When water tries to bring down the house (or ceiling).

8/22/2024 (Permalink)

When water creeps up on you, call SERVPRO.

This customer was minutes away from a house showing when she noticed her ceiling was about to cave in. We quickly got out to her house and got the wet tore out, cleaned up and set with drying equipment. The water leak source was found and fixed. 

Water Damage can creep up on you and cause damage, getting it cleaned up as soon as possible is key to not getting further damages. 

Water Damage Restoration Services.

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

A photo of equipment that is used in water extraction.

Why SERVPRO for your Water Damage Restoration.

Water damage can happen unexpectedly. Whether it’s a minor leak or a major flood, the aftermath can be overwhelming. SERVPRO understands the urgency and complexity of water damage restoration.

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration steps:

1. Emergency Water Extraction Our team uses powerful pumps and extraction equipment to remove standing water swiftly, preventing further damage to your property.

2. Drying and Dehumidification After water extraction, we use advanced drying and dehumidification techniques to thoroughly dry affected areas, reducing the risk of mold growth and structural damage.

 Water damage can create an ideal environment for mold growth, posing serious health risks. Our professional mold remediation services ensure a safe and healthy indoor environment.

3. Content Restoration Water damage can affect not only the structure of your property but also your belongings. We offer content restoration services to salvage and restore damaged items, including furniture, electronics, and documents.

4. Structural Repairs our team can handle all necessary structural repairs to restore your property to its pre-damage condition. "Like it never even happened"

Why Choose SERVPRO?

24/7 Emergency Response 

Industry-Leading Equipment and Techniques 

Certified Technicians 

Insurance Assistance

Water Damage Restoration Services.

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

Room that had water damage and now has Mold.

Why SERVPRO for your Water Damage Restoration.

Water damage can happen unexpectedly. Whether it’s a minor leak or a major flood, the aftermath can be overwhelming. SERVPRO understands the urgency and complexity of water damage restoration.

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration steps:

1. Emergency Water Extraction Our team uses powerful pumps and extraction equipment to remove standing water swiftly, preventing further damage to your property.

2. Drying and Dehumidification After water extraction, we use advanced drying and dehumidification techniques to thoroughly dry affected areas, reducing the risk of mold growth and structural damage.

 Water damage can create an ideal environment for mold growth, posing serious health risks. Our professional mold remediation services ensure a safe and healthy indoor environment.

3. Content Restoration Water damage can affect not only the structure of your property but also your belongings. We offer content restoration services to salvage and restore damaged items, including furniture, electronics, and documents.

4. Structural Repairs our team can handle all necessary structural repairs to restore your property to its pre-damage condition. "Like it never even happened"

Why Choose SERVPRO?

24/7 Emergency Response 

Industry-Leading Equipment and Techniques 

Certified Technicians 

Insurance Assistance

Whiteside County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sterling 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 - 815-400-9122

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 Sterling 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 Sterling

SERVPRO of Sterling 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.

Faster to any water disaster!

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Clinton & Sterling 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 Clinton & Sterling 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 –563-212-2874 or 815-400-9122

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 Clinton & Sterling

SERVPRO of Clinton & Sterling 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.

SERVPRO Clinton Understands Your Water Damage

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Anytime water invades our homes or businesses responding quickly is always the best course of action. SERVPRO Clinton always has a team of trained technicians to dispatch to the scene. These technicians will look at the category and class of the damage allowing them to determine the best and fastest way to remove and remediate the water damage.

Water damage comes in 3 different categories. Assessing which category, the water damage falls under is very important in determining what is needed to start water removal and damage repair.

Category 1 is a clean water loss. The possible causes of this type of damage may include a broken appliance or a sink overflowing. This is water damage that poses no threat to humans.

Category 2 is a gray water loss. A gray water loss means that the water is contaminated and contains microorganisms that may cause sickness if ingested. Some common causes of a Category 2 Water damage include broken toilets, broke sump pumps and seepage.

Category 3 is black water. This type of water loss is unsanitary since is contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. Sewage problems and contaminated standing water are possible sources of black water damage.

Once SERVPRO Clinton has determined which category your water loss is we are then able to assess the water damage repair options. There are 4 classes of water damage that our SERVPRO Clinton technicians use to assess the options for repairs.

Class 1 is the least harmful with the easiest water damage repair. The materials involved in this loss absorbed very little of the water making remediation and repairs quicker.

Class 2 generally involves damaged carpets and cushions. Having a fast evaporation rate makes the Class 2 water damage more difficult to repair.

Class 3 has the fastest evaporation rate. The water from this loss may have come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources that have soaked the walls and furniture.

Class 4 requires specialized water removal and restoration procedures. This type of damage may affect areas such as hardwood floors, plaster and concrete.

