Cost of Water Restoration and Other Frequently Asked Questions

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Have you recently experienced a water loss? These "FAQ" may be helpful to you!

Water Loss Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  How much does water damage restoration cost?
A:  We are asked this question all the time.  Unfortunately, we cannot give you an estimate on water damage restoration over the phone due to the complexity of the situation.  We can, however, provide you with a professional estimate after inspecting your home.  

Some of the factors that affect the restoration estimate are the type of water (clean, gray, black, etc.), length of time that the restoration will take, the equipment needed to clean and dry the structure, the labor hours required, any personal protective equipment or containment that might be needed, and whether any demolition or removal of wet materials are required.

While we can't give you an exact number without seeing your property, we can share that the average water loss in the United States is approximately $3000.  Your water loss may be a few hundred dollars or tens of thousands, depending on the level of damage.  Every home and situation is so different that we must be on-site before we can have an idea as to the actual cost.

Q:  How soon can you get here?
A:  On average, our teams can be equipped and ready to begin the mitigation process to your home within 2 hours of your call. During a large water event, such as a major storm, we handle calls in the order they are received. 

Q:  How quickly does mold begin to grow after water damage?
A:  Under the right conditions, mold can start to grow in as little as 48 hours, so it is essential to get the water damage restoration process started as soon as possible.

Q:  What products might you be spraying in my home?
A:  When needed, we may use SERVPRO's proprietary decontamination products on the affected areas reducing the likelihood of microbial growth.  The most common product that we use is SERVPROXIDE™; an EPA registered disinfectant and sanitizer that will help destroy and prevent microbial growth, such as  mold. Our customers appreciate that this product is safe for use on all surfaces and is not harmful to people or their pets as it carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating for a disinfectant and is also NSF rated for food contact surfaces.

Q:  Can I remain at home during the drying process?
A:  The majority of our customers can stay in the home during restoration. There are cases where the house is deemed hazardous due to toxic conditions, a lack of heat, or structural damage. In these cases, your insurance company might pay for you to be temporarily relocated.  Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use coverage is a form of coverage often included in insurance policies that allows you to live elsewhere while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.

We do like to let customers know in advance that drying equipment can be noisy, especially in small spaces.  While many people enjoy the "white noise" of fans running, we like to let folks know about the sound so they aren't surprised.  Just remember to keep the equipment running so we can dry everything as fast as possible.  

Q:  Will my claim be covered under my insurance policy?
A:  Although we see hundreds of claims a year and might have a good idea of whether or not your water damage will be covered, only your insurance company can truly answer that question.  Our team is highly experienced in interacting with insurance adjusters and will work directly with your provider, including submitting the necessary documentation to assist in this process.

Do you have any other questions about the water damage restoration process?  Call our SERVPRO of Eau Claire team at 715-834-3473 and let us know how we can help.

Faster to your Eau Claire Water Damage

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Uploaded photo of water damage in a home

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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 – 715-834-3473

Water Damage Timeline

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 Eau Claire

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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 and reconstruction. 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.

Toilet Leaks: Small Leaks = Big Problems

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Even small toilet leaks can cause major damage to your home

It is not uncommon for toilets to malfunction and leak or have a wax ring fail and cause water damage, but it makes it no less frustrating when it happens to you, in your home. 

A leak from a toilet may seem like a little issue;  but even a small amount of water can call a big mess. Many people may see just the water on the floor around the base of the toilet and think that just mopping up the mess will take care of the problem, but damage can be much more excessive than is visible.

SERVPRO of Eau Claire recently responded to water loss in an upstairs apartment that was the result of the toilet overflowing.  The water saturated the floors all the way through the ceiling below, causing thousands of dollars in damage.  Unfortunately for this property owner, the building was outfitted with lead paint and asbestos, both of which required professional remediation and abatement.  While the building is now safe for the residents, all this started with some water from a toilet.

SERVPRO of Eau Claire has been helping with water damages from toilet leaks and pipe breaks for many years and our trained and experienced crews of technicians are ready 24/7, 365 to respond and help you when water damage strikes.  We are always Here to Help(TM).

Call us today at (715) 834-3473

Water Damage: What to Do Until Help Arrives

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

Available 24/7 for water emergencies

At SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County we are available 24/7/365 days a year for your water damaged home or business.  When it comes to water damage quick action is crucial and a delay, even a small one can cause more serious damage to your property. 

We understand that during this stressful time you need someone to walk you through this process.  SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County has the specific water damage training to walk you through the difficult and often times confusing moments following a disaster in your home or business.  If you need emergency services, we recommend calling our team immediately to get this process under way.  You can reach us 24/7 at (715) 834-3473.

Here are a few tips of what you can do before help arrives.

• Ask yourself, is it safe to stay in this home or property?
• If it is safe to stay remove any slip and fall hazards.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.

• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floor; wet materials may be heavy, be careful!

When you call, our SERVPRO Representative will ask you some quick questions. These questions will help us know what equipment and tools to bring with us to ensure maximum and effective drying.

Here is an example of what they will ask:

• Name & Contact Information
• Street Address of the affected home or business
• Insurance Information if applicable
• Cause of water damage
• Approximate time water damage occurred
• Number of rooms affected, approximate square footage
• Type of flooring
• If electricity is available

Once our SERVPRO Priority Responder is on-site. they will walk you through the entire process of restoring your property while our highly trained technicians get to work quickly working on mitigating damage and restoring your home or business.

Water Damage: SERVPRO is Here to Help!

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

We are always Here to Help

When your home has been damaged from flooding from severe storms, you need the help of a professional restoration company to get your property to its preloss state again. A flooded basement or other damage that exists after a flood or storm can lead to severe damage to your property.

You need immediate Flood damage mitigation for your home to protect the structure and your possessions inside. Without fast and efficient water removal, additional damage can occur. That is why at SERVPRO of Eau Claire, we do not waste any time getting to you when you reach out to us for help.

After we have extracted any standing water, we need to dry your structure by removing moisture from the air. SERVPRO technicians use two different systems for drying. An open drying system exchanges moist air from inside your structure with the drier outside air. Opening windows and using fans or air movers helps to exchange the air and ventilate your home.

For the best drying conditions, the outside air should have a high temperature and low relative humidity. The difference between the specific humidity of the inside air and outside air is also essential. Before we use an open system, we take measurements to figure out specific humidity for both outside and inside air.

A closed drying system closes off the area affected from the outside air and from areas in your home that are unaffected. We use dehumidification equipment to dehumidify the air inside the home. For a closed system to work, we have to control the indoor environment using dehumidifiers and air movers. It is easier to dry areas that are smaller, so we create a drying chamber by hanging plastic sheeting around affected areas or closing windows and doors. 

If you have water damage in your home, don't wait to call for help.  We are Here to Help(TM) and work with your insurance company to get your home back to "Like it never even happened."  

Call us today at (715) 834-3473!

Eau Claire Area 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eau Claire provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration services in the Chippewa Valley

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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 - 715-834-3473

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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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.

We are an IICRC Certified Firm, which ensures that your home or business is in the best hands.  Our team is certified in:

• Applied Structural Drying
• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Restoration Service
• Applied Microbial Restoration
• Lead-Based Paint Activities & Renovation
• Commercial Mold Inspector
• General Contractor (Wisconsin)

As a locally owned and operated business, we are also proud members of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce and partner annually with Big Brothers & Big Sisters for a charity golf event.

We are proud to call Eau Claire home and serve our community, one home and business at a time!

Meet Our Crew

Water in Your Basement? Don't Panic - Call SERVPRO!

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Us Today - (715) 834-3473

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 Eau Claire 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.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help! (715) 834-3473

Water Damage to a Home in Whitehall, WI

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Fill line for toilet leaked into basement in Whitehall, WI while homeowner was gone.

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 - (715) 834-3473

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 Eau Claire 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.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (715) 834-3473

Water Damage in Altoona Church and Daycare

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in basement of Altoona Church and Daycare.

Sewer Back up in Altoona

In our neighboring town, a city sewer back up caused the basement to flood in an Altoona church and daycare. We were quick to respond with our highly trained technicians that were able to get the water extracted safely and efficiently, keeping the daycare and church in business. 

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Within the first few hours, water can greatly increase the severity of the damage. 

We're always here to help at SERVPRO of Eau Claire! 715-834-3472

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 Eau Claire has highly trained technicians that 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 Eau Claire

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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.

Faster to Your Eau Claire Water Damage Event

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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 – 715-834-3473

Water Damage Timeline

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 Eau Claire

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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.

Faster to your Eau Claire Water Damage Event

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO ofEau Claire provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Eau Claire

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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 – 715-834-3473

Water Damage Timeline

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 Eau Claire

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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.

Eau Claire 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eau Claire provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Eau Claire and surrounding areas

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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 - 715-834-3473

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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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.

Meet Our Crew

• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• IICRC Certified Firm

And Then The Rains Came!

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding. NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows(Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't! In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average more than $3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP)

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Eau Claire Professionals can help. They can help you be prepared ahead of time by helping you with an Emergency Ready Program (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible. Let SERVPRO of Eau Claire Professionals make it "Like it never even happened."

Call today to learn more! 715-834-3473

SERVPRO of Eau Claire Emergency Water Damage

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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 - 715.834.3473

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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire

SERVPRO of Eau Claire 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.

Contaminated Water Damage

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

* Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands throughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.

* Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.

* Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

* Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.

* Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Call your local professionals, SERVPRO of Eau Claire @ 715-834-3473 to help with your damaged structure right away.