Stop the Drip. A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

If your faucet is leaking, contact a professional today.

A leaky faucet is a common household problem that can waste a significant amount of water if left unaddressed. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively simple task that can be accomplished by following a few basic steps. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fix a leaky faucet.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you begin to work on the faucet, you need to turn off the water supply to prevent any water from flowing. To do this, locate the shut-off valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to shut off the water.

Step 2: Remove the Handle

Use a screwdriver to remove the handle of the faucet. Depending on the type of faucet you have, there may be a screw on top of the handle or a set screw on the side. Once you remove the screw, gently pull the handle off the faucet.

Step 3: Remove the Packing Nut

Once you have removed the handle, you will need to remove the packing nut. The packing nut is located just below the handle and can be removed using a wrench. Turn the nut counterclockwise until it comes off.

Step 4: Remove the Stem

Once you have removed the packing nut, you can remove the stem of the faucet. The stem is the long, cylindrical part of the faucet that the handle attaches to. Use pliers to pull the stem out of the faucet body.

Step 5: Replace the Washer

The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. Inspect the washer for any signs of wear or damage, and replace it if necessary. To remove the washer, use a screwdriver to pry it off the stem.

Step 6: Reassemble the Faucet

Once you have replaced the washer, reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that you disassembled it. Insert the stem back into the faucet body, tighten the packing nut, and reattach the handle.

Step 7: Turn On the Water Supply

After you have reassembled the faucet, turn on the water supply and test the faucet to ensure that it is no longer leaking. If the faucet still leaks, you may need to replace other parts, such as the O-ring or cartridge.

In conclusion, fixing a leaky faucet is a simple DIY task that can be accomplished with just a few basic tools. By following these steps, you can save money on your water bill and prevent water waste. However, if you are not comfortable performing the repair yourself, it's always a good idea to call a professional plumber to ensure that the repair is done correctly.

Fire Extinguisher Safety

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

Fire extinguisher safety is important to know when and how to use one properly

If you ever find yourself in a situation where there is a fire in your home, it's important to know what to do. Fires can be dangerous and life-threatening. They also have the potential to damage everything in their path. If you know how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, though, it's possible that you will be able to stop a small blaze before it gets out of control or causes serious damage. Here are some tips on how best to fight an emergency fire.

Six Feet Away.

Do not stand closer than six feet from the fire. The heat, smoke and flames can injure or kill you if you are too close. If your clothing catches on fire, stop what you're doing and drop to the ground immediately! Roll around in a blanket or rug until the flames are out. Do NOT run away from it because that will only fan the flames!

Be careful when dealing with hot embers after extinguishing an outdoor fire as they may still be burning inside their casings and could start another blaze if handled improperly (or even just touched).

Never use water on a grease fire.

If you think you have a grease fire, don't use water to put it out. Water causes the oil in the pan to spread and can make the flames larger. Instead, get yourself a dry powder fire extinguisher and aim for the base of the flame. Having a fire extinguisher in your kitchen incase of an emergency is always a good idea.

Call a Professional.

If you are in doubt about how to use a fire extinguisher, or if you feel unsafe near the fire, call the fire department. If that's not possible, or if it takes too long for them to arrive and put out your blaze, then here are some other ways that you can handle it yourself. Call a professional fire extinguisher service. There are many companies that offer this kind of service, they'll come out with their own equipment and take care of everything!

Call a professional fire damage restoration company. They can help clean up any messes left behind by extinguished flames before they cause any more damage than necessary. Give SERVPRO a call for remediation after a fire loss to your property.

As you can see, there are many ways to extinguish a fire. Even so, it's important to remember that safety always comes first. If you are unsure about how to use a fire extinguisher or if there is any doubt in your mind about whether or not you should use one at all, call 911 immediately! 

Factors to Consider When Getting Professional Mold Inspection

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your Egg Harbor home, it is important that you take action.

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp areas. It can be found growing on any organic material, and it thrives in warm, dark places with high humidity. Mold growth can be an issue in homes and businesses, leading to structural damage. If you notice mold around your home or business, it's important to have it professionally inspected and tested as soon as possible. An inspector will advise you on what actions should be taken based on the results of their inspection and testing services.

Hidden Mold

Mold is sometimes visible and sometimes invisible to the naked eye. Mold can be seen as a black or green discoloration, as a black or white powdery substance, and as a black or brown slimy substance. The growth of mold can be in different colors due to its spores being present on many surfaces in your home or office. 