Call SERVPRO Clinton @ 563-212-2874 anytime you experience water loss or damage to your home or business.

Who Ya Gonna Call? SERVPRO!

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Clinton 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 - 563-212-2874

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 Clinton 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 Clinton

SERVPRO of Clinton 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.

The do's and dont's of water damage

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

What To Do After Flooding

-Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
-Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
-Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
-Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
-Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
-Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
-Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
-Gather loose items from floors.

What Not to Do After Flooding

-Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
-Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
-Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
-Don't use television or other household appliances.
-Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Call SERVPRO for any water needs, and we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Prevent Frozen Pipes

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you are a homeowner who has been cursed with frozen pipes in the past or a new homeowner who doesn't want to deal with the hassle, we have listed some helpful hints on how to get you through the brutal winter.

The first helpful hint is to insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation. This tip is helpful even if you live in a climate where harsh freezes do not occur.   

Second helpful hint is to seal or caulk any cracks that might let in cold air. Drier vents and water pipes tend to run outside the home, so it is crucial you inspect those for crack before the weather gets cold.

As you winterize your home do not forget to take care of your outdoor elements as well such as, disconnect your garden hoses. If you have outdoor faucets with cut-off valves, be sure they are closed, drained, and protected with an outdoor faucet cover.

Stay up to date with your local weather. If cold weather settles in and the temperatures are staying in the negatives or single digits, start a small drip of both hot water and cold water in the faucets in your home. A small water drip can prevent frozen pipes.

Best practices to reduce your chances of water damages

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

There are many things you can do around your home to prevent water damages. To start with the basic outdoor essentials, make sure that you disconnect your garden hoses from the house. By disconnecting you hose you are preventing the risk of water freezing in your hose and then back freezing into your pipes. 

The next helpful tip is to make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of all debris. Standing water can cause major damage to your foundation allowing water to enter your home. Make sure that all downspouts point in a direction away from your home. 

Another huge factor that can play into water damage is the placement of your foliage. All though shrubs and trees look great, if you plant them to close to your pipes their roots have the tendency to grow right through your pipes. 

Moving inside the home, make sure you know where your water main shut off is. If water starts pooling in, the best thing to do is cut off the access. 

Keeping up on the maintenance of your appliances is another great way to reduce your risks of water damage. Checking the hoses on the washing machine and fridge water line to ensure there are no holes or wear and tear marks. 

The last helpful tip we have for you is to make sure that you fix all leaks promptly. It may be an easy fix to place a bucket under a drip or leak, but it may cost you more in the long run. 

Water Damage Statistics will Wash Over You

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Your plumbing does two incredibly important jobs. It helps the water you rely on get from place to place and serve its purpose for bathing, drinking or cleaning. It's equally important task is keeping that same water in its proper place. Without your pipes, hoses and appliances holding that tension at all times, you’d have a watery mess on your hands, and that right fast.

It’s crucial for your plumbing and water systems to be maintained because frankly, the numbers representing water damage are astonishing.

48. This is the number of hours it takes for mold to begin building its kingdom in your house after a water invasion. Under the right conditions, it could begin even more quickly.

98. We’d love for this to be a misprint, but it’s accurate—about 98% of all basements will experience water damage eventually. The odds of you missing out on this one are slim.

10,234. This is the average dollar amount needed to fully repair a water damage claim. Obviously they don’t all cost this much, but then again, some cost much more.

14,000. This might be the most incredible number on the list, as it represents the number of home water incidents reported every single day. That means a new incident is occurring something like every six seconds!

13,000,000,000. It takes this many dollars per year to undo all the damage done by water in homes across the United States—a truly staggering figure.

What can you do to avoid being part of these statistics? Check your plumbing regularly, keep your water systems up to date and manage leaks immediately when you find them. You can also do things like turn off your water main when you go on vacation, wrap pipes in winter and let faucets drip during freezes. Taking these precautions can keep the repair crew away.

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO to see how we can quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

Where to Look for Water Damage at Home

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

No one dreams gleefully about waking to water damage—those dreams are always nightmares. Sadly, these nightmares occasionally come true, and they occur on their own timetables, giving us little or no notice.

Water is always on the prowl, looking for any crack or gap through which it can flow and explore new spaces. It’s critical to know the ways water might cause a ruckus at home, so let’s look at a few of the common culprits.

Toilets. Toilets are one of the most-used items at home, and over time, flappers and wax seals can fail and allow water to leak through the floor.

Appliances. Water tanks, washing machines and dishwashers can all develop leaks over time. Hoses and connections may corrode or dry and crack, creating opportunities for fissures, leaks, and with older water heaters, full-on explosions.

