Plumbing Leaks

7/3/2024 (Permalink)

Call us to make it "Like it never even happened."

If you've noticed a musty smell near your water heater, damp drywall near your toilet, or mildew in your cabinets, you may have a plumbing leak. How you handle it depends on where this pesky leak is located.

Stopping and fixing a leaky pipe can prevent serious damage to your home. You can take some simple steps to temporarily fix a leaking pipe, and there are different set of actions you should take to rid yourself of the leak forever. 

Once you discover a leak, stopping it should be your first priority. Control a leak with the following steps prevents further water damage, the waste of more money to your utility bills, and can make replacing the pipe in distress a much simpler process.

Step #1: Shut off the water valve to prevent any more water flow to the leak that has been identified. If the leak is at a toilet, water heater, or sink, a valve will be present. If the leak is occurring elsewhere and no valve is visible, it would be best to go to your main water valve 

for the entire house and shut it off. The valve is typically located within 3 to 5 feet of where the water main enters the home.

Step #2: Remove any remaining water within the leaky pipe. In order to do this, you’ll need to turn on any faucets connected to the leaky pipe or use an air compressor to force the water out manually. Depending on the type of pipe and where the leak is, you could use gravity to help push water out too.

Step #3: Dry off any remaining condensation and water by wiping the pipe dry with a towel or cloth. You’ll want to let the pipe air dry before you address the leaking area.

Step #4: Now it’s time to seal the leak. There are a couple of ways to go about this. First, and maybe this was something your grandfather once did, but find a pencil and break the lead tip inside the leak to plug the leak up. Then find some epoxy and cover the using a putty knife. A more modern approach is to use a strong epoxy and apply it to the leaking area.

Step #5: Once the leak is stopped and the epoxy has dried, the leak should then be covered externally. Depending on what you have around the home, find some rubber or gardening hose and cut roughly 2” longer than the leak itself. If you don’t have any supplies to use at this point, with the epoxy dried this would be a good time to run out to a hardware store and get what you need. Wrap the rubber or hose around the pipe where the leak is and hold it in place. A metal hose clamps tightened to hold it in place will work great. Allow this to set for one hour.

Step #6:  Apply waterproof tape around the entire area. You’re basically going to turn your pipe into a mummy. Make sure the leaking area and the rubber/hose itself is dry and then apply several layers of wrapping around the leaking area.

Step #7: Time to check your work. Turn on your valves again, and turn the water on. Let the water run for minutes and check to make sure no leak is present.

If the leak continues, we recommend calling in a professional plumber to avoid any further issues and if your leak is found to become a burst, call us for help in making it "Like it never even happened." 812-372-7760 !! 

Why Pipes Freeze

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

If your pipes are exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended duration, the risk of water freezing and causing significant damage to your home becomes a concern. Fortunately, there are preventive measures you can take.

The freezing of pipes typically occurs due to two main factors:

Pipes installed in unheated spaces without sufficient protection.

Inadequate heating in the area where the freezing occurs.

Various types of pipes, including domestic water piping, HVAC heating and cooling piping, and sprinkler piping, are susceptible to freezing if left in cold and unprotected conditions. Both plastic and metal pipes can rupture when frozen, and even a minor crack in a burst pipe has the potential to release substantial amounts of water, depending on the pipe's size.

But why do pipes burst during freezing temperatures? When water freezes, it expands, exerting pressure against the pipe wall and pressurizing the water trapped between the ice and a closed valve or fixture. As freezing and expansion continue inside the pipe, the trapped water's pressure increases, causing the pipe to burst, much like a can of soda bursts in the freezer.

Common areas prone to frozen pipes include outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, fire sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior spaces such as basements, crawlspaces, attics, garages, bathroom sink cabinets, and kitchen cabinets. Pipes located along exterior walls with inadequate insulation, gaps in the insulation, or improperly installed building wrap are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Addressing these potential issues promptly is advisable. For further information, you can consult the International Plumbing Code by clicking here.

SERVPRO®'s commitment goes beyond a mere slogan; it's embodied in the mantra "We're Faster To Any Size Disaster." Their dedication is evident with round-the-clock technicians ready to respond promptly. Residents facing home water damage are urged to reach out to SERVPRO without hesitation.

Disasters Strike Without Notice, But We Are Here 24/7/365

8/3/2023 (Permalink)

Disasters don't schedule an appointment. When water damage strikes, it does so typically without warning, and can be devastating! At SERVPRO of Columbus and Jackson and Jennings Counties, we are trained and ready to help you at a moment's notice. We are faster to any disaster and have the equipment, expertise, and experience to get you back to preloss conditions "Like it never even happened."

