Burst Pipe in Fox Lake Home Could Have Been Prevented?

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

We are a top choice for water damage emergencies in Lake County!

Our local Northwest Lake County team responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year in Fox Lake. During the freezing winter months, frozen pipes are a common source of water damage. Preventing frozen pipes from occurring can be done in many different ways as follows:

Insulation: Properly insulating pipes in areas prone to freezing is a key preventive measure. Insulation sleeves or foam pipe wraps can help protect pipes from extreme cold.

Heating: Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, especially during freezing weather, can prevent pipes from freezing. Use space heaters in unheated areas, like basements or crawlspaces.

Dripping Faucets: Allowing faucets to drip slightly can help prevent water from stagnating in the pipes.

Sealing Cracks: Seal any gaps or cracks in walls or foundations to prevent cold air from reaching pipes.

Disconnecting Hoses: In colder months, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses to prevent water from freezing in the hose and back into the pipes.

By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes and the potential damage they can cause to a home or commercial property. In extreme cold weather conditions, it's important to remain vigilant and be prepared to address frozen pipe issues quickly to mitigate damage.

Call Us Today!

When your Fox Lake home or commercial business has a water damage emergency and needs water damage restoration services, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

SERVPRO® franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Can I Use a Hairdryer to Thaw a Frozen Pipe in My Home in Antioch?

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Lake County!

Our local Northwest Lake County team has been responding to water damage emergencies in Antioch for years. One common form of water damage during the winter months comes from frozen and burst pipes. Thawing out a frozen pipe using a hairdryer is a safe and effective method if done correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a hairdryer to thaw a frozen pipe:

Tools You Will Need
Hairdryer
Extension cord (if needed)
Towels or rags to catch water and insulate the area
A bucket or container to catch dripping water
A thermometer (optional) to monitor progress

Take Safety Precautions
Ensure your safety by wearing insulated gloves and eye protection.
Check the hairdryer for any frayed cords or damage before use.

Locate the Frozen Section
Identify the frozen section of the pipe. Usually, you'll find it in an area that is exposed to cold air, such as a basement, crawlspace, or an exterior wall.

Prepare the Area
Lay towels or rags around the frozen pipe to catch dripping water.
Place a bucket or container under the affected area to collect any water that may leak when the pipe thaws.

Plug in the Hairdryer and Set to a Low Heat Setting
Plug the hairdryer into a nearby electrical outlet. If the outlet is not within reach, use a suitable extension cord. Start with the hairdryer on a low or medium heat setting. High heat may cause rapid expansion and could damage the pipe.

Begin Thawing
Hold the hairdryer close to the frozen pipe, but not too close. Maintain a distance of at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) between the hairdryer and the pipe. Move the hairdryer back and forth along the frozen section of the pipe. Focus on the area closest to the faucet and work your way toward the blockage. Continue to direct warm air onto the frozen pipe, keeping it in constant motion. The heat from the hairdryer will gradually melt the ice inside the pipe.

Monitor Progress
As you work, periodically check the affected pipe's temperature with a thermometer, if available. You want to make sure it's gradually warming up. Be patient; thawing a pipe can take some time, depending on the extent of the freeze and the pipe's thickness.

Test the Faucet
Once you notice water flowing freely from the faucet, the pipe is likely thawed. Turn on the nearest faucet connected to the frozen pipe to confirm that the water is flowing smoothly. Leave the faucet on for a few minutes to flush out any remaining ice.

Remember to exercise caution when using electrical appliances around water, and if you have any doubts or concerns about dealing with frozen pipes, it's advisable to consult a service professional for assistance.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Antioch has water damage from frozen pipes and you need emergency water damage restoration services, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7772.

SERVPRO^® Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water Heater Water Damage Prevented in Round Lake Beach Home?

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours daily in Lake County!

Our local Northwest Lake County team is ready to respond to water damage emergencies in Round Lake Beach 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. One common cause of water damage comes from old, corroded water heaters. Here are some steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of property damage from a water heater failure:

Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual inspections and maintenance for your water heater to check for signs of wear and tear, rust, or other issues.

Install a Drain Pan: Place a drain pan underneath the water heater to catch any leaks and direct the water away from the surrounding area.

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve: Ensure that the water heater's temperature and pressure relief valve are functioning properly and have a discharge pipe to safely release excess pressure.

Shut-Off Valve: Consider installing a shut-off valve for your water heater. This allows you to quickly cut off the water supply in case of a leak.

Fast action in the event of a water heater failure is imperative to minimize property damage. If you discover water heater damage, shut off the unit's water supply, electricity, or gas, and contact a plumbing professional and restoration service if significant damage has occurred.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Round Lake Beach has water damage and you need emergency water damage restoration services, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7772.

SERVPRO^® of Northwest Lake County is independently owned and operated.

SERVPRO of Northwest Lake County: Your Local Experts in Commercial Property Damage Restoration, We Are Here to Help®.

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

When commercial property damage strikes, trust SERVPRO of Northwest Lake County to restore your business and make it "Like it never even happened." Wi

When commercial property damage strikes, the impact can be overwhelming. Whether it's storm damage, water damage, or any other disaster, SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County is your dependable local, community-based team of experienced professionals, dedicated to restoring your property and making damage "Like it never even happened."

With years of expertise, our team is well-prepared to handle commercial property damage of any magnitude. From waterlogged offices to structural issues caused by storms, we've successfully restored numerous commercial properties. We understand the urgency of getting your business operations back to normal.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our local business community. We recognize the unique challenges faced by Northwest Lake County businesses during property damage incidents, and we're just a phone call away, ready to respond with professionalism and expertise.

