Archived General Blog Posts
What the Polar Vortex Means for Your Pipes
1/15/2024 (Permalink)
Polar Vortexes bring exceedingly cold temperatures
As the winter weather continues, "Polar Vortexes" become far more likely, signaling plummeting temperatures and severe weather conditions. This meteorological term, often associated with bone-chilling cold, can have a profound impact on daily life, particularly for homeowners and business owners. In addition to several drops in temperature to worry about, polar vortexes also heavily affect plumbing systems. As temperatures dive, the risk of pipes freezing and subsequently bursting increases, potentially leading to severely damaging water floods. Understanding the polar vortex, how it affects plumbing piping, and the necessary preventive measures are essential for bracing for the winter months. SERVPRO of Patchogue has crafted some preventive measures you can utilize to ensure your plumbing stays safe during the ongoing polar vortex.
Understanding the Polar Vortex and Its Impact
A polar vortex is essentially a vast expanse of swirling cold air that typically envelopes the polar regions. However, during the winter, the vortex at the North Pole often expands, pushing frigid air toward the equator and affecting much of the Northern Hemisphere. This shift can result in a sudden and steep drop in temperatures, often catching businesses and residences off-guard.
The critical issue with these plummeting temperatures is their effect on water pipes. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can exert extraordinary pressure on pipes, regardless of whether they are made of metal or plastic. When the pressure becomes too great, pipes can burst, leading to water damage, the potential for mold growth, and the need for repairs on top of restoration and cleaning services.
Prevention and Protection
To mitigate the risks of a polar vortex freezing your pipes, consider the following preventive steps:
- Insulate Pipes: Wrapping exposed pipes in foam insulation, particularly those in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages, can significantly reduce the risk of freezing.
- Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperature: Keeping your home heated consistently, even when you're away, helps keep the internal temperature of pipes above freezing.
- Allow Faucets to Drip: Allowing a slight drip in faucets can prevent pressure buildup within pipes, reducing the risk of freezing and bursting.
- Drain Water from Pools and Sprinklers: Drain water from the swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Close Inside Valves Supplying Outdoor Hose Bibs: After removing and draining outdoor hoses, close the inside valves that supply these bibs but leave the outside valve open.
- Insulate Vulnerable Spaces: Increase insulation in areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors.
The polar vortex, while a natural weather phenomenon, poses a significant challenge to plumbing, particularly regarding the risk of frozen and bursting pipes. By understanding this meteorological event and taking proactive, preventative measures, you can safeguard your home against the potentially devastating and costly consequences. Prevention actions are far more effective and less costly than repair. Stay warm, stay informed, and prepare your home for whatever the winter brings.
Should you incur any water or storm damage during the Polar Vortex, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Patchogue, and we'll make it "Like It Never Even Happened!"
Emergency Preparedness: House Watching
11/12/2018 (Permalink)
Getting someone to watch your house while you are away is a great step in emergency preparedness. When a disaster strikes, it is key to respond as fast as possible in order to minimize damage and decrease cost. Knowing that your house is being monitored can save you more than just your piece of mind, it can also save your home!
"AND WHO'S WATCHING YOUR HOUSE? INC offers house watching services in Suffolk county, from Blue Point to Hampton Bays, Stony Brook to Jamesport. We take away any worry a person may have about going away, whether if it's for a long weekend, a few weeks, or the entire winter.
It is very comforting to know that you will come home and find everything in pristine condition, so that you and your family can relax and enjoy yourselves. We schedule home checks on an "a la carte" basis: interior or exterior, once a week or more; keeping your house safe at reasonable rates.
We are a family owned and operated business. John is a licensed home improver. Pat is a Navy veteran and works for the National Park Service. We like to think of our work as neighbors looking out for neighbors. Trust the house-watching professionals!"
Inventory of Personal Property
11/11/2018 (Permalink)
When a homeowner suffers a water or fire damage loss, often times many personal effects are damaged beyond repair and will need to be evaluated and itemized for the insurance company in order to ensure proper compensation to the insured.
