Recent Water Damage Posts

Prepare Your Home for Fall: Tips to Prevent Water Damage | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito

9/3/2024 (Permalink)

bright orange and yellow fall foliage in the gutter of a residential home Safeguarding your home from water damage is easy this Fall with these insights from SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito!

As fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your home to handle the seasonal changes. In Harlingen and the surrounding communities, autumn can bring increased rain, which means homeowners should take extra care to avoid potential water damage. SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is here to share some essential tips on how to keep your home safe and dry this season.

Understanding Our Fall Weather

In South Texas, fall weather can be unpredictable. The region often experiences significant rainfall, with October being the wettest month, averaging over 4 inches of rain. These conditions can increase the risk of water damage in homes, making early preparation vital.

Check and Clean Your Gutters

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent water damage is to ensure your gutters are clean and functioning correctly. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your home’s foundation, walls, or roof, leading to severe damage. Regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts can help prevent these issues. Ensure they are free of leaves, twigs, and other debris to facilitate proper water flow away from your home.

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Check for missing, damaged, or loose shingles and repair them promptly. Pay attention to the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof projections to ensure it is intact and properly sealed. A well-maintained roof can prevent leaks and water damage during heavy rains.

Seal Windows and Doors

Gaps and cracks around windows and doors can let water in during a storm. Inspect these areas for any signs of wear and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk as necessary. This not only helps prevent water intrusion but also improves your home’s energy efficiency by reducing drafts.

Grade Your Landscaping

Ensure that the land around your home slopes away from the foundation. Improper grading can lead to water pooling around your home, increasing the risk of water seeping into the basement or crawl space. Consider adding or adjusting the slope of your landscape to direct water away from your home.

Test Your Sump Pump

If your home has a basement, it’s crucial to ensure your sump pump is in working order. Test it by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit to see if the pump kicks on and drains the water. A functional sump pump is essential in preventing water accumulation in your basement during heavy rains.

Be Prepared with SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito

No matter how well you prepare, water damage can still occur. If you find yourself dealing with water damage, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle any water damage emergency, ensuring your home is restored to its pre-damage condition.

Prepare your home now to face the fall weather confidently. Let us help you keep your home safe and dry this season!

For expert assistance and peace of mind, visit SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito.

Water Leaks & the Smells They Bring Along | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

water dripping from ceiling into a large puddle on tile floor Trust SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to provide comprehensive services for a full recovery for all your water damage restoration needs.

A water leak in your home is never a pleasant thing to deal with, especially if you are away from home when it happens. Coming home after a long day at work or a weekend vacation and finding that the washing machines dumped water all over the floor or an open window left your wall soaked after a rain shower is something none of us want to deal with.

Most water leaks require much more than just a few towels or a mop, too. Water leaks can lead to extensive damage throughout your home, most of it in places you may not even see.

The faster you can get a leak professionally dealt with, the less damage your home will incur—which means the more time you can spend relaxing.

Addressing Water Leaks

When a leak happens, it can move quickly throughout your home. Moisture will get into all the places you don’t want it to be, including behind your walls and under your floor. Water has a sneaky way of finding every nook and cranny around, leaving hard-to-reach places wet.

Grab some towels or a mop when you do discover a leak in your home, but take note of which way the water is moving and what permanent structures are around the area. Dry up everything visible as quickly as you can, and move anything that can be moved in order to remove as much moisture as possible. When your walls, cabinets, ceilings or floors get wet, that water won’t go away on its own. Instead, moisture can hang out for a long time due to the lack of airflow and tight space.

The longer moisture stays in these spots, the more damage will be done. Metal support beams can rust, wood can start to breakdown, and mold can begin spreading rapidly. In as little as 24 hours, an entire colony of mold can grow in places you might not even be able to see, leaving you with another disastrous situation to deal with.

Following Your Nose

Mold and mildew always come with a distinctive sign—an odor. After you have cleaned up a leak in your home, take note any time you smell something musty or earthy. Do your best to locate the source, but keep in mind that mold can hide out. Even if you don’t see any visible growth, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Our crew is highly trained in every part of water damage restoration, including finding mold growth. While we dry things out and replace damaged flooring or walls that have warped, we will also start remediating mold growth and all the smells that come along with it.

Not only will we secure the area where growth has started, but we will also start disinfecting and filtering the air. Throughout your home, we will seal and sanitize surfaces and ensure that there are no pesky mold or odor particles hanging around. Our restoration job isn’t complete until your house looks, feels and smells like home again. Whatever your leak recovery process needs, we’ve got it handled.

Don’t ignore signs of a water leak. Contact SERVPRO® for a full recovery.

When Damage Creates More Damage | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pounding down on a blacktop surface SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!

There are a lot of sayings about how bad luck often leads to more bad luck. Unfortunately, most of them hold pretty true—especially when you are dealing with a disaster.

A disaster, whether stemming from Mother Nature or a manmade accident, causes damage that will always lead to more damage. That is why having a total restoration team like SERVPRO® right around the corner matters.

