What Happens to Your Home After a Flood?

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding: It's every homeowner's nightmare. It's something you hope never to experience. Unfortunately, in Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, residents have to deal with this reality. While you can do some things to minimize flooding in some cases, you can't always hold back floods from getting into your home. If water has damaged parts of your home, you'll need to tear out the affected areas. There're other steps SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville recommends to get your home back to a livable state.

Get Rid of the Water

Different amounts of water find their way into your home during a flood. Even small amounts can cause water damage to your valuables and various parts of your house. You must remove this water as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of mold.

• Extract the water using a wet vacuum.

• Use an industrial-strength carpet cleaner to suck up water. 

• Call a professional company that specializes in storm restoration to help.

Remove Damaged Items

After a flood, the chances are high that your walls and flooring will have damage. These areas might even be destroyed or unusable. In these cases, you need to tear out ruined carpet, hardwood, tile, or drywall. This will help ensure that mold and other foreign materials don't form.

Sanitize

Don't forget to clean the affected areas once you've removed flooring and drywall. Getting rid of water and damaged areas isn't enough. You also should use a heavy-duty cleaner and sanitizer to reduce the risk of bacteria growing in your home. This process will also help eliminate unpleasant odors.

After a flood in your home, it's vital that you remove any remaining water and that you tear out and clean affected places. You don't have to perform these tasks on your own. Contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705 to get your home back to normal.

How to Clean Items Affected by Water Damage

7/4/2023 (Permalink)

It can be disheartening to discover the aftermath of a flood in your home. When you have water in your home located in Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, family heirlooms, photographs, and important documents may be affected. It's possible to restore them, though. Follow the steps to get the restoration process started. The water mitigation experts at SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville, who'll handle your cleanup, may be likely to save your valued items.

1. Remove the Item From Harm's Way

First, take the item out of the water. Wearing the appropriate gear, such as goggles, gloves, rubber boots, and protective clothing, gently move the items to an area where they can start to dry out. Clean the debris off as much as you can without grinding dirt into the items. If possible, keep affected belongings indoors, as the sun and other outdoor elements can cause more harm than help.

2. Reduce Humidity

While items are air drying, it's essential to do everything you can to reduce your home's humidity. Talk to the professionals handling the water in the home about the best way to increase the airflow. They may recommend opening windows or bringing in industrial dehumidifiers to help your items dry and prevent mold growth.

3. Trust the Experts

When you hire mitigation experts, they are there to do more than fix broken pipes and replace walls. They can be a sounding board for your concerns and answer any questions you have. Their experience allows them to advise on the best method for recovering your items, whether dry cleaning or gamma irradiation. Trusting their guidance is the path to restoring your home to its former state as soon as possible.

Water in the home may be daunting, but it doesn't have to be devastating. Preserve your precious memories and other items in your home by following these tips and. Contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705 for additional information.

Using Drain Cleaners: 3 Important Facts

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

The Chemicals May Damage Older Pipes

Using a drain cleaner to clear a clog may harm your pipes if you have an older home. These liquids can contain several caustic ingredients designed to dissolve hair and waste, and the heat they create once introduced in the line can warp older metal pipes. If this happens, your plumbing problems may multiply instead of being resolved.

The Compounds May Not Remove Clogs

While some drain cleaners effectively clear a clogged drain or bathroom sink, they don't always work on large toilet clogs. Suppose the chemicals are unable to deal with the mass. In this scenario, the product can remain in the pipes and sometimes cause warping or other damage, leading to a massive toilet overflow and the need for a sewage cleaning and removal company. If a drain cleaning product doesn't produce results within 24 hours, it is wise to call a plumber.

The Cleaners May Be Hazardous

Clearing a drain with a liquid cleaner can be convenient, but these products could pose a threat to you, your pets, and wildlife. They sometimes contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful when inhaled and harm the local environment if they find their way into natural water sources. As such, it's essential to handle these products carefully.

Dealing with a clogged drain in your Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, home can be frustrating. Before reaching for a liquid drain cleaner, it's essential to know the cleaner's facts and its use. Keep your home and family safe today.

SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville Lesser-Known Cleaning Categories

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville has the means to help your commercial property—whether a main service or a lesser-known cleanup category.

So...What Does SERVPRO Do?

With so many restoration companies out there, it’s hard to know which company is the right fit. And in the midst of a crisis, calling for emergency service, that decision can seem impossible and overwhelming. We are a restoration company defined by quality. While we have built a reputation for our top tier fire and water restoration services, (seriously, see our 5-star reviews), we also service many other cleanup categories. 

