Recent Water Damage Posts

Large Format Drying Equipment

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

When a water line breaks in your home or business, it's only a matter of seconds before the water starts causing serious damage. Once SERVPRO of Paris removes the excess water, the floors and walls may appear dry, a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your property. We’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals. Professional and Industrial-grade dehumidifiers are used and help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. High-speed air movers are also utilized to create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

Need Emergency Service?
Call Us 24/7
903-784-2700

We're always "Here to Help"

Large Format Drying Equipment

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

When a water line breaks in your home or business, it's only a matter of seconds before the water starts causing serious damage. Once SERVPRO of Paris removes the excess water, the floors and walls may appear dry, a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your property. We’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals. Professional and Industrial-grade dehumidifiers are used and help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. High-speed air movers are also utilized to create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

Need Emergency Service?
Call Us 24/7
903-784-2700

We're always "Here to Help"

SERVPRO of Paris is available 24 hours a day

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

No job is too small or too large! We are here to help!

SERVPRO of Paris is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

You never know what life will hand you. You could wake up to a big disaster or come in from vacation to a flooded home. Nobody wants to be wading through water in the morning but 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 and also ruin your personal belongings.

The quicker SERVPRO can get to you the better.  When you are dealing with water damage. You need plenty of support in your time of distress. Let us provide you with that support. Rest assured we will be right there to take care of you and your family or business.

No job is too small or too large! We are here to help!

Call SERVPRO of Paris with all your emergency water needs. 903-784-2700

Cleaning up After Water Damage in Your Home

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

When you get the right help many items are salvageable when there is water in your home!

No homeowner wants to experience the dread of finding flooding in the house. Even minor water damage can be costly and difficult to clean up.

After your safety and that of your family members, you worry about your belongings and materials. Fortunately, when you get the right help on your side, many items are salvageable when there is water in your home. 

What You Can't Clean

In most cases, when water saturates porous material, you must throw it out. Failure to do this could result in mold growth. Some typical items you'll want to tear out and replace include:

  • Drywall
  • Carpet
  • Ceiling tiles

Documents
If a broken pipe or other problems bring water into your , home, items such as books, photographs, maps and other paper are at risk. You should first remove the materials from harm's way. Put them in a place where they can dry out. To completely clean them, a professional crew will use specialized techniques to remove the water preserve the documents. Freeze-drying is one of the most common tactics.

Furniture
In a flood, furniture is susceptible to damage. Flood cleanup specialists can address water issues on couches, chairs and other items and allow you to keep them intact. The crew will use dry cleaning to thoroughly extract and dry the furniture. The team will also disinfect the furniture to discourage mold growth.

Electronics
it's vital with water in home that you don't turn on any electronic devices. Instead, unplug the products and get them away from any water. A professional company has the skills and tools to clean your electronics. The technicians will handle your belongings with care and respect. The team will start by using damp cloths to remove dust and then will clean the interior of the electronics.


It's never good to see water in home, but you can clean most items. Get a flood cleanup team on the job, and your possessions can look as good as new.

Six Common Causes for Water Loss

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration

While even clean water can be damaging and require the need for water damage restoration services, it’s reassuring to know that unwanted water in your building is not contaminated or unsafe to handle.

Here are six common causes of water loss, that are considered Category 1 water.

Broken Supply Line

Supply lines can start to leak around fittings and connections, or a sharp object can cause a supply line: broken pipe to break completely and start to gush out. Deterioration, freezing temperatures, and earthquakes can also can a water line to break.

Cracked or Broken Pipe

Broken pipes are a common cause of water damage. While an undetected leak that has been sitting for a long period time is likely contaminated, a recent pipe burst is a clean water source.

Overflowing Sink or Tub

If a sink or tub is accidentally left leaking or a drain is plugged, water can overflow and cause extensive damage. As long as there were no contaminants in the sink or tub, this water is considered Category 1.

Clean Toilet Bowls

An overflowing toilet with no urine or feces in it is still considered clean water. If only urine is present, the water is labeled Category 2. Water with feces is grossly contaminated Category 3 water.

