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Preventing Frozen Pipes

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Frozen damage copper pipe Frozen pipes in Oklahoma City

Preventing Frozen Pipes


You live in Oklahoma City where the temperature drops well below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you know that your water pipes may freeze. Unfreezing them is a chore that requires patience, so it's better if they don't freeze in the first place, which requires diligence and preparation.

In Oklahoma City, temperatures can drop to the teens or low 20s just about any time between November and March. Usually, there is plenty of warning on the local Edmond news. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes and the resulting water damage.

  • When you hear those warnings, make sure you open the faucets in your Edmond house, and let them drip throughout the dangerous weather. That will keep them from freezing and causing a lot of water damage. However, before you get to that point, prepare your pipes. Wrap any exposed areas in fiberglass insulation or foam rubber.

  • If you have exposed piping in your crawl space or attic, insulate it to ward off the extreme cold.

  • Open all your cabinet doors so that warm air can circulate around the pipes.

  • You can also install powered heat tape, which requires little maintenance and provides maximum protection. It costs pennies per day to keep your Edmond pipes safe an prevent water damage.

  • If you have a conglomeration of pipes in one area, put a high-wattage lamp near them to keep them warm.

  • Stop all drafts from getting to the pipes by caulking the nearby windows and any openings in the foundation.

  • Slow and steady wins the race. A professional plumber knows how to slowly thaw your pipes safely, so they won't suffer more water damage.

If your pipes do freeze, remain calm. Don't try to thaw them in 30 minutes. If you overheat your frozen pipes, you could cause internal steam that will burst your pipes, and then you'll have frozen pipes and a big mess of water damage to repair and clean. A hair dryer set on low will do the job quite nicely if you have the patience to let it work.

If you're unlucky enough to have your pipes burst and cause water damage, you should contact SERVPRO of South Tulsa County immediately to fix your pipes and remove any trace of the problem. We're standing by to perform emergency service if you need us. Call (918) 437-2095 if you need help 24/7/365.

An unexpected cold snap can snarl your pipes. Be prepared against any such event. Thoroughly insulate your Oklahoma City home, and pay attention to the weather reports. A measure of prevention will eliminate any need for a cure. But if your pipes do burst, we're ready to fix the water damage and make sure it does not recur.

How To Deal With Kitchen Leaks

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Water on the kitchen floor coming out of the dishwasher Prevent any dishwasher mishaps, keep the kitchen sink unclogged.

Water is used every day in your Bixby, OK, home, but it can be nerve-wracking when the water leaks. Any unwanted flooding may lead to ruined appliances, water damage, and mold. To prevent this from happening, learn about two common kitchen leaks and what you can do to fix them.

1. The Kitchen Sink

Plumbing fixtures don’t last forever. Sometimes the pipes get old or they malfunction. If you detect a puddle of water underneath the sink, act quickly. Remove all the items in the exposed cabinet and wipe up the water with a towel. Don’t forget to dry the underside of the sink.

Once you have soaked up all the water, leave the cabinet doors open to dry. Leave a towel and test for an actual leak by turning on the faucet and running the garbage disposal. If the sink continues to leak, call a professional.

2. The Dishwasher

Dishwashers can leak and lead to serious flooding. This is a problem most people want to avoid, especially because the water can seep into the floor and cause water damage problems below. To prevent any dishwasher mishaps, keep the kitchen sink unclogged. If kitchen repair is needed, it’s best to dry out the area and call a professional.

The Solution

There are a few common ways to discover water problems in the home. If you are concerned about kitchen leaks or water damage in your home, look out for the following signs:

  • Dripping water
  • Stained ceilings or floors
  • Swollen or wet walls
  • Mold

If you discover any these, contact a professional for help. Water damage should be taken care of quickly to avoid further problems.

Keep an eye out for leaks and potential issues that can lead to flooding. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are often the most vulnerable to leaks. By being aware and acting quickly, you can prevent unwanted water in home appliances and surrounding areas.

3 Steps for a Pipe Break Cleanup

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

Flash light, sleeping bag, bottled water, first aid, portable radio, matches, medicine, band aids, whistle, blanket. A first aid kit is an essential item for your commercial property in Tulsa, OK

A first aid kit is an essential item for your commercial property in Tulsa, OK. Sadly, it's all too common for an emergency kit to be missing from offices and supply closets. If you haven't put together a safety kit or if you haven't made sure an existing kit is up to date, now is the time to make sure you're fully prepared for an emergency.

