4 Possible Causes for Your Toilet Overflow in Your Lanoka Harbor Home

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure.

Imagine coming home from a day at work in the late afternoon in the middle of winter. You are going about your regular routine and everything seems normal until you open your front door. All of the sudden your feet are soaking wet and you see water flowing out of your electrical sockets and light fixtures. This was a shocking reality for this Lanoka Harbor resident.

Our SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey office received this call for emergency cleanup and we dispatched a crew within the hour to begin the restoration process. We learned that the toilet on the third floor was running for approximately five hours. It had affected every level of the home, from the third flour all the way to the basement.

There can be many reasons for a toilet overflow to occur. Listed here are the four most common causes and how you can help prevent water damage from happening to your home:

1. Clogged Pipes: A clog within the toilet or in nearby pipes will prevent water from draining when you attempt to flush it. Using too much toilet paper is the most common cause of this. Always have a plunger readily available to you and be cautious of what you’re flushing. If you cannot get the clog out yourself, shut off your water supply and contact a professional.
2. Blocked Vents: A plumbing vent is a pipe that connects all plumbing fixtures and runs through the roof of your home. It releases air into your pipes to replace the air that goes down into the drain every time you flush. If it gets clogged with debris it’ll eventually stop draining, or drain slowly. If you notice bubbling sounds or bad smells when you flush your toilet, it’s time to contact a professional to clean your vents. It can create a suction that can damage your pipes and lead to water damage in your home.
3. Sewage Issues: The pipe that connects from your home to the main sewer line can become blocked by debris in your yard. If you flush objects like wet wipes or paper towels it can create a clog over time. A clogged sewer line can cause a flooded basement or an overflowing toilet. If you shut off your water and the water is still overflowing, there could be a clog in a nearby city sewer line. Contact your local sewer department and ask them to check for any issues before calling
4. A Full Septic Tank: Septic tanks store waste and release excess water into the soil around them. If your septic tank is full, or there is another reason causing the water to be unable to escape, your toilet will overflow. Regular maintenance should be scheduled for your septic system and all your plumbing. 

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey provides emergency biohazard and contaminated water cleanup restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We understand how imperative it is to act as quickly as possible when dealing with this type of situation. There is nothing our team of professionals can’t handle. If you find your home has been damaged like this Lanoka Harbor resident did, call us today at 732-523-4986.

Kitchen Cleaning After a Fire in Whiting

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Grease fire in a Whiting kitchen brought soot and smoke damage throughout a two story home.

Cooking is such a routine activity that it is easy to forget that the high temperatures used can easily
start a fire. More fires start in the kitchen than in any other place in the home. Two of every five
home fires start in the kitchen while food is cooking. Luckily, the majority of reported cooking fires were small.

Do Electric or Gas Stoves Cause More Kitchen Fires?

Households that used electric ranges showed a higher risk of cooking fires and associated losses
than those using gas ranges, according to the National Fire Prevention Agency. This could be because with an electric range it may be less
obvious that a burner is still on.

Do You Know That Oil and Grease Could Start a Kitchen Fire?

Grease fires happen when oil, grease, or fat on a stovetop or oven get hot enough to ignite. They
are highly flammable which means they can catch fire easily. Different oils burn at different
temperatures or flash points, but
every oil you can buy at the grocery store is capable of catching on fire if the temperature is high enough. When you are cooking with grease, it is important to know the warning signs that oils are getting too hot. Boiling and smoking are good indicators that it is time to turn down the heat. Oils heat very quickly, and once it starts to smoke, oil can catch fire in as little as 30 seconds.

Do You Know That Water Makes Grease Fires Worse?

NEVER try to extinguish a grease fire with water. Throwing water on the fire can cause burning
grease to splash, which can make the fire spread and potentially harm bystanders. It is dangerous to move a pan or pot of burning oil for the same reasons, according to VeryWellHealth.com.

Grease Fires Can Get Out of Control Quickly.

Do not wait until the fire is out of control to call 911! The fire department can always return to the
station if you are able to get the fire out before they get to you.

