Sewage Backup Prevention Tips for your Massillion, OH Home

7/7/2023 (Permalink)

Tree roots in a pipe can cause a sewage backup in your Massillion, Ohio home.

As a homeowner in Massillion, Ohio one of the worst disasters you can experience in your house is a sewage backup. A sewage backup is considered a very serious matter. Sewage can contain bacteria and microbes that can cause serious illness. Containing and cleaning the area as soon as possible should be a priority to avoid any further contamination. To prevent sewage backup knowing what causes it can stop it from happening.

Sewage Backup Causes

• Clogs – Sewage backups in your home are from your drainpipes or main sewer line becomes clogged. Clogs can consist of hair, grease, baby wipes, paper towels, yard debris or other solid materials. Do not pour or flush these materials proper disposal will prevent backups.
• Tree Roots – Trees and their roots may not be an issue then the popes are installed, but years of growth can lead to issues later. To prevent tree roots from damaging your sewer lateral install a plastic pipe or cut tree roots.
• Damaged Sewer Lines– Weather, natural disasters, vandalism, and infrastructure breakdown can all lead to unavoidable sewer line issues.
• Heavy Rainfall – A large amount of rain can overburden your city’s sewer lines. If the public sewer cannot handle excess rainfall, the water can make its way into connected sewer lines. This puts your home at risk of water backflows.

There is nothing more stressful than experiencing a sewage backup or overflow. Managing the contaminated water, yourself can put you at risk of contracting diseases. Trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County for fast, reliable, and safe sewage cleanup services. We are here to help you reduce the stress and start making your home look as good as it did before the damage occurred.

Six Spring Cleaning Tips to Help Homeowners Prevent Water Damage in Canton, OH

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Check your sump pump to make sure its working properly to prevent a water damage to your Canton, Ohio home.

As warm weather, sunny days and potential of severe spring storms make their mark in Canton, Ohio the last thing that homeowners want to think about is water damage cleanup and repair. However, during the season of spring cleaning, homeowners can address potential issues that could lead to water damage in their homes.

If homeowners can prevent water damage before it occurs, they can avoid an expensive and stressful water damage disaster in the future. The following are six tips that people can add to their spring cleaning checklist to potentially stop a water damage from occurring to their property.

Tip #1: Check Your Sump Pump to Make Sure it Is Working Properly

Homes that have a basement often have a sump pump that automatically extracts water should the basement flood. Yearly testing and cleaning helps ensure that the sump pump is in good working order and will be able to do its job in the event of basement flooding.

Tip #2: Check Gutters and Downspouts for Clogs and Blockages

Remove leaves, moss, debris, mildew, mold, or any other obstructions, then use a garden hose to flush the fixtures with water. Never use a pressure washer to clean gutters and downspouts since the high pressure and heat of this cleaning method can cause damage.

Gutters and downspouts help guide water away from the foundation of a house, preventing water from entering the structure or compromising the foundation. When these fixtures become clogged, the water build-up can rot away the wooden exterior near the eaves and create new avenues for water to seep into the home causing a water damage.

Tip #3: Check the Roof and Attic for Damage and Leaks

Roof leaks are another top cause of water leaks. A leaking roof allows water intrusion to damage the ceiling, attic, and walls, causing wooden building materials to rot and mold growth to take hold. Look for missing shingles or damaged pipes on your roof with binoculars, drone or a camera. If something doesn’t look right, call a roofer.  Also, check the attic and look for any signs or smells of water damage or microbial growth.

Tip #4: Check Appliances for Leakage or Malfunctions

Leaking appliances are a leading cause of water damage in residential settings. Inspect dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines to ensure that they are functioning correctly and have not been damaged. Follow the checklist below:

• Look for signs of small leaks that might usually go unnoticed.
• Review the appliance manual to make sure the appliance is operating properly.
• Replace defective, cracked, or torn seals.
• Inspect all supply hoses.
• Make sure all valve connections are tight.
• Look into acquiring a leak detector.
• Inspect the dishwasher door gaskets.
• Consider upgrading to stainless steel cord instead of plastic supply tubing for water supply tubes to the washing machine

Tip #5: Make Sure That the Landscaping Does Not Direct Water Towards the Home

Spring and summer are a favorite time to plan and work on landscape projects in Canton, Ohio. While most properties have grading that slopes away from the house, some properties are not graded properly, which means that water can pool near the house and compromise the foundation. One landscape project that can prevent water damage involves adjusting the yard so that it directs water away from the home. Solutions that are less intrusive than adjusting the grading include a French drain, an underground drainpipe, or a dry creek.

