Act Fast: Addressing Water Damage with Expert Solutions

3/6/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician uses a moisture meter to take readings, ensuring thorough assessment and precise restoration.

Water damage can wreak havoc on your property, leading to costly repairs and potential health hazards. At SERVPRO of Downtown Omaha, Sarpy County, and Omaha East, we offer prompt and effective water damage restoration services to mitigate further damage and restore your peace of mind.

• Rapid Response: Our team responds swiftly to water damage emergencies, employing advanced techniques to extract water and prevent secondary damage.
• Moisture Detection: Using state-of-the-art equipment, we detect hidden moisture pockets and ensure thorough drying to prevent mold growth and structural issues.
• Mold Remediation: In cases of water intrusion, mold growth is a common concern. Our certified technicians conduct mold remediation procedures to eliminate mold colonies and restore a safe environment.
• Structural Drying and Restoration: From drying out affected areas to repairing damaged structures, we restore your property to its preloss condition with precision and efficiency.

Don't let water damage disrupt your life. Contact SERVPRO of Downtown Omaha, Sarpy County, and Omaha East for prompt water damage restoration solutions tailored to your needs and restore your property to its former glory.

Water Restoration

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be one of the most devastating events that can happen to your home or business. Whether it's a burst pipe, a flooded basement, or a storm-related issue, the damage can be extensive and costly. That's where SERVPRO of Sarpy water restoration services come in.

SERVPRO of Sarpy is a professional water damage restoration company that has been in the business for over 50 years. They have a team of highly trained professionals who are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to handle any water damage restoration job, no matter how big or small.

When you call SERVPRO of Sarpy for water damage restoration, they will quickly respond to your call and arrive on site to assess the damage. They will work with you to create a plan to restore your property as quickly as possible. They use advanced water restoration techniques to remove any standing water and dry out the affected areas using specialized equipment like dehumidifiers and air movers.

SERVPRO of Sarpy also provides mold remediation services. If water damage is not properly addressed, it can lead to mold growth, which can cause health problems and further damage to your property. SERVPRO of Sarpy's team of experts can identify and remove any mold growth and take steps to prevent future growth.

In addition to water damage restoration and mold remediation, SERVPRO of Sarpy offers a range of other services, including fire damage restoration, storm damage restoration, and biohazard cleanup. They are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide a fast and effective solution to any problem.

SERVPRO of Sarpy is committed to providing exceptional service to their customers. They have a strong reputation for quality workmanship and customer satisfaction, and they are dedicated to making the water damage restoration process as stress-free as possible for their clients.

In conclusion, if you experience water damage in your home or business, it's essential to act fast and call a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Sarpy. With their expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, they can quickly restore your property to its pre-damage condition and provide peace of mind during a stressful time.

Contaminated Water Categories and Cleanup

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

As a homeowner in the Omaha area, it’s possible you may have to deal with water damage from a leak or flood at some point in time. Several types of contaminated water require extra safety precautions, so it’s essential first to assess the kind of damage to determine how to proceed with removal and repair. Common types of contaminants may include the following:

• Cleaning agents such as soap or bleach
• Grease and oils
• Food residue
• Bodily waste

There are also several other unsafe chemicals and foreign objects that have led experts to create a system to categorize types of water.

Category 1: Clean Water

This type of water is most likely the result of a faucet overflow, broken water supply line, or household appliance malfunction. Keep in mind that although it may not be contaminated water, environmental conditions or the amount of time lapsed can cause the water to elevate to Category 2 or 3. Contact a water damage repair service within the first 48 hours of a clean water spill to prevent worsening damage.

Category 2: Grey Water

Possible sources of grey water can be from appliance discharge, broken sump pumps, and toilet water mixed with urination. Due to the rapid growth of bacteria and mold, cleanup should begin as soon as possible to prevent elevating grey water to Category 3.

Category 3: Black Water

This type of contaminated water is primarily composed of sewage backup containing human and animal waste. It may also source from rivers, streams, and oceans, which are often known to contain bacteria, fungi, and unsanitary chemicals. Contact a cleanup service immediately when this type of water is discovered.

