No Power = No Sub-pump = Wet Basement

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Recent storms caused many homeowners and businesses to be without power for many hours. You finally get power back on and go downstairs to find squishy carpet and/or standing water. Call SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids, your local wet basement specialists at 218-568-6923

For many homes and businesses in our area, a submersible pump is a must. These pumps keep ground water and rainwater from flooding the lower level of your home and/or business. If you experience water damage due to a failed sub-pump whether from a power outage, stuck switch, clogged discharge pipe or other issues, you need to react quickly.

All I need to do is put some fans around to dry up the water, right? WRONG! You never know where and what the water has seeped into.

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids professionals have the training and equipment needed to safely dry, clean, and restore your wet or flooded basement.

Our professionals will:

• Identify the source of water (confirm the cause was the sub-pump).
• Measure temperature and humidity for drying analysis.
• Survey the extent of the damage and inspect the premises for hidden moisture.
• Perform emergency water extraction.
• Move and block furniture and contents.
• Inspect flooring.
• Apply necessary treatments (disinfectants and deodorization).
• Utilize advance drying and monitoring equipment.
• Dispose of refuse.

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids can handle all of your water damage repair and restoration needs.

Springtime Can Mean Flooded Basement Time.

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was caused by recent storms.

Here at SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids, we specialize in flooded basement cleanup and restoration!

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 218-568-6923

If you discover water in your basement - don't delay in calling SERVPRO!

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

Water Damage Can't be That Bad - Can it?

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Water Stained Ceiling - needs immediate attention. SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids is here to help.

You found sitting water in your basement or maybe you discovered water stains on your ceiling. You don't need to be in a hurry to get this cleaned up - or do you?

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –218-568-6923

Here is a water damage timeline that explains the need for immediate action once water damage has occurred.

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water damage needs to be taken seriously and dealt with immediately to minimize the damage to your home.

You go to open your cabin for the season and find broken water pipes - now what?

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Freezing temperatures is a common cause of burst water pipes.

You walk into your cabin and there is water everywhere - now what? Call SERVPRO!

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids provides 24 hour water damage restoration services in Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, and Wadena counties.

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 218-568-6923

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property caused by water damage.

Listed below are just some of the certifications SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids holds:

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• HST - Health and safety Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Let SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids help you get back to enjoying your cabin like the burst water pipe never even happened.

Why Professional Water Damage Restoration

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Recent water loss left this sediment on kitchen floor and affected furniture.

Whether it's a pipe break, a supply line leak or a storm hits your area, water in your home or business can quickly become a problem.

Water damage restoration is the process of cleaning and drying a flooded home or business, to return it back to preloss condition as quickly as possible.

Flood damage and water in home or business can cause a significant amount of damage to a home, business and personal belongings.  Water mitigation is needed in the event of water loss.  Soaked rugs, ruined furniture, warped flooring and damaged walls are only the beginning of what may occur if water cleanup is not administered quickly.

Get it Done Right

If an unfortunate disaster does happen to you, seek professional services from a certified restoration company  Make sure to act quickly when water is discovered and contact a trusted restoration company for the most effective water cleanup and drying.

SERVPRO mitigation professionals can quickly pinpoint what items in your home or business are compromised by water damage.  Items like pillows, mattresses, particle board and box springs trap more moisture than other materials and may need to be discarded.  Should this occur our trained technicians will properly itemize and record discarded items for insurance pruposes.

Don't trust just anyone to handle Water damage restoration.  It is recommended that you contact a restoration company with a team of certified water cleanup professionals.

Visit https://www.SERVPRObrainerdandparkrapids.com for more information on water damage.

Sewage backup causes safety concerns in Brainerd, MN

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

We are prepared to protect ourselves and your personal belongings.

SERVPRO is a Franchise company with over 50 years of leadership in cleanup and restoration.  Our track record of results has earned us the trust of the insurance industry and countless homeowners.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are a team of specialists, trained to professionally clean your home and personal belongings.

In the case pictured, it was discovered to be contaminated water, here are some things you should and shouldn't do to protect yourself:

DO:

• Wear protective equipment
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON'T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.
• Attempt cleanup of any kind.
• Touch or handle items that might be contaminated.

These Emergency Tips will assist you in taking the proper action until you SERVPRO Franchise Professional arrives.