Tip #6: Check for Cracks or Gaps in the Home’s Exterior and Interior

Gaps and cracks are invitations for water to intrude into a home. Inspect the house for cracks and pay special attention to the joints and frames of windows. Use the appropriate caulk to seal the area or, for cracks in masonry and concrete, use hydraulic cement.

If your home or business floods or has an appliance water damage in Canton, OH, you need to hire professionals who can make the process go as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com for more information on water damage. 

Tips to Prepare Your Canal Fulton, Ohio Home for Cold Weather

1/26/2023 (Permalink)

A pipe break caused severe water damage to the ceiling and walls in this bathroom.

In January 2022 we’ve already experienced bitter cold weather that caused many pipe breaks to homes and businesses in Canal Fulton, Ohio. This weather will continue for the next several months, so it’s important to prepare your home for the next winter storm. Pipes are mostly located in areas of the home that are located in unheated areas and next to the outside walls. A tiny crack in a pipe can cause flooding to your home releasing hundreds of gallons of water. Pipes located on the second floor can cause damage throughout each level of the home causing serious structural damage. If the water isn’t extracted or properly dried in a timely manner mold growth will happen. 

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Let water drip. A trickle of water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let water drip overnight when temperatures are cold, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep garage doors closed. This reduces the amount of cold air that reaches any exposed piping in your garage.
• Open cabinet doors. This allows heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
• Drain, remove, and store all outdoor hoses. If possible, use an indoor valve shut off and keep spigots open to drain water from pipes leading to outside.
• Adjust the thermostat. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature during the day and night, set the thermostat above 55 degrees. During extreme cold, this also helps reduce the strain on the furnace.
• Insulate pipes. Pipe insulation in your home’s crawl spaces and attic help reduce the chance of freezing. Remember, exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
• Seal leaks. Locate and thoroughly seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.

If your pipes do freeze turn on your faucet. As the water runs through it will help melt the ice. If the water won’t melt the ice, you can warm them with an electric heating pad. Wrap it around the pipe starting outward and moving to the coldest section. You can also use towels soaked in hot water. Hair dryers should be used with caution and never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame. If your pipes do burst shut off the water supply immediately and call a plumber to get the pipe fixed. Once your pipe is fixed call SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County to cleanup and restore your home. Visit our website at www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com for more information or call 330-497-4600.

Fire Damage Restoration in Canton, Ohio

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

An uncleaned fireplace caused a fire to this Canton, Ohio home. If you need fire damage cleanup and restoration, call SERVPRO.

People are at greater risk of a fire damage in the winter season when they cook holiday meals, display decorations, and use unsafe heat sources. Whether a fire starts from a candle, space heater, fireplace, or holiday lights the damaging effects of a fire to its structure and its contents is devastating. If your property suffers fire damage, quick action is vital to limiting the amount of damage that is inflicted on your property. You may think that once the fire is put out, the damage has been done and you can start getting things cleaned up at your leisure. Unfortunately, fire damage continues to eat away at materials even after the fire has been put out.

At SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County, once we receive your call, we immediately dispatch our project manager and emergency crews of certified and experience technicians to your Canton, OH home. Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action. While your home is being restored, cleaned, and repaired, crews may need to pack, transport, and store, your belongings in our facility. Our highly trained technicians will use advanced equipment and cleaning techniques to clean and deodorize your home and contents.

When restoration professionals take over after a fire has brought destruction to your property, you can breathe again. You can have hope and trust that life will go on. It simply takes the knowledge and skills of SERVPRO professionals to put everything right again. For more information on fire damage restoration click here.

We are Your Local Franchise SERVPRO in Northwest Stark County

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County has crews available 24/7 for fire & water damage restoration, cleaning and construction.

When you hear the name SERVPRO on a television commercial you now that it is the company you would call to clean up and restore your home or business after a water or fire disaster. SERVPRO is a national brand and the #1 leading company in its industry. When you call SERVPRO you are getting the BEST! The local SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County franchise services the Massillon, Canton, Perry, and surrounding communities.

How does calling our local SERVPRO franchise benefit you?

Every day our sales team and production team are out building relationships within our community. We visit local insurance agents, adjusters, property managers, and business owners informing them of our services and the benefits of using our company. SERVPRO is a preferred vendor to most insurance companies. We belong to our local chambers by supporting local business openings, donating, and sponsoring local events and school sports and dropping off food to local fire and police departments.