Remedying Four Mistakes in Water Cleanup

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

When finding themselves amid a water damage event, many people immediately react by jumping in and cleaning up the mess. Beginning the restoration process as soon as possible is essential, but starting before you have taken the necessary steps or know what you are doing could make things worse in the end. A few of the most common mistakes in water damage clean up are listed below to help avoid these mishaps. The most critical mistake not to make is to hire a professional restoration company to do the dirty work for you. SERVPRO of Sarpy County, Omaha East is your local expert to help you navigate the “waters.”

Mistake #1 - Not Having the Job Done RIGHT the First Time

Adopting the “do it yourself” approach to water damage clean-up is often the go-to mindset. However, this is usually a more complex process than people think. It can be a long process, and following the proper procedures is very important. For example, if you neglect to begin airing out your home by opening up windows and doors for ventilation and using fans to dry things out as soon as possible, the damage will eventually be worse.

Mistake #2 - Not Being Completely Thorough

As mentioned above, the water damage restoration process done right requires that you be very thorough. Cutting corners and major shortcuts will not make a big difference and can cause more damage. It is better to have the job done right upfront, but it will not happen overnight. To ensure all the water is removed and mold will not begin to grow on, and in your walls, ceilings, and carpet, you will want to make sure your contractor is certified to do the work needed in an appropriate time frame.

Mistake #3 - Waiting Too Long

It can be tempting to put off dealing with flooding or water damage when it’s just a minor incident, especially when life is hectic. Even minor flooding can lead to significant damage in the long run. The water seeps into walls and flooring over time when not dried properly and can cause structural damage and mold growth. It’s not worth the risk of procrastinating. It could save you a lot of time, heartache, and money in the long run.

Mistake #4 - Not Involving a Certified Restoration Company

Trying to tackle the water damage restoration process on your own is a significant undertaking. Having it done right the first time requires the proper expertise, the right equipment, and enough time to be as thorough as required. Though it may seem like you have the time and resources to clean it up, you will soon realize the process is more involved than initially thought. Should you ever find yourself in a situation where your home or business has been compromised by flooding or water damage, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County, Omaha East.

Restoration After a Flood

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

When a flood happens inside your home, there are many different areas of the home that can be affected. Water damage from floods can destroy your home’s structure, carpet, flooring, and more. Electrical problems often occur after home flooding and there are many steps that need to be taken to start repairing the damage the flood has caused. See the steps that SERVPRO takes to restore properties.

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

We understand that water damage can come at any time so we’re ready to field your emergency call 24/7 to ensure a timely response. Once receiving your call, our specialists are trained to ask you several simple questions that will help us understand what needs to be done to your property.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

Once we have all of the information we need, our team will arrive promptly at your property to assess the water damage personally to determine the best course of action. During this assessment, our team will check the moisture levels of your property, survey any damages that may have occurred, and identify the types of water present in the area.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

Depending on the amount of water that makes up your flooded space, our team may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. We also use a variety of water extraction equipment such as moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters to measure the extent of moisture saturation in your space along with truck-mounted and portable extraction units that perform efficient water removal.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

After taking careful measurements to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your home or business., the SERVPRO team will dry and dehumidify your space. While the space is drying, our team will check the moisture levels of all pertinent floors and walls to monitor the drying process so that swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture doesn’t happen.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

Our team understands that even if the water is out, you still aren’t out of the woods when it comes to water damage odor removal, and deodorization. Our technical expertise and industrial-grade air scrubbers and fogging equipment go well beyond simply masking odors. Depending on the scenario, we may use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property. Furthermore, we will remove and dispose of damaged materials with guidance from you and your insurance adjuster.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the final step in the equation. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. If you’re looking for someone to simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial water damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas, then look to the team at SERVPRO.

Choosing SERVPRO for your Water Damage Restoration Needs

The best part about sticking with SERVPRO is that you can rest assured that every team member has extensive water damage restoration training that helps you get back to normal more quickly. Their dedication to responding immediately to water emergencies lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces your costs. Make sure to call SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355 if you’re in need of water damage restoration following a flood.

Water in a Light Fixture?

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

A flood from a busted pipe or supply line leak can affect more than just the surrounding area. This is particularly common when the faulty water source is on the second story of your home in the Sarpy County area. Not only can it cause water damage to the flooring and walls around it but also to the ceiling under it. Here are a few tips for getting the water out of the light fixture on your lower floor effectively and efficiently.

