Frozen Pipes

2/19/2025 (Permalink)

Here in the Midwest temperatures can shift in the matter of a day going from far below freezing to above freezing.  These simple tips can save you from an unexpected disaster!

1. Shut off your water and, if necessary, electricity

Go to the home’s main water valve and shut it off immediately. (And don’t wait for a burst pipe to find out where the main water valve is located.) Electricity should also be cut off to the section of the home where the water damage has occurred, Thompson said. If you live in an apartment complex and don’t have control over the building’s water supply, he added, be sure to contact your building manager or landlord.

2. Call a plumber.

Not all plumbing companies have 24-hour service, so it’s a good idea to research and choose one in advance so you’re not scrambling after water floods your house. Plumbing costs vary depending on where the pipes are located and how bad the damage is, Thompson said. You may also need to contact a water damage professional, he said, particularly if carpeting, flooring, walls or ceilings are severely damaged.

3. Call SERVPRO of Bloomington for the clean up and restoration.

309-827-7500

 Prevention tips:

In very cold weather, let water drip from your faucet. This can help prevent freezing.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, thaw it yourself using a hair dryer, heating pad, space heater or warm washcloth, or call a professional.

If your faucet is not running or toilet is not refilling, there is a good chance a pipe is frozen.

Mold Tips

2/19/2025 (Permalink)

5 LEADING CAUSES OF MOLD GROWTH

There is a large number of problems associated with mold exposure. To ensure your family remains safe, you need to get your home professionally inspected and remediated if necessary. Here are five mistakes that can lead to mold growth.

FAILING TO FIX SMALL LEAKS

Some homeowners tend to ignore smaller leaks. However, even just a small drip behind under a sink can quietly cause your water bill to climb and fungus to grow. When it comes to repairing plumbing leaks, the best approach is to avoid procrastinating. Always fix the leak before repairing/remediating the damage. Further moisture could be trapped in newly repaired finishings.

NEVER OPENING YOUR WINDOWS LEADS TO TROUBLE

People tend to keep their windows shut throughout the year. They go from heat to air without a fresh breeze in the home. Although technology has advanced over the years, cracking your windows is still among the best ways to ventilate your home. To deter mold spores from developing, you need to increase circulation and exchange air. Even during the winter, it’s important to allow fresh air to come inside. Throw those windows open on a nice day-let it in.

TOO MUCH MOISTURE IN THE BATHROOM

Your bathroom is a breeding ground for mold and mildew-eww. This is why you must keep moisture to a minimum and keep it clean. After stepping out of the shower, be sure to hang up your damp towels and regularly clean your mats. Airing out the bathroom is just as important. To be on the safe side, allow the ventilation fan to circulate for at least 20 minutes after adding moisture to the air with a shower. Be on the lookout for drips and leaks!

NEGLECTING SPILLS

It’s a fact that clean homes are less likely to experience mold problems. Carpet spills can definitely foster the growth of fungi. Liquids can take a lot longer to dry than you may think. Make it a point to wipe up spills as soon as possible. If you have a little extra money, invest in a vapor steam cleaner for sanitizing your carpets. You won’t have to worry about any damp residue being left behind.

NOT PROPERLY DRYING A MOISTURE AFFECTED AREA

The dishwasher flooded and water-filled your kitchen. You cleaned it up and fixed the dishwater issue-no problem? Possibly. If the flooring has not be allowed to properly dry with proper circulation-mold will begin to grow in areas you may not see. In these cases, it can never hurt to have the area inspected after you have repaired the issue and cleaned up the mess. This could avoid a larger issue down the road.

Bottom line is that if you encounter mold growth, it’s best not to try and remove it on your own. Mold remediation is technical, complicated, and dangerous and should only be handled by trained professionals.

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac is here for your Mold needs. Our staff is trained on exactly how to fix your mold issue and get your home back to the safe space you need.

Call us today at 309-827-7500 or visit our website at www.SERVPRObloomingtonpontiac.com.

Fire and Soot

2/19/2025 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bloomington / Gibson City / S. McLean County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 309-827-7500

Sump Pump Tips

12/2/2024 (Permalink)

How to Prevent the Sump Pump Line from Freezing

When the sump pump discharge hose freezes, your sump pump has to work harder. This can be the result of the heat and may fail completely as a consequence of overheating. The next time water builds up in your sump basin, this could be problematic for your home. Follow these precautions to avoid your sump pump line from freezing and flooding.

