Three Probable Causes of a Leaky Refrigerator

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

WATER FILTER

If your filter is not installed properly, or the filter is old or doesn't fit correctly with your refrigerator model, chances are there is a poor connection between the filter and the water supply. To prevent your refrigerator from leaking, check to see if water is escaping due to holes in the filter. Also, check the size and model of both the fridge and filter to ensure it's the correct part for your refrigerator.

DRAIN PAN

Examine the drain pan for any cracks, which is located at the bottom of the refrigerator. If you notice a significant amount of pooling underneath, chances are the pan has a crack and that's what is causing the leak. Replace the pan immediately if you notice any damage.

DEFROST DRAIN

One of the most common causes of a leaky refrigerator is a faulty defrost drain. When the defrost drain is blocked by food particles or ice, it prevents the water accumulated during the defrost cycle to properly drain into the pan. Eventually, water will start to build up. Without anywhere to drain, water will begin to flow right onto your floor. Remove any blockage caused by food particles or ice by flushing the drain with hot water and removing debris carefully.

Source: Roto-Rooter Online

Four Ways to Check for Hidden Water Leaks

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Think you may have a water leak somewhere in your home? Here are some good ways to tell when the leak is not obvious.

1. Pay Attention to Increased Water Bills

Monitor your water bill for sudden unexplained increases.

2. Check Your Water Meter

Pick a few hours when you can go without using the water in your home. Record your water meter before and after. Was there an increase?

3. Toilet Leaks

Put a drop of food coloring in your toilet’s tank. If within 15 minutes or less, the toilet bowl reveals that color, you may have a leak. Make sure to flush the toilet multiple times after performing this test so your bowl does not get stained.

4. Look for Mold

Where there is mold, there is moisture. Something is feeding that moisture. It’s possible there is a leak somewhere.

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs can assist with restoring water leaks as well as mold remediation. Call today to learn more about what we can do for you.

We Use Moisture Meters to Detect Water Damage You Cannot Easily See

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Just by glancing at the wall in the picture, one would assume that it is dry. It doesn’t appear to be wet. There is no water around the baseboard and there aren’t water droplets rolling down the wall. However, after a water damage disaster, one cannot make these kinds of assessments based on sight alone, which is why our water damage specialists use the moisture meter. This tool is an essential part of our restoration tool kit. We have two different kinds of moisture meters – one that lets us gather moisture levels from non-porous materials such as plaster and hardwood, and the other has prongs that we use on porous materials like carpet.  Moisture meters allow our technicians at SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs to detect and measure the percentage of water in any given material. Our water damage specialists then use this information to determine which materials have been affected and require the most attention.

Water Damage to Your Hardwood Flooring

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

It doesn’t require a disaster of the scope of a spring flood or hurricane to damage a wood floor. Plumbing leaks, fire hoses and the upstairs neighbor’s overflowing tub might pose problems for porous wood floors and substructures. Whatever the cause, water causes warping, and can trigger mold and mildew growth that can ruin wood. Major flooding creates problems in foundations and walls that must be addressed, but the first step in mitigating the damage done by water to a building -- including its wood floors -- is to gently but quickly ventilate and dry materials.

SERVPRO® of Helotes and Leon Springs uses commercial-grade machines that extract the water from the wood flooring with a powerful force.  If we are called immediately following a water damage event, there is a good possibility we can save your wood floors from buckling using the high-powered water extractors.  Don't hesitate to call right away.

Source: Homeguides

Causes of Refrigerator Leaks

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you’ve discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.

Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.

Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.

Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.

Refrigerator leaks can damage the flooring and cabinets in your kitchen.  If you experience a refrigerator leak, please contact us right away to treat and help to prevent any further damage.

Source: ER Plumbing

If Your Pipes Clog, use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

How To Unclog a Sink Safely

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks do not realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes. If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes.

Source: www.farmers.com

Overflowing Toilet – What to Do

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Help! My toilet overflowed!