Property Damage from Mold

When you hire a professional to check for mold, they will assess the property thoroughly and identify any potential issues. Mold can cause property damage as it grows throughout your home or business. The presence of mold is also an indicator that there is water damage somewhere in your building.

Mold growth has a negative impact on the value of your home; when it's visible, buyers will usually consider this problem before making their final decision on whether or not they want to buy the property.

Professional Mold Inspection

If you suspect that there may be mold in your home, it's best to get an inspection done by a certified inspector.

This can help you determine whether or not there is actually any visible mold on the surfaces of your home and also what kinds of molds are present in the air quality of your home.

Similarly, if there has been any recent water damage or leaks that have caused moisture problems in your home (such as a flooded basement), then professional mold testing should also be performed to ensure that the moisture levels have been brought back down to normal levels before returning to living spaces where occupants will spend time breathing them in every day.

Getting a Mold Sample

Choose the location of the test. It is important for you to choose where you want your home inspected, or what area of your home you would like tested. Your inspector should be able to assess all possible places where mold can grow and provide you with a list of areas that need to be checked out as well as ones that are safe from contamination.

Indoor Air Quality Check

Inspectors should be able to conduct an indoor air quality test on request. If you have a concern about the amount of airborne mold in your home, you can ask for an indoor air quality test. The results of this test will help determine whether remediation is necessary and effective.

Mold Remediation Professionals

SERVPRO of Egg Harbor/ Township is available 24/7. If you are experiencing a mold emergency or need professional mold remediation services, call us at 609-383-9785. Our staff can help you with any questions or concerns regarding the cleanup process and will be happy to provide you with an estimate for any necessary work.

If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your Egg Harbor home, it is important that you take action. Mold can be dangerous and harmful to your health. The first step is to contact SERVPRO for expert mold removal services.

9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Company

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t be afraid to ask these questions, as they are all reasonable and pertinent to the services you will receive.

9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Company

The water damage restoration industry is a highly competitive industry to be in. No matter what city or state you live in, there are likely many restoration companies to choose from after suffering from a water loss. That's why it's important to do your research when choosing a water damage restoration company. The last thing you want to do is hire an inexperienced company to handle your water disaster. You want to make sure they have the right equipment, staff, and training to handle any type of water damage. So, before you hire a restoration company, ask them questions about.

1. How Long Have They In Business?

It's important to ask a restoration business how long they have been in business because not only does it show that they have been around for a while, which means they're likely to be more reliable, but it also shows that they are experienced and know what they're doing. If you're looking for a company to do some work on your house, it's best to find one that has experience with that kind of work, so you can trust that the job will be done well and correctly.

Make sure to ask the restoration business the following:

• How long have they been in business?
• How long have they been in the industry?
• How long have they been providing this type of service?

2. Do They Have a License?

It is important to verify that your water damage restoration company has a license. In some states, it is illegal for anyone other than a licensed contractor to perform any type of water damage repair. Licenses are an excellent indicator of quality because they indicate that the company has met certain standards and has been reviewed by a third-party appraiser.

3. Do They Have Experience?

The next step is to ask about their experience. You need to know that the company has had experience in dealing with your type of water damage, whether it is a flood or another type of disaster. How many times have they performed restoration services like yours? What types of jobs have they completed in the past? Do they have references? It's important to ask these questions because if they haven't done this type of work before, there may be some mistakes made that could cost you more money down the road.

4. What Services do They Offer?

Once you've established that the company you're considering is licensed and insured, it's time to start asking questions. 

What services do they offer? Water damage restoration companies will typically offer a variety of services including water removal, dehumidification, furniture removal and air quality testing. They may also be able to help with odor removal as well as sanitation and cleaning. A good water damage restoration company will also be prepared to restore your property back to its pre-damaged state.

5. Are They Available 24/7?

If you have an emergency situation, it's important to know that your water damage restoration company can be reached 24/7. What happens if you have a flood at 2am? Will they pick up the phone and help you then? You want a company that will respond quickly when you need them most. That's just one of the benefits of working with a full-service restoration company such as SERVPRO of Egg Harbor/Township—they're available 24/7 for emergency calls or after-hours emergencies.

6. Will They Work with My Insurance?

While it is your job to pay for the repairs, you will find that many insurance companies are willing to reimburse you if they can determine that the damage was not your fault. Insurance companies have their own process for deciding whether or not they will pay for a claim. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, ask before hiring a company.