Clogged gutters. Months of dirt, fallen leaves and debris can gunk up those gutters and send water up into your roof when heavy rains come. Gutter backup overflows and manifests itself in soggy ceilings, cracked or bubbling paint, or pooled water by the walls.

Roof damage. Roof damage is a malicious storm’s favorite friend, as it allows easy access into your home. Heavily aged roofing, fallen limbs or large hailstones can create problems for your roof that allow water to set up shop in your attic or upper level.

Pipes. Aged or damaged pipes are a leading cause of water damage—corrosion or rust, frozen pipes in winter or even tree roots finding a crack in outdoor lines can cause big headaches for homeowners.

Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes. Disposals and drains can clog because of excess or difficult-to-process food particles, and under-sink pipes can give way under the force of repeated plunging if joints are loose, leaving you with a mess of water and bits of leftovers all over the floor.

Pipes, home appliances and roofs all have limited lifespans, and it’s on you to keep up with routine maintenance and necessary updates. If you catch trouble before it gives way to a leak or burst, you’ll be much happier. Sweet dreams indeed.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

How to Tell if Your Home Has Water Damage

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

It’s a quiet night, and you’re settling in to relax with some much-deserved ice cream, when you hear it: an unfamiliar drip. It’s not the kitchen sink; you can see that from your couch. The bathroom seems fine, too.

You follow the steady dripping sound on tiptoes only to finally discover it’s…inside your wall? Hmm, that doesn’t seem right.

Sounds odd, but it happens. And it’s just one of many signposts that you may have a water issue somewhere in your home that needs attention.

Around 14,000 Americans a day face a water damage emergency. It’s one of the most likely and, if unchecked, most expensive home repairs you may face.

So how can you know what to look for to nip a water situation in the bud? Here are some of the most common giveaways that there’s something going on:

Wet or dark spots in the ceiling. If you’re in a single-level home, or on the top story of a multi-level home, this is a sure sign of a roof leak or gutter backup. If you’re on a lower level, the first thing to consider is whether a bathroom above you might be leaking.

Unusual or musty smells. If an area of your house suddenly smells like a pile of wet towels left in a hot car, there’s probably some excess moisture gathering somewhere and potentially mold or mildew as well.

Flaky or bubbly paint. Even waterproof paint can only hold back the problem for so long—if paint is cracking, flaking or bubbling, you’re almost certain to have some water coming in or down the walls.

Dripping sounds. If there’s a drip but no sink, a flow but no faucet, you’ve got trouble. Follow the sound and figure out how the water’s getting in.

Increased utility bills. It could just be because your kids are home from college, but If your water bill is suddenly much higher and there’s no obvious reason, it could indicate a leak in a less-than-obvious location. Check basements, crawlspaces and water heaters first.

Water leaks in the US alone waste an astonishing amount, up to a trillion—yes, a trillion—gallons of water per year. You’re highly likely to experience a water emergency at some point, but dealing with it early can be the difference in having a minor issue or a major repair.

If you notice any of these signs in your home, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

Don't Let Heavy Rains Damage Your West Branch Home

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to your home can come from expected and unexpected sources. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably know that natural disasters (like flash floods) and home accidents (like plumbing failures) can cause water damage.

But have you thought about the damage heavy rains can do?

Heavy rains might not have been at the top of your list of water damage causes. But it can be a real problem for homeowners. And it’s common. If your home is not properly maintained, heavy rain can cause costly damage.

If you have to file a claim for water damage, you’ll be in good company. One in every 50 Americans will also be filing a claim this year. Depending on your neighborhood, that means several people you know may file a claim soon.

You can’t avoid all water damage hazards. Flash flooding, strong storms and tornadoes can’t be avoided and can damage multiple homes in communities or neighborhoods.

But the damage caused by heavy rains can sometimes be avoided by homeowners who take a few extra precautions.

We see many water-damaged homes, so our teams have valuable insights into how you can protect your home from suffering water damage.

Basic home maintenance can make a difference, and many of these projects might be on your list already.

Take stock of your yard. Knowing how your yard drains (and how it works with your home) is vital. If you notice that your yard is draining toward your home, then you might want to get in touch with a landscaping expert to look for ways to protect your yard.

Make thoughtful landscaping decisions. Most homeowners select plants and flowers for their yard for curb appeal, meaning they like the aesthetic. But native plants can give you both visual appeal and an added layer of protection. Native plants, trees and bushes can be vital in protecting your home from water damage.

Consider sealing your roof. Here’s a surprising statistic. Insurance industry experts estimate about 95% of damage is cause by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

Faster To Your Water Damage Event

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Clinton 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 Clinton 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 – 563-212-2874

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 Clinton

SERVPRO of Clinton 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.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Clinton 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 - 563-212-2874

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 Clinton 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 Clinton

SERVPRO of Clinton 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.