Recent Posts

Know the Facts: National & Ohio-Specific Fire Damage Statistics

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

The unpredictable nature of fires can lead to so much devastation and loss for your home or business.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are around 346,800 house fires per year causing on average 2,620 fatalities.

Understanding the facts when it comes to fires can help you to better prepare your family and employees in case of disaster.

General Fire Facts & Stats

Cooking is the leading cause of house fires, followed by:

  • Heating
  • Electrical Systems & Equipment
  • Candles
  • Smoking

- In 2020, fire and lightning insurance claims had the highest average payout of $77,340.

- On average, across the US, a fire department responded to a fire every 23 seconds in 2021.

- In 2021, there were 1,353,500 fires reported, including residential and non-residential structures.

- In 2020, per 1,000 fires, the national average was 2 deaths and 8 injuries.

Ohio Fire Facts & Stats

- Ohio has the 7th most fatal home fires per capita in relation to the other 50 states, with Texas being the first.

Smoking is the top cause of fire deaths in the state of Ohio, making up 20% of fatalities.

It's difficult and scary to imagine your home or business experiencing a fire. It can be hard to determine where to start when a disaster like this occurs.

If your home or business falls victim to a fire, SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County is "here to help." Our experienced technicians handle the care and restoration of your property and its contents. We handle the cleanup and the reconstruction, so you don't have to worry about juggling multiple companies.

If you find yourself in need of fire damage restoration, give us a call today!

Know the Facts: National & Ohio-Specific Water Damage Statistics

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew removing water-damaged dry wall We are "here to help" handle your home or business's water damage restoration needs!

It's no secret that April showers are the start of Ohio's rainy season. Despite the name, April is only the 4th rainiest month in Ohio, with May, June, and the rainiest, July rounding out the top three.

As we work our way through the wet season, it's important to understand the facts of water and storm damage.

National Water Damage Facts & Stats

- 14,000 people in the US are affected by water damage every day.

- The average insurance claim to repair a water damaged home is $11,605.

99% of US counties experienced a flood from 1996-2019.

98% of US homes will experience water damage in their basements at least once.

- Even the smallest leak can increase the average water bill by 10%.

- In 2020, almost 20% of home insurance claims were due to water damage and freezing.

Ohio Water Damage Facts & Stats

- In Ohio, 540,863 properties have more than a 26% chance of being affected by severe flooding in the next 30 years.

- In 2021, at least 142 people died in flooding incidents, 64 of which were driving.

Water damage, whether it be from flooding or a storm, can be a difficult process to deal with. Luckily, SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County is equipped to handle all of your water damage restoration needs! From the drying process to reconstruction, we work with all insurances to get your home or business looking "like it never even happened."

How to Handle Spring Weather in the Akron Area

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Flooded commercial property We're "here to help" with whatever Mother Nature throws at us this spring!

Preparation Before a Storm

Stay Safe During the Next Big Storm

Depending on the person, you may either love to watch a storm roll in, or you may find yourself stricken with anxiety as dark clouds form at the horizon. No matter what end of the spectrum you fall on, knowing what to do to stay safe during a storm can benefit anyone. Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm is the top priority, so here are a few tips to help you the next time a storm is on the radar:  

  • Remain indoors. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor if need be. If you are outdoors, seek shelter at a local business, or a public restroom. Public restrooms in parks are typically built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, sheltering in your car should keep you safe and dry as you wait out the storm.  
  • Stay away from windows. The safest place to be during a storm is a basement. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are a good choice as well. 
  • Try to stay away from appliances. Avoid showering or talking on a wired phone during a storm. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so avoid using your washer and dryer during a storm. Lightning strikes can cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
  • Once the storm has passed, be cautious when walking around, especially outside. Be alert for down powerlines and tree branches. If you smell gas, be sure to contact authorities immediately.

Is Your Home Prepared for the Next Storm?

Each year, thunderstorms alone cause approximately $15 billion in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms.

There are several ways to prepare your property:

  1. Always have an emergency kit with these items that you probably already have in your house: flashlight, battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic, non-perishable foods, lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, and any important personal items and documents.
  2. Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
  3. Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation.
  4. Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding, windows, and roof.
  5. Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.
  6. Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding.
  7. Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to park your vehicles in the garage.
  8. Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado warnings. Tornadoes can lead to total property loss and even death.