Melted Ice or Snow and Rainwater.

As long as it hasn’t come into contact with contaminants, water from melted ice or snow is safe to handle. Additionally, rainwater is considered clean enough to touch and even consume.

Appliance Malfunction

While water that leaks from a dishwasher or washing machine may be slightly contaminated, other appliance leaks are considered safe. However, you will need to be careful to avoid electrical hazards.


A positive sign that floodwater in your building is Category 1 is that it came from a clean water source. While there are other potential causes of flooding or leaks, these water sources are some of the most common.

3 Ways To Maintain Your Business's Roof

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

A roof leak or collapse can be devastating to a business

3 Ways To Maintain Your Business's Roof

A roof leak or collapse can be devastating to a business, causing flooding and ruining merchandise. Roof damage, in fact, is a difficult situation, making reopening your store a hassle and expense. Avoiding this disaster isn't impossible, but steps can be taken to minimize the chances.

  1. Attend to Small Problems Quickly
    Don't assume your structure is intact simply because you can't see water stains. Wind damage and harsh rain can wear it down, causing tiny complications. Contact roofing specialists to conduct biannual evaluations, looking for any of the following issues:
  • Peeled edges
  • Cracked roofing
  • Missing shingles
  • Flashing issues

Leaving any of these unattended exposes the building to leaks and water damage. Fix things as soon as they come to your attention.

  1. Tend To Drainage and Debris Early
    Are gutters clear? If they become clogged, backups happen, allowing water to build in areas it shouldn't. This pressure could add unneeded pressure to the top, essentially weighing it down. That collapse is not pretty. Have property management look at the gutter system regularly, scheduling clean outs. Trees and brush become an additional hazard. Roof damage often happens when limbs and branches are picked up during storms and then thrown into the roofing. Those smacks punch holes and remove the protective shingles. To avoid this, have someone trim the foliage and, before a major weather event, pick up anything loose on the ground.
  2. Apply To Insurance Immediately
    If you need help restoring the premises, contact a water restoration company to inspect the establishment, looking for mold and flooding complications. Their recommendation may indicate a roof rebuild is needed. Don't underestimate that decision. Work with your insurance company to discuss the need, giving you the comfort of a secure new ceiling. In fact, ask about waterproofing for the future. This sealant might aid in keeping leaks from sprouting up in the future.
    Roof damage has preventative measures. By looking at it periodically, management might find the weak areas, offering a chance to stop a major catastrophe. In addition, don't forget that taking care of the landscaping may also ward off potential troubles.

Water Damages rarely wait for when it's convenient. When is the most inconvenient? Vacation.

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF PARIS HELPING TO MAKE WATER DAMAGE “Like it never even happened.”

The last thing that should be on your mind when you’re on vacation is whether a broken pipe or water heater bust has flooded your home. This can cause damage to your belongings and your home, so the best thing is prevention.

Prevent Damage

One of the main causes of water damages is the water heater.  It’s a good idea to shut it off.  If a pipe breaks or the valve gives, hot water will flood the home, and water will continue to fill the tank and leak out of whatever gave way. Other appliances generally won’t leak unless in use.

If leaving the home during winter, turn the heat down but not so low that pipes can freeze.  Keep the water running at a drip to prevent freezing.

Wrap the pipes.  Exposed pipes can always use the extra insulation from the elements. 


Keep an Eye on Your Home

If you’re going to be gone for several days, it’s not a bad idea to have a neighbor, family member or friend stop by the house once in a while. This can be just a quick peek inside to verify there is no flooding, a broken pipe, or any other issues.

You can also use web cameras that can be viewed from a phone or computer to check on your home. This won’t prevent a pipe from bursting, or a flood but it can allow you to at least get a professional there sooner and prevent further water damage.

Circumstances for a Flood Cut

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

A flood cut can prevent this and keep mold at bay.

When flooding affects your home our technicians may perform a technique called a "flood cut".

