure it is not stopped up or frozen. If necessary, unclog the air vent hole in the line. 
• Checking the inlet screen to ensure that it’s not clogged with residue and debris. It’s recommended to check three or four times per year. 
• Making sure the float component is unobstructed and can move smoothly. 
• Scanning the pit and removing any visible debris, mud, or stones. 
• Testing the pump by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise with the water level, triggering the unit to start pumping. If pumping doesn’t begin, check to see that the unit is plugged in. Your float switch or check valve might also be at fault. 
• Going outside to see that water is discharging and flowing where it’s supposed to go – well away from your home. 

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO!

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to be your one-stop water damage cleanup and restoration.

If you are grappling with the aftermath of residential water damage, you want the problems resolved as quickly as possible. Keep handy the name and number of a local cleanup and restoration company like SERVPRO. Our job is to provide state-of-the-art service to our customers that need expert water damage restoration. 

 
What You Can Expect from a Water Damage Restoration Service  
 
When you contact us to assess your problem, we will respond by sending a team of friendly, knowledgeable service technicians to your home or business. We will make a full inspection and assessment of your property, making sure to note where all the damage and future potential trouble spots lie. We find the source of the water intrusion, if not visible, for repair. We identify the type of water damage to determine if it is contaminated (such as black water from a sewage backup or groundwater intrusion), to use the correct and safe extraction method. Once we have completed this initial diagnosis, we provide you with a full estimate of the cost involved.  We even help with the insurance claims process. 
 
Contact Your Local SERVPRO 

SERVPRO is here to be your one-stop water damage cleanup and restoration authority. For all fire, mold, and water issues, we are fully equipped and qualified to address and solve them quickly.  

Maintain Your Basement

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

It is important to maintain your basement to avoid flooding, water damage, and mold if water levels rise.

As we enter into spring, we can expect a lot of rainstorms. It is important to maintain your basement to avoid flooding, water damage, and mold if water levels rise. To avoid costly repairs and to keep peace of mind, follow the tips below to keep your basement as dry as possible. 

• Gutters and Downspouts: Clean out any leaves, sticks, and debris from gutters and downspouts. Make sure to reattach gutters that have been pulled away from your house during the winter. Run a hose on the roof to check for proper drainage. By doing this, you can spot out if there are any leaks, preventing potential basement flooding and water damage. 
• Get Caulky: Inspect caulking and replace it if deteriorating. Make sure to scrape out all the eroding caulk. It is important that all access to the outdoors is properly sealed to avoid water and moisture entering your basement. 
• Check your sump pump: A sump pump automatically pumps water out of your basement when water finds a way in. As excess moisture comes in during the spring, it is important to make sure that your sump pump is working correctly. You can test your sump pump by removing the lid and slowly pouring water into its well. As the well fills up the sump pump float should turn the pump on. Once it is on, it will complete its cycle and turn itself off automatically. 
• Schedule an Appointment with SERVPRO: One of our franchise professionals can inspect your basement along with your home. We will make sure that your dehumidifier and HVAC are maintained and working correctly to avoid mold growth. 

Protecting Your Garden During Rainstorms

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

Although our gardens love a nice rain shower, too much rain can be harmful to all the plants.

Although our gardens love a nice rain shower, too much rain can be harmful to all the plants. After all the hard work you have done to manage your garden, do not let heavy rainstorms ruin it! Follow these tips to protect your garden during heavy storms:

Before Rainstorm:

• Remove damaged limbs and shoots – Removing dead limbs and shoots from your plants will help make them more streamlined and will reduce snapping and tangling.
• Add compost and mulch – Adding a couple of inches of compost to the top 8 to 12 inches of soil will help with drainage.
• Support taller plants – Push wooden or metal support into the ground and tie taller plants to it. This will help keep them stable against rain and strong winds.
• Drainage – Make sure there is a proper runoff that tilts away from your garden and make sure it is not blocked. Water collecting in your garden can be damaging to your plants, possibly drowning them.

During Rainstorm:

• Cover your most delicate plants – Use a waterproof tarp to cover your most fragile plants during heavy rainstorms. Make sure that the covering is not blocking water from draining because it can cause other plants to drown.

After Rainstorm:

• Check your vegetable roots – Once the rainstorm has stopped, make sure there are no exposed roots following soil erosion. If there are exposed roots, cover them with soil or compost before they dry out.
• Check your pots and planters – Pots and planters can easily become flooded if the drainage is blocked. Check them before, during and after rainstorms. You can always cover pots and planters if necessary.
• Pull weeds up by hand – The moist soil after rain means you are much more likely to retrieve the whole root without it snapping or breaking.

Need more tips? Go to The Plant Guide for more information on maintaining your garden during severe weather.

Always Prioritize Safety as You Grill

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

The risk of a grill fire is there every time you light yours up.

For us, enjoying summer is all about getting outside with family and firing up the grill, but safety is key to making sure this stays a fun activity. Grilling dangers are something many people do not discuss, but as with any open flame, the risk of a grill fire is there every time you light yours up. Fortunately, a bit of prevention goes a long way.