An overflowing toilet is a problem everyone will likely deal with at some point. When water overflows from the bowl, chances are the culprit is a clogged toilet drain—usually an easy fix with some basic tools.

First, turn off the toilet’s water supply, on the wall behind the toilet. If you can’t find the water supply to stop the toilet overflowing, take the top off the tank and lift the float ball or cup high enough to stop the water from running. If that does not work, the shut off valve for the water supply to the house is generally located near the water heater.

Should overflow continue once the main water supply is off, you’re dealing with sewage backup, a serious situation due to the hazardous nature of the sewage water. If you are on a municipal septic system, you may need to call the city. If you have a septic tank, you’ll need a plumbing company that can flush out your system.

If you need help cleaning up after a leaky toilet that has caused water damage, please do not hesitate to call today: (210) 361-9353

Source: Bob Vila online

Hot Water Leak Causes Damage in San Antonio Kitchen

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

We responded to an emergency water damage call in a San Antonio home. Summer had just begun, and mom along with her two children were enjoying the slower pace of life. The three had spent the morning in their pool and worked up quite the appetite. Mom decided to step inside to get food started for lunch while the kids stayed outside and dried off. Mom opened the backdoor and there in front of her was a flood in her kitchen and a hole in her ceiling. She shut off the water, called her children in to help, and then called us to mitigate the rest of the water damage. Shortly thereafter, she discovered her hot water heater was to blame for this disaster. The hot water heater, which was located in the attic above the kitchen, had sprung a leak. As more and more water was absorbed by the drywall, water began to pool and the kitchen ceiling started to bow. Eventually, the ceiling couldn’t hold the weight of the water any longer and the kitchen was flooded with water from above. Our technicians cleaned up the ceiling debris and extracted the standing water. They also cut and removed additional drywall that had been affected by water damage. It is important to get rid of drywall that has gotten wet as soon as possible because when it gets wet, it loses its structural integrity. In addition (and very importantly), removing water quickly will help minimize the potential for  mold growth. After several days of drying, the moisture levels met our dryness goals.  We were happy to say, "another home back to normal after experiencing a water damage emergency". 

Warped Kitchen Cabinets Under the Sink

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Underneath the Kitchen Sink

At SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, we’re are often called due to water damage found underneath a kitchen sink.  Often times, there is a slow leak that has occurred over time causing water damage and, in many cases, mold growth. The water will get absorbed into the wood of the cabinets and cause them to warp. Kitchen sinks with garbage disposals are especially prone to leaky pipes under the sink. In order to prevent water damage, it’s important to inspect your kitchen sink pipes and make sure everything is dry and working properly. What you find might surprise you.  If you have discovered water damage underneath your kitchen sink or have discovered mold growth, please call us today at SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs as it is very important to restore and remediate the problem right away so the situation does not get worse and continue warping kitchen cabinets and flooring. Call today!

Save My Hardwood Flooring!

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

"How to remove water from my wood floors"

Your wood floors can be saved if you act quickly. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs uses high power water extracting machines specifically designed to "suck" the water out of your home or business' wood flooring. Replacing wood flooring can be very costly, but if you act quickly, you can save what you already have as well as time and money. Once the water is extracted, industrial grade air movers and dehumidifiers are placed to completely dry the area. Removing all the water also prevents mold growth as well as bacteria growth. Industrial grade anti-fungal treatments are also applied to prevent secondary damage. To learn more about water removal extraction from SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, click HERE.  

SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is here to help and faster to any disaster. The first 48 hours are critical to a water damage. Call today: (210) 361-9353

How Quickly Does Mold Grow After Water Damage

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Maybe you had a water leak from a plumbing problem or from a leaky refrigerator. Maybe we had a major storm, hurricane, or tornado sweep through the San Antonio area. Either way, now your home has water damage. Depending on how severe the water damage, you are probably asking yourself, “Should I clean up the water damage myself or hire a professional?”.  The following are a couple things to consider. First, hopefully, the water damage will be covered by your insurance company. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs works with all insurance companies in the area and knows what each company is looking for (this will make things easier on you). Second, if the area is not properly and completely dried out, even in the areas you cannot see, the structure will more than likely suffer secondary damage. What is secondary damage? Mold growing in your home is known as secondary damage after a water damage event. Mold needs moisture to grown and it can grow within 24-48 hours.  Time is a factor after a water damage. If mold is already growing in your home after a water damage, SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs can remediate that as well. We are here to help. Give us a call today!

With Water Damage and Flooding, It's Best to Act Quickly

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

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 pose serious risks to occupants.

 SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is Faster to Any Size Disaster and Here to Help. Call today to start the water damage restoration process. We will work with your insurance every step of the way. 

What Is Secondary Damage After a Water Damage?

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster.

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

If your refrigerator is leaking water and causing water damage to your flooring it’s usually because of one of two reasons.

Reason #1 your fridge is leaking:

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clog up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

Fix: First, try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to forcibly remove the clog. If this doesn't fix the problem you may need to manually remove the debris that is clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose.

Reason #2 your fridge is leaking

From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to puddle beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop water flow from the dispenser.

Fix: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator, or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks, or clogs in the plastic supply line.

Source: CNET online

Water Damage to a Mobile or Manufactured Home

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a Mobile or Manufactured Home

At SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, we often are asked if we can restore water damage to mobile or manufactured homes.  The answer is “yes”! Mobile homes and manufactured homes are treated for water damage very similarly to single family homes. Actually, the process is often times quicker.  If the mobile or manufactured home is not often used, many times the water damage goes undetected for some time and has caused mold growth to form as well. Mold growth after untreated water damage is called “secondary damage”. SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs is mold certified and can treat the secondary damage in addition to the water damage if needed.

If you suspect water damage or mold growth in your mobile of manufactured home, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs today.  We will work with your insurance.

How to Fix Your Fridge When It's Leaking Water

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

If your refrigerator is leaking water and causing water damage to your flooring it’s usually because if one of two reasons.

Reason #1 - A Blocked Drain

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clogs up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

How to Fix It: Flush the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. Use a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger in a pinch to forcibly remove the clog. 

Reason #2 - A Clogged or Frozen Supply Line

A clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to form beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production and water flow from the ice maker.

How to Fix It: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator, or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks, or clogs in the plastic supply line.

If you have suffered a water damage due to a leaky refrigerator, please call us at SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs today! (210) 973-7636

Source: CNET online

What Never to Pour Down Your Sinks

7/28/2019 (Permalink)

Always avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause serious damage and blockage.

Using detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain may help sometimes, but there’s no guarantee it will keep the grease from sticking to your pipes.

The safest thing to do is just to pour your cooled grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator.  Once it hardens, throw it away in the garbage can.

Pipe leaks from clogged pipes can cause water damage to your home as well as mold damage if the water damage is not soon addressed. To learn more about water damage restoration from SERVPRO of Helotes / Leon Springs, click here.

Source: Farmers online

Keep an eye on your water bill in order to detect leaks

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Keep an eye on your water bill in order to detect leaks 

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

It's not uncommon for us to get a call from a homeowner who has mold behind their dishwasher or mold behind their sink because there has been a slow leak in a pipe in their walls. It's always a good idea to take care of any water leak as soon as possible in order to prevent mold from forming in addition to the water damage.

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

1. Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

Basement Flood Clean-ups and Restoration

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

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  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 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 leiting 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

Causes of Water Damage & What To Do if You Experience It

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

If a flood or leak affects your San Antonio home or business, call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs to properly take care of your water damage!

