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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

Water Damage: Recognizing First Signs of Damage in Basements

1/25/2024 (Permalink)

Basements aren’t typically a place that homeowners and their families spend a lot of time in, unless your basement is finished and is converted into a hang-out area. A lot of homeowners only go down to their basement if they need something they have stored down there or for minor usage. Recognizing signs of damage to your basement early can help you address issues promptly, preventing further damage and costly repairs. Here are some common signs to watch for that may indicate basement damage and for you to call SERVPRO® of Carbon County & Pocono Pines

  • Stains or Moisture
  • Water stains on walls or floors can indicate past or ongoing water intrusion
  • Damp or moist areas, especially after rain or snow may suggest water penetration
  • Strange Odors or Sounds
  • A persistent musty or moldy smell is often a sign of moisture problems, mold growth, or poor ventilation in the basement and is always a good indicator of potential water damage
  • Sounds like excessive creaking, cracking, or popping may indicate stress on your home’s foundation  
  • Cracks in Surfaces
  • Visible cracks in the basement walls or the floor may indicate foundation issues or structural damage
  • Pay attention to the size and direction of cracks because significant or widening cracks may be concerning and need immediate action taken
  • Efflorescence
  • You may have never heard of this term, but efflorescence is the white, chalky residue that appears on masonry surfaces. It can be a sign of water seepage through concrete or masonry walls
  • Bowing Walls
  • Walls that appear to bow inward or bulge may indicate structural problems and potential damages
  • Puddles or Standing Water
  • This may be an obvious sign, but don’t just brush it off and take care of it yourself. Finding out where the water is coming from and getting professional help is essential
  • Rusting Metal or Peeling Paint
  • Rust on metal support beams, pipes, or appliances can be a sign of high humidity or water exposure
  • Paint that is peeling or blistering on basement walls may indicate moisture issues
  • Insects, Pests, or Mold
  • The presence of pests, such as termites, carpenter ants, or silverfish, in the basement could be a sign of damage or moisture issues that attract these pests.
  • Another slightly obvious sign is the presence of visible mold growing on surfaces like walls or in corners where the wall meets the floor 

If you are experiencing any of these issues or signs in your basement, call SERVPRO® of Carbon County & Pocono Pines today at 570-732-9191. We are faster to any size disaster (residential or commercial) and are always here to help Jim Thorpe, Palmerton, Lehighton, Weatherly, Nesquehoning, Tobyhanna, Bowmanstown, and all of the surrounding areas. 

Flood Action Steps: Preventing Water Damage

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damage can occur unexpectedly from malfunctioning appliances like dishwashers or toilets, but a lot of the time it occurs from an outside source like heavy rainfall or snow. If you notice a lot of rainfall accumulating or if your area issues a flood warning, there are several steps you can take to minimize potential damages to your residential property or commercial business.

  1. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so by local authorities
  2. Disconnect electrical equipment and appliances in your home
  3. Move vehicles out of the low lying parking garage in commercial spaces
  4. Raise elevators from the bottom floor in commercial spaces
  5. Remove valuable items from basements and relocate them to an upper level of the home or space
  6. Ensure that you have food, water, and other essentials if the flooding is predicted to be bad enough where you may not be able to leave your home

In the case of evacuation, avoid attempting to drive through floods or rising water. It is always better to evacuate as early as possible if you are told to by local weather authorities instead of taking the chance of getting trapped in your home or business. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water or try to walk through moving water to salvage items. 

In the case of a flood for a commercial business, secure the property to the best of your ability. Contact local emergency officials and your local damage restoration company. 

Always remember, your safety is the most important in any water damage or flooding situation. We are here to help dry out water damaged areas and provide reconstruction services after the flooding has occurred, but it is always best to watch out for your own safety first.

Water Damage

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

When you experience water damage, one of your first questions may be “how long will this take before my home is dry and back to normal again?” SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines is here to help you 24/7 and inform you of our water damage process. Once you call our number, you will immediately talk to a member of our team who will ask you questions about your specific situation.

We will get our water mitigation team scheduled as soon as possible with your discretion and when you prefer them to arrive. Water Damage typically requires immediate attention to ensure that your items are not damaged and water is not warping floorboards or damaging walls. 

Drying time typically always depends on the situation with how much water is present and how much damage there is. Water damage can be cleaned up in as short as two days or as long as ten days in the case of contents being affected and a large area of your home. We use both air drying and our specialty drying equipment to get everything dry as soon as possible. Opening windows and allowing air to move in to dry the area if possible is always a good start, but we typically need some more power from our equipment such as air movers.


SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines are leaders in the restoration industry and we assure you that you are in good hands. We work directly with your insurance company to provide you a hassle-free and stress-free process. Our team prides ourselves on our strong communication, dedication, and hard work that we put into every single job, no matter how big or small. Give us a call at 570-732-9191 for a water damage inspection today.

Water Damage

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

With summertime full in swing, it can be more common for thunderstorms to occur and for your home to experience damages. With harsh winds you may have damages to your roof, flooding in your basement due to excess water, or other outdoor damages to siding on your home. Hurricane season also began June 1st and runs into fall, so it is essential to be prepared if a hurricane is predicted to potentially hit your area. Check out these tips below for dealing with unexpected storms this summer! 

  • Emergency Supply Kit

Having an emergency supply kit is always a good idea. This can include items such as water, non-perishable food, medicine, and other first aid items, flashlights and maps, important documents such as passports and wills, and more.

  • Stay Informed

Keep aware of the news by listening to the radio and watching your local weather station. You may have to turn off your power if you notice your area flooding, downed power lines, or authorities recommend you do so.

  • Get Out When Necessary

If any dangerous storm is in the path of your home and evacuation is necessary, be sure to take your belongings that you need and relocate to a safe shelter. Even though your home may face damages, your safety is always more important. 

  • Water Damage

If you are experiencing water damage that is visible, be sure to shut off the water source immediately when you notice what has happened. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the home to make sure they are safe from electrical shock. Remove any excess water if possible by blotting or mopping, but do not use a household vacuum or turn on ceiling fixtures. Prop up any wet upholstery and stay out of any unsafe areas. 

Give us a call at 570-732-9191 if you are experiencing damages to your home as the result of a storm. We are available 24/7 and are always here to help you!

What To Do After A Flood

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding can occur very unexpectedly from heavy rainfall, water not draining properly, or a pipe burst that goes unnoticed. At SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines, we are always here to help at any time of the day, even if flooding occurs in the middle of the night and you need help as soon as possible. After calling us at 570-732-9191, here are some steps you can take before our team arrives to minimize the water damage as much as possible.

  1. Remove excess water by mopping and blotting at the surface
  2. Remove and prop up upholstery and curtains
  3. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting 
  4. Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting and gather loose items from the floor

After taking these steps, our team will take over and be able to dry the water from your home. If any contents such as furniture, clothing, or other items were damaged in the process of the flooding, our contents cleaning team will be able to restore everything for you and get it looking brand new again. We have successfully been able to restore wedding dresses, couches, children’s toys, and more. We assure you that we will make the entire process as smooth as possible by keeping in constant contact with you throughout the duration of the project. 

SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines is here to help with any flooding or water damage in the area. We service towns such as Jim Thorpe, Pocono Lake, Palmrton, Lehighton, Tobyhanna, and more! If you own property in any of these areas, be sure to check up on your home during flooding season.

Water Damage

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home can be a scary thing to face and you may be stressed out if your home will ever look the same again. SERVPRO has both the equipment and experience with water damage to repair any damages and cleanup any mess from your home being affected by flooding. SERVPRO will keep you informed from beginning to end during the process of repairing your home and we will make sure that you are getting exactly what you need. We will cater to your unique situation and needs, leaving your home looking like “nothing ever happened.”

  • Call SERVPRO

As soon as you suspect any water damage in your home, SERVPRO is the number to call. Our team will understand your situation as best as possible over the phone and answer any questions you may have. We will work to schedule our technicians to get to your home as soon as possible to start the repair process.

  • Inspection and Damage Assessment

Once our technicians arrive at your home, they will conduct the damage and explain to you the entire process of what they believe is the best way to fix the problem. We can assist you with stopping water leakage immediately if there is current flooding or leaking into your home and explain how to further prevent the issue. 

  • Water Removal

Our team will work to extract any water and flooding in your home and prevent any spreading where the water is present. We use powerful technology and machines to quickly remove the water as efficiently as possible and pump everything out

  • Damaged Materials

If anything in your home cannot be successfully restored, we will evaluate the items and communicate any issues with you. With our recently purchased Esporta machine, we are successfully able to both clean and try a variety of items, so we will be able to take care of as much as we can for you and make it look brand new

  • Cleaning and Sanitizing

After removing the water, we will use our equipment and techniques to clean and sanitize your home for any furniture and flooring that was affected by the water damage

  • Drying and Monitoring

After our specialists remove all of the water and assess other damages, we will make sure that our equipment takes care of drying everything in your home and getting it restored. Our team will then monitor and visit your property to ensure the drying process is running smoothly. 