Under most homeowner policies, insured’s are deserved of being reimbursed for “like kind and quality”. SERVPRO of Patchogue has an expert team of professionals trained to photo document and list all affected contents for the insured, as this can be a very daunting task. We have the ability to do the research required to attach pertinent values to each item in order to make the process both smooth and accurate for the homeowner and the insurance adjuster. It can be an extremely emotional process for the family who has an emotional attachment to precious possessions and we understand that. We will walk the client through it step by step with the empathy they deserve.
We Are An IICRC Certified Team
11/1/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Patchogue is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Patchogue
SERVPRO of Patchogue 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 we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.
March is American Red Cross Month
10/21/2018 (Permalink)
Founded in 1881, the American Red Cross is a charitable organization that relies on donations and volunteers to carry out their mission. Whether it is disaster relief, blood donations, military family support, or training and certification in CPR, lifeguarding, first aid, and more, the Red Cross is committed to helping those who need it most. The American Red Cross is part of the Global Red Cross Network, the world's largest volunteer network found in 187 countries, according to redcross.org
Every Year, March is declared Red Cross Moth by the President of the United States. The American Red Cross celebrates by honoring the "everyday heroes" who support and carry out the mission of the Red Cross by donating, giving blood, taking a class, or volunteering. To learn more about the Red Cross, or about how you can get involved, visit redcross.org.
Generator Safety
10/16/2018 (Permalink)
If you have a generator on hand for power outages during sever weather, follow the safety tips below from the American Red Cross.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.
- To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up by poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.
- Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Although carbon monoxide cant be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to carbon monoxide. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
We are an IICRC Certified Team
10/1/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Patchogue is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Patchogue
SERVPRO of Patchogue 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 we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.
National Day of Service and Remembrance
9/5/2018 (Permalink)
September 11, 2018
In honor and memory of those who died on September 11, 2001, as well as the survivors and First Responders, National Day of Service and Remembrance was established in 2009 as a day of reflection. Led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, this is a day to come together as Americans did following the events of 9/11 to help neighbors in need, and to honor veterans and First Responders in your community.
On this day and everyday, SERVPRO of Patchogue salutes those heroes who arrive in the greatest time of need and stand strong in the face of disaster. These heroes are the First Responders who keep our communities safe in trying times.
Give back and make a difference in your community this year. To find a volunteer opportunity near you, or to register you National Day of Service and Remembrance event, visit nationalservice.gov/911day
If A Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Ready?
9/5/2018 (Permalink)
It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation.
- Sign up for local alerts and earnings, download apps and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
- Develop and test emergency communication plans.
- Assemble or update emergency supplies.
- Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
- Participate in a preparedness discussion, training, or class.
- Collect and safeguard critical documents.
- Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
- Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
- Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.
Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself and your property.
Call SERVPRO of Patchogue Today!!
(631) 924-1801
Extreme Heat Safety Tips To Prepare Your Home
8/30/2018 (Permalink)
As summer approaches, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat in the coming months. Heat affects all people but especially the young, elderly, sick and overweight. Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect.
Here is how to prepare your home for extreme heat:
- Install window air conditioner snugly, insulate if necessary.
- Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
- Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
- Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. (Outdoor awning or louvers can have reduced heat from entering the house by up to 80 percent)
- Keep storm windows up all year.
Why SERVPRO of Patchogue?
6/5/2018 (Permalink)
Making it "Like it Never Even Happened"
Real quotes from real customers..
"I just wanted to write and let you know how happy we are with SERVPRO of Patchogue. We had a burst pipe and had water damage upon arriving at our home.
We called the insurance company and within minutes, SERVPRO of Patchogue called us.
The Project Manager was very professional and courteous. He patiently answered every question our family had and were very reassuring. What initially seemed to be a hopeless disaster turned out to be a well systematic process.
Thank you to the crew. They all worked very hard in the cleaning, drying and prepping our home for the remodel. They were courteous and respectful of our home and our belongings. It is very, very much appreciated."
---Don, Bayshore, NY
For Immediate Service Call SERVPRO of Patchogue 24/7
11/13/2017 (Permalink)
Always Ready to Roll
SERVPRO of Patchogue provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
- Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
- Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
- A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
- Locally Owned and Operated
- Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 631-924-1801
Residential Services
Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Storm Damage Restoration
- Cleaning Services
- Building/Reconstruction Services
Commercial Services
There's never a convenient time for Fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
24/7 Emergency Service