The Impact of Disasters

Disasters can take a toll on your home or community that you can’t even begin to measure. Even when a storm is headed your way and you have time to get ready for it, the weather can turn more severe and cause damage you weren’t expecting. Manmade issues can also be incredibly destructive, especially because they often occur completely out of the blue.

A single rainstorm can dump heavy amounts of water, which leads to flooding, which leads to mold growth on anything that gets wet. High winds can tear down trees, put your roof at risk or knock out power long-term. Fires in your home bring smoke, soot, water, structural damage and lingering odors.

Disasters certainly bring the old saying “when it rains, it pours” to life due to the consistently compounding damage that only gets worse over time.

The physical toll isn’t the only thing to consider, too. Disasters can take a real mental toll on everyone that lives through them. That is why fast and efficient recovery is incredibly important.

A Single Team, Total Restoration

Timing is of the essence when a disaster strikes, and that is why our team is ready to take your call 24⁄7. The day or time will never matter—from the moment you call us we start your recovery process. As we gather information from you, we are also putting together a team to get to your property fast.

Our experts are well-trained and certified in a wide variety of disaster scenarios. Not only is our team trained and certified, we are also local. As your neighbors, we love this community and have experienced all the ups and downs that come with every disaster that has affected our area. We have helped many of you recover, cleaning up homes and offices all around town.

When the winds pick up and leave your roof a mess, we can get there quickly to tarp and cover it so further damage can’t set in. When a flood strikes either externally or internally, we will start removing water and working to dry out as much of your home and belongings as we can.

If part of your home cannot be repaired, we can tear it down and rebuild it. Our team wants to put your life back together, completely. Whatever it takes to do that, we’ve got it covered.

Being a total restoration company means that we will never leave a job unfinished. We stay by your side until you feel completely at home again—whether that means handling lingering odors after a fire or sealing parts of your home to prevent potential mold from returning.

SERVPRO is the total package. With a trained and certified staff, availability any time and any day, top-of-the-line equipment and locals that understand you, we can handle all the rain that pours into your life. Bright days are headed your way, and we will make sure you are ready to enjoy them.

Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.

Find the Moisture in Your Home | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

close up of condensation on window pane and ledge Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.

Water is one of those things that we really can’t live without access to. Think about how often water is running in your home. Between the washing machine, dishwasher or even just using the garden hose to water plants and clean the dog, having water on demand certainly makes our lives easier.

When water ends up in the wrong places, though, it can leave our home a total mess. While we may not be able to stop a natural disaster that brings heavy rains or floods, we can do a lot to protect our homes from other kinds of water damage. When you know how to find leaks fast, you can keep your home safe and dry.

Under Your Sinks

The kitchen and the bathroom are two top locations that leaks like to hide out. Under the sink, there are often a number of water lines, and it can be hard to find leaks when they start small.

Even a small leak can do a lot of damage, seeping into cabinets, behind walls and even under the floor. Look under your sinks weekly for signs of a problem. Use your hands along all the water lines to feel for moisture, and make sure connection points are tight. Replace seals at the first sign of wear and tear to keep things working properly.

Beneath Appliances

Large appliances are another location that leaks often start and can be hard to locate. Dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters and refrigerators certainly are convenient, but they are also susceptible to water leaks that can do a lot of damage in a little bit of time.

Pull your appliances away from the wall every few months in order to clean underneath and behind them. Look for mold growth, puddles or soft spots in the floor. Feel along any water lines you can reach, and replace anything that is beginning to age.

Behind Your Walls or Floors

One of the things that makes even the smallest leak dangerous to your home is how fast water can move. Water can trickle down into the smallest of cracks and crevices, including behind your walls and under the floor.

Don’t ignore a new musty smell somewhere in your home, particularly near water-based appliances. A new squeaky floorboard could be another indicator that there is a bigger problem that needs investigating as well.

Around Your Windows and Doors

Condensation on your windows is a pretty common occurrence, especially when the temperatures swing back and forth in a day. It can be easy to ignore this, but condensation can actually seep in through cracks and cause damage to the structure of your home.

Check your windows and doors by running your hands around the frame to feel for moisture regularly. Make sure that caulking has not deteriorated and that there are no visible signs of cracking. The change of the seasons is a great time to check the seals all around your home.

If you do find that a leak has left behind damage, don’t let it make your head spin. With one call to SERVPRO®, your home will be back to normal fast. We can handle anything from a complete flood to structural repairs. It is our goal to get your life back on track.

Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO for a quick restoration.

Don’t Let Water Take Over Your Business | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

concrete floor tiling with large cracks and water on it Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito a call to get that resolved!

Have you ever stepped into the office for the day and suddenly been overwhelmed by a musty odor in the air? This is a pretty good indicator that there is some sort of leak in your building—and you could be headed for water damage.

That is certainly not something you want to deal with in your already busy schedule, but picture walking in and stepping directly into a puddle of standing water. Now you are dealing with a real nightmare situation!