OSHA's First Aid List

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a complete list of items you need to create a basic kit as well as a complete kit. For example, a very basic first aid kit should contain

  • Adhesive bandages
  • Gauze pads multiple shapes and sizes
  • Gauze rolls in various widths
  • Triangular bandages
  • Supplies for cleaning wounds, such as disinfectants and swabs
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Medical tape
  • Medical gloves
  • Resuscitation equipment
  • Splints
  • Blanket
  • Directions for contacting emergency personnel


Remember that these are the very minimum of a complete kit. If you work with chemicals or specialized equipment, you may need to have other items to address the potential for risks associated with those.

Kit Installation and Training

If your property consists of multiple buildings or a lot of renters, clients, and staff, you need to install additional safety kits, so anyone exposed to danger can quickly access the supplies. You may also find that you're responsible for training employees in the use of kits. Check with OSHA for more details regarding your business responsibilities.

Protection for the Safety of Employees, Clients, and Renters

When disaster strikes Tulsa, OK, property damage remediation professionals can put your buildings back into working condition. Inventory can be replaced, and landscaping can be renewed. When it comes to the people living and working on your property, however, access to a first aid kit may be the most important way to stay safe. When is the last time you checked your kits?

4 Ways To Protect Employees During Mold Removal

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Employees wearing mold protection gear Commercial mold clean up in Jenks, OK

4 Ways To Protect Employees During Mold Removal

Employees in a commercial structure that is undergoing mold removal should still be able to get work done. Learn about four ways to protect building occupants during the removal process. 


1. Turn Off the HVAC System

The cooling and heating system can spread mold spores throughout a structure. It is a good idea to turn this system off as soon as you suspect that mold is developing. The problem may intensify if spores spread to other areas in the structure where conditions are conducive to mold growth. Provide fans or space heaters if necessary. Employees can also work out of a temporary location until containment is complete.

2. Seal Off Affected Areas

Sometimes, remediation professionals will recommend a limited or full containment strategy to prevent cross-contamination during mold removal. Specialists may use a single layer of polyethylene sheeting to seal off 10 to 100 square feet of a structure. If more than 100 square feet are impacted or the problem involves black mold or another toxigenic fungus, cleanup experts can create a negative air chamber out of plastic barriers and double layers of sheeting. A decontamination chamber should also prevent spores from spreading.

3. Relocate Employees to Another Area

Depending on how much of a structure is touched by mold, it may be advisable to relocate employees to a less affected part of the building. Employees often benefit from the opportunity to work out of another location until remediation is underway or complete.

4. Inform Employees About Remediation

Employees are likely to be concerned about the presence of mold in a workplace. Keep building occupants apprised of the remediation schedule and the measures being taken to promote their safety.

If you take these steps, employees should be able to work during mold removal. Remain as productive as possible by working with a commercial mold remediation and restoration company in Jenks, OK.

Tips for Cleaning Out Your Dryer

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Vacuum cleaning a flexible aluminum dryer vent hose, to remove lint and prevent fire hazard. Clean out regularly the hose of your dryer

Ways To A Prevent A Lint Fire In Your Home

Not many people enjoy doing their laundry. Between the time it takes to wash, dry, and put away your clothes, it may seem like hours before it is all done. This is especially true if it takes a long time for your clothes to dry in the dryer. If it takes more than one cycle, then it's likely time to clean out your dryer and hose. This can help prevent a lint fire in your home in Glenpool, OK.

Clean the Lint Screen

You should clean the lint screen after every load, but sometimes, the lint screen can stop trapping the lint. This can happen because of buildup from several sources:

  • Dryer sheets
  • Fabric softeners
  • Laundry detergent

To find out if your lint screen is clogged, run some water over it. If the water collects on the screen instead of running through, then it needs to be cleaned. You should also vacuum underneath and around the lint screen.

Clean Out the Hose

The hose that connects the back of your dryer to the outside of your home can get clogged with lint too. To prevent a lint fire, clean it out regularly as well. You should be able to easily detach the hose from the back of the dryer and from the hole in the wall. You might be able to stick your arm through, or you can take a broom handle or something similar to push the lint through.

Inside of the Dryer

Every once in a while, you should have a professional come and vacuum out the inside of your dryer. The lint can build up around the drum and at the bottom. This leads to a high risk of a dryer fire. If you notice longer drying times and you have already cleaned out the hose and lint screen, then it may be time to have the dryer itself vacuumed out.
These things can help prevent a lint fire. If you do experience a dryer fire, you can count on your fire repair specialists to help repair the fire damage and get your home back to normal.