The time for severe storms and the water damage that comes with them is here! Thunderstorms, wind, and extreme rain can cause an amazing amount of damage to the inside of your home. We can help to dry you out and help with your reconstruction as well. Don't stress...just call SERVPRO in Columbus, Indiana, Jackson and Jennings Counties, and surrounding areas. 

How Quickly Can A Water Leak Turn Into Something Bigger?

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

We are frequently asked, how quickly can leaks and water damage start to grow mold?  There is no simple answer.  Mold growth is dependent on how wet the surface is, how hot or cold the area is and what the water flowed through, how dirty the water is and other factors.  We have many customers that are shocked to find their Tahoe vacation homes had a water leak during winter when temperatures are very cold and the mold growth just takes off. Yes, there is mold that can grow in lower temperatures.  The bottom line is, to prevent any kind of mold from growing you have to act fast on any damp or wet surface. 

Time is the only constant, the longer the surface is damp or wet the more the odds are mold is going to grow.  The key is, when you suffer a water leak and water damages don't delay to get the area effected professionally dried out.  By doing so you will avoid a lot of further damages.  Call SERVPRO of Columbus, our Team will walk you through exactly what needs to happen to protect your property from further damages.

"Sump"thing is up? SERVPRO of Columbus can help!

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

When the rain pours do you check your sump pump?

If you answered no to this question here are some things to consider checking:

• Is there power to the sump pump? Check that it is plugged in and the breaker is not tripped.
• Is the float free of any debris and away from the sidewall where it won’t work properly?
• Is the inlet free of any debris that could prevent it from pumping the water out?
• Does the pump work? An easy way to test this is by filling the pit with enough water to reach the float of the sump pump to trigger the pump.
• Another thing that you should check is where the sump pump drains. Ensure that it drains far enough from the foundation that the water doesn't leak right back in.

A properly working sump pump can save you considerable amounts of money after a significant rainfall event.

If damage does occur though, SERVPRO of Columbus is here to help!

The "Oh no!" Moment of Toilet Trouble

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you're like most people, you've probably dealt with an overflowing toilet before. This often happens when an object clogs the toilet, preventing the water from going down. However, bigger concerns could be at play, especially when the overflowing occurs when you're not flushing the toilet. If the toilet overflows while you shower, you may need to do some sewage cleaning.

You may not think there would be a link between taking a shower and facing a toilet overflow. A blockage between the toilet and the main sewer line of your home is likely the culprit in this case. This issue causes your shower water to back up. It needs somewhere to go, so it'll head to the nearest drain: the toilet. The longer you run the shower as this problem is in effect, the more likely the toilet will overflow.

Do-it-Yourself Remedies

Fixing a clogged pipe may not require the help of a professional plumber. There are a few steps you can follow on your own to possibly clear the obstruction. These include:

• Use a plunger.
• Use a plumber's snake (it can reach much farther down into the toilet).
• Remove the toilet.
• Locate the drain clean-out plug, remove it and clean out the drain.
  
  

For Bigger Problems

If these ideas don't work, you need to step up the game plan to sewage cleaning. This isn't a task you'll want to attempt by yourself. If the clog is somewhere in the home's main sewer line, you should contact a plumber immediately. The professionals have the right tools and skills to identify the blockage and remove it. In the meantime, if you spot water damage from the overflowing toilet or backed-up shower, make sure you call a professional water cleanup company to assess the extent of the damage.
It may not seem normal to have an overflowing toilet while you shower. However, with some professional sewage cleaning, you can correct this problem.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster in Columbus, Indiana and are ready and able to make things "Like it never even happened."

Water Woes In Columbus, Indiana? Call SERVPRO!

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Clean-up of minor spills and quickly discovered leaks are certainly within the DIY capabilities of a homeowner who has a bucket and a mop. On the other hand, if major plumbing fails or an appliance malfunction pours gallons of water into your Columbus, Indiana home, you need to find trustworthy professional help. Not only are the quantities of water in these cases substantial, but the migration of the fluid into building cavities and materials is also a concern. 

We Extract Water Rapidly and Efficiently

All it takes is a broken dishwasher hose, a ruptured water heater, or a clogged toilet to require significant water removal. Our ability to respond fast with a well-trained and equipped crew is why we can extract large amounts of the water safely and dry out spaces thoroughly. Investment in training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) aligns with investment in up-to-date, commercial-grade equipment and products to provide our customers with results that meet or exceed industry best practices.