Whether a natural disaster strikes and leaves your building wet or a plumbing failure floods the bathroom, the faster you are able to take action, the less damage you will incur. Learn what to do when you find yourself dealing with a flooded building so that you can get back to work quickly.

One Step at a Time

A flood is a lot to handle, even when it is from a natural source that was predicted. Give yourself some time to breath and break down your actions to a few simple steps that can get things headed in the right direction fast.

When you can quickly and calmly respond, you can prevent deep damage and potential mold growth.

1. Keep things safe. Safety should be your first priority any time a disaster strikes. Get yourself to a dry spot where you can better assess the situation, and call us at SERVPRO® right away. We will get as much information as we can over the phone while we organize a team to head to your property. While you wait for our professionals, safely take as many photos as you can.

2. Try and gain control. Once you have a better idea of what is happening and you know our team is on the way, do what you can to quickly gain control of the problem. Look for the source of the water and shut it off. If you can’t locate an exact source but have determined the water is coming from an internal source, cut the water to the building at the main valve.

3. Find ways to get things dry. Even when floodwaters originate from a clean source, they can become contaminated and dangerous quickly. The more you can stay out of the water, the better, but try to find ways to start the drying process. Open windows, increase the ventilation and remove any items you can that are in the path of the water.

Work With the Pros

When our restoration crew gets there, they will begin removing water right away. While the drying process is taking place, we will complete an assessment of your needs and walk you through what your recovery will look like. We will also be in contact with your insurance agency in order to make the whole process as simple as possible.

As your recovery process progresses, you can start finding ways on how to get business going again. If our team deems it safe to do so, you may be able to use any undamaged parts of your building while we continue putting everything else back together.

While you take care of your team, our team will continue to take care of your building. It is our goal to restore rather than replace your items, and we will make sure you are able to have a say in every step of the recovery process.

Finding water in your building doesn’t have to completely derail your business. Move quickly, and call us as soon as you are able. We will get things back to normal as fast as possible.

Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

How to Respond to Water Damage | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Pool of water sitting on top of a herringbone patterned wood floor with furniture nearby If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito right away.

Isn’t water just an incredible thing? Its power is often unmatched, even when we try to control it. Water can pump through the pipes in our house and start and stop with the wave of a hand, or it can be raw and natural and a force to be reckoned with like on the shoreline of a sandy beach.

We can’t live without water, and it plays so many critical roles in our day. But when water starts sneaking into places it doesn’t belong, it can leave our homes turned upside down. Heavy rains and storm surges from hurricanes have left some of our homes flooded over the years, as Texas is certainly no stranger to all kinds of water damage. Whether from a leaky pipe or a natural disaster, water can create utter chaos.

You can spend a lot of time preparing and protecting your home from flooding, but sometimes there is nothing you can do to stop water from entering into places it shouldn’t be. That’s why having water restoration experts in your backyard is invaluable.

The First Steps

If the unfortunate happens and your home experiences a water disaster, a fast response is your best bet for mitigating damages. Water moves quick and it can hide out even quicker, so finding the source of the water and doing what you can to control it is crucial.

After you find where the water is coming from, you need to try and stop the flow. If the flood is from a natural disaster, that might mean just waiting it out in a safe space, but an internal leak should be turned off. Learn your home well, including where all of your water shut-off valves so you can move quickly.

You should also know how to quickly shut off electricity to the flooded area. Never step into a puddle that could contain live electricity. Turn off the electricity at the source before tackling the water.

Once you can safely do so, call SERVPRO®. We have 24⁄7 availability, so it will never matter what time of day disaster hits your home. The faster you can call us, the faster we can start your recovery process and slow down the progression of damage.

How We Dry Your Home

After we have taken your call, we start your restoration right away by taking as much information as possible over the phone. At this point, take photos of the water and anything that is damaged. We will work directly with your insurance company to create a smooth process, and documentation will be very helpful.

As we gather your information, we will begin dispatching a team of our professionals to your home with all the industry-leading equipment needed to start drying things right away. Removing standing water and drying out soft materials will be the first priority. We make it our goal to restore as much of your property as possible so that you are not replacing your belongings. We stick with the process until your items are completely dry, sanitary and odor-free.

Our team is trained and equipped to handle every aspect that comes along with water damage restoration, including any construction needed. If an area of your home is destroyed beyond repair, we’ll tear it down and rebuild it so that your home is truly your home.

Anytime something happens that leaves your home with more than an inch of water, you need to call in our professionals. Different kinds of flooding require different kinds of responses, and our team can safely and sanitarily handle every single one of them. With your locally owned and independently operated SERVPRO in your very own neighborhood, you can sit back and enjoy the incredible source that water is without worry.

Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.

When Heavy Rains Strike... | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

image of a large body of water during a rain storm with ripples caused by the heavy downpour Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito on the case!

Isn’t rain a wonderful thing? On a hot summer day, it’s the perfect way to cool down the earth, making everything sweet-smelling and cozy. Rain is a wonderful thing, until there is so much of it that there is no longer anything wonderful about it.