  • Repairs and Construction 

After the removal process is finished, we will work to restore your home to looking back to normal before damages occurred. Using SERVPRO for any construction needs can reduce costs by sticking with the same company and even speed up the process to get your home back to perfect conditions. We can work with you to accommodate any needs and even add any services you may think of at the time like painting and new flooring in other rooms of your home as well

Water Damage

3/17/2023 (Permalink)

After a harsh storm your home or commercial property can be left with a lot of water damage. Water can damage materials inside your home and leave behind a lot of problems that need to be fixed. That’s where we come in! Wallboards can begin to disintegrate if they remain wet for too long; floorboards can warp, sell or rot; and electrical circuits can short out or malfunction resulting in fire damages as well. Dampness can also promote mildew growth which can lead to health concerns. Our production team undergoes extensive training, including Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified. At SERVPRO of Carbon County we are here for you in case of any emergency. If you notice any of these issues arise in your home after a storm call SERVPRO of Carbon County at 570-732-9191, we offer 24/7 emergency services and will be there day or night to help you and your family! 

How to Best Prepare for Possible Flooding

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

If you ever experience flooding or water damage in your home after a big storm, SERVPRO can fix any damages you may have and be able to get your home looking good as new in no time. These are some ways you can prepare your home for the chance of flooding during a storm or heavy rain.

Evacuating and Shelter
Determine both an evacuation and shelter plan in case flooding becomes too extreme and you need to leave your home to protect yourself and your family. Flooding and heavy storms can be a very frightening time, so it is crucial to be able to be prepared for you and your family’s safety needs. Even though it might be upsetting to leave your house with water damage, your safety is the number one priority and SERVPRO can take care of your home as soon as possible.

Valuable Items
Store valuables on higher shelves or move valuables from basements to the top floor of your home if flooding is predicted to be extreme. Important things such as documents you need throughout your entire lifetime, childhood photos, electronic devices, and sentimental items should be taken care of and stored away to prevent loss and keep them as far away from water as possible.

Drains and Gutters
Keep drains and gutters clean of any debris that may prevent water from draining correctly. Blockage in a drain can cause water to build up and not be able to drain correctly throughout a system, possibly resulting in flooding in your home if not taken care of

Waterproofing
Consider purchasing waterproof containers to hold valuable documents such as social security cards, birth certificates, etc. Anything that is paper or flimsy material is at risk with water damage, so doing as much as you can to prevent these losses is essential before an expected flood

Food and Water
Stock up on non-perishable food and water if conditions are too extreme to leave your home.

Vehicles
Prepare vehicles outside of your home by closing all open windows and roofs, inspecting doors to make sure they are correctly sealed

Sump Pump
Consider purchasing a sump pump for your basement to prevent as much flooding and water damage as possible

How to Best Prepare for Possible Flooding

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

If you ever experience flooding or water damage in your home after a big storm, SERVPRO can fix any damages you may have and be able to get your home looking good as new in no time. These are some ways you can prepare your home for the chance of flooding during a storm or heavy rain.

  1. Evacuating and Shelter
    Determine both an evacuation and shelter plan in case flooding becomes too extreme and you need to leave your home to protect yourself and your family. Flooding and heavy storms can be a very frightening time, so it is crucial to be able to be prepared for you and your family’s safety needs. Even though it might be upsetting to leave your house with water damage, your safety is the number one priority and SERVPRO can take care of your home as soon as possible.
  2. Valuable Items
    Store valuables on higher shelves or move valuables from basements to the top floor of your home if flooding is predicted to be extreme. Important things such as documents you need throughout your entire lifetime, childhood photos, electronic devices, and sentimental items should be taken care of and stored away to prevent loss and keep them as far away from water as possible.
  3. Drains and Gutters
    Keep drains and gutters clean of any debris that may prevent water from draining correctly. Blockage in a drain can cause water to build up and not be able to drain correctly throughout a system, possibly resulting in flooding in your home if not taken care of
  4. Waterproofing
    Consider purchasing waterproof containers to hold valuable documents such as social security cards, birth certificates, etc. Anything that is paper or flimsy material is at risk with water damage, so doing as much as you can to prevent these losses is essential before an expected flood
  5. Food and Water
    Stock up on non-perishable food and water if conditions are too extreme to leave your home.
  6. Vehicles
    Prepare vehicles outside of your home by closing all open windows and roofs, inspecting doors to make sure they are correctly sealed
  7. Sump Pump
    Consider purchasing a sump pump for your basement to prevent as much flooding and water damage as possible

Water

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs in your home or business, avoid the frustration and potential risk of handling clean up yourself. We will respond quickly with the right equipment to dry and protect your property. When water damage occurs the wrong response can cost you plenty. Why call us? We understand emergencies happen at inconvenient times, which is why we have 24-hour emergency services available! We are faster to any-sized disaster! SERVPRO of Allentown and Western Lehigh County can help you with your emergency!