This specific technique requires cutting out sections of drywall about a foot above the flood line to inspect the wall behind it. While this process is not always necessary, there are a few circumstances that may require it after a flood occurs.

  1. Black Water Floods

When outdoor flooding invades your home from overflowing streams or rivers, it may contain sewage, chemicals or dead animal carcasses. This water can be considered contaminated and is known as black water. A flood cut is usually necessary when this type of flooding occurs because your home’s drywall and any insulation behind it may be affected by the dirty water and may need replacing.

  1. Wet Insulation

Flood technicians may perform a flood cut and tear out sections of drywall if they believe any insulation behind your home’s walls has water damage. Because insulation cannot be properly dried, a flood cut may be needed to remove any wet material. Once the interior wall is cleaned and dried, new insulation can be installed.

  1. Mold Growth

After flooding, mold can begin to grow behind interior walls and spread quickly if it is not addressed. Flood technicians may perform a flood cut to check for mold and treat the area if any is found. Because mold does not need sunlight to grow, it can spread from interior walls to other areas and cause an unpleasant odor in your home. A flood cut can prevent this and keep mold at bay.

SERVPRO of Paris is available 24 hours a day

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

No job is too small or too large! We are here to help!

SERVPRO of Paris is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

You never know what life will hand you. You could wake up to a big disaster or come in from vacation to a flooded home. Nobody wants to be wading through water in the morning but 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 and also ruin your personal belongings.

The quicker SERVPRO can get to you the better.  When you are dealing with water damage. You need plenty of support in your time of distress. Let us provide you with that support. Rest assured we will be right there to take care of you and your family or business.

No job is too small or too large! We are here to help!

Call SERVPRO of Paris with all your emergency water needs. 903-784-2700

How to Tell if Your Walls are Wet?

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Paris uses the right equipment to identify affected materials. SERVPRO will check for the source of moisture in your home or business. 

Gypsum, aka “drywall,” is a very popular material for use in the construction of homes and offices. The material is noted for its strong fire-resistant qualities. However, drywall is also known to be incredibly susceptible to being damaged by moisture compared to many other building materials.

This is, in part, because drywall is extremely porous, readily absorbing moisture and retaining it. If the moisture content (%MC) of drywall exceeds even 1%, then the drywall can be considered “moisture-compromised” and in need of either drying or removal depending on whether or not mold has begun to grow.

Even greenboard, the “water-resistant” drywall, will be damaged by moisture if it gets past the green, water-resistant paper covering that gives greenboard its name. The majority of greenboard’s water resistance comes from the paper covering, not the drywall itself.

Because of how susceptible drywall is to becoming damaged by even minute amounts of moisture, it’s important to be able to accurately assess the amount of water present in drywall.

When looking for a moisture meter to use for testing drywall, some considerations include:

  • Whether or not the meter has a gypsum scale.
  • The range at which the meter detects moisture—the meter should be able to accurately detect very small amounts of moisture.
  • Length of the pins.
  • Additional scales for other materials—most professionals have to work with more than just drywall, so having a moisture meter with the ability to test other materials using different reading scales is a must.

Effects of Water Damage

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage is a problem that most property owners dread. When it rains heavily or snow melts quickly, the risk of this type of damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, electronics, household appliances, and plumbing equipment. Water damage also increases the risk of mold growth, which is a very expensive problem to remediate. Hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup process easier to handle, as these companies employ experienced workers who know the best ways to repair or replace damaged items and help with water damage cleanup.

Causes of Water Damage

There are several possible causes of water damage. Leaky dishwashers, clogged toilets, broken pipes, broken dishwasher hoses, overflowing washing machines, leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, and foundation cracks are just some of the possible causes of water damage in homes and businesses. Floods, heavy snow, and heavy rain are other possible causes of this type of damage and can lead to having water in basements. Too much water can lead to minor problems such as water in basement areas, or it can lead to the destruction of homes and businesses. Once a home or business sustains water damage, it is important to start the water damage cleanup immediately. Starting water damage cleanup as soon as possible increases the likelihood of saving water-soaked furniture, carpets, rugs, clothing, and other items.