Heavy rain can create flash flooding and leave our gutters overflowing, making our homes vulnerable to leaks. SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito wants to help you come out of every heavy rain storm dry and damage-free.

Hazards of Intense Rain

Texas weather comes with a lot of ups and downs, but we all know our hot and humid spring and summer mean strong thunderstorms, heavy rains, tornadoes and tropical weather are all possible.

Flash floods and coastal flooding are also a common issue we deal with in Harlingen and the surrounding areas. When a storm blows through with intense rain, it often leaves roadways covered and can sweep away anything that isn’t tightly secured down.

Flooding in particular can be very unpredictable, which is why it is crucial to be prepared in advance of a storm. Make sure you always have two ways to receive weather alerts and keep up with the local news when the weather is predicted to be wet.

Staying Safe

When it comes to getting prepared for a storm, safety should always be your first priority. If you are on the road, get to a safe indoor location quickly and never drive through floodwaters. At home, bring inside patio furniture and any other objects that could be swept away in a flash flood, and park your car in a garage or on high ground.

Inside your home, spend time moving anything precious or irreplaceable to a higher location. Always keep important paperwork in a watertight container, but move it when flooding threatens. If water starts coming in while you are at home, find a safe place to wait it out. Do your best to stay dry, especially while the water is still flowing. Turn the electricity off to the flooded area or your whole home if you are able before stepping into any water.

Future Prevention Strategies

The faster you are able to call us, the better. We will start drying your home the moment we arrive, and as we work through your restoration process, we can also help identify ways to better protect your home from the next flood.

Starting outside of your home is ideal since the goal is to keep water out in the first place. Talk with a landscaping professional about increasing the grading and organic materials in your yard. This can keep water rolling away from your home and help prevent puddles that might eventually seep in.

Another item you might consider is a sump pump. This can be installed in your basement or crawl space and will pump water away from the foundation of your home. The correct size sump pump can go a long way in preventing major flooding when heavy rains come through.

Mother Nature may be unpredictable, but the more prepared you are, the better your home will fare in every situation. Keep our number in your emergency contacts so that you can call us any time a disaster strikes. Knowing you have a team of professionals right around the corner that can dry, sanitize and prevent mold growth after a flood can help you sleep easier at night.

We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.

Lurking Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Harlingen/San Benito

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

img src =”bucket” alt = " blue bucket in the middle of the living area catching water falling from the ceiling ” > Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to find the source.

Water is a powerful substance. It’s crucial for our life, but it can also do a lot of damage when it ends up in the wrong places. Water can be sneaky, too, hiding out in places you never look while the damages just get worse.

The good news is you can get to know some of the most common areas where water could be lurking so that you can take quick action to prevent extensive problems. When you regularly check some of the top locations, you can avoid mold growth and structural damages that often result when water is left to its own devices.

The roof. Keeping a close eye on your roof is crucial in preventing water damage that can run throughout your entire house, especially with all the small places water can sneak into.

The weather in our part of Texas is often warm, but it can also be severe frequently. Pick a mild day and get on your roof to inspect it, and then walk your property to look for damage after a strong storm moves out. Fix problems fast to avoid leaks and excess moisture.

Even if you can’t get on your roof, check your attic frequently. This is a prime spot for mold growth. Replace wet insulation and repair drips quickly to prevent its spread.

The bathroom. It shouldn’t come as a big surprise that a room where water is used constantly has a high risk of water damage. However, it can be hard to find actual problems because of the amount of water regularly used in the bathroom.

Get into the habit of checking under the sink, around the toilet and up against the tub weekly. Check for standing puddles, dripping sounds or persistent moisture. Your bathroom should dry out completely everyday, so if excess moisture is hanging around or your drains are running slowly, dig a little deeper as these are both indicators of bigger issues.

Appliances. As you build the habit of checking your bathroom fixtures, add checking under sinks and around large appliances at the same time. Your kitchen and laundry room can hide water damage under appliances that could persist long-term and result in extensive damages.

Pull out your refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine at least once a year and look for signs of mold or standing water. Clean around the base of these machines and feel for soft spots or drops of water. When your appliances are in use, listen for slow-running water and dripping. Watch for water in the wrong places as a sign of problems.

Replace your appliances every 10 years or so to avoid problems before they ever start.

If you do find problems or even suspect an issue, call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito. We will respond to your home quickly with the best tools and expertise in the industry so you get back to life as normal.

Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!

Keep Business Going When You Are Prepared for Commercial Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Harlingen/San Benito

10/20/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can bring absolute chaos to your commercial building. When water intrudes, it doesn’t really matter where it comes from, the disaster could knock your business off track.

Internal sources of flooding are a common source of water damage in buildings and may involve a burst pipe, sprinkler system failure or a leak in the roof. Water intrusion can equal losses to your inventory, soaked floors and shuttered parts of your building.

External sources of flooding are also a severe risk that can damage your property. In this part of Texas, everyone is in a flood zone. Flooding rains and levee failures are some of our top risks, but wildfire burn scars also pose a threat for flash flooding.