SERVPRO’s Lesser-Known Cleanup Categories

On top of water damage cleanup, fire restoration, mold remediation, commercial and residential cleaning, contents cleaning—which includes drapes, blinds, walls, floors ceilings, upholstery and carpets—SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville also does:

• General cleaning and graffiti removal
• Air ducts and HVAC cleaning, not repair
• Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning
• Odor removal and deodorization
• Debris removal
• Vandalism and graffiti removal
• Trauma and Crime Scene cleanup
• Biohazard cleaning
• Sewage cleanup

Wow, what a list, right? That’s not all we do. We also professionally sanitize your home or business with our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned process. We have a proprietary blend of disinfectants to deal with biological contaminants.

Specialized Training — Certified: SERVPRO Clean

The Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC)  set forth protocols, and we are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business to high standards. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants. We go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs daily.

The CDC encourages cleaning high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC's guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment
• Specialized Products

The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line, available on Amazon, carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. Do you need proactive cleaning of your commercial property or any of our lesser-known cleaning services? Call SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville today at 901-382-0900.

4th of July Firework Safety

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

The last thing you want to experience this 4th of July is a fire at or on your home due the use of fireworks! Call SERVPRO today.

July 4th Safety!

The summer holiday brings an assortment of fun, outdoor activities, but the last thing you want to experience this 4th of July is a fire at or on your home due the use of fireworks! Please read the following for some firework safety tips, provided by the National Council on Firework Safety.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. You should stay at least 500 feet away from the show.

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

And let’s not forget the safety of our pets!

• Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
• If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
• Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
• Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.
• For more information on pet safety, visit our blog and get a free Pet Passport download.

If you are dealing with fire damage from a house fire, our experienced team is ready to respond. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are prepared for damage to your home or business, and are able to respond quickly. Immediate action and a fast response can limit damage, prevent further damage and reduce restoration costs. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. 

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville is close by and ready to respond to your cleaning or restoration needs. We are proud to be an active member of the community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. Call (901) 382-0900 for 24 hour emergency service.

Storm Restoration Experts Know How to Dry Your Property

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

For additional information regarding storm damage, visit our service page or blog. We are available 24 hours for emergency response. Call us today.

SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova are Leaders in the Storm Restoration Industry for a Reason

Harsh weather conditions like flooding, wind, and storms cause devastating damage to homes and businesses. Property damage due to storm damage and flood water overwhelms many with concerns for personal safety and properties' security.

When this form of damage occurs to your home or business, the first step is to find safety, then contact a trustworthy storm damage restoration company.

An immediate restoration response reduces the extent of damage done to a property. Since roof damage is likely to be accompanied by water damage—a gaping hole is a recipe for moisture and storm water to make itself at home—a quick emergency response reduces the risk for internal and structural water damage and microbial growth.

When contacted, storm restoration experts will analyze the level of damage and make a judgment regarding how to begin. Professionals' main priority is to secure property before cleanup, repair, and restoration. Once a property's debris is removed from the exterior and roof repair is completed, experts move to drying and the internal cleanup of furniture, carpets, clothes, and other items. 

The Drying Process of SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova

Oozing groundwater, especially in places prone to flooding, could cause damage, especially if no flood pump has been previously installed. SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova has a thorough drying process.

First, our team sets up industrial-strength drying equipment such as air movers and HEPA filtered dehumidifiers. Special care is taken to thoroughly dry the area around the original leak or cavity.

If water has seeped to the surrounding areas, special drying equipment is used. It can take 3-5 days for traditional drying. However, hard-to-dry materials, such as wood floors and crawlspaces, can make the process longer.

After the property is dry, the restoration of any damaged materials can start. Restoration is the most time-consuming part, but is very important and the bulk of returning the property to its preloss condition. We strive to make a property look, “Like it never even happened.”

For additional information regarding storm damage, visit our service page or blog. We are available 24 hours for emergency response. Call us at (901) 382-0900.

Tips to Clean Water Damaged Items

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

When you have water in your Tennessee home, family heirlooms, photographs, and important documents may be affected. However, it's possible to restore them using steps to get the restoration process started. The water mitigation experts at SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville, who will handle your water cleanup, may be able to save your valued items.

Remove Items from the Water

This sounds simple, and it can be! First, take any contaminated items out of standing water. Wearing the appropriate gear, such as goggles, gloves, rubber boots, and protective clothing, gently move items to an area where they can start to dry out. Clean the debris off as much as you can without grinding dirt into porous items. If possible, keep affected belongings indoors, as the sun and other outdoor elements can cause even more harm than help.