Categories of Water Damage

Assessing the severity of the damage is important for determining what is needed to start water damage repair and water removal. There are several different categories assigned to water damage. Category 1 refers to clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows. Category 2 water is also called gray water. This means that the water is contaminated and may cause sickness of ingested. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage may cause category 2 water damage. Category 3 water is known as black water. This type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water.

Restoration Process

The water restoration process is an important one. Using the right procedures and materials can help people save cherished belongings and even prevent their homes from being condemned. SERVPRO of Paris specializes in mitigating the effects of water, but the success for water damage restoration depends on the severity of the damage and the amount of water that caused the damage.

Health Hazards

It is important to call SERVPRO of Paris as soon as possible after water damage occurs. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and other organisms, increasing the risk for serious health problems. Mold exposure may aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems. Exposure may also increase the risk for respiratory diseases and other medical problems. Cleaning up immediately can help mitigate the health effects of water damage on everyone in a home or commercial space.

Storm damage and flooding? SERVPRO of Paris is there !

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Paris specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Paris

903-784-2700

Water Damage In Your Home

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home is a frustrating and time-consuming problem. No one anticipates the issue; therefore, it’s always a major inconvenience and added expense. Particularly with broken pipes, there are several steps you need to take to start the water cleanup process.

  1. Stop the Water Flow and Clear the Area

When a pipe breaks or bursts, you first need to stop the water flow. Always know how to shut off the water in your house, and turn it off immediately when you notice water leaking. If there is a large amount of water, it’s a good idea to turn off electricity in the room as well. Also clear the area of any decor items, furniture and especially electronics. If there are removable rugs or floor pads, take them out of the room.

  1. Call the Professionals

As tempting as it may be to handle this problem alone, it’s always a good idea to call water damage specialists. They will remove the water and assess the damage to your home. It will give you peace of mind to have professionals dry out the area, as well as items within it. One of the frustrations of having broken pipes is not just the initial water, but also the threat of mold. Professionals will check unseen places, like below flooring and within walls for moisture in order to dry them and prevent mold.

  1. Check with Your Insurance Company

The next call should be to your insurance company. If you have flood insurance, that will be very useful. If not, ask for details of your homeowner’s insurance policy and what exactly it covers. Once you know this information, you can prepare your budget and work with the water removal company on payment.

Water damage from broken pipes is a problem you need to deal with immediately. You should make sure to turn off the water and electricity, call a company specializing in water removal and restoration and check your insurance policies. Following these steps will make a hectic process a little more manageable and have you on your way to a restored home. Call SERVPRO of Paris if you experience any water damage 903-784-2700. We are here to help!

Quick guide to know whether your carpet must be replaced following a water damage

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with the water removal, drying and disinfecting, and dehumidification following the devastating effects of water damage from a pipe break in your home in Paris, TX can be very upsetting. In addition you need to see that the cause of the water damage is remedied, and undergo repair or replacement of many elements of your home. How do you decide your carpet can be dried out and re-stretched to live out its normal lifespan? It may possibly be saved, but that depends on the type of water that has saturated it. There are three different categories of water that may affect the decision.

1. Clean Water If the water comes from a pipe break or leaking water supply line, then likely the carpet could be dried out and saved for re-use. If the carpet itself is heavily soiled or it is left wet for an extended period of time, it can deteriorate further. If resolved early on, the carpet can usually be saved.

2. Gray Water Gray water comes from an overflowing toilet, or from a malfunctioning dishwasher or washing machine. It may contain urine and other bacterial or virus components but no feces, and can also deteriorate. The decision to keep carpet exposed to Gray Water is a tricky one and may depend on the speed of removal and whether an effective disinfection process can be undergone.

3. Black Water The worst of the three categories is Black Water. It may come as a result of a sewer backup or other situation where feces, microbes or harsh chemicals may be present. It involves careful handling to extract, and careful attention to subsequent disinfection and disposal of contaminated items. It requires replacing your carpets.