2 Tips To Deal With Water in a Light Fixture

1. Stay Safe

Your gut reaction may be to open up the fixture and just let the water drain out. This is not advisable until you have taken the necessary safety precautions:

• Shut off water to stop flooding.
• Flip breaker to cut power.
• Don rubber gloves and boots to neutralize residual charge.

Draining the fixture is one of the first steps toward taking care of the water damage to your lower floor. If you choose to touch the light before the restoration team arrives, make sure you are doing it safely.

2. Call Professionals

If the leak in your home has flooded two floors, you need water damage repair that goes beyond amateur abilities. When water has made its way into a light fixture on a lower level, you probably have quite a bit of ceiling damage on top of everything that needs mitigation on the higher floor. You need a team that has the experience and expertise to address the whole problem. As soon as you know there is an issue, call local water restoration specialists. They can assess the problem, propose solutions and provide an estimate of how much time and money it will probably take to fix it.

Water damage doesn't always stick to one area of your home. The more water involved, the farther and faster it can spread. It may even flood a lower floor, including the ceiling and light fixtures. Use the appropriate safety precautions and call for the help you need.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sarpy County 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 - 402 - 291 - 3355

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 Sarpy County has 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)?

Why You Should Hire SERVPRO of Sarpy County

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s Premier Water Removal Service Can Prevent Long-term Damage to your Sarpy County Home 

It pays to hire a professional water removal service in your Sarpy County home following water incidences such as burst pipes or ceiling leaks. Professional water damage restoration services such as SERVPRO have the necessary equipment, trained staff, and the technical know-how to control the damage before it can cause any long-term effect. 

SERVPRO technicians prioritize water removal from your Seattle home to limit moisture exposure to the structural components. Moisture has different effects on different materials. While some porous materials such as carpet, drywall, and fiber-fill insulation can soak up the water and can be damaged severely, non-porous materials such as glass, plastic, or sheet metal do not absorb much moisture.     

What Factors Affect the Extent of Damage to Your Seattle Home During Water Cleanup?  

One of the most important factors affecting the extent of water damage to your Seattle home is the exposure time. The longer the surfaces are exposed to the water, the higher the damage. SERVPRO techs understand the importance of time during water damage restoration and aim at reducing the exposure by quickly removing the standing water from the property. SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to speed up the water removal, including-

• Truck-mounted extractors
• Self-priming trash pumps 
• Electric submersible pumps

It is equally important to remove the residual moisture from the structure as well. SERVPRO techs use air movers and different types of dehumidifiers to accomplish this goal. 

Protect Your Omaha-Area Property From Winter Weather

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO reminds you to protect your property this winter

Follow these guidelines to keep your home or business safe from the harsh winter weather.

• Check for downed tree limbs and branches and clear them away.
• Inspect for proper drainage to avoid flood hazard potential (especially walkways and parking areas).
• Inspect all handrails, stairways, and entryways to correct potential slip hazards.
• Inspect all roofs, gutters, and water pipes to ensure they are in proper order.  Gutter downspouts should be directed away from the building. Clean them of debris that may have gathered during the fall to avoid a damming affect, which may lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave cabinet doors open to allow warm inside air to circulate around the pipes.  Consider shutting down outside faucets at the main valve in the basement or crawl space; make sure you turn on the faucet to drain it after shutting off the inside valve to prevent any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.

If you experience water damage in your home or business call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355.  Our experienced crews are always here to help.

Water Damage Cleanup at Omaha-Area Insurance Office

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

This water damage was caused by a sprinkler system malfunction.

When an Omaha-Area insurance office flooded, they called the team of experts at SERVPRO of Sarpy County.  A neighbor called them to report a leaking sprinkler system behind their building.  When the office staff investigated, they found water running into the building and down the basement steps, flooding the area quickly.

Our Marketing Manager arrived on the scene withing minutes of the call, shut off the water supply to the sprinkler system and began moving contents away from the water.  Our technicians arrived moments later, extracted the water, and began the drying process.

As a result of the fast response and expertise of the SERVPRO team, the damage was contained, no contents were lost, and the business remained open.

If you experience water damage in your home or business call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355.  Our experienced crews are always here to help.