How to Handle the Aftermath

After the Storm: What You Can Do

A storm has just blown through, but thankfully you and your family took precautions and no one was harmed. However, there is still a chance something happened in your home, whether it be flooding, backed up sewage, or damage from falling debris. If there’s any major damage to your SE Summitor Lake Countyhome, the best thing you can do is call the experts at SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County and let the professionals clean up, but there are still some things you can do yourself if you feel up to it.  

  • Clean up sticks and branches that may have fallen during the storm. This one is by far the easiest, and the branches can easily be thrown away, or used for something like firewood or compost. If a branch or tree has fallen against your house and caused damage, go ahead and call SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County to have it quickly, and expertly repaired.  
  • Dry out your house as soon as possible. After a storm, if water has gotten inside your home, it will very quickly cause mold to grow, which will create many issues down the road. It’s best to clean up any standing water and dry off surfaces that may grow mold.
  • If you see any damage involving sewage, live wires, or possible gas leaks, don’t try and fix it yourself! Immediately call the experts at SERVPRO ofSE Summit/Lake County to solve this issue for you.  

We Handle Flood & Storm Damage

SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County, 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 with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County is ready when a storm strikes.  Our resources can handle a small or large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1700 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 (330) 249-7741

Restoring Your Home in the Akron Area

11/27/2022 (Permalink)

Before and after of a home restoration We take care of your home restoration needs!

SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake Twp is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry, and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake Twp

SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake Twp 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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 and make it "like it never even happened."

How We Handle Mold

11/27/2022 (Permalink)

Mold-covered ceiling fan We handle even your largest mold remediation needs!

If you smell something musty in your home in Summit County, you may have a mold problem, even if it is not immediately visible. Mold damage can occur on almost any surface, particularly if it is porous. All it needs to thrive is moisture and something organic to feed on. Here are some places to look for mold and tips on how to keep these places fungus-free.

Where Is Mold hiding?

Mold or mildew growth may happen anywhere there is too much moisture. Common places in your home where mold could grow include:

  • Drywall
  • Carpet
  • Furniture
  • Insulation
  • Draperies

An excessive amount of dust can also lead to mold growth. A surface covered in a layer of dust is like a hotel stay for airborne mold spores. This dust layer gives these spores a place to attach and grow. Regular dusting can help keep fungus growth at bay.

How Is It Prevented?

Mold is everywhere. It gets inside your home by attaching to clothing, hair, pets and shoes. Once the spores are in this confined space, they start to look for a place to land and grow.

The most effective way to prevent mold growth is by getting rid of the excess moisture in your home. Try to keep humidity levels between 40-50%. You can measure the humidity in your home with a device from your local hardware store. Make sure rooms that are prone to higher humidity, such as bathrooms and the kitchen, are properly ventilated for good air flow. When you notice a leak, call water remediation specialists immediately to dry and restore the area. Controlling moisture is vital to controlling the spread of mold.

As the homeowner, you play a key role in avoiding mold damage . Rid your home of excess moisture, and when you cannot, inspect all the surfaces where mold can grow to catch it at its beginning stages. By being vigilant about prevention, you can protect the air quality in your home.  If you have concerns call SERVPRO of SE Summit County and Lake Township to have one of their experts give you a professional evaluation.

How to Handle Mold

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores, which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of SE Summit County/Lake Township for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of SE Summit County/Lake Township specializes in mold cleanup and restoration. In fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

In addition to serving this community, we also are proud to serve communities of the Barberton and Norton area through SERVPRO of Barberton/Norton!

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 330-249-7741

What Does it Mean to be SERVPRO Certified Clean?

11/26/2022 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected, especially as new strains and new viral pathogens arise.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address any viral pathogen concerns. This cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

You want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant, who understands your business, and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include the cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

Call SERVPRO of SE Summit / Lake Township today at 330-786-0505 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

SERVPRO's Dedication to Being Green

11/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO green cleaning products SERVPRO is not only dedicated to helping restore your home or business, but we're dedicated to doing it in the greenest way possible.

Everyone knows that SERVPRO is Green. Our vehicles are green, our restoration equipment is green, our employees wear green. SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake Twp takes it one step further. Our teams has access and utilizes “green” environmentally friendly chemicals!

SERVPRO has the option to use Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean (chemical #251) on all commercial and residential properties. This product is pH Neutral, biodegradable, and contains zero phosphates, solvents, dyes, or fragrances.

