Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
The Difficulties Addressed By Water Restoration Companies in Waco
2/18/2024 (Permalink)
If your residence suffers from water damage, contact SERVPRO as soon as possible. Our certified professionals are ready to help.
SERVPRO® Addresses Water Damage Obstacles in Waco
Waco's history is deeply rooted, with landmarks like the Waco Suspension Bridge, built in 1870, showcasing the city's past. The bridge served as a vital crossing over the Brazos River and is now a historical landmark, offering breathtaking views of the river and downtown Waco. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum also pays homage to the city's frontier history, honoring the legendary Texas Rangers. Culturally, Waco boasts a thriving arts scene with institutions like the Waco Cultural Arts Fest and the Mayborn Museum Complex, providing engaging experiences for locals and visitors.
Water restoration companies in Waco play a crucial role in addressing the aftermath of water damage caused by various incidents, such as leaks or plumbing issues. When you hire professionals from SERVPRO, you can expect us to address multiple challenges associated with water intrusion. We understand the urgency of water damage and aim to respond quickly to prevent further damage.
Challenges we help tackle
- Mold growth
- Structural damage
- Content damage
- Electrical hazards
Water damage can cause secondary issues such as rot, corrosion, and structural instability. Water restoration companies focus on resolving problems by tackling the underlying cause of water infiltration and implementing proper restoration measures.
Structural Repairs Require Expertise from Water Restoration Companies
Structural repairs are a crucial aspect of restoration, especially when a property has suffered significant damage due to water intrusions. When faced with extensive structural issues, SERVPRO plays a vital role in ensuring the property is restored aesthetically and structurally sound. One common area that requires structural repair is damaged walls. Our proficient IICRC-certified technicians evaluate the scope of the damage, determining if a minor repair or a complete replacement is needed.
Flooring is another critical component that may demand structural attention. Water damage can lead to warped or weakened flooring materials, posing risks to the structure and the occupants. In such cases, SERVPRO restoration experts meticulously remove the damaged flooring, address any underlying issues, and install new, durable materials.
Other structural components that require attention
SERVPRO of Waco is among your most trusted water restoration companies. Call us at (254) 756-4300. Here to Help® 24/7.
Why Standing Water Damage Is a Threat in Waco Homes
8/11/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO provides advanced drying equipment to restore your water damaged Waco home. Here to Help® 24/7
SERVPRO® Helps Overcome Water Buildup
Preparing for water disasters is necessary because they can quickly become overwhelming. Taking immediate action is critical to managing the situation if you are dealing with pooling water or puddling in your home. These conditions can threaten your family's safety, so prompt response is essential. Our team is here to help you manage these immediate threats and keep your home and family safe.
What Makes Standing Water a Concern?
If you have noticed standing water inside your Waco house, it is vital to take immediate action to prevent any future damage or health risks. Threats to your property might include issues like:
Act quickly if you notice any water pooling on your flooring, especially if you have plank flooring or carpeting. These types of flooring can absorb water quickly and create structural damage or mold growth. Drying up any wet areas as soon as possible is crucial to prevent any issues.
When water gets absorbed into the flooring, it can seep down and damage the supporting materials underneath. Over time, this can lead to the need for subflooring repair.
If you experience water damage to your flooring, thoroughly dry the affected area and monitor it closely for any signs of mold growth. If you notice mold, it's essential to address it promptly to prevent it from spreading.
If you have standing water on your property, you must know that removing it requires different types of tools depending on the severity of the situation. Deep extraction, for example, may require trash pumps and truck-mount machines, while we can address shallow damage with wet vacuums and submersible pumps. After we extract, thorough drying is essential to recover your property entirely. We are with you every step of the way.
Water damage does not have to destroy your home. Contact SERVPRO of Waco at (254) 875-4995.
Ruined Laminate Flooring
3/21/2022 (Permalink)
They don't mix.
Water and laminate flooring don't mix.
For all the great qualities and looks of laminate flooring, it's one nemesis is excess water.
It just doesn't take it well.