Signs of Water Damage

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Most water damage is caused from leaking pipes, heavy rains or flooding; but excessive humidity can cause water damage also.  Small rooms that don't get much airflow, such as bathrooms and basement rooms are prone to water damage from excessive humidity.  Slow or small leaks from water supply lines or drains can go on for months before they are detected, causing much water damage and resulting in mold as well.  

Some of the signs that you may have water damage:

• Standing water - this seems obvious, but it is often overlooked.  Check your basement regularly for standing water.
• Musty or "earthy" odor - this could be a sign of mold growth and water damage.
• Stains and spots - walls or ceilings with brown stains are a clear sign of water damage.
• Peeling paint - painted surfaces with water damage will start to peel, bubble or flake.
• Uneven surfaces - water-damaged floors will warp and feel uneven.

If you experience water damage in your home or business call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355.  Our experienced crews are always here to help.

Water Damaged Kitchen in Omaha, NE

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

This kitchen and hallway water damage was caused by a leaking dishwasher.

A dishwasher in this Omaha, NE home went unnoticed for several weeks, resulting in water damage to the kitchen flooring and subfloor as well as the basement ceilings and walls.  While the SERVPRO of Sarpy County crews were surveying the extent of the damage, they discovered mold growth in the affected area.

The excessive mold growth and moisture made it necessary to remove some of the tile flooring in the kitchen, but fortunately the homeowner had extra tile and was able to keep their existing flooring, replacing only the damaged tiles.  Our crews were able to clean, dry and disinfect the affected areas, allowing the homeowner to stay in their home during the recovery process and saving hundreds in costs for them.

If your property is affected by a disaster, such as water damage, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355. We are always here to help.

Bathtub Leak Causes Water Damage in Council Bluffs, IA

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

This carpet was able to be cleaned and dried by SERVPRO crews.

The dishwasher in this Papillion home leaked, causing extensive water damage to the kitchen and finished basement below.  Within two hours of receiving a panicked call from the homeowner, SERVPRO of Sarpy County crews were onsite extracting water and setting up drying equipment.

This home in Council Bluffs, IA had water damage in the basement due to a faulty seal in the bathtub drain on the main floor.  The water damaged the ceiling in the basement bedroom as well as part of the carpet.  Luckily the furniture was not affected, so our technicians only needed to clean and dry the ceiling and carpeting.

If your property is affected by a disaster, such as water damage, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355. We are always here to help.

Frozen Pipe Causes Water Damage in Omaha

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sarpy County crews recently responded to this Omaha home for water damage in the basement.  A sprinkler supply line froze and burst in the basement wall flooding most of the basement.  Our technicians responded quickly to extract the standing water from the carpet. We used an air-injection system to force warm, dry air into the wall cavities, enabling us to save the drywall and save the homeowner hundreds of dollars.  The picture shows one of our air movers drying the carpet from underneath, saving the carpet from needing replacement.

The homeowner was grateful for our fast response and expertise in saving their walls and carpet. 

If your property is affected by a disaster, such as water damage, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355;  we are always here to help.

Dishwasher Leak Causes Water Damage in Papillion

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

This water damage was caused by an appliance leaking.

The dishwasher in this Papillion home leaked, causing extensive water damage to the kitchen and finished basement below.  Within two hours of receiving a panicked call from the homeowner, SERVPRO of Sarpy County crews were onsite extracting water and setting up drying equipment.

The fast response and expertise of our technicians enabled us to save the kitchen cabinets and the home theater equipment in the basement below.  Unfortunately, the kitchen flooring had to be removed, as it was installed over existing vinyl flooring and could not be properly dried.  The client was grateful to avoid a full kitchen demolition and happy to be able to stay in their home during the cleanup process.

If your property is affected by a disaster, such as water damage, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355. We are always here to help.

Water Damage Cleanup in Omaha, NE Home

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

This water damage was caused by a frozen pipe bursting

This home in Omaha, NE had a frozen pipe burst in the kitchen ceiling.  Water damage occurred in the kitchen, dining room and the bathroom.  SERVPRO of Sarpy County technicians needed to remove the ceiling drywall and insulation to properly dry the affected area and ensure the area was free of mold.  Our team's fast response with our specialized equipment ensured that we were able to dry behind the cabinets without removing them and dry the hardwood floors, saving thousands on the claim.  The homeowner was happy to avoid replacing their entire kitchen.

If you experience water damage at your home or business this winter, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355. We are always here to help.