Sump Pump Maintenance Tips:

Outside of your house, make sure the sump pump discharge line is sunken in the ground or raised above grade at a downward angle.  To protect the pipe from freezing, bury it at least five inches below the frost line (the maximum depth of ground below which the soil doesn’t freeze).

Connect a freeze-resistant hose to the end of the discharge hose. Discharge water at least 20 feet from the foundation. Use a smooth, rigid hose to ensure there is no place for water to accumulate. Water in pipes that are too straightened is more prone to freeze-this is a detail many are not aware of.

To keep the discharge and intake sections of the sump pump from freezing, insulate them and the pipe connecting the two. Cover the outside pipe with anything that won’t block the pump but will block the weather. Don’t put any anti-freeze in the sump pump that's a bigger problem.

Check your sump basin and test the sump pump from time to time to ensure that it is in good working order.

If your sump pump pipe is frozen, use portable heaters to thaw it. Don’t use a blow torch to melt the line because you risk hurting yourself or damaging the property. If you can’t thaw the hose on your own, turn off the sump pump and call a professional plumber.

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac is here for your water needs. Our staff is trained on exactly how to fix water damage issues and get your home back to the space you need.

Call us today at 309-827-7500 or visit our website at www.SERVPRObloomingtonpontiac.com.

Frozen Pipe Tips

11/22/2024 (Permalink)

Follow the below tips in order to get you off in the right direction:

1. Shut off your water and, if necessary, electricity

Go to the home’s main water valve and shut it off immediately. (And don’t wait for a burst pipe to find out where the main water valve is located.) Electricity should also be cut off to the section of the home where the water damage has occurred, Thompson said. If you live in an apartment complex and don’t have control over the building’s water supply, he added, be sure to contact your building manager or landlord.

2. Call a plumber.

Not all plumbing companies have 24-hour service, so it’s a good idea to research and choose one in advance so you’re not scrambling after water floods your house. Plumbing costs vary depending on where the pipes are located and how bad the damage is, Thompson said. You may also need to contact a water damage professional, he said, particularly if carpeting, flooring, walls or ceilings are severely damaged.

3. Call SERVPRO of Bloomington for the clean up and restoration.

309-827-7500

 Prevention tips:

In very cold weather, let water drip from your faucet. This can help prevent freezing especially if you will be out of town for an extended period of time. 

If you suspect a frozen pipe, thaw it yourself using a hair dryer, heating pad, space heater or warm washcloth, or call a professional.

If your faucet is not running or toilet is not refilling, there is a good chance a pipe is frozen.

Grease Fire Do's and Dont's

11/22/2024 (Permalink)

Grease Fire Do's and Dont's

With the upcoming holiday season approaching and family and friends will be gathering there are many different ways a fire can break out, one of the most dangerous being a grease fire. If you lack experience putting out a grease fire, know that you do not treat it the same as you would a "standard" fire. There are certain things that you must do and things you absolutely must NOT do. Please consider the following:

Do

• Turn off the stove or heat source
• Smother the fire with the pot lid. Without oxygen, the fire cannot survive.
• Use baking soda to douse the flames. Flour and other items will not work
• Use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher
• call 911

Don't

• Try to put out the flames using water. It will splash the grease, causing the fire to spread
• Move the item. This could also cause splashing, spreading and could potentially burn you
• Try to use anything other than baking soda. It will not help

Should you need help give our office a call 309-827-7500

Mold is preventable in your carpet = YES

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

Can you save your carpet from a water damage

When your home has a water damage incident, the next steps are to prevent carpet mold. This is a high priority because it can develop quickly and can smell. Deep pile carpets often harbor mold spores that accumulate over time. These, along with other microscopic organic materials, serve as mold nourishment. Examples are skin cells, tiny food bites, hair, insect parts, and even dust. All that seems to be missing from this point is the moisture-que the water damage.

Carpet is commonly saturated during water damage and is rapidly converted into a highly efficient mold-breeding ecosystem. These can and will release toxic airborne reproductive spores. This will spread contamination throughout the home.

Do You Need To Prevent Mold?

The factor in the effort to prevent carpet mold after water damage is time. From the moment water seeps into a carpet, it becomes a race against the clock.