Water laying on a laminate floor can cause blistering and separation of the materials in some types of laminate. Also the floor can rise or heave up in places with some types of materials.
Having padding underneath the flooring, often referred to as a "floating" floor (the irony) creates a sponge affect holding water/moisture. Many times water will still squeeze out from under the floor in some areas where one steps after initial water extraction of the floor.
Removal of the floor as part of the water damage restoration is usually the only answer.
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, has been providing professional quality water damage restoration to folks in the greater Waco and Central Texas area since 2001...over 21 years.
We'd be proud to help you, too.
SERVPRO of Waco...there's only one!
(254) 756-4300
They are water damage ready.
12/30/2021 (Permalink)
Two water specialty vehicles.
Water handling vehicles.
The one on the right can cross large amounts of water outside.
The one on the left can remove large amounts of water inside.
They "met up" in Woodway, TX, here. For the record, the SERVPRO of Waco van was parked first.
In water damage situations, both have strong benefits.
It is more likely folks experiencing a water emergency will encounter it in a building. There are only a dozen or so little parts stopping the water tower from trying to drain right into your home or building.
SERVPRO of Waco are experts at water damage restoration with 21 years of experience right here in the greater Waco and Central Texas area.
Using state of the art equipment and techniques we can help you too.
We can work directly with your insurance company and bill them directly if you wish. SERVPRO Industries has strong working relationships with virtually all the insurance carriers.
SERVPRO of Waco...there is only one
(254) 756-4300
A91 was back in church
10/25/2021 (Permalink)
Number A 91 helping out a church again.
Air mover A 91 was placed in a church water damage restoration on its first time ever used. In later Sept. 2020 it was underneath a baptistry. A 91 was brand new then.
One year later, early Oct. 2021, A 91 was back in church at a small water damage restoration.
Did you know they sometimes put water heaters in attics???
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, quickly extracted the water and set up drying equipment in this West Waco church.
There was literally a wedding happening the next day.
Ultimately, it was not necessary to remove any materials and things dried up nicely.
It was a pleasant coincidence A 91 was placed in a church again one year later. Heck, now we may look for it when we have future churches needing help with water damage.
SERVPRO of Waco has been helping churches and many folks in the greater Waco and Central Texas area with property damage for over 20 years.
We'd be pleased to help you and yours' too.
SERVPRO of Waco...there's only one!
(254) 756-4300
Live...from the attic....
10/25/2021 (Permalink)
Small, damaged water heater located in the attic above the restrooms.
The forgotten water heater in the attic.
Over 20 years, the management changes, the maintenance people change, etc. and it just keeps doing its job.
Until one day, it just pops.
Fortunately, when this small water heater in West Waco, over the area restrooms, popped it's pressure release valve people were still around and heard it.
Still by the time the water got shut off, plenty got wet.
What if no one had been there at the time? Small water heater or not, the water pipe was regular sized and running. Draining straight from the water tower you might say.
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, was on the job shortly afterward and got the situation under control and dried.
No loss of building function at all.
During our 20 years of service in the greater Waco and Central Texas area, we've helped thousands of folks through water damage restoration and other property damage issues.
We'd be pleased to help you.
SERVPRO of Waco...there's only one!
(254) 756-4300
Hardwood Floors
8/2/2021 (Permalink)
An engineered hardwood floor showing water damage staining.
Did the Water Affect Our Hardwood Floor?
In this case, yes.
The section of hardwood floor just in front of the door frame darkened at the top, and also the section in the upper right hand corner of the picture have water damage and water stains.
This particular engineered hardwood floor is glued down in "honey glue" which holds the moisture against the wood, making it difficult to impossible to dry quickly.
Sometimes these areas don't show at first.
The floor will need replaced. Generally the floor is replaced until it ends in open areas and/or the floor continues into a room where a door can be closed.
At SERVPRO of Waco we have experience assessing and monitoring wet hardwood floors in water damage situations, as well as laminates and other wood style floors.
Let us help you with yours.
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, has been helping folks in the greater Waco and Central Texas area deal with water damage and water extraction related issues since 2001.
SERVPRO of Waco.....there's only one!