Reduce Humidity

While items are air drying, it's essential to reduce the home's humidity. Talk to the professionals handling the water in the home about the best way to increase airflow. They may recommend opening windows or bringing in industrial dehumidifiers to help your items dry and prevent mold growth.

Trust the Professionals

When you hire mitigation experts, they do more than fix broken pipes and replace walls. They can be a sounding board for your concerns and answer any questions you have. Their experience allows them to advise on the best method for recovering your items, whether dry cleaning or gamma irradiation. Trusting their guidance is the path to restoring your home to its former state as soon as possible.

Water in the home may be daunting, but it doesn't have to be devastating. Preserve your precious memories and other items in your home by following these tips and. Contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705 for additional information.

3 Things to Know About Drain Cleaners Before Using

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

When a clogged drain stops water from flowing through your home's plumbing, you may reach for one of several drain cleaners you have handy. These products are adept at handling small sink or toilet clogs and can help water drain smoothly. However, before you use these liquids, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville wants you to know where they can be used and when they might do more harm than good.

Drain Cleaners May Damage Older Pipes

Using a drain cleaner to clear a clog may harm your pipes if you have an older home. These liquids can contain several caustic ingredients designed to dissolve hair and waste, and the heat they create once introduced in the line can warp older metal pipes. If this happens, your plumbing problems may multiply instead of resolve.

Drain Cleaners May Not Remove Clogs

While some drain cleaners effectively clear a clogged drain or bathroom sink, they don't always work on large toilet clogs. Suppose the chemicals are unable to deal with the mass. In this scenario, the product can remain in the pipes and sometimes cause warping or other damage, leading to a massive toilet overflow and the need for a sewage cleaning and removal company. If a drain cleaning product doesn't produce results within 24 hours, it may be wise to call a plumber.

Drain Cleaners May Be Hazardous

Clearing a drain with a liquid cleaner can be convenient, but these products could pose a threat to you, your pets, or wildlife. They sometimes contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful when inhaled and have the potential to harm the local environment if they find their way into natural water sources. As such, it's essential to handle these products carefully.

Before reaching for a liquid drain cleaner, it's essential to know the cleaner's facts and its use. Read and follow the directions carefully on the containers to keep your home and family safe.

Professionals Who Clean Up Water Damage

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Have water damage? Call SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville.

It's possible to lose everything as a result of water damage, so it's essential to understand what needs to be done if your home or business has water-related damage. These steps will keep you safe and help you prepare for professional technicians to start the water cleanup process in your flooded property.

Unknown Hazards

Water damage’s source is often hard to pinpoint once the water has receded. It can occur for many reasons, but it usually results from a natural flood, a supply line break, or a pipe break. And although it may not be visible to the naked eye, hidden water can cause hidden problems. Moisture can collect just about anywhere—behind walls, within drywall, in furniture, and other porous materials.

Wildlife can also take up residence in a recently flooded area—talk about an unwanted squatter! It's not unusual for critters ranging from rodents to reptiles to be present in a flood situation. Be prepared by wearing boots and other protective clothing. It's also not a bad idea to wear rubber gloves and a vapor respirator if you have one.

Contaminated liquids can pose a threat to your safety, too. This is a concern with a supply line break and a pipe break and is why you must exercise extreme caution when entering an area that has been recently flooded.

Safety Measures

If you must enter an area that has been recently flooded, make sure that the electricity has been turned off. Electric wires and outlets may still present some safety issues, making it possible to be electrocuted, so err on the side of caution to prevent injury. A restoration company makes mitigation a priority, especially when it comes to safety, and water cleanup is usually that priority in disaster situations.

Restoration Professionals

Cleaning up flood waters should not be a DIY project. A restoration company is qualified with knowledge and resources to make sure you’re not missing hidden damage. A professional will be prepared to determine what items in a flooded home are beyond salvaging and which are cleanable. Items like mattresses, box springs, particleboard, and pillows hold more moisture than other items and generally have to be thrown away. We recommend you record and itemize any lost items for insurance purposes. 

The Process

A professional restoration company comes into a flooded home or business with mitigation as a top priority. Through the use of specialized moisture detector meters, they search for hidden pockets of wetness behind deceptively dry surfaces and remove them. These pockets are then exposed and dried. Part of restoration includes dry-ice pressure blasting areas where moisture was present to prevent and/or eliminate microbial growth. Professional technicians also have tools that speed up the drying process to prevent more bacteria and mold growth.