Water Damage Cleanup in Omaha

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Recent heavy rains caused water damage to the main floor of this Omaha business and flooded the basement.  The owners knew to call our SERVPRO team to get the mess cleaned up right.  Our crews were on the job extracting water from the main floor and the flooded basement that day.  WIth the right experience and equipment, we were able to restore all affected office equipment and clean and dry the property in less than 48 hours.

The client was glad to have the job done with no business disruption and no demolition.

If you have flood damage or water damage in your home or business call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355.  Our experienced crews are always here to help.

#NebraskaFlood - #NebraskaStrong

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sarpy County was honored recently by participating in helping our local community recover from the disastrous flooding which occurred recently. #NebraskaFlood #NebraskaStrong

Partnering with No Town Left Behind, Benefect Disinfectant and Bellevue Christian Center, SERVPRO of Sarpy County was able to donate cleaning products and supplies to aid those in need.  We are truly grateful to see how strong our community has jointed together to help others. #SERVPROCares #HeretoHelp

Flood Recovery Safety Tips

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sarpy County helped this flooded business recover.

In an effort to expedite the recovery efforts from the flood damage and water damage in the Omaha area, SERVPRO of Sarpy County has increased capacity over 1000%.  With the dozens of extra trucks in town and a large trailers loaded with water mitigation equipment, we have been able to service over 1,000 households and businesses in need.

We recently published this article providing tips to minimize flood damage and water damage.  Here are some safety tips for returning to your home after flood damage:

• Do NOT return to your home until the authorities declare the area safe.
• If you see downed power lines, stay away and report them to the authorities and the power company.
• Approach your home carefully, as it may have structural damage.
• Be alert for wild animals such as snakes that may have come in with the floodwater.
• If you smell natural gas or propane or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
• Get all electrical appliances checked by an electrician or appliance technician before turning them on.
• Throw away all food and medicine that may have come into contact with floodwater...WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT.
• Wear goggles, robber-soled shoes, long pants and sleeves, and rubber or leather gloves while working in or around your flood-damaged property.
• Check out this Omaha World Herald article for additional tips.

Here are some additional resources for flood cleanup tips:

• Indoor Air Quality (EPA.gov)
• KMTV article on flood cleanup and lung health
• DisasterAssistance.gov
• General advice from the EPA

If you have flood damage or water damage in your home or business call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355.  Our experienced crews are always here to help.

Flood and Water Damage Tips

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

Record flooding is causing flood damage and water damage to homes and businesses in and around the Omaha area.  The flooding is expected to continue and possibly get worse over the coming days.

We have received several hundred calls for help in the last 24 hours and our crews are out in full force.

In order to better serve your needs, we have multiple crews and truckloads of equipment in route to assist with the cleanup and restoration effort. We expect to increase our service capacity by over 400% in the next 24-48 hours.

Generally speaking, water from a supply line is considered clean, while water from drains is considered contaminated. There are exceptions to this general guideline.

If you have clean water damage, consult this article on our website.

If you have contaminated water damage, consult this article on our website.

If you are unsure of the classification of water affecting your property, consult your water damage experts at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355 and we will help as best we can.

Tips to Minimize Flood Damage and Water Damage

Here are a few actions you should take TODAY:

• Check your basement at least daily for water. 
  • Be sure to check all exterior walls, including behind furniture.
  • Check around all baseboards and at corners for signs of moisture.
• Ensure gutter downspouts are not leaking and are directing water away from the structure.
• Walk around the outside of your property, checking for low spots and standing water.  If possible, fill low spots with dirt and push standing water away from the structure.

If you experience water damage or flood damage, call the SERVPRO of Sarpy County team of trusted professionals at 402-291-3355. Our experienced crews are always here to help.

Minimizing Damage From Frozen Pipes in the Omaha, NE Metro

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Due to the bitter cold in the Omaha metro today, we are getting many calls about frozen pipes and water damage. In addition to scheduling our expert technicians to help them recover, we offer advice on what to do until help arrives. The answer depends on whether the water is clean or contaminated.

Generally speaking, water from a supply line is considered clean, while water from drains is considered contaminated. There are exceptions to this general guideline.

If you are unsure of the classification of water affecting your property, consult your water damage experts at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355 and we will help as best we can.

If you have contaminated water damage, consult this article on our website.