SERVPRO also has access to All Surface Green Clean (product #250). This product is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances, and is non-toxic / phosphate free. All Surface Green Clean is volatile organic compound compliant and rapidly biodegradable.

Lastly, SERVPRO uses the Window Green Clean (Product #249). This glass cleaner is environmentally friendly, volatile organic compound compliant, rapidly biodegradable, and is premixed with soft water to eliminate spotting and streaking.

For more information about “green” products, call us at 330-786-0505 or visit http://www.epa.gov/dfe/

SERVPRO Helps Restore Your Akron Home After a Fire

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

Before and after photos of an apartment fire We're there every step of the way to handle all of your fire damage restoration needs!

Cleaning Your Akron Area Home Following a Fire

Cleaning up after a fire loss incident in Akron is one of the considerable challenges to making these disasters “Like it never even happened.” Without adequate and thorough cleaning and restoration practices implemented at the right times, surfaces and contents could suffer irreparable damages. Trust our SERVPRO professionals to get to work quickly on the recovery steps required.

Effective cleaning and restoration after fire damages your home begins with a fast and confident response. Because our technicians stay prepared to answer the call 24/7, we can often reach damaged addresses while there is still time and opportunity to protect many of the surfaces and exposed contents. Entrusting your home to responding technicians can often make the return to preloss conditions more efficient and cost-effective.

What is Debris Removal?

Among the first steps in cleaning and restoring your fire-damaged home is debris removal. This process is one of the emergency services that our professionals offer, and it can help our technicians to gain control of an increasingly difficult situation. Shoveling out piles of ash and charred remnants of materials can help in many ways. Some advantages of beginning debris removal or muck-out for your home include:
    •    Reduces the concentration of soot
    •    Makes odors less intense
    •    Allows our professionals to inspect the property better

Is Soot Dangerous to Be Around?

Soot can be one of the most challenging obstacles for responding technicians, as this residue can react differently with each of the materials that it becomes exposed to after a fire. Also, the presence of soot can present health effects for those in direct contact, which requires our professionals to always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. The primary concerns about soot include:

    •    Acidic Nature – Because soot has an acidic base to its composition, its presence in a layer resting on organic surfaces can have a destructive effect. When residue goes prolonged periods without getting removed, it can mar or stain surfaces underneath it.
    •    Microscopic Particles – the size of soot particles is also an alarming concern because these microscopic particulates can get easily inhaled and travel deep into the lungs.
    •    High Concentrations – Circulating soot in the environment can present hazards like unclean breathing air and more substantial concentrations of soot residues on exposed surfaces.

How Can Residues Like Soot Get Cleaned?

Removing Soot and Smoke residues from the house requires several approaches and potent cleaning products. The best approach and technique to remove soot damage in the house gets determined often during the initial assessment and evaluation of the property following a fire loss. Our project manager can walk through the damaged building to begin cataloging loss and noting wherever soot removal techniques are necessary. These might include:

    •    Chemical Solvents – Emulsification can be an excellent method for removing oily soils from surfaces, and many of our chemical solvents can also have a positive effect on present soot damage. Pretesting is a way to determine what potent products are the best choice for the affected material.
    •    Soda/Media Blasting – Using a high-pressure output, soda, and media blasting equipment can help to restore the surface of a damaged structural element by eliminating soot without destroying the construction material beneath it.
    •    Controlled Demolition – There are some situations where material removal might be the only suitable solution. If soot has stained or marred a surface or item, our in-house contractors can remove only the damaged portions to make build back and reconstruction as efficient as possible.

What If Contents in My House Get Soot-Damaged?

Your belongings are just as susceptible and sensitive to soot exposure and damage as the construction materials used in your home. While you might not have the time to relocate everything of value or significance, our SERVPRO professionals can work on content management beginning as soon as we arrive. From on-site cleaning and relocation efforts, to more intricate cleaning practices that can happen in our nearby facility and warehouse, we can improve the look and feel of damaged items efficiently.

Fires can be highly destructive to your home, especially surfaces battling the presence of soot and other residues. Addressing these concerns can involve multiple strategies, including surface cleaning, media blasting, and controlled demolition. No matter what your home needs, you can count on our SERVPRO of SE Summit County/Lake Township to help by calling (330) 786-0505.

After Storm Care Tips

11/19/2022 (Permalink)

Fallen debris on a road Make smart choices when it comes to driving and after care following a big storm; choose SERVPRO!