Water is an important substance, but it can also be one of the most destructive. Homes and businesses cannot survive without water. However, when water leaks or causes flooding, it can be a devastating loss. A water damage disaster can result as a cause of the following factors:

• HVAC issues
• Faulty household appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, etc)
• Leaking pipes or a pipe burst
• Faulty plumbing systems
• Natural disasters

If you experience a water damage emergency, it is important that you address the situation immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to minimizing the amount of damage done to your San Antonio home or office. The longer you allow water to sit and saturate your property, the more damage there will be done to it. It can even lead to secondary damage, also known as mold! So, what should you do if you have a flood or leak in your house or commercial property?

• Switch off the main water line to prevent additional water from intruding into your home.
• So long as the water is clean, remove any items out of the area that have been affected and remove or push back any items that may become affected. Set affected items out to dry and use a fan to help.
• Depending on the cause of the water damage, it may be advised to call a plumber to fix the problem.
• Call in a trained and licensed restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs, to begin mitigation.
• Remove excess water by mopping, blotting, or with a wet/dry vac while you wait for the technicians to arrive. Do not use a regular household vacuum to extract the water!
• Turn on the air conditioner and set up fans to help with the drying process.

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help with all your water damage emergencies. Our team of technicians is available for emergency mitigation and restoration 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  If you are in need of assistance, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call – (210) 361-9353

Air Conditioner Causes Water Damage To Ceiling

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

The yellowish water spots the San Antonio homeowner noticed on the ceiling in the master bedroom

The homeowner of this house in San Antonio, Texas noticed water spots had appeared on the ceiling of his master bedroom. Realizing that the cause of the water damage was likely the air conditioner located in the attic above the room, he climbed up to take a look. Sure enough, that was the culprit of the damage. He called out an HVAC repair company to fix the problem with the air conditioner, and then he called us, SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs, to mitigate the water damage done to the floor of the attic and the ceiling of the bedroom. Our technicians removed all affected drywall, and set up several of our air movers to dry out the wet areas. After a few days of drying and daily moisture checks, the moisture levels were low and back to normal, so our crew pulled the equipment and packed up. The floor of the attic and ceiling of the bedroom were repaired, and it was like this water disaster never even happened!

San Antonio's 24-Hour Emergency Restoration Company

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Disaster can strike at any moment. It doesn't abide by a 9-to-5 schedule. It doesn't care if it's the weekend or a holiday or the middle of the night. And it is almost never (if ever) a convenient time for an emergency situation to arise. 

So why choose an "emergency" remediation and restoration company who only chooses to be available to help you only during regular business hours? Our team at SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs understands that when you need help, you need it immediately! That is why our staff and technicians are ready to assist you whenever water or fire damage occurs, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our team at SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs has been proudly serving the San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country areas with their water mitigation, fire restoration, mold remediation, and carpet cleaning needs since 2002. If you ever need us, we are always here to help! (210) 973-7636

Washing Machine Malfunction Results in Water Damage

8/3/2017 (Permalink)

A portion of the affected area after this house experienced water damage due to a washing machine malfunction.

SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs received a call late one evening. The couple who owns this San Antonio home decided to go out for a last minute date night to grab dinner and catch a movie. Before heading out, the couple threw a load of laundry into the washing machine. When they returned home, they discovered a flood that affected a large portion of their house. The couple quickly realized that the washing machine was the culprit of this disaster. That is when they placed the call to SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs. Our technicians arrived at the scene, removed any standing water, and set up equipment. A number of air movers and dehumidifiers were strategically placed throughout the San Antonio home to ensure that it was properly and thoroughly dried out. 

If your home or business requires mitigation services, call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs. We are here to help! (210) 973-7636

Preventative Measures To Help Keep Your House Dry

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

If your San Antonio home experiences water damage, call the team in green! (210) 973-7636

Water damage can occur in homes in a variety of ways. It is important that San Antonio homeowners check their house for leaks by inspecting pipes and connections in the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. When checking in the kitchen, don’t forget to check connections to dishwashers, and refrigerators with water and ice dispensers. Look under and around sinks, and around bathtubs for any discoloration, which may be a sign that water is leaking from them.