Have you ever wondered how we handle frozen pipes that burst and flood your home? We remove affected drywall, baseboard and perforate the wall to properly vent the wall. We are here to help!

Water Damage

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

At the first sign of water, whether from a storm or a pipe leaking. We have 24/7 emergency service. Imagine coming home to your basement flooded. 

We seen it all from ice damming to toilet overflows. We respond faster to any size disaster to extract the water and make your home or business look "Like it never even happened." 

We recently had a home with water damage in this house. The water pipe was rusted causing a slow leak. We had to remove the cement around it to gain access to the pipe and then had to replace the pipe and recover the area. The customer was relieved the work was completed. 

At SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines, we are here to help. Call us today at 570-732-9191

Water Damage

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs in your home or business, avoid the frustration and potential risk of handling clean up yourself. We will respond quickly with the right equipment to dry and protect your property. When water damage occurs the wrong response can cost you plenty. Why call us? We understand emergencies happen at inconvenient times, which is why we have 24-hour emergency services available! We are faster to any-sized disaster! We understand emergencies can happen in the middle of the night and we will respond.

Have you ever wondered how we handle frozen pipes that burst and flood your home? We remove affected drywall, baseboard and perforate the wall to properly vent the wall, as shown in the photo. 

Call SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines today at 570-732-9191 ! We are here to help!

Water Damage

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

With all the natural disasters happening down south, it may be easy to lose track of when there is an emergency other than what you see on television. Please be aware that floods can happen anywhere at anytime. Have you checked your hot water heater lately? Could one of your pipes start leaking through the ceiling down to the first floor from the bathroom? Maybe some rainfall came through the roof? The answer is YES! Unfortunately these damages can happen to any one on any given day or night. These damages can cause a long and painful process for a home owner if not handled properly. Luckily there is SERVPRO of Carbon County to the rescue. With our experienced crew members and vast majority of equipment we can make your disaster look like it never happened and have you living comfortably in your home. We are just a phone call away 24 hours a day 7 days a week.   

Water Damage

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage often occurs in areas that we can’t see – like behind walls, in ceilings and under floors. If left untreated, hidden damage can result in irreversible structural deterioration.

The following may indicate an undetected damage:

  • A musty odor. Musty or earthy damp smells in a home almost always originate from water damage. Where there is moisture, mold is typically also present. Mold spores rapidly overtake porous materials such as wood and drywall within 24 to 48 hours of saturation.
  • Sounds of water when nothing is being used. Listen at night, when the house is quiet, and be sure that you cannot hear any running water or sounds of dripping. One of the most common causes of a dripping sound behind a wall is a leaky pipe.
  • Stains and spotting. Damaged walls and ceilings will eventually show discoloration, stains and spots. Leaky water supply lines, or water leaking in from the roof are the most common culprits of spots and stains on walls and ceilings. If the spots have a fuzzy appearance, or take on a very dark green/black color, it could be visible mold – which means trouble.
  • Gradual changes to walls and flooring. If water is seeping into the subfloor from a saturated foundation or leaking pipes routed through the basement or crawl space, flooring will begin to show changes. Tiles may be loosened, linoleum can begin to peel, and laminate flooring can even warp. Evidence of water damage in the walls appears as peeling or bubbling paint, and cracking in drywall. As drywall absorbs water, it will begin to swell and retract, so any buckling or dimpling should also be noted and checked for water exposure. 

At SERVPRO of Carbon County, have the capability to detect hidden water damage using tools such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters. If you suspect a hidden damage in your home, we can help!

Pretty Icicles can be a problem!

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, this time of year can be dangerous to your home or business. This Pennsylvania winter brings snow, ice and freezing temperatures. These winter conditions can cause water damage to your home of business.

You might see pretty icicles - however those icicles can cause ice dams. Ice dams form when snow melts on your and then freezes. Any additional melted snow or water will not properly drain off the roof and can cause many issues to your home or business. 