Handling the Aftermath of a Storm

Your family has taken the necessary precautions during a storm, but what do you do to deal with the aftermath? There is a chance that something happened to your home, whether it be flooding, backed up sewage, or damage from fallen debris. If there’s any major damage to your home, it’s best to call the experts at SERVPRO of Southeast Summit/Lake Township and let the professionals clean up. But, there are still some things you can do yourself if you feel up to it.  

  • Clean up tree debris from your property. Picking up sticks and leaves is by far the easiest step, and is something even your kids and pets can get involved in. These materials can be discarded, or saved for firewood or composting. If a branch or tree has fallen against your house and caused damage, make sure you call SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake Townshipto have it quickly, and expertly repaired.  
  • Dry out your house as soon as possible. Water that has entered your home, typically in a basement or attic, can lead to mold if left untreated. Mold can lead to severe property and health detriments, so it is important to get these areas dried as quickly as possible. If some time has passed and you suspect mold may already be growing, a bleach-based household cleaning solution can kill the mold and prevent further damage.  
  • If you see any damage involving sewage, live wires, or possible gas leaks, do not attempt to fix these things yourself. Leave these types of cleanups to the professionals at SERVPRO

If you feel unqualified or just need a helping hand, be sure to call in professionals to handle your after storm clean up.

What to do if Lightning Strikes

It’s one of those things that you hear about on a rare occasion, but you never think about it happening to you. The chances of your house or business being struck by lightning are basically zero, so why would you need to worry about it? Surprisingly, from 2017-2020, the Insurance Information Institute reported just over 311,000 claims for lightning, with an average cost of $28,885 per claim. Makes you want to worry about it a bit more, right? So, what do you need to do if lightning strikes your home or business?

  • First, make sure that no one in your home or business was hurt. It’s a bad idea to do things like wash dishes or shower during a lightning storm, so try to avoid these practices when you know a storm is approaching. This could save you from injuries.
  • Next, check for damage or a fire. As you do this, make sure to check everywhere from the attic to the basement looking for things like smoke, charred electrical outlets, sorted appliances, damaged roof shingles, or fried wiring.
  • If you find any storm damage and need storm damage repair, then it’s best to contact the experts at SERVPRO of Southeast Summit/Lake Townshipto mitigate your lightning or storm damage. We’ll take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry.

Driving After a Storm

After a bad storm, driving may be the furthest thing from some people’s minds. But, if you were stuck at work during the storm, or just have somewhere to be, driving may be inevitable after a storm. It is important to understand the best tactics when driving post storm, especially if the streets are flooded. Here are a few things to remember if you find yourself driving on flooded streets.

Avoid Standing Water

When you have somewhere to be, driving through a flooded street may not seem like a big deal. “That’s the quickest route, I’ll be fine.” But, there can be dangers below the surface of flooded streets, such as:

  • Branches or other debris
  • Potholes or washed out pavement
  • Moving water

It is hard to tell just how dangerous a flooded street may be, so don’t take the risk. Even a few inches can stall your vehicle or even move it off the road. Flood damage experts recommend that you find an alternate route or just wait until the water has a chance to drain. A few extra minutes on your trip is better than damage to your car.

Slow Down

A flooded street is not a racetrack. Even if the water is shallow enough to navigate, you still need to reduce your speed so that you don’t stall your vehicle or hydroplane. If your tires cause water to fan out to the side, you are probably going too fast to be safe.

Don’t Use Others as a Gauge

Just because other drivers make it through flooded roads, that doesn’t mean you should try it. Flood conditions change rapidly. The car in front of you could have inadvertently knocked some debris into your path that will tear up your vehicle. Their car may be able to withstand more than yours as well. It is important to use your best judgment and focus on your own driving, rather than someone else’s.

flooded street is not meant to be a challenge. It’s better to turn around and find an alternate route, or wait until the water drains rather than risking your car or your own safety. Wherever you need to be would want you there later safely than not there at all due to flood damage.

If you experience storm damage and are in need of restoration following the next big storm, call SERVPRO of SE Summit County/Lake Township today: 330-786-0505

Know the Common Causes of Water Damage

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment drying out a building We have the best technology to handle your water damage needs!

Be Rain Ready

Living in Northern Ohio comes with the consequence of dealing with some of the most unpredictable weather patterns possible. We’ve all experienced the weeks where the weather is beautiful on Monday, pouring rain on Tuesday, then a blizzard on Wednesday. It’s important to be prepared for anything, especially the risk of water damage.