(254) 756-4300
Leak wouldn't stop
8/2/2021 (Permalink)
Sropping this drip was pesky. The vavle at the well just wouldn't close all the way.
The Water Leak that wouldn't Stop.
Every once in a while, we get into a water damage where the leak seems to just keep going ever so slowly even after all the water is shut off.
At first it isn't obvious it is still happening. But the next day some things are wet again. Water extraction is necessary again in some places.
The leak in the picture is from a refrigerator ice maker and water dispenser line. It was thought to be just draining out the lines as it was the low spot in the pipe.
Day three our SERVPRO of Waco water damage technician realized a slow leak was still continuing. Realizing what was going on, a plumber was called who confirmed the well valve at this West area home was not closing all the way.
The problem was fixed and drying that portion of the job got on track.
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, has helped hundreds of folks in the greater Waco and Central Texas area through property damage issues for over 20 years.
SERVPRO of Waco...there's only one!
(254) 756-4300
Weep Holes
7/25/2021 (Permalink)
Dampness and water from spigot (or hydrant to some folks) getting into a home through the weep hole at the wall bottom brick line.
Weep Holes...two way drains in & out of the building??
Brick homes built on slabs all have "weep holes" These apparently let moisture (vapor) out from behind the brick and offer some expansion room for any movement.
Whyever they are there...they are there.
Normally these look very dry and are not a problem.
When ground water or water from a plumbing situation gets into them, they becomes drains into the building.
Nothing should be above the base concrete level below the brick line. The further down from the brick line the better.
NO MULCH OR ANYTHING SHOULD REACH THE BRICK LEVEL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BRICK WALL.
Rain water damage which occurs when water enters through these holes is usually classified as ground water...and insurance rarely covers the water damage. A pipe leak would probably be convered.
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, has helped hundreds of folks in the greater Waco and Central Texas area with water damage clean up and restoration issues for over 20 years.
We have the experience and state of the art training/tools to make sure the job is done right...and fairly.
SERVPRO of Waco...there's only one!
(254) 756-4300
Direct Billing to Your Insurance
12/28/2020 (Permalink)
At SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, we coordinate directly with your insurance company as we manage your claim.
The detail of all our services provided, pictures and the pricing will be uploaded directly to your insurance company continuing our working in tandem with them.
We make sure we are working within your coverage and with the industry pricing so you are treated fairly and respectfully through your property damage situation.
No surprises! Getting your home or business restored correctly and priced won't have any surprises to you. We make sure everything is straight forward and you have all the information on regarding the job. Maybe more information than you want!
At SERVPRO of Waco, we have been helping folks in the greater Waco and Central Texas area through their home and business property damage losses for 20 years.
Let us help you too!
Call us at (254) 756-4300.
SERVPRO of Waco...there's only one!
Water Experts
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
Birds of a Feather
These Two Can Handle Some Water!
Yes, live and direct from a Woodway, TX, grocery store parking lot. The rugged water handling vehicle pictured on the right had joined our rugged water handling vehicle pictured on the left.
Granted the one on the right is a great looking outdoorsy, water forging type which is surely a hoot to ride in.
The more "glamourous" SERVPRO vehicle is the one you want to show up if you have water affecting your building where water shouldn't be.
And, while more comfortable, it probably isn't quite the hoot to drive compared to the other one.
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, has helped hundreds and hundreds of folks in the greater Waco and Central Texas area through water damage and home/building damages of all sorts area over our 19+ years in business.
Joking aside, we have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right.
SERVPRO of Waco...there's only one!
Call us if we can help!
(254) 756-4300
Air Mover A91 christened in the Baptismal Waters
9/24/2020 (Permalink)
New, low style air mover drying up the excess baptistry water on its very first job placement.
One day after arrival at our warehouse and the day it was "named" and listed in our system, air mover A91 was pressed into service to dry the area under a Waco, TX, church baptistry. Literally the church baptistry.
This baptistry is a submersion style and holds a lot of water. Consequently, it takes a while to fill...and things can happen.
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, was able to dry out the area under the baptistry and the areas of the sanctuary of this Waco church into which the water also ran pretty quickly.