Due to our high risk, it is crucial to prepare our businesses before a disaster can strike. Where the water comes from doesn’t matter when you have put mitigation efforts into place.

Know Your Building’s Layout

One of the best preparation steps you can take is getting to know your building well. Become familiar with the layout of your business and locate water shutoff valves so that you can take quick action if a pipe failure or leak happens. You should know how to turn off the main water valve as well as the fire sprinkler system valve.

Inform your employees on where these valves are and how to shut them off, and designate several people to take responsibility for this task in your emergency plans. Stopping the source of a leak can prevent extensive damages and make a big difference in your repair bill.

Know the Types of Water Involved

When your business has a flooding emergency, it is essential to know what kind of water has caused the flood in order to respond appropriately and safely.

White water. Plumbing failures result in flooding that is not considered contaminated or dangerous. These kinds of floods are safe to manage by yourself when they are not large events.

Gray water. Gray water flooding happens when a sink drain or toilet overflows. This kind of water is contaminated, but is not considered hazardous.

Black water. When a sewer backs up into your building or flooding is created during a storm, it is considered black water. This kind of flooding is dangerous and potentially toxic and cleanup should be handled by a professional.

Take Action Quickly

If your building does take on floodwaters of any kind, the quicker you respond, the more losses you can mitigate. Find the source of the water intrusion and shut off any water valves that may be involved.

Open windows and doors surrounding the affected area to increase air flow and promote drying, and alert everyone in the building.

Once you are able, document the damage. Take pictures and make notes that can help with your insurance claim. You may also use these to consider ways that you could add additional reinforcements to your building and prevent another event from occurring.

Remember to Be Patient

Water damage that is visible is probably just a partial view of the total damage. Start checking your building for signs of hidden damage by looking for walls that have mold and floors that have buckled. These are red flags of deeper issues that should be handled fast.

If your building is damaged by water damage, call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito as soon as you are able. Our experienced professional staff is available 24⁄7 with the training and equipment to get your restoration started quickly.

The drying process can be lengthy depending on how big the flood was, so remember to use some patience as your space is cleaned and sanitized. Our team will be with you through each step of the process so that your business is up and running again quickly.

When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 24⁄7 to get started!

24 hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

Water Flooding Water Flooding

SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito 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 - (956) 277-0645

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 Harlingen/San Benito 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 Harlingen/San Benito 

SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito 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.

How Long is Too Long?

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

When dealing with water damage time is key! The thing that most people think is if I can’t see the water then it’s not doing damage to my property, and that is completely wrong. It’s the hidden water that does the most damage. As soon as a water damage occurs things in your structure start to get ruined. If you have any pets and they made accidents on your carpet, and you thought they you cleaned it up properly, well the smell gets trapped in the pad underneath the carpet and once water contacts the carpet the hidden odors become released. Also, most of your electrical appliances can get ruined, paper items tarnished, and certain furniture can stain the carpets. These problems occur in minutes after the water damage occurs. Some people think I dried up all the water that I can, and I don’t see any visible water so there is no more damage occurring, well that is also false, water migrates, especially in porous materials because the pores in the substance absorb water fast. Items that are porous are things such as drywall, concrete, and most of the studs. So when a water damage happens to you please call us at (956)277-0645 our phones lines are always open and we always have a team ready to help you in your time of need!

How You Can Prevent Water Damage at Home

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

water source Tips on how to prevent water damages in your home.

Did you know that water damage can weaken your homes' structure? 

We all know that water damages are usually unexpected occurrences, but what if you knew what to look out for in order to prevent them? 

The simplest and easiest place to start is to do routine checks of your home for water leaks and get them fixed before damages occur. What does this mean?

Examples of this include, but are not limited to:

-checking you the shingles on your roof and replace them if needed

-check all water sources (faucets, etc.) for dripping

-inspect walls or ceilings and look for dark spots or dampness or sagging 

-check your wallpaper for blistering

-check your pipes for rusting 

-check your floor to ensure there is no warping or soft spots

These can all be indications of water damage and if you make it a habit to look out for these signs, you are likely to catch an issue before it snowballs. 

Call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito if you have any questions or concerns, today! 

Water damage can happen at any moment!

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

flooded living room flooded living room

Water damages occur at any moment. Often due to a leak or just human error. In order to gain a better understanding of how to prevent water damage remember to check on a few things from time to time. For example check for any cracks or discoloration along the walls of your home. Water damages leave signs and tell owners how severe the problems are. Leaks within pipes that haven't left stains on the walls yet can be checked by looking at your water bill. If there is a rise in cost maybe there's a leak in one of your pipes. Your insurance can be affected by the severity of the water damage, so it’s important that you call for a professional rather than trying to fix it yourself.

Water Damage and Structure go hand in hand.