It is reported by the U.S. Fire Administration that grill fires occur at least 5,700 times every year, making them more prevalent than many realize. But grilling can be a fun and safe activity if you follow the proper fire safety protocols when you do it.

Keep Grilling Fun, Safe and Fire-Free

• Create a safe zone around your grill. It is convenient to place your grill in a spot close to your home but giving yourself plenty of surrounding space is important in case of flare-ups. Three feet is the recommended distance to have around your grill, free from wood, siding or any other flammable materials.
• Clean your grill grates often. By keeping your grill grates clean, you can keep the temperature inside your grill steadier and reduce the chances of a sudden fire starting. Built-on food particles can get extremely hot when the grill is in use, even suddenly igniting in some cases. A quick scrape after each grill session can go a long way in reducing this danger.
• Never leave the grill unattended. There is no safe way to ever leave a grill unattended, even if the lid is closed. Fires only take a second to start, so your best bet to circumvent damage is by always being nearby with a fire extinguisher just in case. Even for a quick break, it is best to have someone take over your grill station to keep a vigilant eye out.
• Inspect the grill regularly. The components of a grill are not made to last forever, and even if you are using yours regularly, you never know when something could finally give out. Before you ever light your grill, do a visual inspection to make sure everything looks like it is in good shape and there are no areas that could lead to a gas leak on your connectors.

SERVPRO Insider – April 2023

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here!

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO Team Miller has been up to!   

Winter Storm Elliott swept across the Midwest in late December 2022. The Team Miller Disaster Recovery Team was dispatched to Kentucky when suppression lines broke in multiple buildings throughout the University of Kentucky campus. Learn just how much equipment our team utilized to get the buildings dry within a matter of days.  

We are highlighting some of our amazing #GreenTeam events where we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day within our communities! Also featured are articles with helpful facts about surviving thunderstorms and maintaining a home to prevent flooding basements. 

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO offers. The service of this quarter: Specialty Cleaning Services. SERVPRO is more than just fire, water, and storm damage restoration. Our team offers specialty cleaning services like carpet cleaning, hoarding house cleanup, odor removal, and more. Take a peek to learn more! 

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

SERVPRO Insider – January 2023

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here!

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO Team Miller has been up to!   

Hurricane Ian left behind flooding and destruction as it made its way across Florida in October 2022. The Team Miller Disaster Recovery Team was dispatched to help the locals start the process of rebuilding their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Check out some great pictures of our teams and commercial projects! 

We are highlighting some of our team members with fun photos of our Halloween costume contest and the winner of our employee customer service winner! Also featured are articles with helpful tips for preventing winter water damage with a focus on ice dams, snowmelt, and frozen pipes.  

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO offers. The service of this quarter: Commercial Water Damage Restoration. SERVPRO specializes in large loss restoration services. Water can be especially destructive. Whether a commercial facility faces water damage from a storm or a pipe break, SERVPRO has the training and experience to provide emergency mitigation services and get your property back to preloss condition as quickly as possible. 

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

Tips for a Leaking Roof

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to a leaking roof, you will need a professional not only to fix the exterior but to repair your attic and ceilings.

A major storm in Michigan can do serious damage to many properties, including the roof of your home or business. When it comes to a leaking roof, you will need a professional not only to fix the exterior but to repair your attic and ceilings. A roof leak may seem small, but it can potentially cause severe damage to your property. Here is what you can do once a leak has been discovered:  

• Check the Roof - If your property has a shingled roof, check for missing shingles. That may give you an indication of how water is getting in. If water is coming through, puncture a small hole that will allow the water to flow out freely. If you leave it intact, water will spread over the ceiling which could cause it to sag and possibly collapse. A hole gives the water somewhere to go. Put a bucket underneath to catch the water and move furniture and other items out of the way.  
• Move Wet Items - Once belongings are wet, they need to be dried and disinfected. If there are no electrical dangers, launder furniture covers, bedding, and other washable items. Air out and clean furniture and rugs. Check for irreparable damage. If something is in poor condition, throw it away.  
• Dry Everything Well - From the attic on down, everything needs to be as dry as possible. Run fans or heaters or open windows to get air circulating through the area. Once everything is completely dry, restoration work for the roof leak can be started by our SERVPRO team.  

Get Your Emergency Kit Ready

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO wants to give you tips on a basic emergency kit in case the unpredictable happens. 

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO of Shiawassee/West Saginaw Counties is always “Here to help” and want to give you tips on a basic emergency kit in case the unpredictable happens.  

Basic emergency supply kit should include these recommended items:  

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)  
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)  
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert  
• Flashlight  
• First aid kit  
• Extra batteries  
• Whistle (to signal for help)  
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)  
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)  
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)  
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)  
• Manual can opener (for food)  
• Local maps  
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery  

Also look at ready.gov for more ideas on emergency kits!