Common Water Issues for Businesses

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

Air Movers in a commercial building Commercial water loss in Tulsa, OK

Common Water Issues for Businesses

For a commercial property owner in Tulsa, OK, unexpected water problems can be a big issue. Fortunately, a water damage professional can help you assess, clean, and repair damages from any flooding or leaks you may have. Here are a few of the most common water problems a business may face from leaking pipes to foundation cracks.

1. Pipe Breaks

A pipe break can occur in a number of ways. Over time, the pipe can age and loosen in its fittings, or extensive use can lead to pinhole leaks. Extreme heat or cold can also affect a pipe’s integrity. A blocked pipe can lead to pressure buildup and eventually burst.

2. Plumbing Backup

Blocked plumbing can even lead to a toilet backup or sink overflow. When a pipe is blocked, water can take the shortest path out regardless of its intended flow path. Blockages can occur from a number of things, including the buildup of water minerals over time inside a pipe or someone pouring a solidifying material, such as plaster or grease, down a drain.

3. Weather

Extreme weather conditions can also lead to leaking pipes. Cold temperatures can cause the water in pipes to freeze and expand. The expansion puts pressure on the pipe and can create a crack or even cause it to burst altogether. If you know cold weather is coming, you can check with a local professional about what preventive measures to take.

4. Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks can also become a problem leading to water damage. Water can seep through any cracks and pool, leading to further issues such as mold. Any cracks should be investigated and assessed as soon as possible to determine the best course of action.

Water damage can happen to a commercial property. Fortunately, a professional can fix the damage caused by leaking pipes, foundation cracks, backed up toilet, or weather, and help you repair your property.

A Homeowners Guide to Fire Extinguishers

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

fire extinguisher Arm yourself with the right tools to prevent and put out a house fire in Leonard, OK.

As a homeowner in Leonard, OK, you are an expert in many areas. When it comes to fire preparedness, you know the importance of having an escape plan, keeping functioning smoke detectors at every level of your home and having a fire extinguisher in case of a home fire. However, do you know which type of extinguisher is best? Do you know what information is relevant when buying a fire extinguisher? Here is a guide to help you decide.

Know the ABCs of Fire Extinguishers

There are many classes of extinguishers, some for residential and others for commercial properties. Each class works best for a different type of fire, and some combine to combat more than one type of fire. Those best for the home setting include a combination of the three classes:

• Class A rating extinguishers work best on fires involving trash, paper, wood, plastics and textiles. The container holds the chemical monoammonium phosphate.
• Class B rating extinguishers are for flammable liquids, such as grease, oil, paint, kerosene or gasoline. This also uses monoammonium phosphate, with the addition of sodium bicarbonate.
• Class C rating extinguishers are used in electrical fires and also use both monoammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate. Class C extinguishers do not conduct electricity.

Other Considerations

• The numbers that proceed the class rating refer to effectiveness and area covered by the contents of the canister. The larger the number, the larger the area it covers.
• Extinguishers come in different sizes. Buy the largest one that you can independently operate. A 5 pound canister is a good choice to keep in the laundry room or kitchen, while a 10 pound extinguisher would be better for a garage.

Arm yourself with the right tools to prevent and put out a house fire in Leonard, OK. Use a fire extinguisher to combat a home fire only when the fire is caught early and contained. If the fire has spread, promptly exit to safety and call 911. When fire damage occurs, contact a fire restoration specialist and your homeowner’s insurance agent as soon as possible. Ask for guidance on returning your home to pre-fire condition. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROsouthtulsacounty.com/.

3 Methods for Ridding Your Building of Smoke

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

Fogging Machine A thermal fogger can help with smoke damage in your Glenpool,OK commercial property.

Ridding Your Building of Smoke

A fire in your commercial property in Glenpool,OK, can cause significant structural damage. That's not the only thing you need to worry about when it comes to getting your building back to normal, though. Smoke and soot permeate the entire area affected by the fire, so smoke cleaning must be a part of your remediation plan. Fire restoration experts are likely to use one or a combination of the following methods to rid your building of smoke damage.