Make Sure the Company is Certified

Make sure the restoration company that you hire is certified through a reputable organization. Anytime you have standing water in your home or standing water in your business for a prolonged amount of time, there will be damage. However, acting quickly and calling a professional company is the best approach for proper mitigation and restoration. If you have water damage and need assistance, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville is Here to Help®. Call(901) 755-3705 today.

Remedy Sprinkler Water Damage from Commercial Business Fire

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Remedies Sprinkler Water Damage from Commercial Business Fires

A fire in a commercial business is devastating. Not only is the structural integrity of your building potentially compromised, but employees are out of work and your customers are not being served. 

And when you add additional damages from the sprinkler systems kicking on, the fire and water commercial damages compound quickly. A lot of companies cannot afford to close for a day, and SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville understands this.

That is why we offer 24/7 commercial damage services to get commercial businesses back on their feet in as little time as possible.

For Example:

If a fire burns through a building and activates the sprinkler system, there is now both fire and water damage. This is often the case with fires since flames are smothered with water—and that water can be just as damaging or more damaging than the fire. 

We are a one-stop-shop.

Since SERVPRO has the knowledge, equipment, and staff to treat fire and water damages simultaneously, our commercial services reduce the cost that businesses pay because they don't need to look for multiple companies to take care of the different types of damages. SERVPRO even acts as a liaison between insurance companies and clients which makes working with us that much easier.

Unfortunately, disasters are not preventable, but companies like SERVPRO are there to make fire and water disasters “Like it never even happened,” with residential and commercial services. For questions regarding SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville commercial services, contact us at (901) 755-3705.

Should I Be Concerned About Flooding if My Building Has Fire Sprinklers?

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Fire sprinklers minimize damage during the event of a fire. However, many wonder if these systems are worth it. If a sprinkler were to go off accidentally, water damage could be devastating. Although sprinkler systems have the potential to cause flooding, many myths and superstitions are not true. Here are three things you should know regarding commercial fire sprinklers.

1. They Are Not Easily Activated

Many people think that sprinkler systems can easily be set off by smoke. However, it takes a minimum of 155 degrees Fahrenheit for sprinklers to activate, so don't worry about your burnt lunch, creating an indoor rainstorm. A few other things that might set off your system can include the following:

• Mechanical damage
• Corrosion
• Overheating

While overheating can occur if a sprinkler is too close to a heater or skylight, high-temperature-rated sprinklers can handle these high-heat areas.

2. They Don't Cause as Much Water Damage as You Might Think

The damage that these fixtures can cause is quite small compared to other methods of fire prevention. By using only one-sixth of the water in a fire hose, these sprinklers can cause less damage. Luckily, water damage can be taken care of quickly and efficiently with the help of a professional restoration company.

3. There're Many Precautions That You Can Take

If you are still worried about accidental flooding, there are many precautions you can take. The easiest and most efficient way to take care of your sprinklers is to inspect them often. In Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, local safety regulations require a certain number of inspections every year. By testing the system, professionals can catch any problems or potential issues.

Fire systems are an efficient and safe way to protect your building from fire damage. They can't be set off easily and therefore are not a big cause of accidental flooding.

Common Signs of a Shower Leak

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

A shower or bathtub leak can be significant. Water damage can lead to structural issues in your Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, home's walls, flooring, and ceiling. Some shower leaks are hard to catch early on. If you know some common signs of trouble, you may be able to start investigating a source of water before the leak causes too much damage.

Water Damage

When water pools where it isn't supposed to, it can cause building materials to start breaking down. Common signs of water damage around a shower include the following:

• The stained ceiling below second-floor bathroom
• Damaged flooring in bathroom
• Stained spots on walls adjacent to the shower
• Cracked grout in tiled showers

Mold and mildew growth could be another sign that moisture is building up inappropriately in your bathroom. If you notice any of these signs of water damage, you may want to call in some residential restoration specialists to help you fix your space.

Obvious Drips

A continually dripping faucet or showerhead is a visible sign of a leak. However, in some cases, homeowners may not be able to hear the leak. Leaky pipes can be located in the walls around your shower. Gaskets and valves that reside in the walls can deteriorate and start allowing water out. If you can't see a shower or bathtub leak, don't assume it's not there.

Malfunctioning Shower Pan

The shower pan is your shower's last line of defense. This membrane catches water and directs it to the drain. However, a shower pan leak can start due to poor installation or new cracks. If you plug a shower drain, a damaged shower pan may still allow water to flow out. Fixing this issue can get quite expensive because you may have to redo large portions of your shower or tub.

