Here's how to tell the difference between clean, gray and black water for your Middle River water damage!

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers from a water damage, its critical to know the difference between the classes of contaminated water. There are 3 classes of water: Clean, Gray and Black. Understanding the class of water is quintessential into understanding the severity of your water damage and the risk it poses on those exposed.

Clean water: Generally, clean water is usually from a broken pipe, water from a hot water heater, or sink. Could you drink this water? If yes, then your water damage is coming from a clean water source. However, if the clean water has been left untreated for over 24 hours, the class will change.

Gray water: Water that is slightly contaminated, such as water from a clean water source that leaked through a ceiling, or clean water that was left untreated. Gray water contains bacteria and is where microbes will begin to multiply. While not as dangerous as black water, gray water still poses a health risk if ingested or interacted with. In addition, if left untreated it could cause further damage as well as become black water.

Black water: Water that is highly contaminated with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, viruses and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should never be handled by the homeowner and should always be handled by a trained certified professional. Despite the name, black water is not always black; sometimes it appears clear. If it comes below a drain trap in a shower, washing machine or sink, and NOT the faucet, it’s considered black with an unknown contamination time.

Have a water damage in Perry Hall or Parkville?

If so, don’t wait! If you see signs of water damage in your home, investigate the cause. If it is coming from inside of the home, such as a sump pump or toilet overflow, first call a plumber to ensure that the water stops coming into your home. Then, call your local SERVPRO! A water damage specialist will be able to dry the structure, carpet, and hardwood, and salvage contents such as clothing and electronics but not everyone is equipped to do this: we are. We can help you restore your home to the way it was before.

Remember: Water damages are expensive to treat, but it is far more expensive to wait. If the water damage in your home is not treated by a professional within 48-72 hours of the initial leak, it will cause further damage not only to the structure, but to YOU too. In only 48-72 hours, bacteria will flourish and grow within the wet, moist, and humid environment of a water damage site.

*SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase is a locally owned and independently operated Franchise, nationally recognized by all insurance companies. We go anywhere we are called, and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

How clean is the standing water in your Chase water damaged home?

11/7/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers from a water damage, its critical to know the difference between different levels of contaminated water. There are 3 classes of water, Clean, Gray and Black. Understanding the class of water is quintessential into understanding the severity of your Water or Storm damage and the risk it poses on those exposed.

Clean water: Clean water is water from a broken pipe, water from a hot water heater, or sink. If you can safely say that the water on Could you drink this water? If yes, then you have a clean water source water damage. If no, or if it’s a clean water source that has been out for more than 24 hours, read on to the next classes of water, Gray and black.

Gray water: Water that is slightly contaminated, such as water from a clean water source that leaked through a ceiling, or clean water that was left untreated. Gray water has bacteria and other contaminates beginning to grow.

Black water:  Is water that is highly contaminated, filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, viruses and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should never be handled by the homeowner and should always be handled by a trained certified professional.  Black water is sometimes a misnomer, black water is not always black, sometimes it appears clear, but if it comes below a drain trap in a shower, washing machine or sink, and NOT the faucet, its considered black, contaminated water, with an unknown contamination time.

Need Water Damage repair in Sparrows Point or Parkville?

Chances are, if you’re reading this now you may be in need of repair, if so, don’t wait! Call SERVPRO of Sparrows Point / Essex / Chase if you see signs of any water coming into your home.

(443)-231-6179

Water damage restoration can be expensive, but it’s more expensive to wait. A water damage specialist will be able to dry the structure, carpet, and hardwood, and salvage contents such as clothing and electronics but not everyone is equipped to do this (WE ARE!). If the water damage in your home is not treated within by a professional within 48-72 hours of the initial leak, it’s highly likely you will get mold, which will cause the removal process to become more hazardous, and difficult to remove as time allows the mold to grow and spread.

*SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase is a Locally owned and independently operated Franchise, nationally recognized by all insurance companies is IICRC certified, we go anywhere we are called and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

What to do after you call SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase and what to do when the crew begins work - Dundalk, MD, USA

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

What to do after you call SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase and what to do when the crew begins work - Fullerton, MD, USA

Call your insurance company

Ask your agent if this is a covered loss, and what your deductible will be.  This can be done before or after calling SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase as we accept all insurance plans and you can also pay yourself – whether you are covered or not, this will not affect your ability to receive service.

What to do while the Crew is at work

Once the services have been arranged, and the SERVPRO crew is at work, do your best to keep all equipment running, still keep children out of the area as well as pets and do not be afraid to ask questions. While your plumber is there ask if there are ways to prevent a Sewage back up or back flow from happening again and ask him about installing a Backflow valve.

When the work is done

First off, pat yourself on the back for making it through this turbulent time! When the services are complete, SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase will arrange to have your walls and flooring replaced and then it will be "Like it never even happened." 

Need to get in touch with SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase? Give us a call! (443)-231-6179

Eastern Baltimore County: SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase is your local Basement Water Damage Clean Up Expert!

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall – especially in Sparrows Point, Essex and Chase Maryland. That’s because of our close proximity to the intricate water ways in our area. 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 Eastern Baltimore County 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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (443)-231-6179

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (410) 633-4383

Water Damage Clean Up Experts in Sparrows Point

8/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase 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 - (443)-231-6179

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 Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase

SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase is Faster to any size Disaster in Eastern Baltimore County!

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase is the top choice for Residential and Commercial Water damage restoration in Eastern Baltimore County!

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (443)-231-6179

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants can cause health effects.

About SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase

SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Eastern Baltimore County: here is what you do to get your flooded crawlspace under control

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these steps to regain control until help arrives. 

If it can be done safely, determine the source, and stop water form coming in.

Did it rain like cats and dogs last night? Is water coming from the hot water heater? Maybe your refrigerator (sometimes, the ice maker line breaks and causes extensive flooding)? Turn the water off or skip to step two if it is storm related and it’s still raining.

Move items out of the wet areas

SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/ Essex/ Chase's number one tip: Do what you can without hurting yourself. Do not do heavy lifting or awkward bending if your doctor has instructed you not to. Start by “blocking” furniture (place aluminum foil under furniture legs or wood blocks; this prevents the furniture from staining the flooring, which happens often when a water damage occurs). 

Wipe water excess from surfaces after removing lamps and objects on top, and move wet area rugs away from floors, their dyes often bleed and stain wood flooring and carpet.  Perhaps the garage, or on top of a large trashbag/tarp.

The mitigation company should handle the rest, Here is how the SERVPRO System handles your contents

Remove excess water with towels, or Mop.

Blot or mop excess water from carpet with clean neutral colored towels and clean mops. (heavily dyed or soiled towels may bleed and dye the area).

Schedule repairs and mitigation services to restore your wet basement. 

If you’ve determined the source, call to schedule to have it fixed immediately, then call your insurance company to file a claim if you wish to, then call an IICRC certified restoration company. 

Not all Restoration companies are equal

Get to know your options and make sure to read reviews from their website and from review sites, inspect before and after pictures, and check certifications. This is not something that anyone can do, in fact the proper equipment and chemicals aren’t even available to those who are not properly trained, licensed and insured in this field, all of which cost thousands and thousands of dollars each year to renew not to mention the mind boggling costs to get trained. Hiring an amateur or someone who considers themselves a handyman will lead to future problems and a bigger bill in the long run, and often times these handymen cost triple what a normal emergency restoration company would charge in the first place.

Baltimore County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

This Baltimore County home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains.

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 Baltimore County 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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 443-231-6179

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 443-231-6179

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dundalk/Essex/Chase provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Baltimore County.

SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase 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 - 443-231-6179

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 Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Sparrows Point/Essex/Chase

SERVPRO of Sparrows Point /Essex/Chase specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.