When this occurs it can cause the water to leak into your home or business causing water damage to your ceilings, wall, floors, etc. 

We see this type of water damage and know how to address it! If you are experiencing water damage, call SERVPRO of Carbon County and Pocono Pines today - 570-732-9191!

Signs of Hidden Water Damage

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage isn’t always visible. There are some signs you might have water damage. These are signs to look for in your home or business. 

Mold Growth: High Moisture levels cause mold. Commonly found first seen in the seams of ceilings and floors. 

Stains: Moisture can cause discoloration on walls and ceilings. 

Peeling Paint: Wet walls cause paint and wallpaper to lose adhesion. 

Musty Smells: Trapped moisture and lack of air circulation causes unpleasant odors. 

Our Production Team has the skills and knowledge to assist you with your concerns. We have specialized equipment to properly dry your home or business. We are the property damage experts and here to help. 

If you suspect you have water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines today at 570-732-9191.

SERVPRO of Carbon County and Pocono Pines are trained to handle any water damage!

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you are experiencing water damage you will want to take immediate action. This is why we have emergencies. 

Our job is to make it as painless as possible. We can assist you from the minute you call us. We can work with your insurance and help make the process easy. 

Our SERVPRO team will ask the following questions:

  • Your name and contact information.
  • Your insurance (if you are filing a claim).
  • The street address with water damage. 
  • When did the water damage occur? 
  • What was the cause of the water damage? 
  • Was the cause of the damage fixed?

By answering these questions will help us determine what is needed to make your house or business look “Like it never even happened.” 

Call SERVPRO of Carbon County and Pocono Pines a call at 570-732-9191!

Got Water? SERVPRO of Carbon County and Pocono Pines can help!

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is common. When water damage occurs, you will need to act fast. Water can damage your home. Water is present in a home, the source of the water needs to be identified. There are different types of water sources that can cause water damage. 

Some common types of water sources are the following: 

  • Flooding and storm damage 
  • Leaking appliances 
  • Overflowing toilets, bathtubs and sinks
  • Flooded basements 
  • Tornadoes and thunderstorms
  • Hurricanes and tropical storms
  • Sewage backups 
  • Flooding from firefighting efforts

SERVPRO of Carbon County and Pocono Pines can handle all types of water damage. We have specialized equipment to thoroughly dry the affected area. From air movers to dehumidifiers, we can handle any water damage. We monitor the water with moisture meters to ensure the water is properly removed. 

Water Damage

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

House with water damage In the photo, you will see a water damaged home and how we removed drywall, baseboard and perforate the wall to vent!



When water damage occurs in your home or business, avoid the frustration and potential risk of handling clean up yourself. We will respond quickly with the right equipment to dry and protect your property. When water damage occurs the wrong response can cost you plenty. Why call us? We understand emergencies happen at inconvenient times, which is why we have 24-hour emergency services available! We are faster to any-sized disaster! SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines can help you with your emergency!

Have you ever wondered how we handle frozen pipes that burst and flood your home? We remove affected drywall, baseboard and perforate the wall to properly vent the wall, as shown in the photo. 

Call SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines today at 570-732-9191 ! We are here to help!

What is the process for water damage?

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

A dehumidifier in a basement. This is a dehumidifier we used in a basement to remove moisture from the air.

We follow a six (6) step process to ensure your house or business is restored to preloss condition.

Step 1: Who are you going to call? SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines! Time is of the essence when water hits. SERVPRO of Carbon County & Pocono Pines has twenty-four (24) hour service. We will ask questions about the damage to ensure our production manages bring the needed equipment onsite. 

Step 2: Inspecting and addressing the water damage. During the inspection, our professionals will identify the source, identify the type of water, survey the extent of the water damage and inspect the rest of the area. 

Step 3: Our team will remove/extract water. We can handle any job. In some cases, we can conduct an organized, efficient move-out to protect your belongings from further damage. 

Step 4: We will dry your house or business with our equipment. In addition, we will monitor the floors and walls to ensure the water issue is resolved. 

Step 5: Cleaning and sanitizing. 

This step includes:

-Content Restoration: We can salvage your personal belongings that may have been damaged. 

-Odor Removal and Deodorization: Our team is trained and has the equipment to remove tough smells. 

-Sanitizing Treatments:Our cleaning services go beyond standard janitorial cleaning. 

-Disposal: We will remove and dispose of damaged items. 

Step 6: The most important step...Restoration! Our team is trained to restore your home or business to look “Like it never even happened.”  

Call us today at 570-732-9191!

(570) 732-9191