Check the floors around your water heater for moist or wet spots. Areas of moisture could indicate that you have a problem, such as a rusted tank. If necessary, replace the tank as soon as possible.

Make sure water is flowing properly down drains. If water drains slowly or not at all, you can attempt to clear the drain with a drain snake, plunger, or drain-clearing solution. If your attempt to unclog it yourself is unsuccessful, call a professional for further assistance. This may be an indication that your main sewer line is clogged and that water has nowhere to go. If ignored, sewage can backup into your home.

To keep drains and pipes clear, follow some simple steps, such as never flushing diapers and other inappropriate items down toilets and not pouring cooking oils down sink drains. In addition, backflow valves should be installed in sanitary and storm sewer lines.

A leak in the roof of your home and clogged gutters and downspouts can cause significant water damage inside your house. As soon as you notice a leak in your roof, tarp over it if need be, then have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible. In addition, keep all gutters and downspouts free of leaves and other debris so that the water can move away from your home and foundation.

Owners of properties located in areas prone to flooding should consider applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the exterior walls and installing watertight shields over doors, windows and other openings.

To ensure that pipes do not freeze and burst in the winter, cover exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping, keep the heat in your home at or above 55°F, and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Letting water trickle from the faucet can help prevent pipes from freezing. Don’t forget to insulate any pipes you have in the attic that may be prone to freezing.

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is always here to help! Call (210) 973-7636 for all your mitigation, remediation, and restoration needs!

What To Do If You Have A Water Leak

12/28/2016 (Permalink)

Water leaks can happen at any moment and wreak havoc on your home. They can come from a number of sources from a bad hose on your ice maker, to a leaking washing machine, to an overflowing toilet.  It is important to familiarize yourself with what to do in case of a disaster so that you can minimize the damage done to your home and belongings, and get it back in order as fast as possible.

So, what should you do once you’ve discovered a water leak?

Shut off your main water supply! This will close off the water line going into your San Antonio home and prevent any additional water from entering. It is a good idea to locate this shut-off before an emergency happens so that you aren't trying to find it with your home and belongings at stake.

Shut off the electricity to outlets if the water is near them.

Call SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for all your water removal needs!

To prevent further damage, soak up as much water as you can with towels and mops.

Collect personal belongings from the affected area and move them to a dry space.

Protect your furniture by putting blocks underneath it to get it off the wet floor.

Being prepared and following these simple steps can mean the difference between a major loss and a small inconvenience. Remember: when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.

If you are in need of water removal, give SERVPRO of Helotes & Leon Springs a call 24/7 at 210.973.7636!

Bexar County Water Removal Experts

9/14/2016 (Permalink)

Have you ever came home to standing water?
Perhaps you just enjoyed a long 3 day weekend out of town only to come home to find water gushing out of your front door?

Unfortunately, these things happen, and often times can come at the most inopportune times.

Fortunately, SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is here to help.  We like to assure people that even if you aren't prepared for a water event to happen SERVPRO always is!

We have the knowledge and experience to help in whatever your situation is, so, even if your kitchen is flooded don't be afraid, give us a call and we'll take care of it all!

Even if a water damage is a very stressful event for any person be assured that when we arrive you can sit back and relax, we have it covered.  Let us take care of the work and hardships so you don't have to.  We'll be happy to make it "Like it never even happened."

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

9/12/2016 (Permalink)

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 San Antonio 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 - 210-973-7636

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 Helotes and Leon Springs 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 210-973-7636

Faster to your Bexar County Water Damage Event

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs 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 Helotes and Leon Springs 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 – (210) 973-7636

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 pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs 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.

Leon Springs 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs 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 - 210-973-7636

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 Helotes and Leon Springs 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 Helotes and Leon Springs

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs 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.