CLEAN Water Damage Tips

DO:

• Shut off the source of the water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible my mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangars to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

If you experience water damage from frozen pipes, call the SERVPRO of Sarpy County team of trusted professionals at 402-291-3355. Our experienced crews are always here to help.

Frigid Temps Can Cause Water Damage in the Omaha Metro

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and heavy snow to shovel.  With lows expected to be more than -10 degrees this week, we are also at risk for frozen pipes, which can cause a major water damage disaster at your house or business.

With the extreme cold comes an increased risk for frozen pipes in cooler areas of your home or business.  Here are some tips to help prevent pipes in areas such as basements, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets from freezing during the coming cold snap:

• Open faucets slightly to let water drip or slowly trickle during extreme cold.
• Keep your heat set to a consistent temperature 24 x 7.
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air circulate near the plumbing, especially those near outside walls.
• Consider insulating pipes in especially cold areas of your home like crawlspaces or attics.

If you experience water damage, call the SERVPRO of Sarpy County team of trusted professionals at 402-291-3355. Our experienced crews are always here to help.

Ice Dam Problems in Omaha, NE

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Ice Dams can form easily and cause much damage

After the last winter storm came through the Omaha, NE area, we received several calls about water damage due to ice dams.

Ice dams can form when heat from the attic melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still frozen ice.  When the trapped water cannot run safely into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof's shingles and into the building's interior, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall.

If you see icicles forming on your roof's edges, you might have an ice dam.  Inside the building, you should check for water stains or moisture in the attic or along the ceiling of exterior walls.  Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane.

Removing an ice dam as soon as it is found is vital to helping prevent damage to your property and can be done with heated cables, a roof shovel, or calcium chloride ice melt.

If you experience water damage, call the SERVPRO of Sarpy County team of trusted professionals at 402-291-3355. Our experienced crews are always here to help.

Preventing Frozen Pipes in Omaha, NE

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

With temperatures dipping into single digits and below,  the risk for frozen pipes increases significantly.  Our crews respond to several calls about water damage due to frozen pipes each winter.

Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your home, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture us caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage.  A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take, according to the Red Cross:

• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air circulate near the plumbing.
• When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes.
• Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.
• Be sure to completely drain water from exterior water lines, such as pools, sprinklers and hoses.

If you experience water damage, call the SERVPRO of Sarpy County team of trusted professionals at 402-291-3355. Our experienced crews are always here to help.

SERVPRO Adds Water Damage Capability in the Omaha Metro

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

We have increased our capacity to cleanup water damage in the Omaha Metro!

Near the end of every summer, we re-evaluate our service capabilities to ensure that we are prepared to provide the best possible disaster response to the Omaha community and beyond.
The featured addition to our arsenal this year is another extra-large cargo van with a truck-mounted water extractor. In the capable hands of our expert technicians, this monster makes quick work of flood water and helps us to better mitigate water damage, making us more efficient and effective in responding to disasters, large and small.
If your Omaha-area home or business needs water damage cleanup, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Sarpy County at 402-291-3355. Our experienced crews are always here to help.

SERVPRO Helps Omaha Residents to Minimize Water Damage

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to use a certified team like SERVPRO of Sarpy County to ensure your water damage does not turm into mold damage.

Each spring, we receive several calls seeking advice about water damaged basements.  Callers want to know what they can do to minimize damage until our crews arrive to professionally clean and dry their property.  The answer depends on whether the water is clean or contaminated.  Generally speaking, water from a supply line is considered clean, while water from drains is considered contaminated.  There are exceptions to this general guideline.  If you are unsure of the classification of water affecting your property, consult your water damage experts at SERVPRO of Sarpy County and we will help as best we can.

CLEAN Water Damage Tips

DO:
• Shut off the source of the water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible my mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangars to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

DO NOT:
• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas of electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

CONTAMINATED Water Damage Tips

DO:
• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DO NOT:
• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

The most important thing to remember is that if you have any questions or require help; call the professionals. Your friends at SERVPRO of Sarpy County are here to help 24x7.

Omaha Metro Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

10/2/2015 (Permalink)

Heavy rains caused this basement in Omaha to flood. This before picture shows the mess left behind after all water had receded.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Omaha Metro basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface Water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-Water tank failure
• And many more...

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Please Call Us At  402-291-3355.