Being local is like being family, so when that water or fire emergency strikes your home or business, please give us a call. We take care of you like your family! We are here to help at 330-497-4600!

SERVPRO offers Emergency Fire Board-up Services

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

This Canton, Ohio house needed a boardup after a fire. Our crews are available 24/7 to help boardup, restore and rebuild your home.

There’s no such thing as a “small” fire. In addition to actual fire damage, the resultant smoke, soot, odor, and other particles will penetrate your walls, floors, attic, and duct work. Plus, you may experience water damage and residue from extinguishing the fire.

BOARD UP & SECURE YOUR PROPERTY

SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County has crews trained to handle any size fire disaster using specialized chemicals and fire and water advanced equipment and to help our customers through a difficult time. The first step in the recovery process is to protect your property and all of its contents from further. We have crews available 24/7 for fire board up to roof tarps.

We can complete the following:

• Board Up & Roof Cover
• Structure Shoring & Stabilization
• Temporary Fencing
• Complete Building Enclosure
• Emergency Demolition

After a claim has been filed with your insurance company our project managers will work with your insurance adjuster to get the restoration process started. The following steps include:

1. Boarding-upyour property immediately will prevent additional damage by weather, animals or theft while providing peace of mind.
2. Deodorizingyour property will eliminate smoke, soot, and chemical particles.
3. We will carefully pack-outyour salvageable contents — from antiques to furniture to fine china to clean and store at our warehouse. Inventorying all items. Dispose and record of all non-salvageable contents for insurance, to help make the replacement process easier.
4. During content cleaning, trained technicians will thoroughly clean and deodorize your salvageable contents placed in an ozone room removing any left over odor before moving them into our secure climate-controlled warehouse for storage until you are ready to move them back into your home.
5. We have the ability to restore all many critical documents using document drying technology, while keeping them confidential.
6. Debris Removal of water damaged flooring, drywall, or plaster.
7. Repair and restorationcan include everything from carpet cleaning to full construction services.
8. We will store your contents in our secure facility and deliver them when your property is ready.

All fire damage is different and each clean up and restoration requires a unique resolution. At SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County our team has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – SERVPRO of NW Stark County 330-497-4600

Storm Damage in Canton Ohio? Call SERVPRO!

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage to a Canton Ohio home. SERVPRO can roof tarp the area to reduce any further damage.

Storm damage wreaks destruction on homes and buildings as well as the property around it. Wind damage can loosen the shingles or tiles on a roof which can allow moisture such as rain or snow to pass through the roof itself causing damage to the interior of the structure. This can allow water and moisture to enter the roof, which will result in damaging the wood and sagging ceiling and can even cause secondary damage of mold growth. The elements such as wind, rain, lightning, or hail can result in catastrophic destruction, turning lives upside down.

This is what you can expect from SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County storm restoration service professionals.

• Regardless of whether it is a business or residence, our company will come to your property with trained experts and perform a thorough inspection of your loss. This helps us to understand and discover the full extent of damage.
• Once the scope of work is confirmed and agreed upon, the work begins. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County will use.
• Generators may be brought in to operate the dehumidifiers and air movers to combat potential mold and mildew to not have a change to make matters worse.
• Crews use roof tarping and board-up techniques to keep your structure secure while the roof is being inspected and repaired.

It is important to reach out immediately to reduce the extent that damage may occur. Once contacted and scheduled we will work tirelessly to rescue your building from greater structural issues.

All SERVPRO’s are locally owned and operated. We will respond quickly to storm and water damages to homes and businesses that are in the Canton, Ohio area. Our knowledgeable, highly trained and IICRC certified crews are available 24/7/365 days a year. Call us today at 330-497-4600 or visit our website: www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com. 

Check out our social media accounts to learn more about SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County.

https://facebook.com/SERVPROofNWStarkCounty

https://twitter.com/NWStarkCounty

https://Instagram.com/SERVPROnwstarkcounty/

Basement Flooding? SERVPRO can Help!

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Basement flooding can occur in Canton, Ohio. Call SERVPRO to help Cleanup, Restore and Rebuild your water damaged home.

Flooding of basements is one of the most common issues that Canton, Ohio homeowners face. Most flooding occurs during heavy rainstorms during the summer and rapid snowmelts in the winter, it also can happen in dry weather.

There are many reasons for basement flooding including foundation leakage, storm sewer backup, and improper yard grading, among others. As the basement lies in the lowest level of a structure it is prone to flooding.