Baptisms went on unimpeded.
SERVPRO of Waco has helped many churches in the greater Waco and Central Texas area through property damage situations since 2001.
In addition to churches, SERVPRO of Waco has helped thousands of folks over the last 19+ years.
SERVPRO of Waco...there's only one!
If we can help, call us at (254) 756-4300.
Vanity Left Wet
6/14/2020 (Permalink)
Vanity not dried after a water damage loss.
Drying a water damage out as quickly as possible does make a difference.
This is a picture of a vanity in Waco, TX, which suffered water damage and didn't get dried properly.
Hey, we get it. Hopefully this is a once in a lifetime experience for folks. We kid people that you don't want to know a whole lot about what we do. That would mean you have probably had it happen to you before.
This vanity was kind of a cross between not knowing just what to do and the Covid-19 virus confusion.
The vanity is still drying out, weeks after the loss date, but is heavily damaged and probably unhealthy.
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, was able to get the insurance claim unstuck and moving on this Waco water damaged home.
SERVPRO of Waco has been serving the greater Waco and Central Texas area for over 19 years.
(254) 756-4300
Mold Assessment
6/14/2020 (Permalink)
The Mold Tester/Assessor works for you!
The Mold Remediation Contractor works for you!
Be sure they stay separate!
Sometimes there is confusion about testing for mold and removing mold.
Texas also has rules governing the mold testing and removal industries. These can be found on their websites.
What you always want is for the person/company testing for mold, and making recommendations of how to remove it, to work for you. It is important they be separate from the company actually removing the mold, etc.
Beware of any mold tester/assessor who recommends only one remediation contractor/company to you.
Also beware if a mold remediation contractor/company recommends only one mold tester/assessor to you.
It is extremely important that these two persons/companies work directly for you and not in cahoots with each other.
All the old rip off stories are true.
At SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, we are licensed for mold removal and have been helping scores of folks in the greater Waco and Central Texas area through mold damage for the past 19 years.
If you call us first, we'll have a look at the situation and provide you with a list of qualified assessors we have encountered over the years.
Then we will remove under the assessor's guidelines.
Let us help you! (254) 756-4300)
Left in place wet Laminate Flooring
6/10/2020 (Permalink)
Hall laminate floors not removed or dried after a bathroom sink pipe water damage
Laminate flooring in a significant water leak/over flow situation doesn't fare well. Even after extracting, water is normally still under the flooring.
Many laminate floors have a pad or cushion under the floor. This is referred to as a floating floor.
Yes, I am holding back the pun about the floor, the water and the floating.
The cushion really does just become a sponge under the flooring, often with water trapped above the cushion and below the cushion.
Removal of the flooring is really the only solution for a laminate floor which has been significantly flooded.
The laminate flooring pictured, from a Waco home, was extracted by the homeowners but not removed, or any drying attempt. The flooring has swelled and also suffered loss of some of the top, decorative layer.
At SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, we have decades of experience with wet flooring, including lots of laminate ones. Occasionally, in a light damage situation with coverage/budget concerns, the floors can be dried with minimal damage.
Call us at (254) 756-4300
Serving the greater Waco and Central Texas since 2001.
Carpet Pad with Moisture Barrier
3/2/2020 (Permalink)
This is what happens to water/liquids which get under a carpet pad and can't be extracted or evaporate through a moisture barrier.
We sometimes encounter wet carpeting with a moisture barrier in water damaged areas.
Guess there can be a pretty strong attraction to them as an extra charge upgrade. If something gets spilled, by the kids, grand kids or...pets, it doesn't soak on through the carpeting down into the pad. It is also theoretically easier to clean up since it is right on the surface until you can wipe it up.
There are two cons to these moisture barriers. Should anything happen where some water of quantity gets on the floor or a spill is near the edge/seam, the liquid will go under the pad. Under the pad means under the moisture barrier. It is essentially on the wrong side of the barrier.
Pulling the carpet back, and probably removing the padding is the only choice to get the water/liquid out. Very disruptive.