What to Do If You Experience an Oil or Grease Fire:

• Call 911-Fires can become out of control very quickly.
• Turn off the Stove-Whether it is the burner, oven, or broiler turn it all off.
• Cover with a Lid-The easiest way to cut off oxygen to a grease fire is to cover it with a metal pan lid or baking sheet. 
• Douse the Flames-The warning to never use water to put out a grease fire is worth
  repeating, especially since your urge may be to take a burning pot to the sink and turn on the faucet. Instead, you can reach for two pantry staples to help douse a small grease fire safely with baking soda
  because it releases carbon dioxide when heated, which can smother the fire or salt
  can form a barrier between the fire and the air. This prevents the fire from getting the oxygen it needs. NEVER use flour and baking powder as they are highly
  combustible and can explode in extreme heat. Do not use them (or any boxed mixes that contain them) on a grease fire.
• Use a Class K Fire Extinguisher. These are wet chemical extinguishers that are commonly found in commercial kitchens. They are designed specifically for cooking fires and work by forming a soapy foam on the surface of the fire that cuts off air flow. NEVER use a Class A-only fire extinguisher on a grease fire, as it is water-based.

When Should You Call the Pros at SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey to Clean After a Grease Fire?

Because grease fires cause such extensive damage and be a long, intensive process, it is almost always advisable to call in professionals. SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Is My Air Conditioner Unit a Potential Fire Hazard?

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey offers fire damage cleanup and restoration in Forked River, NJ from an air conditioner unit fire.

Over the summer, a Forked River
resident's air conditioning (AC) unit caught fire. The unit had an electrical fire and burned within itself, filling the house with a haze. According to National Fire Protection Agency, 7,400 fires were reported across the United Sates resulting from faulty air conditioning systems. A large amount of Air conditioner fires happened from overheating or some type of electrical issue.

CBS has some helpful tips on preventing an air conditioner fire from occurring in your home:

• Maintenance Once or Twice a Year:
  Not having the proper maintenance done on your unit is a potential fire hazard. Overtime the pieces in your system will start failing, making your air conditioner overwork. Dirt can also obstruct the airflow which can lead to a fire. It is recommended to have at least one visit a year, but if you want to be on the safer side, two is plenty.
• Professional Installation:
  A professional knows where to place all the wiring and can make sure in the event of a fire, that it won’t ignite inside your home.
• Be Cautious of Outside Elements and Wiring:
  A professional will be able to assess the space prior to installation to make sure there is nonflammable objects surrounding the area. Never use an extension cord to power the unit. In the event your unit over heats, sparks can produce from the cord. Also, make sure your unit is in a safe place.
• Always Make Sure the Unit Is Clean:
  If you have a dirty filter, the waste can restrict Airflow. If you want to clean it yourself, just make sure the system is unplugged.
• Don’t Leave It On All Day:
  If you leave your unit on throughout the day, it could cause overheating.
• Know When to Replace Your Unit:You need to keep track of how old your air conditioner is ask a professional who can give you a complete evaluation of your air conditioner state.

If your property experiences smoke or fire damage from your air conditioning unit, SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey is here to help. We have the top professionals in the industry and we are ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today 732-523-4986.

We Are Still in the Middle of Frozen Pipe Season in Ocean County

3/16/2023 (Permalink)

A fast response by SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey can lessen the damage, limit further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Just because we have been enjoying some warmer days in February and March does not mean that we are in the clear for freezing temperatures. March and April usually brings us a snow storm or two along with freezing temperatures.

Here are a few tips to prevent frozen pipes in Manchester:

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

In the unfortunate event your Ocean County home or business does experience a frozen pipe, SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey is standing by with highly trained technicians to help you during your water damage emergency.

What Does a Water Damage Timeline Look Like for Your Jackson Home?

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey water damage extraction cleanup equipment and process.

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.

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey knows the longer your water damage is left untreated the higher will be the cost of repairs. Our technicians are ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any size water damage emergency.