What causes basement flooding?

These are the most common causes of basement flooding:

Foundation Leaks: Water can seep into the foundation if there are cracks in it. The risk of flood in your foundation is more if your home is near groundwater. Cracks in the foundation can lead to significant water leakage into the basement.

Leaking basement windows: Windows in the basement can leak and let water creep in during rains. Whenever it rains, there could be a significant collection of water on the windowsills. Fixing the windowsill is the only option to prevent basement flooding.

Blocked sewer: If the manifold that connects the public sewer system to your house is blocked it can lead to floods in your basement. It is important to call local authorities immediately to address blocked gutters and SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County to mitigate the sewage and water damage.

Debris in gutters: The gutters play a critical role in preventing basement flooding as they carry away rainwater from the home. If they are clogged or damaged, they can overflow during rains and allow water to build up. If the ground near the basement soaks up too much water, it can seep into the basement as well.

Improper grading or sloping: If the yard does not slope away in the right manner, rainwater does not drain effectively. If the sloping is towards your home rather than away, excess water can result in basement flooding. 

Improper downspouts: Downspouts channel water away from the foundation and should be at least 5 to 6 feet away from the wall of the basement. If the downspouts are missing or broken, water tends to pool near the house and slowly seeps into the basement.

SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. Our crews  have the experience and knowledge from training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification. Call us at 330-497-4600 to restore, mitigate and rebuild your water damaged property.

Fire Damage? What Not to Do After a House Fire

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a ceiling. SERVPRO was able to cleanup, restore and rebuild this home in Canton, Ohio.

The one place you feel completely safe is your own home. This can change in a second when a fire starts, and smoke fills your home. After the fire has been put out here are a few suggestions of what not to do after a house fire.

What Not to Do After a House Fire

• Do not enter the building until the fire department says it is safe to go in.
• Do not turn on water, gas or electric. Utilities should not be used unless the fire department indicates it is safe for you to do so.
• Do not use electronics, computers, televisions, stereos, or appliances until they have been professionally cleaned and checked. A fire could damage electrical circuits and using them may be hazardous.
• Do not wipe or attempt to wash fire residue from walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces. It is important not to tamper with any of the damage before it has been assessed by your insurance agent.
• Do not eat food items or canned goods that were exposed to the heat of the fire. Dispose of all food items immediately.
• Do not use carpeting or upholstered furniture impacted by heavy smoke residues or debris until they have been safely cleaned. They will need special treatment to remove harmful smoke toxins.

Each fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. At SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County our team has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – SERVPRO of NW Stark County 330-497-4600

BBQ and Outdoor Fire Safety Tips for Canton, Ohio Homeowners

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Regular maintenance and following a few grilling tips can help ensure summer cooking fires don’t become house fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), July is the peak month for grilling fires, followed by June, May, and August. Annually, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 10,200 home fires each year involving grills, hibachis, or barbeques. With the summer season in full swing fire its important for homeowners to check the readiness of their outdoor cooking equipment, like grills and propane tanks. Doing regular maintenance and following a few grilling tips can help ensure summer cooking fires don’t become house fires.

Follow These Grilling Safety Tips:

1. Only use your grill outside.
2. Keep it at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails, and eaves.
3. Keep a 3-foot zone around your grill to protect kids and pets.
4. Never leave fires unattended, including grills, fire pits, and patio torches.
5. Clean your girl after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire.

Additional tips to consider:

1. Keep a fire extinguisher close. Keep a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach of the grill so you have something to put out an accidental fire. It doesn’t take long for a fire to catch and spread. Educate yourself on how to use the extinguisher beforehand.
2. Do NOT decorate your grill or the area around it. Decorating for a family picnic or gathering is a terrific way to get into the spirit of the party, but don’t include your grill or fire pit as part of the decoration area. Flags, umbrellas, hanging decorations and baskets, and other flammable items can just become quick fuel for an out-of-control fire. 
3. Keep your grill maintained. Regular cleanings after each use are key, but the maintenance doesn’t stop there. At least one to every three months (depending on usage), you should clean your grease management system (grease trap), grates, bars, and other grilling components to reduce the chance of flare-ups and the growth of bacteria which could make you sick.

Be safe, and stay aware while around a fire. Being prepared and having a plan is always better than the alternative.

SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County is an industry leader and provider of fire and water cleanup, restoration, and construction services. If you experience a fire disaster, please call our knowledgeable and certified team at 330-497-4600 or visit www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com.