Yesterday and into today, we were given some much needed rain. But it fell pretty hard and fast, causing some areas to get flooded. We received a call already from a client in Elmsford, NY who's basement has several inches of water in it. When your home or business is located in in low-lying areas like Elmsford, NY, you are at greater risk for water infiltration, even with a small amount of rain. And if you have a basement, you can assume that the water will be headed for it because when it comes to water, gravity rules.
If you cant afford a total home makeover, I suggest starting with the least expensive option, buy a sump pump, or two. The sump pumps should be placed in the lowest points of your basement and having more than one pump will provide back up in case the something goes wrong with the other. Two is always better than one. If water enters your basement, the sump pumps will turn on and do their job, removing the excess water and expelling it into a slop sink, drain, bucket or outside. But installing your sump pump properly is very important. As I saw too frequently during Hurricane Irene, many home and business owners lost power, thus, making their sump pumps obsolete. The solution is simple, have your sump pumps installed properly and have a backup power source. Even a small generator that runs on any alternative power will do the trick, as long as you do proper maintenance on a regular basis. The very last thing that you would want to happen is to have the power go out and get to your basement only to discover that your generator will not start.
A more advanced solution to flooding basements is to have a french drain system installed below the soil line around the perimeter of your homes foundation. These systems carry excess water away from your home and the ground surrounding it and expel it into the street or to an underground dry well. The perforated pipes can be a material as simple as PVC or more advanced materials depending on your needs. French drain systems can be installed professionally or by a savvy do-it-yourselfer. The choice is yours.
Finally, there are several professional companies that provide basement systems to prevent any water infiltration. These basement sealing systems have proven very effective, and many times are guaranteed for years by the company that installs it. Without getting into every step of the process, they seal out water from entering your basement, from floors to walls, interior to exterior. But each home is different and some companies have a variety of materials and methods.
Educating yourself about the options that are available to you can save you a headache in the long run. Preventing water damage in your home is essential. As my Dad always says, "An ounce of prevention is worth its weight in gold!"......... I think he just makes this stuff up out of thin air (LOL) ! Stay dry out there!
BOWERMAN RESTORATION
- about us //
- White Plains, New York, United States
- Bowerman Restoration has been a trusted name in the cleaning and disaster restoration industry for over 35 years. Michael and the entire “Clean Green” team provide a full range of disaster restoration services: water, sewage, mold, fire and smoke. Our goal is to get your commercial or residential property back to its pre-loss condition quickly and efficiently, using cost-effective solutions. We take the time to assist our clients through each step of the restoration process: filing claims, communicating with the insurance company, and actual reconstruction. Technicians are IICRC certified so we can provide our discerning clientele with a knowledgeable and experienced staff. We provide project management to keep each job running smoothly and a licensed general contractor to oversee all reconstruction.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sewage Backups....Don't Touch!
Contact with sewage is hazardous! Sewage contains a number of disease causing organisms and should ONLY be handled, removed and cleaned by a qualified professional! If your home has been contaminated or exposed to sewage, here are a few things you should know.
1- Call a professional as soon as possible. Companies, like my own, can provide service professionals to shut off or fix the actual cause of the sewage leak. Otherwise, contact your plumber immediately.
2- Call a reputable disaster restoration company. Bowerman Restoration will respond to your emergency within one hour. We proudly service all of Westchester County, NY, Putnam County, NY, Rockland County, NY & Fairfield County, CT. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, just a phone call away, 1-800-638-4799. We work with homeowners, property adjusters and insurance companies to restore your property efficiently, with quality and care.
3- Call your insurance provider to report your claim. Being knowledgeable about your coverage will eliminate any surprises when an emergency arises. Your insurance company should provide you with a claim number and a property adjuster who will assess the damage to your home or business.
4- Keep a detailed list of any items, contents or personal property that was affected, damaged, contaminated or destroyed. If you had to replace or repair any of these items, save your receipts. Keeping an accurate log of all money spent will assist you during the claims process.
5- If anyone in the home or business has a compromised or weakened immune system, they should find other accommodations immediately. Those with compromised immune systems (infants, young children, elderly, sick) are especially susceptible to the dangers of contact with sewage. They should remain off the property until it has been deemed safe by a professional. Testing and sampling may be necessary to determine when or if the contamination has been eradicated.
6- Do NOT touch or use any item that has been contaminated or that you suspect has been contaminated. Even small amounts of sewage can cause severe illness. The items that are salvageable must be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected by an experienced professional.
7- If you suspect that you or someone in your home has had contact or is sick due to contact with sewage, see a doctor immediately. Sewage contains disease causing organisms and toxins that can cause very serious complications to your health. Professional restoration technicians have protective equipment and suits to reduce their risk when they are exposed to sewage. Never the less, the only way to completely eliminate the health risks associated with sewage is by having no contact with it whatsoever.
There are times when a home or business owner can handle small emergencies on their own but that is not the case when it comes to sewage. If your residential or commercial property has been affected by sewage, call Bowerman Restoration 1-800-638-4799, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
1- Call a professional as soon as possible. Companies, like my own, can provide service professionals to shut off or fix the actual cause of the sewage leak. Otherwise, contact your plumber immediately.
2- Call a reputable disaster restoration company. Bowerman Restoration will respond to your emergency within one hour. We proudly service all of Westchester County, NY, Putnam County, NY, Rockland County, NY & Fairfield County, CT. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, just a phone call away, 1-800-638-4799. We work with homeowners, property adjusters and insurance companies to restore your property efficiently, with quality and care.
3- Call your insurance provider to report your claim. Being knowledgeable about your coverage will eliminate any surprises when an emergency arises. Your insurance company should provide you with a claim number and a property adjuster who will assess the damage to your home or business.
4- Keep a detailed list of any items, contents or personal property that was affected, damaged, contaminated or destroyed. If you had to replace or repair any of these items, save your receipts. Keeping an accurate log of all money spent will assist you during the claims process.
5- If anyone in the home or business has a compromised or weakened immune system, they should find other accommodations immediately. Those with compromised immune systems (infants, young children, elderly, sick) are especially susceptible to the dangers of contact with sewage. They should remain off the property until it has been deemed safe by a professional. Testing and sampling may be necessary to determine when or if the contamination has been eradicated.
6- Do NOT touch or use any item that has been contaminated or that you suspect has been contaminated. Even small amounts of sewage can cause severe illness. The items that are salvageable must be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected by an experienced professional.
7- If you suspect that you or someone in your home has had contact or is sick due to contact with sewage, see a doctor immediately. Sewage contains disease causing organisms and toxins that can cause very serious complications to your health. Professional restoration technicians have protective equipment and suits to reduce their risk when they are exposed to sewage. Never the less, the only way to completely eliminate the health risks associated with sewage is by having no contact with it whatsoever.
There are times when a home or business owner can handle small emergencies on their own but that is not the case when it comes to sewage. If your residential or commercial property has been affected by sewage, call Bowerman Restoration 1-800-638-4799, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
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