The Importance of Main House Water Shut Off Valves As a homeowner, it’s essential to know where the main water shut off valve is located. Water leaks from running toilets, burst pipes, broken water heaters, and even leaky sinks can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. In order to prevent costly damage, … Continued
COMMERCIAL MOLD DETECTION & REMOVAL SERVICES Mold contamination is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. Mold, a fungus that is found in damp places, can grow almost anywhere moist conditions exist. Left unattended, it can cause health problems as well as serious structural damage to your facility. As your go-to experts in mold … Continued
National Fireworks Safety Month occurs every June and runs through the Fourth of July to remind communities that setting off your own fireworks could be deadly. According to recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA), over one-quarter of fires started by fireworks were reported on the Fourth of July. Almost half of the fires … Continued
Severe weather is almost impossible to avoid and cannot be controlled. While severe weather can be scary and harmful, you can take control before, during and after to minimize harm and stay safe. Missouri Storm Aware recommends that your emergency kit include: water, canned or dried food, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, and … Continued
It’s that time of the year. You flipped your calendar to March, which means spring break and warmer weather are on their way. March also means the start of spring cleaning, and the benefits aren’t only cosmetic. Donating clothing and other items you don’t use can be a huge blessing to someone in need. Cleaning … Continued
Your house may have all the upgraded appliances and latest furniture, but the stench of cigarette smoke or the previous owner’s animals can still make your face wrinkle in disgust. And maybe you’ve already tried every air freshener in the world, but nothing seems to help those nasty odors in your home. A stinky home … Continued
What now? You just had a house fire, and you’re at a loss for what to do next. We know this is a devastating experience and can leave you feeling paralyzed. With just a few steps, you and your house will be headed toward recovery. 1. Act quickly. After calling first responders to deal with … Continued
Burst Pipes: Can I Clean it Up Myself? Burst pipes might send you into panic mode, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our emergency line is always open and we’ll connect you to help for any and all water damage, including those burst pipes. You might not know how far the water has … Continued
We’re in the dead of winter and it feels like there’s no end in sight! Good thing there are space heaters to warm up your toes no matter where you are—at the office or cozied up on the couch. According to the Missouri Department of Public Safety, 25,000 fires and over 300 deaths are attributed … Continued
While you’re enjoying the firm pack of the snow to build the perfect snowman or igloo, that snow could be drifting against your house, blocking vents and pipes. Residents with high-efficiency furnaces should make sure their fresh air intake and exhaust pipes are free of snow. All residents should check their dryer vent as well. … Continued
Could your home use a good carpet cleaning? Most could. Few things attract dirt, stains and debris quite like your carpets, especially if you have children and/or pets. With that said, carpets aren’t always the easiest thing to clean. That mud you tracked into the house the other day? Those particles are now stuck in the … Continued
Mold Profile: Aspergillus As one of the four most common types of household mold, Aspergillus may take many forms. For most people, this type of mold is relatively harmless – unlike the allergenic mold known as Alternaria. However, for those who already have a weakened immune system, lung disease or respiratory condition, Aspergillus can pose serious health risks. Read … Continued
A flooded basement hits like an oncoming train. Whether the problem stems from a broken pipe, failed sump pump or the result of a heavy downpour that found its way inside, a flooded basement needs to be dealt with immediately to prevent long-term damage. When dealing with basement floods, there are some things you can … Continued
Household mold is an inevitable and natural part of our world. When outdoors, most molds are harmless and pose no threat to our everyday way of life. However, there are those pesky mold spores that invite themselves into your home and begin to grow and spread, causing mayhem. Anyone can use simple tips and tricks on how … Continued
Water removal is exactly that, removing or extracting excess water from your home or business. ServiceMaster of Columbia has yellow trucks especially for water removal. They have powerful pumps and truck mounted vacuums that remove the water quickly to help reduce the amount of damage. All of our technicians are local and we have a team … Continued
Water damage in your home or business is no joke. When a loss is discovered, it is best to act fast. Calling a business that specializes in water damage, water removal and remediation is key. When calling a professional service like ServiceMaster of Columbia, our staff will ask you a few questions to help us … Continued
At ServiceMaster of Columbia, we know mold, and we’ve put together the essentials you need to know about the different types of mold found in homes. What is Mold? Molds produce irritating substances that may act as allergens in sensitive individuals. Some molds produce toxic substances. Houses with mold often have a musty smell. Mold can … Continued
Assessment of Mold Molds feed on cellulose and water, so growth can be hidden from plain view. Follow these guidelines to identifying mold in your home. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, an inspection from a hygienist should be done: Is the area more than 10 square feet? Is there a … Continued
A burst pipe in the water system is one of the most common plumbing problems both in the home and the public system. Several things can cause burst pipes, the main one been freezing conditions. We have complicated plumbing systems in our homes such as waste disposals, boilers and even garden features that pipe bursts … Continued
Every year, water damage from frozen pipes, ruptured washer hoses, leaking supply lines and dripping water heaters costs homeowners and insurance companies billions. Shutting off the main water supply to your home before leaving for an extended length of time can protect you against catastrophic water damage. ServiceMaster of Columbia recommends that everyone in your home … Continued
With the end of the year comes several things: holidays, time spent with loved ones, gearing up for a new year and a dramatic change of weather. You’ve already prepared for the holidays, but are you ready for the next big snowstorm? Find out how to prepare your home for a snowstorm, so that you … Continued
During the holidays, ServiceMaster of Columbia wants you to enjoy your family and traditions. Part of the holiday magic is the Christmas tree. Christmas trees come with their own built in disasters if not taken care of from the beginning. Here are some tips for Christmas tree safety. Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires … Continued
Finding a massive black mold infestation is something no homeowner wants to experience. Whether it’s the result of a hidden leak or flood damage, black mold can cause grave problems for your entire family. At ServiceMaster of Columbia in Missouri, we’ve seen just how bad this problem can become, but we also know that if approached the … Continued
Making an Insurance Claim By having your household inventory and records, it is easier to make an insurance claim should the need arise. There are six steps in making a claim. Step 1: Contact Your Agent Immediately Give your name, address, policy number, and the date and time of your loss. Make sure to tell … Continued
The key to an easy claims process and a smooth recovery is documentation. Secure your valuable papers in a waterproof, fireproof container. Table 1 is a list of the valuable papers that need to be in a safe location outside your home, such as in a safe deposit box. This could be in the care … Continued