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Harlingen and San Benito is trained to repair water damages, they know that water damages left untreated are a recipe for disaster. Water damages lead to other issues such as changes within a structure. Such changes can even lead to a building's collapse. There are signs in which a structure will inform you that there is an issue concerning water damage. There will be cracks within walls or ceilings, along with discoloration within carpets and walls. Another specific one is wooden floors will swell up, if you are not aware of what this may look like imagine a warped tin or a paper shaped bent into a U. If you find that you have water damage within a carpeted structure it is crucial to act fast. This is because carpets tend to absorb water and if not cleaned properly or quickly can lead to mold.

Act Now Not Later.

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Moldy Wall Moldy Wall

When experiencing an issue within our home it’s easy to decide to put the situation off until later once things become more convenient. When this happens situations tend to become worse, and people just put a “band-aid” on the problem. Leaving the issue as “solved”. However, leaving water damage to sit and not be properly examined or repaired leads to numerous problems that in the end result in a higher cost. Water sitting in an area is slowly going to start growing mold. Smells begin to form due to the moisture levels and mildew. Mold is not always detectable at first and often times it results in serious health issues. Respiratory issues and skin problems are side effects of living alongside mold. SERVPRO of Harlingen and San Benito has a good understanding of how to eliminate mold and repair the water damage.

The Variety of Storms and Weather Hazards That Spring Brings

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Weather Changes Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is a click away if you experience any damag

America is the third-largest nation in the world, coming in behind Russia and Canada in total size (though if you do not include outlying U.S. territories, China is also larger).

With this much land in one nation, weather conditions can vary tremendously from one part of the country to another. Because different areas of the country have different weather patterns, they also experience differing weather-related dangers, to varying degrees across a year’s span.

With spring weather developing over the nation, hot and cold air will be colliding in many parts of the country. With that, we thought now would be a good time to get an overview of what weather events can be expected in large regions, and more specifically, what we need to be aware of here in Southern Texas.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its heavy spring rains, which often lead to floods and other types of water damage for those in the area. In areas with higher elevation, snow is still a concern, as is the problems that can be caused from snowmelt runoff.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast regions experience winter weather for the longest period of time, meaning they will still have cold weather through much of the spring season. Those living in Maine, the Dakotas and everywhere in between can expect continually extreme cold, snowstorms and blizzards until late spring or early summer.

Spring is when the southern West Coast will begin to be concerned with excessive heat waves that can be dangerous or even fatal, and areas of the South Pacific such as Hawaii will need to be on alert for potential tsunamis.

From Iowa to Texas, spring brings about the concern of windstorms, derechos and the risk of wildfires, which are especially prevalent during dry spells of spring. Additionally, much of this area is prone to tornadoes, which should always be watched out for.

Finally, the Southeast typically experiences a range of weather including thunderstorms and tornadoes further inland, while coastal areas may experience early season hurricanes and dangerous rip currents.

In any part of the country, the threat of serious weather conditions in the spring season are real. It is always wise to be on alert this time of year to ensure you know how to stay safe should severe weather strike.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Signs of Water Damage

9/25/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Remember to check your drywall!

We’ve spoken to many customers that will say, “I had no idea I even had water damage! How can there possibly be mold?” 

Don’t feel like you’re the only one. If you have no reason to suspect there is water damage, you probably wouldn’t look for the signs. We always advise our clients to check for these signs as a precaution! For example, you can look to see if you have missing or damaged roof shingles. This may be an indication of water damage. Another sign includes holes in your roof flashing. Inside your home, you might want to inspect for cracks in your drywall or peeling paint. More obvious signs include warped flooring, wet carpets, or the odor of dampness or moisture. The sooner you become aware there is a problem, the sooner our team can go out there and fix it for you! 

Sewage/Toilet Overflow Clean Up

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Polluted Pipe water Polluted Pipe water

SERVPRO sees cases in which water backups occur very seriously. The water may contain bacteria, and even viruses that can cause a great deal of damage towards the human body. Before cleaning up our SERVPRO team will evaluate the water to see which category it belongs to. The three categories SERVPRO has are “Clean water”, “Gray water”,and “Black water”.  When the water is categorized as “clean” the damage is most likely caused by a leak, or broken water supply. This is the least serious to fix, but if untreated can become “Gray water”. “ Gray water” could be due to an overflow of your toilet, or of your washing machine. This water can cause illness, and should be cleaned as soon as possible before the water becomes “black” and extremely contaminated. “Black Water” is mainly seen in sewers and toilets. This water is extremely dangerous. Consequences of digestion could lead to death. We advise you to keep away from this water and call us immediately to keep you and your family safe.

Your Belongings

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Items Items

Your belongings can be a meaningful thing to part with. When you go through water damage you may wonder what can you keep? At SERVPRO we go through a contents restoration review. We understand that there's value in your belongings, and would rather you save money then having to replace what you've already purchased. Our team reviews the items and uses guidelines to determine if they are indeed restorable. Our methods for restoring items are: Dry Cleaning, Wet Cleaning, Spray and Wipe, Foam Cleaning, Abrasive Cleaning, Immersion Cleaning.  Dry Cleaning goes before a wet cleaning in which we do a light cleaning before going on to remove heavy residues in wet cleaning. Spray and Wipe is used for items that can’t go through a wet cleaning. Foam cleaning is practiced on upholstery items that may shrink if gone through the wet cleaning. Abrasive is the surface cleaning, and immersion is when items are dipped in a bath of cleaning products. So you see we have methods for all your items, with careful consideration of what their conditions are.