Visit this link (https://www.SERVPRObrainerdandparkrapids.com/sewage-cleanup) for more information. 

We are Here to Help make it Like it never even happened.  218-568-6923.

Protect Yourself in an Emergency Water Situation

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rains and high water table caused this basement to flood.

Emergency Don'ts During Water Emergency

In the event of a water emergency, whether it's considered clean, contaminated or you just don't know kind of water follow these steps below for your safety.

DON'T

• Enter rooms with standing water (like the one pictured).
• Enter areas if electrical outlets or equipment are exposed to water. Avoid unnecessary shock hazards.
• Leave materials containing coloring (inks) on carpet or floors to avoid staining.
• Use household items to remove water, such as your household vacuum, this may cause electrical shock or damage the vacuum cleaner.
• Use appliances or ceiling fixtures if standing in water or the ceiling is wet or sagging.
• Don't spread water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to an affected area.

Follow these Emergency Don'ts until SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids arrives.

Call us at 218-568-6923, we are working to make it "Like it never even happened."

Burst pipe in Wadena County, MN

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

Pipe burst under kitchen sink in Wadena County.

Temperature's are falling and your home's pipes could freeze causing damage and potential flooding

What to do if your pipes freeze:

• If you turn on your water and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard.  Water damage is preferable to burning down your house!
• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe using a hair dryer.  Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of the pipe.
• If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.
• Do not use electrical appliances in ares of standing water. You could be electrocuted.

Take the necessary steps to protect your home form water damage and costly repairs.  It is important to know who to call if you have a problem.  Save our number (218)-568-6923.  Our experts are standing by 24/7.  We are always Here to Help.

Flooding won't affect Monday classes

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Heavy rains and frozen ground flood local Brainerd school.

Brainerd Public Schools

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids was recently called for an emergency flooding in the lower level of a school.  The Brainerd Dispatch caught us in action in an article by Theresa Bourke on Mar 17, 2019 at 5:00 a.m.

An orange hazard warning marker alerts pedestrians of the water-removing hose across the sidewalk working to clean up minor flooding Thursday, March 14, at the Washington Educational Services Building on Oak Street.  Frank Lee / Brainerd Dispatch

If any Brainerd students thought the flooding at three school district facilities would mean a longer spring break, their hopes are about to be dashed.

"Everything's cleaned up pretty well.  It'll be ready to go by Monday, "Building and Grounds Director Earl Wolleat said Friday afternoon, March 15.

So despite flooding at the Washington Educational Services Building, Forestview Middle School and Brainerd High School Thursday, all classes will resume as scheduled Monday.

Muddy water flooded the cafeteria at Washington school, Wolleat said, while the office at BHS and maintenance room at Forestview also fell victim to water.

"What happened is those rain leaders, when they contact the sewer mainline, they tend to freeze up.  And if you get rain this early in the year, it's a problem," he said.  "We're not supposed to be having an inch of rain when we've got really cold temperatures and frozen ground."

But the messes were cleaned up as of Friday, with just a final scrub left to do on the Washington cafeteria to prepare it for students Monday.

Wolleat said he will put a camera down the pipe at Forestview to make sure everything is intact.

"We'll just do what we need to do to make sure it's all back in shape," he said.  "It takes some time to totally figure out what has to be done after all the ice melts away from everything."

Investigations on potential damages from the water are still ongoing.

The flooding caused the district's KinderClub and Fun 'N' Friends programs to be moved to Riverside Elementary School Thursday and Friday.

Helping make it "Like it never even happened."

Cass County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Cass County.

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.  When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial.  A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today - 218-568-6923

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable.  You need an expert to guide you through this crisis.  SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time.  We specialize in water damage restoration-in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency.  These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event.  Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration.  From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

Frozen pipe burst in Pequot Lakes, MN

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

This was caused by freezing temperatures and a burst pipe.

An external water spigot froze and burst inside the wall and caused this waterfall of ice along with extensive water damage throughout this three story house.  The damage included SERVPRO needing to remove all hardwood flooring on the main level and removing all of the drywall throughout the lower level.  This picture is what the homeowner arrived home to see.

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids was called in to clean up the aftermath!  While this was a trying time for the homeowner he was glad we were on-site to start the drying process immediately.

He had even said, "Now I can refinish my house the way I should have done it in the first place.  Thank you for what your crews have done for me."

He even called SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids to perform the post-construction clean-up.