What Are SERVPRO’s Three C's of Cleaning?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey Cleaned Shield

When you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can know that space has been cleaned to a higher standard, so you can feel safe to go there. This thorough deep cleaning has three phases called the “3 C’s”:

1. Consult-We customize a cleaning program based on the unique needs of each business.
2. Clean-In this step our trained professionals will use EPA approved hospital, grade cleaning solutions to clean a facility based on the particular needs of that business. We adhere to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) cleaning all touchpoints and surrounding surfaces.
3. Certify-You will know that a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Our shield represents the business’ commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers, and community.

When you see that a local business has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned you can be confident it’s been cleaned using the processes and procedures used by SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey for biohazard remediation for over 20 years. This defensive and proactive pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. We are dedicated to inspiring confidence in our community where we live and work.

Interested in our commercial cleanup services for your Ocean County business? Call us today at 732-523-4986 because SERVPRO knows what it means to be clean.

What Are Common Causes of Water Damage in My Manchester Home?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey provides 24-hour emergency water damage restoration services.

Here are a few of the most common sources of water damage and tips to help prevent them from happening at all:

• Roofs-Standing water is a sign that your drainage system is not working properly. This is a problem because of the weight of the water. Eventually, this will strain your roof and cause leaks, which can do more damage than a broken pipe. Also, be sure you look for damaged flashing, felt, and shingles as these pieces can degrade over time and will need to be replaced to avoid leaks.
• Pipes-Your plumbing is vulnerable to clogs and other damage. Regularly examine the outside of your pipes for stains, rust, cracks, and bulges. If you see any of these, have them repaired. You can also insulate your pipes to prevent freezing in the winter. Furthermore, a lot of commercial buildings can benefit from leak detectors as there are inexpensive and alert you to any leaks. 
• Forces of Nature-Hurricanes, thunderstorms, and flooding do a lot of damage to buildings. While you can't avoid nasty weather, you can take steps to make sure you are ready to deal with disasters. 

Prevention is key, but sometimes water damage happens no matter how prepared we are and the quicker the water is cleaned up the batter it is for the structure. The speed with which drying occurs can determine how expensive your repair is, how much damage is done, and whether or not your home remains habitable.

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey is ready to answer your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but there are still some steps you can take the moment you get back home while you’re waiting for our team to arrive.

• Remove any paintings, art objects, documents and other sensitive materials to a safe, dry place.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Raise wooden furniture out of standing waters and place on blocks if possible.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. 
• Move large furniture away from walls for better air circulation.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.

The faster you act after a water damage, the more effective the restoration process will be and the better your chances are of saving water damaged possessions. Call SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey as soon as possible to begin the water damage cleanup process. Our staff has the expertise needed to repair your home and make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 732-523-4986.

Fire Prevention for Your Jackson Restaurant

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today – (732) 523-4986!

Understanding fire hazards in your Jackson
restaurant kitchen can help minimize the risk of can help prevent injury or loss of life, property damage and business shutdown which could cause a loss of revenue.

Do you know the most common causes of restaurant fires?

• Open flames are a risk because many things within the kitchen can catch fire from them.
  The staff should be experienced in controlling open flames and know how a fire suppression system works in the event a fire were to start. An automatic fire suppression system is a system in the kitchen is one of the best preventative measures available. According to NFPA,
  more than half of restaurant fires involve cooking equipment. Fire suppression systems automatically release fire retardant materials when triggered. Once activated, the system automatically shuts off the fuel or energy supply to the cooking system.
• Grease and grease traps Grease can get hot and is extremely flammable. A full grease trap that is not cleaned regularly may have pieces of food that can easily catch fire when more hot grease is added.
• Flammable materials such as loose fitting or flammable clothing, dish towels and pot
  holders Make sure everyone in the kitchen has safe and proper attire while in the cooking areas. Also, make sure to keep all dish towels and pot holders away from an open flame.
• Electrical wiring Just a small tear, fray or  cut in a wire can lead to a fire in your kitchen so remember to check for frays, breaks, or damage, even those that are out of sight. 
• Smoking If the staff is allowed to smoke, ensure they have a designated smoking area with disposal bins that are regularly checked and cleaned out.

Remember: The best defense against fire loss is to minimize the risk before a fire breaks out. One of the most accessible strategies for fire prevention involves good housekeeping

What Can Owners, Managers and Employees Do to Help Prevent a Restaurant Fire?