7. What Type of Equipment Do They Use?

Water damage restoration companies have a myriad of equipment at their disposal. Some of these tools are considered standard industry equipment, while others are unique to the company you choose. One way to find out what type of equipment they use and why is by asking them about it directly. If you’re not sure what they should be using, here’s a list:

• Dehumidifiers – These machines remove excess moisture from your home so that it can dry quickly and prevent mold growth. They also keep humidity levels low which prevents further damage from occurring in your home
• Steam cleaners – This machine uses high-temperature hot water steam to clean up any remaining dirt or grime left behind by the flood water in your house after it has been removed
• Air movers – These fans blow air around your home so that all its surfaces get dried properly before being covered up again; this helps prevent further damage from occurring because airflow will be improved thus allowing better circulation throughout every room

8. Are the Technicians Trained?

One of the most important questions to ask when hiring a water damage restoration company is whether or not they have trained technicians. This will allow you to be certain that the job will be done right and in a timely manner, which can often mean the difference between having dry floors and walls or remaining damp for weeks on end.

Trained technicians are also more likely to do an excellent job at cleaning up your Northfield, NJ home after it has been damaged by water because they know what equipment works best for removing mold and mildew from surfaces such as carpeting or drywall. If there is no training involved, then chances are good that whoever comes out to assess your situation might not know how best clean up after such an event.

Trained technicians are much faster than amateurs when it comes time for repairs because they have been taught how best get rid of all moisture as soon as possible!

9. What Will the Process Look Like?

What will the process look like? How long will it take for them to be on-site, and how long does each step take? It’s important to know these things beforehand so that you can plan appropriately.

How will they remove water and dry your home? The type of drying equipment used depends on several factors, including where your home is located, its construction materials, and whether it was flooded by sewage or fresh water. However, they should still have a plan in place for dealing with any kind of water damage situation.

Don’t be afraid to ask these questions, as they are all reasonable and pertinent to the services you will receive. This information will help you determine if a company is right for your needs or if there are better options available.

How To Drain a Flooded Basement?

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

When a basement floods, it's important to act quickly.

How Can a Flooded Basement Be Drained?

When a basement floods, it's important to act quickly. It's also important to know for sure if the water is coming from a clean source.

Steps to Drain Flooded Basement

Identify the source of water: After you have determined that your basement is flooding, identify the source of the water. If it is not coming from a clean source, such as a rainwater downspout or broken pipe, then call a professional to take care of it. If it is coming from a clean source, you can use a sump pump to remove the water.

Use a sump pump: Sump pumps are quite popular and can be found at most home improvement stores. They are not meant to replace a commercial pump, but they can help you get the water out of your basement quickly.

For sump pumps to work properly, make sure that you install them in an area where there is enough space around them so that they can drain all the water from your basement. If there isn’t enough room around the pump itself, then you may want to consider installing additional drainage pipes or using an underground drain system instead of buying a new sump pump altogether.

Call an Expert

Remember that it’s always better to call an expert. If you decide to clean the water yourself, wear protective clothing like gloves and a rubber apron. Do not use bleach or other chemicals—they can react with the materials in your basement and cause more damage than good. Instead, use a pump to remove as much of the water as possible before calling for help.

If your basement has been flooded due to heavy rain or another natural disaster, don’t try drying out or cleaning up on your own! You could make things worse by using chemicals that are harmful when mixed with other substances found in basements (such as those used in washing machines). 

Pump out the Water

If you have a sump pump, use it. If you don’t know how to use a sump pump, call an expert. If you can’t find a source of clean water to pump out the water, then it’s time to get creative and improvise.

If your basement is completely flooded, call 911 immediately and let them know about your situation. They will send out emergency personnel who can help evacuate people in need or aid with other tasks such as pumping out flooded basements or saving pets from drowning in flood waters.

When a Basement Floods- Act Quickly

It's also important to know for sure if the water is coming from a clean source or an unclean source. If you don't know where the water is coming from, you may end up using a lot of time and resources on something that won't help at all.

If your basement has flooded because of a leak in your roof, then there's no need to continue reading this article because we will be happy to help! Call us now at (609) 383-9785 and we'll send someone over right away.

With these tips in mind, you can get started on the journey to dry out your basement and keep it that way. It's worth noting that if you have any question about what to do next, call an expert or seek professional help immediately. 

Fire Commercial Cleanup Process

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a business.

How To Properly Clean After a Fire

When fire and smoke damage occurs, many people assume that the damage can be cleaned up easily. This is not always the case. In fact, some soot is corrosive and will cause major damage if not addressed immediately by a professional team of experts like SERVPRO® of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City.