Also, can't say I am in favor of anything that traps moisture inside a building. It doesn't evaporate well at all and can lead to other, undesirable consequences.
Big Trouble from this Little Faucet
3/2/2020 (Permalink)
So harmless looking.
Ever think about all the plumbing and fixtures which go into a large building designed for thousands of guests?
Even in new houses/remodels, all the new plumbing in the walls, at the fixtures, etc.
And they either work right, or they don't. Things happen.
The water supply to this little fixture here almost brought a major, high profile Waco, TX, construction project to its knees, close to the project delivery date. Yes, it leaked, big time.
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, was brought in for extraction and drying.
Fortunately, the nearby stairwell and mechanicals (unfortunately) drained the bulk of the water.
Our job got smaller and smaller as we approached the site. Still there was work to be done.
Wonder if the custodial staff these days has any idea what happened from this little sink area?
The PUMP HOUSE
11/25/2019 (Permalink)
The PUMP HOUSE - got to love it!
We finally found it.
While removing trim from very wet walls on a Hamilton, TX area ranch, water suddenly began to flow from the wall.
Seems we pulled off a piece of trim which had been nailed into a water pipe when the home was built.
The house was quite a distance, and two gates from the road. a quick look around the grass area surrounding the house didn't have a turn off.
Calling our contact, over 100 miles away, found that the two people who knew where the shut off was were unavailable and a spouse, in panic, was trying to locate someone who knew.
We went to the road and walked up and down the mowed area there by the entrance. Nothing there.
Finally, the spouse called back with news of a pump house but didn't know where it was. Once we knew what we were looking for we were able to find the pump house and shut off the water.
As the home had a water damage already, the water that flowed onto the floor was easily removed.
Just love the name "Pump House". So appropriate on a hunting/cattle ranch in the country.!
SERVPRO of Waco, a restoration company, has served folks in the greater Waco and Central Texas area with exceptional service since 2001!
Water Heater Burst
6/12/2019 (Permalink)
It burst at the seams.
Something sound like it popped/burst?
Sometimes we forget that since our water heater actually heats the water, it can also build up pressure...steam pressure.
All water heaters have a pressure release valve designed to open up when the pressure begins to build.
Sometimes, rarely, debris/deposits get into the vale and prevent it from opening.
It is unlikely it is going to shoot through the roof or spew steam all over everything wildly. It is likely the water tank inside the heater will pop open. That means a sudden release of water as happened with the one pictured.
This one was a 50 gallon capacity heater. The person taking a shower at the other end of the house heard it, as did the young persone in the next room from the water heater. Within moments they began to see water coming into rooms and down the hall.
Water from the heater came out very qucikly and by the time it finished leaking and the water to the heater was shut off, about one fourth of their home was very wet.
If you hear a pop, don't for get to have a fast look at your water heater.
Water Meter Moving
6/10/2019 (Permalink)
Typical water meter face
Water bills high?
Water where there shouldn't be and can't find out where it comes from?
A good way to tell if you have a pipe leak in your home/building is by checking the water meter.
The water meter is usually out near the property line or street/alley.
After lifting the lid on the meter a meter face with dials/numbers should be visible. If it is not you may need to wipe it off or gently dig a bit to find it.
The meter face generally has a wheel of some sort, such as the asterisk one shown in the picture, which moves if any water is moving through the pipe. Generally, the more water going through it the faster it spins.
Be sure anything in the house/building which uses water is off and see if the wheel is moving. Sometimes the movement can be very, very slow.
The face of the meter usually has a line at the top or bottom behind the wheel so you can tell if the wheel is moving slowly.
If the wheel is not moving, there is no leak in the water pipes. The meter does not measure water in drains of from devices such as air conditioning units.
If the wheel is moving with everything shut off, there is a leak on the property/in the building somewhere. One may well need a plumber at that point
The Wet Spot
6/10/2019 (Permalink)
A wet spot in the yard most likely a water pipe leaking, though not in the building.
Wet, maybe very green, spot in the yard?
It is a pretty sure bet an unexplained wet spot out in the yard/property is a water pipe or drain problem.