Don't let commercial property damage disrupt your business. Rely on SERVPRO of Northwest Lake County, your trusted local restoration partner, to help you recover and restore your property making damage "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Northwest Lake County is independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do If I Find a Mold Outbreak in My Fox Lake Home?

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold remediation services in Lake County!

Our local Northwest Lake County team is a trusted leader in mold removal and restoration services. Mold outbreaks are often a symptom of a water leak or past water damage, our technicians will locate and address the excess moisture issue as part of the restoration process to discourage the mold from returning once the removal process is complete. Fox Lake residents and businesses trust us to restore their mold damage “Like it never even happened.”

Here are some tips for things you can and should not do while waiting for professional help to arrive:

What to Do

• Stay out of affected areas
• Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and fans
• Contact our Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, and Chipley offices for mold remediation services

What Not to Do

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

What makes us a top choice for mold remediation services?

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Fox Lake has mold damage and you need mold remediation services, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7772.

SERVPRO of Northwest Lake County is independently owned and operated.

Halloween Decorations Erupt in Flames from Burning Jack-o'-lanterns on Grayslake Porch?

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Our local Northwest Lake County team has the training, equipment, and experience to restore fire, soot, and smoke damage, no matter how extensive the damage is. Halloween is a fun and spooky celebration that children and adults look forward to every year, and we want everyone to be safe from fire damage.

Here are some Halloween safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep your little (and big) monsters safe:

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
• When using electrical lighting to decorate your home, make sure it is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights, so the cords do not get damaged
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working. 

For families planning to attend Halloween parties or go trick-or-treating:

• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric that could come in contact with open flames or other heat sources
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costumes

Call Us!

When your home or commercial property in Grayslake has fire damage, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Delayed Water Damage Remediation Causes Mold Outbreak in Lake Catherine Home?

10/17/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold damage restoration services in Lake County!

Mold problems can occur in Lake Catherine when the right combination of moisture, warmth, and organic materials are present. Our local Northwest Lake County team has the training, equipment, and experience to restore mold outbreaks in any home, no matter how extensive the damage is. We will locate the source of the excess moisture and address the issue to discourage the mold from returning once the remediation process is complete. Some of the conditions that lead to mold outbreaks are:

Poor Ventilation: Inadequate airflow and ventilation can trap moisture indoors, providing an ideal environment for mold to flourish.

Delayed Water Damage Remediation: If water damage from leaks or floods isn't promptly addressed and dried out, it can lead to mold growth within 24 to 48 hours.

Improperly Ventilated Bathrooms and Kitchens: Bathrooms and kitchens are areas of the home that generate a lot of moisture. Without proper ventilation, this moisture can contribute to mold growth.

Inadequate Insulation: Poor insulation can result in temperature fluctuations within walls and ceilings, leading to condensation and moisture buildup that can encourage mold growth.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial property in Lake Catherine has a mold outbreak and you need mold remediation services, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Vandals Cause Property Damage to Store in Fox Lake?

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

We restore vandalism damage 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Fox Lake businesses rely on our local Northwest Lake County team to restore all kinds of commercial property damage quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, vandalism is a form of property damage that every commercial business may experience. Graffiti vandals seldom return to the same place if their “work” is quickly removed. This is because they want their graffiti to be noticed, so when it is removed quickly, they will usually move on to another place.

Our technicians are trained and certified to restore vandalism and graffiti damage from all surfaces, such as:

• Driveways
• Walkways
• Asphalt
• Metals
• Wood
• Glass
• Plastic
• Masonry

Based on the nature of the damage, our technicians may restore the surface by:

• General cleaning and graffiti removal
• Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning
• Odor removal and deodorization
• Debris removal
• Water damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration
• Mold damage restoration
• Contents cleaning

Why are we a top choice for vandalism and graffiti damage?

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Independently Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call Us Today!

When your business or home in Fox Lake has vandalism damage and you need restoration services fast, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your commercial property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Lithium Battery in Smart Phone Explodes and Starts Fire in Round Lake Beach Home?

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Our local Northwest Lake County team wants everyone in Rou7nd Lake Beach to be fire-safety conscious at home. Each year, October is dedicated to Residential Fire Awareness Month, a month focused on helping people prevent home fires. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), lithium batteries, commonly found in cellular phones, are more sensitive to physical stress than alkaline batteries and need to be handled with care. Here are some lithium battery safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Safety Tips

• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
• Put batteries in the device the right way.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device.
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32° Fahrenheit or above 105° Fahrenheit.
• Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Round Lake Beach has fire damage and you need fire damage restoration services, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Flooding Safety Tips for Ingleside Shore Residents?

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to flood damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Lake County, Illinois, receives 32 percent of annual precipitation in Autumn, making it the rainiest season of the year. Sometimes storms can blow in and drop a lot of rain at one time, causing flooding and water intrusion issues for homes and businesses.

Our local Northwest Lake County team wants everyone to be prepared for the return of the wet season and offers these tips from the Insurance Information Institute for inspecting your home’s exterior and minimizing the chances of flood damage to your home or commercial property.

Exterior Inspection and Repair 

Here are some things home and business owners can do to monitor and repair exterior damage as needed to help avoid a bigger problem later.

• Caulk and seal windows
• Inspect the roof for missing and aging shingles
• Check rain gutters and drainage systems and remove any debris
• Check downspouts and clear any clogs and make sure they are draining away from the structure
• Check sprinkler systems and make sure the sprinklers are not spraying water onto the structure and that water is not pooling around the structure’s foundation
• Make sure water drains away from the building.Water is invasive and will find its way into a structure easily when water is allowed to pool around the foundation. After a storm, or when the ground is already saturated by rainwater, the water may enter into the foundation wall through any cracks.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Ingleside Shore floods and you need water damage restoration services, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your flood damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.