Call SERVPRO of Paris following a pipe break to help you take care of the necessary water removal, cleanup and restoration of your home and belongings. They can help you make the hard decisions about whether replacing your carpet is necessary and help restore a safe and comfortable home for your family.

Signs You May Have a Shower Leak

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

When you walk into your bathroom in Paris, TX, you expect to see a functioning tub, shower, toilet and sink. Sometimes, however, these fixtures spring a leak and cause unexpected water damage. You may be able to notice signs of a bathtub leak before the damage becomes detrimental to your home. Working with a residential water cleanup team can help you find flooding issues quickly.

1. Water Stains: Water stains can show up around the walls of your tub and shower, but they may also make their appearance below your bathroom. If the bathroom is on the second floor, you can check for signs of a shower pan leak by looking at the ceiling under the bathroom. If it's on the first floor, you may need to go into the crawlspace or basement to look for signs of water stains.

2. Grout Cracks: Tiled showers can show signs of a leak too. When the moisture gets trapped behind the tiles, it tries to come out wherever it can. This leads to cracked grout lines. Sometimes you may even notice cracks in your tiles.

3. Loose Flooring: A bathtub leak can also mess with the flooring in your bathroom. Whether you have tiles or vinyl floors, you may notice the building materials has become loose. If tiles wiggle when you step on them, it could be a sign there's a leak. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, may start to curl up when introduced to too much moisture.

4. Peeling Paint: Look at the walls around the tub and shower. Do you notice peeling paint or falling down wallpaper? This could be a sign that there's moisture being released into the walls.

A shower or bathtub leak is something you want to catch as soon as possible. If you leave this problem to fester, it can cause major damage to your walls, insulation and flooring. Call us at SERVPRO of Paris is you need any help with possible leaks and inspections. 903-784-2700

Steps to help minimize and prevent further water damage.

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

There’s no such thing as a small disaster, especially when you have water damage in your home. Water damage can affect the value of your property and if not cleaned properly, may cause major problems over time. Don’t leave your property to chance, call SERVPRO of Paris. Consider the following steps to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water

  • Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
  • Remove as much excess water possible by mopping and blotting.
  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
  • Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
  • Do not enter rooms with standing water; electrical shock hazards may exist.
  • Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets as they may cause staining.
  • Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
  • Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

  • Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
  • Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
  • Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to contaminated areas.

What is a Category 3 Water Loss?

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Flood water is classified based on level of contamination: category one, two or three. Knowing what type of flood is an important factor for how to approach the cleanup situation. Category three water requires the most careful deliberation to properly clean the mess. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Category 3 Water?

Category one water is often referred to as a “clean water” flood, referring to non-contaminated water, but category three, or “black water,” is on the other end of the spectrum. Black water is defined as such because it may contain some of the following contaminants:

  • Microbes
  • Chemicals
  • Fungi
  • Heavy metals
  • Bacteria

Anytime there is a natural flood, the water is considered contaminated. This is true for rivers, creeks, and sea water. Most black water floods are caused from something more familiar to your environment: sewage overflows. A toilet overflow is one of the most common causes of a category three flood in a commercial building, so it’s important to know what to do if you experience black water flooding in your building.

What Can You Do While You Wait?

As in the case of any flood water, safety is the first step, but with a black water flood that means taking some added precautions. While a flood remediation expert will do the work and guide the way, here are some things you can do while waiting for help:

  1. Make sure electricity is off.
  2. Protect your skin from contact with the contaminated water.
  3. Act quickly to remove all water.
  4. Remove smaller items from the flood area.
  5. Lift furniture onto blocks or use aluminum foil to prevent wood from absorbing water.
  6. Turn up the air conditioner, use fans, or open windows to allow maximum airflow.