Being rain ready means that you should do things like check your roof for leaks, clearing your gutters of leaves and other debris so water can flow through them properly, and most importantly, making sure you’re ready to call SERVPRO of SE Summit County/Lake Township if anything goes wrong!

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can happen whenever any amount of excess water collects in an area where it shouldn't. Many different factors can cause a collection of excess water and contribute to water damage.

If you are aware of the potential causes, you will be able to prepare and avoid leaks and floods. You will also be able to spot a problem as soon as it happens, and stop it before it causes additional damages.

The more quickly you notice the problem, the less work the water extraction and water damage restoration company will have to fix.

Causes of water damage include:

  • Bursting or leaking pipes
  • Issues with the plumbing system
  • Hot water tanks
  • Buildup in water-prone areas such as basement, attics, or other crawl spaces
  • Faulty or malfunctioning household appliances
  • HVAC issues
  • Natural disasters and other weather-related water problems

No matter what the issue, you can call the experts at SERVPRO of Southeast Summit County and Lake Township to make it look "Like it never even happened."

How to Handle Leaky Pipes

It’s no secret that water damage is bad, not only can it cost a lot of money to fix if left unmitigated, but it can also lead to the growth of molds that can cause health effects. Mold needs water to grow, and it can grow quickly if things like leaks and water damage aren’t fixed quickly. That’s why it’s important to check for leaky pipes, and if you find one, it’s important to know how to fix it.

  1. The first thing you can do when fixing a leaky pipe is see where the water is coming from. If it’s coming from a loose coupling nut (the thing that holds pipes together), then it’s pretty easy to grab a wrench and tighten the nut, fixing your leak.
  2. If the leak is caused by a crack in the pipe itself, you will need to use either plumber’s tape, self-fusing silicone tape, or epoxy putty to fix it. These are easy to apply, just make sure the water is turned off then wrap the pipe if you’re using tape, or just apply putty to the pipe and give it some time to dry.

After fixing the pipe, make sure to clean up any standing water, and check back every day, or every few days to make sure there is no more water or leaking.

If you’ve experienced water damage or mold growth, call SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake Township and our professionals with take care of everything.

Kitchen Water Damage Causes

No area of the home is completely immune to water damage; it can occur anywhere. The kitchen is particularly at risk for water damage due to the amount of water required for everyday tasks, such as washing dishes and preparing meals. Because water damage can have devastating consequences, it is beneficial to understand which areas of the kitchen are at the greatest risk for leaks.

  • The Refrigerator and Ice Maker

During the summer, a cold, refreshing glass of water makes all the difference on a hot day. The refrigerator and ice maker make this possible by producing ice, but ice makers seem to frequently generate leaks. From improper installation to parts becoming damaged or worn-out, ice makers can leak for a handful of reasons. Puddles of water on the floor beneath the fridge and ice maker are usually good indicators that there is a leak. To prevent water damage, be on the lookout for water on the floor and make sure that the refrigerator and ice maker undergo regular maintenance and inspection.

  • The Dishwasher

We load and unload our dishwashers in order to clean silverware, plates, and cups on a daily basis, sometimes even multiple times a day. The amount of water required to carry out this task is tremendous and combined with the fact that the dishwasher is used so frequently, dishwashers pose a significant threat to the kitchen. Dishwashers can create water damage by leaking or flooding as a result of using the wrong type of detergent, a bent or broken dishwasher door latch, or the dishwasher overfilling with water. Watch out for puddles of water underneath the dishwasher, as it may be the sign of a leak.

  • The Sink

The sink is probably the first kitchen appliance that comes to mind when you think of water usage. We use the kitchen sink to fill up a cup of water, wash our hands, and wash dishes, among many other tasks. Water damage can occur when parts of the sink become corroded or when the drain or faucet leaks. About every 6 months, it is beneficial to take a look at the pipes beneath the sink and check for leaks as well as damaged sink parts in order to prevent water damage coming from the sink.

Because of the often costly and devastating effects of water damage, such as structural damage and mold and mildew growth, it is important to do everything in your power to avoid water damage. However, if you do experience water damage in your kitchen, don’t worry. Call SERVPRO of Southeast Summit/Lake Township today at 330-578-7617.  For more information about our water damage services, click here.