Keeping your eyes peeled for signs of a shower or bathtub leak may be a good idea. If left unchecked, these water drips can lead to severe amounts of damage to your home. For additional information regarding water damage, contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville today at (901) 755-3705.

Why Do Ice Storms Result in Damage?

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville is here to help in any storm. An ice storm involves the accumulation of freezing rain. Snow melts as it passes through air that's warmer than freezing. Precipitation then refreezes as it falls through subfreezing air closer to the ground. This results in a layer of ice that can be up to several inches thick.

What Do Ice Storms Involve?

Ice storms can result in ice accumulations on the ground, sidewalks, roads, and other outdoor surfaces. These storms are characterized by:

• A layer of ice at least a quarter-inch thick
• Excess weight on branches and power lines
• Risk of additional wind damage

According to The Weather Channel, ice can increase tree branch weight by 30 times or add as much as 500 pounds of excess weight to power lines. The weight of the ice can cause branches, power lines, and poles to fall.

Common Types of Storm Damage

In addition to risks posed by slick surfaces, ice storms can also lead to power failure. Some of the consequences of an ice storm include:

• Fallen branches
• Lack of heating
• Ice damming on roofs
• Shingle bruises

These are some of the most common types of damage caused by accumulated ice. Preventative measures may limit the extent of the damage.

Limiting Ice Damage

Homeowners can take several measures well before a storm is on the forecast. The following tips may lessen storm damage:

• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Ensure that roof temperature is uniform
• Have trees pruned
• Obtain a generator and fuel

These measures can protect a home and vehicle. It's recommended to stockpile food and fill the vehicle's gas tank if you become housebound or need to evacuate.

An ice storm can make any area unsafe. If the weight of ice or other factors damages a residence in Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705 for help.

How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

As the weather gets colder, the possibility of frozen pipes in your Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, home becomes a genuine concern. If you have a pipe freeze, the water inside can expand, and the pipe can burst. Follow these steps SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville has outlined below to prevent this from happening.

1. Insulate

Any pipes in unheated places, like basements and crawlspaces, should be wrapped in insulation such as fiberglass or foam rubber sleeves. Use as much insulation as you can.

2. Maintain a Stable Temperature

Keeping the temperature the same year around also helps prevent frozen pipes. Having the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit will help keep the pipes from freezing, but it will also prevent contraction and expansion, which can weaken pipes and cause them to leak.

3. Keep Faucets Running

Let your faucets run at a slow drip when the weather gets below freezing. This can prevent pipes from freezing by making sure that pressure doesn't build up inside. Even if the water freezes, it won't be able to cause the pipe to burst.

4. Close Valves, Open Valves

Any valves that supply water to the outside should be closed. Any outside valves should be opened to allow any water that's inside to flow out.

5. Frozen Pipe is Found

If you turn on the faucet during a cold snap, and hardly any water comes out, a pipe will probably be frozen. Check along the exterior wall to find the pipe or see where the water line comes through the foundation to enter the house. Once the problem area is located, use a heating pad or a hairdryer to warm up the pipe, allowing the water to run while you do it.

If you had frozen pipes burst and caused water damage to your home, contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705 to take care of the repairs.

Using Drain Cleaners: 3 Important Facts

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

When a clogged drain stops up in your Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, home's plumbing, you may reach for one of several drain cleaners you have handy. These products are adept at handling small sink or toilet clogs and can help water drain smoothly. However, before you use these liquids, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville wants you to know where they can be used and when they might do more harm than good.

The Chemicals May Damage Older Pipes

Using a drain cleaner to clear a clog may harm your pipes if you have an older home. These liquids can contain several caustic ingredients designed to dissolve hair and waste, and the heat they create once introduced in the line can warp older metal pipes. If this happens, your plumbing problems may multiply instead of being resolved.

The Compounds May Not Remove Clogs

While some drain cleaners effectively clear a clogged drain or bathroom sink, they don't always work on large toilet clogs. Suppose the chemicals are unable to deal with the mass. In this scenario, the product can remain in the pipes and sometimes cause warping or other damage, leading to a massive toilet overflow and the need for a sewage cleaning and removal company. If a drain cleaning product doesn't produce results within 24 hours, it is wise to call a plumber.

The Cleaners May Be Hazardous

Clearing a drain with a liquid cleaner can be convenient, but these products could pose a threat to you, your pets, and wildlife. They sometimes contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful when inhaled and harm the local environment if they find their way into natural water sources. As such, it's essential to handle these products carefully.

Dealing with a clogged drain in your Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, home can be frustrating. Before reaching for a liquid drain cleaner, it's essential to know the cleaner's facts and its use. Keep your home and family safe today.