The process to handle fire damage in business must be done correctly or it could cause further issues down the line. Below are some steps on how to properly clean up after a fire:

Soot and smoke damage can cause major issues if not addressed immediately.

Soot and smoke damage in the home can cause major problems. If left unattended, they can lead to severe structural damage and even the need to replace damaged items. That's why you'll want to act quickly if a fire has occurred in your home—soot and smoke can wreak havoc on your belongings if you don't address them immediately.

Smoke and soot can linger long after a fire has been put out.

Smoke and soot can linger long after a fire has been put out. The longer you wait to clean up, the greater the damage will be to the structure, its contents, and its occupants.

Some soot is corrosive, meaning it can eat through surfaces and leave rust stains on walls, floors, and ceilings.

It's important to note that some soot is corrosive, meaning it can eat through surfaces and leave rust stains on walls, floors and ceilings. If you see rust stains after your fire cleanup company has cleaned up your property, you may need to get the interior of your home re-painted with a special coating designed for use after a fire event.

SERVPRO® of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City is always here to help with fire restoration services any time you need them most.

SERVPRO® of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City is a locally owned and operated business that has been serving the community for over 30 years. SERVPRO of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City has one of the most advanced fire damage restoration services in the industry, with over 1,400 Franchises nationwide.

If you have recently suffered fires damages or need help with smoke removal, please contact us today!

Fire commercial cleanup process; removing smoke and soot from business

The fire commercial cleanup process is an important part of dealing with a fire, not only in terms of helping to restore your business but also in improving the overall safety of the building. When it comes to fire commercial cleanup, there are several steps that you may need to take. First and foremost, you'll want to make sure that no one was hurt or injured during the incident. If someone was injured by smoke inhalation or other injuries related to fires, they will likely need immediate medical attention—you should call 911 immediately if this is the case. It's also important for you (or whoever is responsible for running your business) to check with your insurance company about any coverage issues that may arise from this event; if someone has been injured due to negligence on your part (such as leaving hazardous materials near heat sources), then this could put some serious strains on your financial situation down the road!

Fire commercial cleanup process; removing smoke and soot from business

Smoke and soot damage can cause major issues if not addressed immediately. SERVPRO® of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City is always here to help with fire restoration services any time you need them most.

3 Smoke Odor Remediation Techniques

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fogging machines can remove smoke odor from your property

Removing Odor After a Fire

Smoke cleaning can be used to return your home to its pre-fire condition. Once the cleanup and restoration process is complete, you may find you still have some lingering odors that make your home less than habitable. Fortunately, there are several techniques that professionals often use to remove the smell of smoke. If you have experienced smoke damage in Somers Point, NJ, you may need the help of an expert to remedy the situation. Luckily, there are three techniques that are often used to remove odors after a fire.

1. Thermal Fogging
Fogging machines use a petroleum-based deodorizer that counteracts the smoke molecules, rendering them odorless. Since this works by emitting a thick fog, it can easily get into small cracks and crevices where other techniques may have a harder time reaching. It is not safe to be in the room while the fog is present. Anyone that remains in the room must wear respiratory protection.

2. Ozone Machines
Ozone generators perform smoke cleaning by releasing additional ozone into the air. These machines use an electrical charge to break down oxygen molecules. After the atoms sort themselves back into oxygen molecules, the smoke odor should be gone for good. Ozone is dangerous at high levels, so everyone should leave the room until the ozone level returns to normal. It will not be safe to enter the residence until the process is complete.

3. HEPA Filters
High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestors, more commonly known as HEPA filters, work by trapping up to 99.97% of particulates. The system sucks the air into the device, passes it through the filter, and releases it on the other side. Most odor-causing particles will become trapped inside the filter, leaving you with only clean air.
Smoke cleaning is a special skill that requires special training and equipment to safely and effectively remove odors. If you are dealing with unwanted odors after a fire, call a professional fire restoration service for help.

Mitigate Damage While Waiting for Adjuster

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Flood insurance can be a lifesaver, but it may still require waiting

Rising water in your Scullville, NJ, home can result in significant flood damage. Once it is safe to re-enter your home, you want to start getting your home back to normal as soon as possible. Unfortunately, your flood insurance company may have been bombarded with claims, resulting in having to wait. Although repairs can’t be made quite yet, there are a few ways to minimize the damage from spreading and ensure a smoother claim process.

Best Practices

As water sits, it can be causing more damage. To avoid that from happening, below are some best practices after a flood.