Help Arrives Knowing how to recognize category three flood water and how to start the initial cleanup are helpful to minimizing damage while you wait for help. SERVPRO of Paris water mitigation specialists have experience dealing with these types of floods and use their knowledge and specialized equipment to clean it up the right way. 903-784-2700

Why Water Damage Should be Dried by a Water Mitigation Company

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage is both an inconvenience and a destructive force, often causing a lot of damage. Of course, it can also be expensive, even with insurance. While many would opt to clean and repair water damage on their own if they could, it’s quite the risk. That’s why we urge you to call your local water mitigation company.

Mold Growth

One of the main reasons you should have a professional disaster restoration company dry your water damage is because remaining moisture can encourage mold growth. The faster water damage is dried, the lower the odds you’ll have mold. That’s why our technicians will also apply an antimicrobial spray—to inhibit potential mold growth.

Hidden Moisture

Depending on where water damage occurs, it’s possible that water was absorbed or got behind materials. For example, in many instances, water will get behind walls or under flooring where it cannot be seen by the naked eye. A professional disaster restoration company, however, can use moisture meters and other specialized equipment to detect high levels of moisture and determine areas that need to dry.

Your Local Disaster Restoration Company

Water damage can disrupt lives, but by calling in professionals immediately, you can mitigate the impact it has over the long term. If you have water damage don’t hesitate to call us at SERVPRO of Paris 903-784-2700

Need Help with Flooded Home?

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Why Choose SERVPRO of Paris?

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

We’re dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

We specialize in flooding and storm damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive water damage and storm restoration training that allows us to get your home back to normal quickly.

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

We can scale our resources to handle any size storm or disaster. We can access resources from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.

Call us anytime 903-784-2700

Do you know the differences between clean, gray and black water?

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to damage, all water is not created equal. From a burst pipe or a flood, it’s important to understand how each type of water must be treated differently.

Classifications of Water

Water is typically classified into three groups—clean, gray, and black.

  • Clean Water: Clean water includes rainwater and water from broken pipes. You may also hear clean water referred to as white water. This water is safe to touch. Clean water can become gray water after around 48 hours.
  • Gray Water: Gray water refers to slightly contaminated water that needs to be thoroughly treated before it is safe to consume. Sources of gray water include dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc. It does not contain bacteria that are as harmful as those found in black water. Gray water usually progresses into black water after about 48 hours if it is not treated.
  • Black Water: Black water is highly contaminated and contains harmful chemicals and biological matter. Sewage waters are considered black water. When it comes to floods, it should be assumed that all water is black water since a flood picks up contaminants along its path. Contact with black water can lead to serious illness.

Differences in Cleaning

Each classification of water requires different steps, tools, and knowledge to properly clean and dry. At SERVPRO of Paris, we can help locate the source of the water, determine what type of water you’re dealing with, fix the cause of the problem, and properly treat the damage. Call us at 903-784-2700

Do's and Don't of a Water Damage

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

THE DO’S OF WATER DAMAGE

  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
  • Wipe excess water damage from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table top items.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for even drying
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying (in summer)
  • Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting
  • Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe, dry place
  • Open and place luggage, in sunlight to dry, if possible
  • Gather loose items, toys, etc. from floors

THE DON’TS OF WATER DAMAGE

  • Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature
  • Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
  • Use a standard vacuum to remove water
  • Use TVs or other major appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors
  • Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water

We sincerely hope these experiences never happen to you but if they do we are standing by to help, 24 hours a day/7 days a week, and can be reached at 903-784-2700.

Are Your Walls Wet? How Can You Tell?

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Are Your Walls Wet? How Can You Tell?

SERVPRO uses the right equipment to identify affected materials. SERVPRO will check for the source of moisture in your home or business.

SERVPRO uses the right equipment to identify affected materials. SERVPRO will check for the source of moisture in your home or business. 

Gypsum, aka “drywall,” is a very popular material for use in the construction of homes and offices. The material is noted for its strong fire-resistant qualities. However, drywall is also known to be incredibly susceptible to being damaged by moisture compared to many other building materials.