Electronics

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Electronics Electronics

SERVPRO understands that the electronics you purchase were in no way cheap. Whether it be in dollars or in time, products such as video game consoles and televisions can be costly to replace. SERVPRO wants to make sure that the products you have really need to be discarded. When we go evaluate your contents for restoration we want to keep you safe. Electronics can be a serious hazard. It is important that you do not attempt to work these devices before they have been evaluated. Turning on such products after a water damage can cause further damage to the environment, and more importantly can be a medical hazard towards your and your family. SERVPRO begins by cleaning the surface of your devices to prevent corrosion and then these products are evaluated by an electronic technician. This lets us know if they are a danger and are qualified for being a restorable.

Winter Freeze

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water Water

Rio Grande Valley home owners and renters did your pipes freeze earlier this month? Trust us, we know how difficult it must have been. Not only were many people without water and electricity, but not many realized that their pipes would freeze, too! For next time, what are we supposed to do when that happens? Here are some helpful tips!

1.

  1. If you know your pipes are prone to freezing, turn off your water supply to prevent them from bursting! 
  2. Be aware that pipes don’t always freeze in the same places. If you think you may have prevented the problem in one place, it may not be so for another.
  3. Open your faucet and run a bit of water through your pipes, to prevent them from freezing. 
  4. NEVER use heat, such as an open flame, to thaw your frozen pipes. This is a fire hazard.
  5. These are just a few simple tips to keep in mind. Remember to contact a professional plumber afterwards. 

Water and Mold

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Home Home

Did you know that mold can grow in your carpeting within 24 hours of a water damage occurring? Did you think that drying you carpets with fans would fix the problem? We’re sorry to deliver the bad news, but this will not keep mold from taking over your carpet fibers. Don’t worry! Give us a call, and we can take this problem off your hands. Mold can cause mycotoxins and lead to health effects, so it should be addressed right away. We will do an assessment of the affected area and contain the mold growth. Next, we will filter the air and remove any materials contaminated with mold. Finally we will clean your affected house content and restore them! See! There’s nothing to worry about, if you just give us a call.

Toilet Overflow

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

Toilet Overflow What to do when your toilet overflows

Common toilet problems and plumbing issues can lead to water damage in a business. Over time, plumbing issues can cause quite a bit of problems if not maintained regularly. By taking care of toilet issues as soon as possible plumbing problems occur is the best way to prevent further related water damage. If this is not taken care immediately costly repairs may appear. The following may cause toilets to overflow in your business:


A drain line becomes clogged

• The septic field is not percolating

• Sewer damage occurs somewhere in the system’s lines due to issues such as tree roots or foreign objects causing a clog

• A low flow toilet is not able to handle the demands of your household

• The trap between the drain line and the toilet bowl becomes blocked

If you were to experience a toilet overflow in your business, it is best to dry up the accumulated water in the affected areas. However, depending on the extent of the leak caused by a toilet overflow, consider calling a company that specializes in restoration. Here at SERVPRO of Harlingen & San Benito , we provide appropriate safety measures and steps during the cleanup process and will restore your business or home quickly!


Call Us at 956-277-0645


Minimizes Further Damage

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help! What to do after a water loss?

Knowing the correct steps  to take after a water loss can help you reduce the loss. Timing is so important  when restoring your property. SERVPRO Of Harlingen & San Benito is a certificated restoration service provider in the Rio Grande Valley.

SERVPRO Of Harlingen & San Benito has the  specialized drying equipment to address any water damage. Our SERVPRO technicians are well equipped and trained to use air movers, scrubbers, and dehumidifiers when restoring your property.

Many things can happen by  leaving the excess moisture in place for a long time. Apart from the possibility of making your contents unsalvageable, it may promote the growth of mold that may cause health effects. SERVPRO Of Harlingen & San Benito  team uses dehumidifiers to reduce the levels of moisture in the air.By doing this we make the humidity levels acceptable and create room for evaporation.

If there are odors and particles in the air. SERVPRO Of Harlingen & San Benito will place air scrubbers to remove those odors and particles.

Deodorization is also another way to combat the unpleasant smells. Deodorization is use  to neutralize and mask the unpleasant odors.

No matter how small or how big your water damage is rest assure SERVPRO Of Harlingen & San Benito has the right equipment to do the job!

Roof Leak

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help! Roof Leak

After dealing with a cold winter, some of us are looking upon the spring season. As spring has approached us the weather has been warmer and the trees and flowers have begun to bloom, However, springtime always seems to bring plenty of rain and plenty of rain always brings a higher risk of water damage to your home.

With the increase of showers as well as high winds, roof damage may occur or be revealed as water intrudes through your roof and damages your ceilings and walls. To reduce the risk of roof leaks, you should inspect your roof for any damages from the winter and inspect it after every major storm.