• Train employees on fire extinguisher use/fire submission Train all employees how to properly use a fire extinguisher and activate the overhead fire suppression system, so in the event of a fire, they will know what to do.
• Back up extinguishers: Install back up extinguishers in your restaurant. Extinguishers in the cooking area should be Class K for use on high-temperature grease fires. Use them only after the built-in suppression system is activated. Use Class ABC extinguishers in other areas of the restaurant to deal with fires resulting from other materials such as electrical issues, paper, plastic, or wood. Fire extinguishers are helpful only when staff is trained on their proper use. Staff should know where the extinguishers are located and exactly how to operate one.
• Empty grease traps regularly Overfilled grease traps can catch fire.
• Keep aisles uncluttered Cluttered walkways will hamper employees and customers trying to escape from a fire.
• Turn off gas and electric source Employees should know where and how to cut off the gas and electrical source in case of an emergency ONLY IF SAFE!
• Provide sufficient lighting/make sure exit signs are functioning  The emergency exit route needs to be adequately lit so employees and customers can see where they are going in case of an emergency and allows everyone to quickly identify the exit in an emergency.

During a four-year study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 7,640 structural fires in dining and drinking establishments. These fires caused more than $246 million in property damage. The best strategy to protect your restaurant from a fire loss includes fire prevention and proper
training for employees.

If your Jackson restaurant experiences fire damage, SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

How to Keep Rain Water Out of Your Jackson Township Home

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

Moisture reading equipment helps SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey determine the moisture inside porous objects such as flooring and drywalls.

Below are ten things you can to prevent rain water from entering your home:

1. Clean Rain Gutters: It is recommended that you clean your gutters biannually. During rain fall if your gutters are clogged from debris or any other matter, it can create a blockage and eventually overflow. The overflow has nowhere to go other than down the exterior of your home and potentially direct water into your home.
2. Increase Grade: Make sure the soil next to your home is pitched, or sloped AWAY from your house to divert water.
3. Sweep Debris Away: If weather permits, sweep outdoor surfaces weekly. Sweep patio and door ways to prevent debris from clogging exterior drains.
4. Expand Exterior Drains: Expanding the surface area of the exterior drain decreases the likelihood of the drain clogging.
5. Divert Downspouts: By attaching a corrugated hose to the base of the downspout, it redirects the water away from your structure.
6. Roof Maintience: It is recommended that you have your roof inspected annually and/or after a major storm. Your roof is the first line of defense; if it’s in good condition it’s more likely to handle damage affected by a storm.
7. Window Repairs: Window installation and maintenance is paramount. Certain windows are fitted with well drains to guide water away from your house. Improper caulking can be detrimental, by directing water into the structure as opposed to away.
8. Construct a Swale Ditch :Digging a trench and filling it with landscaping rock can help prevent water from entering the structure. This is beneficial particularly for yards that are very flat.
9. Exterior French Drain: For properties on a slope, an exterior French drain is a useful, inexpensive way to divert surface water away from the structure.
10. Install a Sump Pump: As a last resort, installing a sump pump is an option. Start by digging a well through the basement or slab of the structure. The well may be up to 7 or 10 feet deep. As the water table increases, a sump pump activates and transports water away from the structure.

Do you know that SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey have highly trained storm damage specialists?

As water and storm damage specialists, SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey has the experience and advanced training techniques that enables us to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

When a storm hits your Jackson Township home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs. Call us 24/7 at (732) 523-4986 for any size storm damage cleanup.

Emergency Ready Profile Advantage for Your Jackson Business

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey today for a free ERP for your business in the event of water, storm or fire damage.

Do you own or operate a small business? You cannot always prevent disasters from happening, but you can always be prepared for it. Let SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey help you be prepared for unplanned disasters by creating an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). By creating an Emergency Ready Profile you’re able to minimize interruptions in daily operations of your business by having an immediate plan of action in place should disaster strike. The Emergency Ready Profile provides immediate contact information and other important details that provide a guide to get your business back up and running after a disaster. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. Be ready and get a free Emergency Ready Profile with SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey, give our office a call at (732) 523-4986 to set up an appointment.