This is, in part, because drywall is extremely porous, readily absorbing moisture and retaining it. If the moisture content (%MC) of drywall exceeds even 1%, then the drywall can be considered “moisture-compromised” and in need of either drying or removal depending on whether or not mold has begun to grow.

Even greenboard, the “water-resistant” drywall, will be damaged by moisture if it gets past the green, water-resistant paper covering that gives greenboard its name. The majority of greenboard’s water resistance comes from the paper covering, not the drywall itself.

Because of how susceptible drywall is to becoming damaged by even minute amounts of moisture, it’s important to be able to accurately assess the amount of water present in drywall.

When looking for a moisture meter to use for testing drywall, some considerations include:

  • Whether or not the meter has a gypsum scale.
  • The range at which the meter detects moisture—the meter should be able to accurately detect very small amounts of moisture.
  • Length of the pins.
  • Additional scales for other materials—most professionals have to work with more than just drywall, so having a moisture meter with the ability to test other materials using different reading scales is a must.

How To Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

1/26/2018 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costliest property damage events during the cold winter months. In fact, a burst pipe can result in tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Fortunately, frozen pipes can be prevented quite easily and inexpensively.

Vulnerable pipes in existing homes should be fitted with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer. It is important not to leave gaps in the insulation that expose the pipe to cold air. Hardware stores and home centers stock a variety of foam rubber and fiberglass sleeves, in various thicknesses.

When water is colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit or zero degrees Celsius, it freezes into ice. When water freezes, it expands up to nine percent more than it did when it was water. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on metal or plastic pipes causing pipes to burst and water to leak.

Cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes should be sealed with caulking to keep cold wind away from the pipes. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can keep warm inside air from reaching pipes under sinks and in adjacent outside walls. It’s a good idea to keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to let the warm air circulate around the pipes.

What Plumbers Say Cause Drain Issues

6/29/2017 (Permalink)

Buzz Lightyear calls it like he sees it.

As a homeowner you should never underestimate the seriousness of drainage issues. Plumbers have weighed in and have given their expert opinion on what causes these issues and some tips on how to avoid them. Here are the four things to look for.

  1. Recurring Clogs- If a clog returns, chances are that there is a deeper clog. 
  2. Multiple Clogged drains-If you have several clogged drains, you may have a clog in your main drain.
  3. Foul odor-Persistent sewer odors coming from your drain or drains can be a major sign of a drainage issue. 
  4. Flooding-One of the worst problems associated with clog drains is sewage backup. Getting a professional on the site as soon as you can will help you avoid a big problem.

Routine maintenance is key to keeping those drains open. Use drain catchers or less toilet paper. Also make sure that you run plenty of water into the garbage disposal after use. Just those few things help a lot. If you ever do have water damage, call SERVPRO of Paris with your water needs. We will be there to clean up the mess those clogged drains made. 

Basement Flooding Problems

6/29/2017 (Permalink)

This gives a whole new meaning to man cave.

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 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 - 903-784-2700

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 Paris 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 903-784-2700

Don't DIY When You Have a Water Loss

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

If we spill something we usually have no problem cleaning it without the use of professionals. Most of us have had a lot of water flood or leak into our home. Some jobs can be cleaned up with household tools, towels, and fans to help dry things up. What you don't know is sometimes that does not work. There is a science to correctly drying out a home and avoiding strong odors, mold, and further damage. It is important that you have homeowners insurance or even renters insurance when problems arise. Always look over your policy carefully. It is always good to call in a professional service to get you on the right track when going through the stress of a water loss. Never assume you have dried the home completely. The source of the water is very important also. There are many things to consider during the time of the loss. Let us help you through the tough stuff. Call SERVPRO of Paris today to get the job done right. 

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Paris is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. You never know what life will hand you. You could wake up to a big disaster. Nobody wants to be wading through water in the morning but 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 and also ruin your personal belongings. The quicker SERVPRO can get to you the better.  When you are dealing with water damage. You need plenty of support in your time of distress. Let us provide you with that support. Rest assured we will be right there to take care of you and your family or business. Call SERVPRO of Paris with all your emergency water needs.