Document Everything – You will need to wait to throw anything away, but you can start removing saturated items. Before doing that, take pictures and videos of all the affected areas and items.
Start Removing Water – The sooner the water is out, the faster the cleaning process can happen. If you get the go-ahead from your insurer, use a wet vacuum to start the water removal process. If humidity levels outside are low, open doors and windows to increase airflow.
Mitigate Mold Damage – Mold grows fast, often within 48 hours. If possible, remove wet items, such as clothing, bedding and rugs, as soon as possible to minimize growth and potentially salvage more of your belongings.
Ensure Property Is Secure – Depending on the situation, there may be broken windows or roof damage. Temporarily board up windows and secure a tarp in the attic to prevent additional moisture seeping in.

Call the Professionals
Although you have to wait to see what your flood insurance will cover, calling a water damage and restoration specialist gives you a better idea of the extent of the damage. After the inspection, they will provide a plan of action for restoring your home. A trusted professional will also have the know-how regarding working with insurers.
Flood insurance can be a lifesaver, but it may still require waiting. While it’s always best to verify what can be done from your insurer, a few small steps may minimize the damage.

Everything To Know About Water Damage Restoration

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration in Pleasantville, NJ

If you notice the supply line leaking in your commercial property, you may not think it is a big deal. However, the leak could eventually cause the pipe to break. This, in turn, could create a massive flood inside your Pleasantville, NJ, building.
Pipe burst cleanup involves more than just wiping away the excess water. Carpet and drywall must be dried thoroughly to stop the growth of bacteria and mold. For best results, you should contact a remediation company following a water disaster.

Water Restoration Process

Water restoration professionals will do what they can to salvage your building. The experts should follow the below process.

1. Assessment and Inspection
The specialists will start by surveying the water damage and classifying the water loss. The pros can then estimate the cost of the repairs.

2. Water Removal
The experts will next use powerful vacuums and pumps to extract the standing water from the property. They may also remove hardwood floors or carpets if necessary.

3. Dehumidifying and Drying
Dehumidifiers and air movers should eliminate any lingering wetness. The pipe burst cleanup specialists will monitor the moisture levels in the floors and walls to determine when the building is sufficiently dry.

4. Sanitizing and Cleaning
After the water is gone, the professionals will use various cleaning techniques to remove any contaminants. This process may include mold remediation, as well.

5. Restoration
Finally, the cleanup pros will return your building to the way it was before the flood. This could require extensive reconstruction.

Water Restoration Certification
Of course, not all water cleanup companies are the same. The experts you hire should be properly trained. Otherwise, they could leave your property in worse shape than it was before they arrived.
Look for specialists who are members of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This regulatory agency provides industry standards for remediation experts.
A massive supply line break does not have to destroy your business. Certified pipe burst cleanup professionals will know the right techniques for restoring a flooded building.

Mold FAQs

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold from water heater break

What To Do If Your Home Is Suffering From Mold Damage?

Mold growth is an extremely common issue that the vast majority of homeowners do have to deal with at some point. Ensuring that you take care of the problem quickly and effectively is the best way to prevent a tiny mold problem from spiraling out of control. Read on to have some of your common questions answered, especially if you suspect that your Somers Point, NJ, home is suffering from a mold issue.

1. Where is Mold Commonly Found?
Mold thrives in damp, dark places. This means that rooms, such as your kitchen, bathroom, garage and basement are all especially susceptible to unwanted mold. Any areas in your home that have recently suffered some type of water damage are also at risk.

2. How Can You Tell Whether You Have a Mold Problem?
You can usually spot mold with the naked eye. Black mold, one of the most common residential varieties, looks like a dark black or green stain that spreads across the surface of an object. A musty or dank smell is also a good indication of a mold presence.

3. How Can You Prevent Mold Growth?
Keeping your home as clean and dry as possible is the best way to prevent a mold issue. This involves cleaning spills and leaks as soon as they occur, ensuring your home doesn't suffer from high humidity levels and properly ventilating your home to prevent condensation from building up. Performing regular mold inspections can also help you catch the issues while they're still small.

4. Does Mold Go Away By Itself?
Mold is a living organism, so it's natural to assume that you'd be able to get rid of it simply by depriving it of its vital nutrients. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Cutting off the mold's access to water and organic matter could potentially halt its spread, but it won't kill the existing mold.
It's important that you address a mold issue swiftly and effectively in order to prevent the situation from becoming worse. If you discover unwanted mold growth in your home, make sure to contact mold remediation experts immediately.