The most common cause of roof leaks is a damaged or missing shingle from storms or fallen branches. If you do experience water damage inside your home from the ceiling or wall, you will want to contact a professional from SERVPRO of Harlingen & San Benito  to inspect the damage, remove the water, and remediate the damage.

Call SERVPRO Of Harlingen & San Benito at 956-277-0645. 

Water Leaks

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Act Fast! Have a water leak? Call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito!

Undiscovered leaks and moisture can potentially build up and cause damage to the floors, walls and ceilings to your home or office, albeit the damage may go unnoticed for an extended period of time. Proper cleanup is important to the restoration of your home or work place. Here, at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito, we use Thermal Imaging equipment that can detect even the smallest amount of moisture in a home.Once the waterdamage is located, SERVPRO trained professionals can provide water extraction and drying services to help return the property to prelosscondition. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito specialists can help protect your property and belongings from further damage. Within one hour from notice of loss a SERVPRO professional will contact you to arrange service. Within four hours of loss notification a SERVPRO professional will be onsite to start services. Within eight hours of onsite arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.

Ready to Help!

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help! The aftermath of a storm can be catastrophic, but SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is here to help.

It is common to see a storm with heavy down pours of rain causing flooding in the most places. Do you know what to do during a flood? SERVPRO Of Harlingen & San Benito  has a few tips for you to follow in case an event was to happen:

Be prepared, create an evacuation plan.

Learn and identify different evacuation route.

Turn Around, Don't Drown! ® Moving water above two feet can knock you down; one foot of water can move vehicles away.

Move to higher ground if there is a chance of flash flooding.

Be proactive and create an evacuation plan to keep safe. It is very important to stay up date when it comes to natural disasters. SERVPRO of Harlingen & San Benito values our community; we are here to help when disaster strikes!

Understanding Water Types

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage SERVPRO of Harlingen/ San Benito can help!

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

There are three types of water.

1. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water sources, rainwater is also considered clean.

2. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes grey water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and others contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. 

3.Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage. flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by a trained professional.

When you have a water damage don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Harlingen & San Benito at (956)277-0645

Be Storm Smart

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage? No problem. SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito can help!

Floods are the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United State. Whether your home or business is near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert there is always a potential for flood damage. The American Red Cross offers the following flood safety tips.

1. Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where the water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way.

2. If you approach a flooded road while driving , turn around go another way,. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and move to higher ground.

3. Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

If a flood does strike call SERVPRO Harlingen & San Benito. Floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure, when not treated quickly and properly and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. We are always here to help no matter the size of the disaster.

Faster to Your Water Damage Event

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Harlingen and San Benito 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 Harlingen and San Benito 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 SERVPRO of Harlingen and San Benito 24/7 – 956-277-0645

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 Harlingen and San Benito

SERVPRO of Harlingen and San Benito 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.

Respond Fast When A Water Damage Occurs

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Having a water damage can be super stressful most people don’t know what to do or who to call or how to deal with this. But one thing to remember when dealing with a water damage is that timing is key and that you need to act fast. Within a few minutes of a water damage happens the water migrates to other rooms of your home or business, odors from your carpets get released such as smoke or pet odors, as well as furniture staining carpets, and having all your paper items being destroyed. The longer you wait the more damage happens to your structure. Flooring can begin to bubble or buckle up, drywall will begin to disintegrate, and fungal growth can begin to appear and start to cause health problems. These are just a few things to keep in mind when a water damage occurs. So when you have a water damage that you don’t know what to do with give SERVPRO of Harlingen and San Benito a call we will assist you while talking to your insurance agent and adjuster, as well as respond quickly to get your structure to the way it was before.

Water Damage Categories

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

Picture of a Category 3 Water Damage (Sewer Backup)

Did you know that there are different categories for a water leak/damage? There are three different categories of water leaks and damages: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3. Category 1 (Clean Water) the water in this category is considered to be sanitary because of the source of the water a sanitary outlet. Some of the sources of a category 1 water damage is that of a broken water line, a tub or sink overflows, rainfall, or ice or snow melting. Even though the water is sanitary, with time it can start to harvest fungal growth and other microorganisms to grow and to make the water unsanitary making the water harmful to be around. Category 2 (Gray Water) is water that has microorganisms and food for the microorganisms. This water usually stems from toilet bowl overflows where there is urine but no feces, discharge from dishwasher and or washing machines, sump pump failures, and seepage due to hydrostatic pressure. Being around this type of water can cause some discomfort or sickness if consumed or exposed to humans. Category 3 (Black Water) is the worst water damage to have because if not addressed quickly health problems can be a huge problem, being around it could bring serious illness or even death if consumed or exposed to humans. This water damage is coming from raw sewage and other contaminated water sources, like ground surface water, rising water from rivers and/or streams, or flooding from seawater from natural disasters. So, whenever you have a water damage in your RV, Home, or Business call SERVPRO of Harlingen and San Benito (956)277-0645 we will be there quickly to make sure that you and your family are safe!