We Follow Research-Based Protocols

A solid understanding of the science of drying, and psychrometry, is why SERVPRO of Columbus's efforts in removing water and returning your home to the preloss condition is successful. Research demonstrates that the more liquid water is initially removed, the faster and more efficient drying operations can be. Our submersible pumps clear out water deeper than two inches. Wanded extractors then take on the task of removing as much of the remaining fluids as possible. 

We Are Skilled at Moisture Detection and Monitoring

Mastery of IICRC coursework in the tracing of water migration combined with decades of experience in detection implementation are why SERVPRO of Columbus can go that extra mile for our customers. Surfaces can look dry, yet hide caches of water in cavities or absorbed into the structural components. We use thermal imaging to find temperature disparities that signal trapped water and moisture meters to set drying goal baselines. Controlled demolition techniques like flood cuts or weep holes release hidden water. Air movers and heaters accelerate evaporation, moving water into the air for our commercial dehumidifiers’ collection and disposal.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are ready to make things "Like it never even happened."

How to Keep Your Basement Dry During The Warmer Spring Months

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Basements can become wet and humid during the warmer spring months. Unfortunately, moisture promotes mildew and mold growth. As such, it is important to keep your basement dry. Here are some ways you can avoid a musty, damp basement.

Slope the Ground Away From Your Foundation

One of the tips for helping to keep your basement dry is to make sure the ground around the exterior of your home slopes or is graded away from your foundation. If the slope is toward the basement, water can flow through the foundation and into your basement.

Place Rocks and Gravel Around Your Foundation

Another tip to help keep your basement dry is to place rocks or gravel around the base or foundation of your home. Rocks or gravel help to absorb water, preventing excess water from seeping into your basement. If you have a large amount of water, consider installing a French drain system around your home.

Install Gutters and Downspouts Around Your Home

Installing gutters and downspouts around your home can also help to keep your basement dry. Gutters help catch water flowing from the roof and guide it away from your home. This prevents water from falling off the roof and landing on the surface area directly adjacent to your foundation.

Paint Your Basement With Water Resistant Paint

A water-resistant paint can be painted on the interior walls of your basement. This helps prevent water from seeping through your walls and making its way into your basement.

Keep Humidity Down By Using a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are great appliances for keeping humidity low in a basement. A dehumidifier can effectively reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which will prevent mold and mildew growth.

Vent All Appliances Outside

Lastly, make sure all of your appliances vent outside. As appliances vent, they produce hot air. When this hot air comes into contact with cool air in your basement, condensation can form. Venting your appliances outside prevents this from happening, keeping your basement dry.

Keeping your basement dry will not only reduce mold and mildew but will also make it a safer area whether you use it for storage or as a family-gathering area. When water intrudes your property, mold can accumulate in as little as 48 hours. If your basement is already wet or you notice mold or mildew growth, you need a professional to help you with clean-up.

Here at SERVPRO of Columbus, we can help you with some of your cleaning needs. We offer many services including fire and water clean-up services, mold remediation, and routine house cleaning, including duct cleaning and carpet cleaning.

Give us a call at 812-372-7760 so we can get started today.

When Water Damage Occurs, Should I Call A Professional?

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Why Call?

• Mold Mitigation is Difficult
  • Unless the affected area is small, theEnvironmental Protection Agency(EPA) recommends that homeowners hire people who are trained to use the toxic chemicals, equipment, and intensive labor required for mold mitigation. Many people think just using good old fashioned bleach is acceptable, but not only does it not work, sometimes it can cause additional health and property challenges. Your home or business must have professional mold mitigation. SERVPRO has the skill and training.

Mold is Fast

Mold starts growing within 48 hours.

• SERVPRO is Faster to any size disaster because it is critical to act immediately.
• Water damage from a storm or a leaky pipe means that moisture is not just puddled on surfaces.Removing moisturerequires specialized equipment.

Mold is Sneaky

• Mold hides.
  • SERVPRO cannot remove what people cannot see. Team members locate the moisture source.
  • When mold gets into air vents and ducts, the spores spread through the building. When they land on moisture (such as condensation), mold grows.

Mold is Dangerous and Destructive

• Mold eats drywall, natural fibers, wood, and human or animal skin cells.
  • It will destroy almost any surface on which it grows.
  • Some people are sensitive to mold while others might have impaired immune systems.

The team at SERVPRO are mold mitigation experts and IICRC certified in restoration. We restore your home or business in Inverness “Like it never even happened.”