There have probably been higher than normal water bills leading up to a spot/area such as this.
For some reason, these spots are good at occurring where folks don't go into the yard/property very much.
It is a pretty sure sign a plumber is needed.
Ironically, this one was found outside a home which had a small, bet very smelly fire. The spot kept slowly getting wetter with any water being used in the home, so it was most likey a water pipe instead of a drain pipe. A drain pipe would only leak when water water turned on.
Wet Engineered Wood FLoor
2/14/2019 (Permalink)
Water beneath an engineered wood floor.
Wood floors, or anything that looks like wood floors, are wildly popular in home decorating.
Engineered wood floors are nice, higher end floors where the body of the flooring piece is a plywood or layered wood with a veneered wood layer on the top of the piece.
In a water damage, the water can go over the floor and under the floor. The water is absorbed from beneath and through all the spaces between the individual pieces.
Often the floor will need replaced.
The floor pictured also had a vapor barrier mat beneath it. The water in this case ran over the floor and down onto the mat. The water did not get below the mat to any large degree however.
Usually engineered floors are glued down with a honey type glue, and are difficult to remove.
Heat Waves and AC Water Leaks
6/1/2018 (Permalink)
Strategically placed bucket catching water from an AC condensate line blockage in the China Spring area. It can happen with any AC system.
It looks like (and feels like) hot humid weather has come early to Waco and Central Texas.
It may be a long hot summer.
Our air conditioning systems are going to get quite a workout.
One problem which pops up virtually every time intense heat arrives and stays is a blockage of the water drain line from the unit inside the building to where it runs out on the ground outside the building.
They call this the condensate line as the water is formed from condensation in the cooling process.
This almost always leaks right at the air handler (furnace) inside the building and comes out into the building, such as this unit in the China Spring, TX, area
It can be especially bad if the unit is next to a closet or room which no one enters regularly and can go undetected for a while.
You might want to have a look inside the closet/room where the AC unit is located and adjacent rooms. Just to be sure no funny business is going on there.
Things you can do to help prevent an AC leak include:
- Pull off the top part of the pipe and pour bleach down the pipe at the unit. Plumbers seem to swear by this.
- Actually blow down the pipe in a big burst of air. This will work to unclog the pipe sometimes too. Yes it sounds gross and would probably be a younger male convinced to do it. (Or an older, gritty male)
- Check outside where the line should be draining onto the ground and be sure water is coming out and it is not blocked...or in the ground!
Should you find water damage in your building leaking from the AC system, call SERVPRO of Waco to get it extracted and dried properly in Waco and Central Texas.
Call us anytime!
Headed Out of Town for Vacation?
5/7/2018 (Permalink)
For heaven's sake don't turn off your water at the street while you are gone, there won't be any chance of a big water surprise when you get back home. Everyone likes a little excitement.
And they don't sell those inexpensive, easy to use tools to shut the water off at any stores near you, so there is no since in looking.
It's just fate the water leaks when you're gone.
Of course, no one in your home or business should know how to turn the water to the building off quickly. Fifteen or forty five minutes to find the cut off should be OK, the water tower won't just keep sending more water.
And if the meter/valve box needs to have dirt and debris cleaned out of it before the valve can be closed...it's some more excitement. Right?
A/C drain line blockages
8/17/2017 (Permalink)
With the hot weather we are getting calls for water leaking from the inside air conditioning unit because of a plugged drain line.
Had a look at your unit lately?
Might want to check rooms and closets that share a common wall with the inside A/C unit, particularly if you don't go in there regularly.
The drain line is usually a white pvc pipe and is on the front(ish) area of the indoor unit. most have a small stem sticking up with a drain cap snugged onto it. The cap can be removed with out too much trouble.
SOMETIMES blowing on the open end of the pipe will dislodge what ever is causing the problem. Yes it sounds gross, but really it is clean water and a pipe with a little dust on it (which could be wiped off).
Most likely you will need an A/C technician.
While we aren't experts on unclogging the A/C drain line...we are experts on getting the water out of your home/building and getting things dried out.
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