Within 24 hours, dormant spores begin converting into active mold growth - Once 48 to 72 hours have elapsed without professional intervention, a wet carpet and the padding beneath it must be considered presumptively contaminated by mold and should be removed.

That's it-it's quick.

Can Carpet Mold Be Prevented?

As we said-move quick

* Remove the excess water

* Remove saturated padding beneath the carpet

* Steam clean inject an anti-microbial solution to kill residual mold. 

* High-Grade dehumidifiers and high-volume air movers to speed drying 

In any such occurrence, know that SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac will be your source and can help you with your water damage needs. 

Contact our team and/or read more in our blogs to know more about what we do and who we are!

Water Damage can go EVERYWHERE

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Water Damage: It goes EVERYWHERE

Just like everything in life, there are situations where it is important to call a professional. Here are some of the best examples of situations where professional help should be sought out and advice taken:

Moisture has spread from one area/space to another area/space:

There are times when one area does not think water has gone into another space but the source should be addressed by a professional who will assess this and then come up with a strategy as to how to handle it. The professional will make appropriate recommendations based on type of water, how long it has been wet, if materials can be salvaged and more. This professional will advise on if further areas are affected and what they need to be done. 

Drain water backs up out of a toilet, sink or tub:

All drain water should be considered highly contaminated. Therefore, when it soaks into carpet or drywall it can have adverse health effects along with being a super fuel for other types of microbial growth. Most people assume that sewage is highly contaminated but any drain water is considered highly contaminated and just plain dangerous.

When you need help finding a leak/source of water:

Many times, people just think of plumbing when leaks occur yet when you are not sure where the water is coming from, a certified technician can help expose if something is coming from the roof, windows, siding or more. Additionally, they can help eliminate sources thus pinpointing the root cause. Next-the source has to be addressed before remediation and repair are completed. If this isn’t corrected-it’s possible to cause an issue all over again. 

To assess the extent of a complex water-related incident: Don’t overlook ANYTHING.

Complex water related incidents can include many scenarios. Some examples are a mystery leak that is finally resolved and then discovered to have affected many other areas that are along the water lines. It is always best to err on the side of caution with having inspections done regularly and addressing any issue when it is small before it becomes a bigger issue.

Contact SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac for more information and to answer any Water Restoration questions in your home or business. 

Call us today at 309-827-7500 or visit our website at www.SERVPRObloomingtonpontiac.com.

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Mold in the winter months

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Excessive indoor moisture can be caused by a number of issues; water damage, plumbing leaks, leaky roofs, high indoor humidity, and condensation are potential concerns.

Condensation on and around windows is normal and may seem harmless, but it is one of the biggest moisture culprits when it’s cold outside but warm inside—as is typically the case during the winter months.

Window condensation occurs when moisture in the warm air inside your home liquefies upon contact with glass or other surfaces that are drastically cooler due to freezing outdoor temperatures. High humidity contributes to this process because there is excess moisture in the air.

While minor condensation doesn’t usually lead to problems, it is important to dry window surfaces regularly to keep condensation from accumulating and being absorbed by the wood and drywall around the windows. Mold feeds on such organic materials and can develop in as little as 24 hours. 

How to Get Rid of Mold

There is no reason to treat winter mold any differently from mold that appears at any other point in the year. 

If you discover evidence of mold in your home call:

SERVPRO of Bloomington / Gibson City / S. McLean County  309-827-7500

Displacement Bags for fire customers

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

When a fire breaks out-

Priority 1) Get everyone out

Next 2) Call the fire department

But then what should I do next? 

Sometimes it’s a small fire-others are a total loss. We help keep you informed on how to prevent situations that could cause a fire and we let you know what we can do to get your life back to how it was. But what’s going on in the middle?

Many situations call for the individuals to be displaced for a short to long period. And in many of those situations, they are unable to have those bare essentials we take for granted-just to get through a couple of days.

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac started to partner up with local businesses to provide, what we call displacement bags. These bags go with our folks on the scene as well as several first responder units. They are of no obligation to use our services but they provide just a little to get through a day or so to ease some stress. 

Items include Personal Hygiene, notepad, Laundry supplies, donated discounted hotel rooms, the bag itself to carry items, and much more.

These bags are meant to get a household through a day or so-organizations like Red Cross and the Salvation Army provide further assistance as needed. These types of organizations do such a great service in getting those folks who need assistance during that time-we salute them!

For services after the fire contact us for your Fire Remediation needs.