1. Air Purifier

Getting the smoke odor out of the air is important. A simple air purifier won't do the trick, though. The machines the experts use have two key features. First, a purifier has to have a HEPA filter in order to get rid of the smoke smell. Smoke is made up of very small particulates, so the filter used in the device has to be able to trap them. Second, it must also have an activated carbon filter. While regular filters miss the volatile organic compounds present in smoke, the carbon filter is designed to trap and neutralize them.

2. Ozone Machine

A machine that produces ozone can help in the smoke cleaning process. When pumped into a space, ozone spreads thoroughly and works by oxidizing the odiferous molecules. It then breaks down and converts into oxygen in approximately half an hour.

3. Thermal Fogger

Smoke damage can also be remedied by the use of thermal foggers. A fogger works by simulating the circumstances that caused the smoke problem in the first place. Intense heat is applied to a chemical deodorant, turning it into a fog. The fog then seeps into the same places the smoke exists and attaches to the particles, neutralizing the odor.

When your building catches fire, you need professional smoke cleaning. With their expertise and the proper equipment, these technicians can remove the smell from your building.

Ceiling Fixture Leaks: 3 Quick Mitigation Solutions

7/7/2023 (Permalink)

A ceiling fan Use these 3 solutions to help make your process smoother.

Dealing with leaks in your Tulsa, OK home may be something you have dealt with in the past. However, it can be startling when they come from your ceiling's light fixtures. These leaks can cause flooding and damage your electrical system, so acting quickly to stop the leak when you notice water in a light fixture can prevent costly problems later.

1. Shut Off the Water

Shutting off the water to your home can prevent pooling and flooding, especially if the leak is up in your attic. This can also slow or stop ceiling damage caused by a broken pipe. Once you shut off the water, it is wise to avoid your attic space for a bit, even if you know that is where the leak originated, because it may not be safe to enter.

2. Turn Off the Electricity to Your Upper Floors

Water in a light shade can pose a severe electrical shock hazard, so turning off the electricity to your upper floors can reduce the risk of injury or fire. Be cautious operating your fuse box, and wear rubber gloves for additional protection. Have family members move to the main floor of your home to ensure their safety before you cut the power.

3. Call for Flood Cleanup Services

Having a flood cleanup and restoration company come to drain pooling water from your home and assess the damage can help you begin the repair process. These professionals can also advise you about ceiling damage and whether you will need to replace any sections stained or weakened by the leak. Once flood technicians clean up and ensure that the attic is safe to enter, you can go up and inspect the damage to report it to your insurance agent.

Finding water in a light fixture or dripping from your Tulsa, OK home's ceiling can be a stressful experience. Knowing which actions might prevent serious water damage and keep your family safe might help you take action with confidence if a leak should occur. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthtulsacounty.com for more information on water damage. 

3 Ways to Keep Your Property Safe From a Flood

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

white sandbags for flood defense Flooding can cause devastating damage to your building.

Ways To Keep Your Property Safe From a Flood

Water damage to buildings is a common concern for property owners in Woodland Hills, OK. Flooding can happen at any moment without warning and cause irreparable damage. Causes are varied and include:

  • Improperly installed water supply lines
  • Storms
  • Sewage overflow
  • Burst pipes

You can keep your building protected from a flood by taking preventative measures and maintaining your property. Here are a few ways to keep your property safe from a flood.

1. Pay Attention to Flood Warnings
Newscasters take care to warn citizens of oncoming flash floods and heavy downfalls. It is important to monitor the weather to have sufficient time for preparation. You can prepare your building for flooding by having sandbags ready, especially if floods are common in your area. When there are flood warnings in your area, stack the sandbags against your property like bricks. Move expensive electronics and furniture to higher ground if you are able.

2. Know Your Risk
Before you own a property, research the area to know the risk of floods. If they are common, design your building accordingly. There are companies that build flood-resistant buildings. You can hire a contractor to build your property above flood level. To flood-proof an existing building, you can raise electrical outlets and install flood-rated products. Preparing your building will lessen the risk of irreparable flood damage.

3. Know What is Covered by Your Insurance
Most insurance companies do not cover flood damage. If you are purchasing a property in an area with high risk, you will likely be required by law to have flood insurance. Shop the area for insurance companies that give you the best coverage at the best rate. Once you purchase your insurance plan, ask them for a list of providers. Keep yourself informed of the storm damage restoration services in your area by researching reviews and their specializations.
Flooding can cause devastating damage to properties in Woodland Hills, OK. You can prevent having to spend thousands on repairs by preparing your property accordingly.