4 Steps to Take if Your House Floods

Knowing exactly what to do when you return is essential to limiting damage, preventing mold, and protecting your property and belongings.

1. Safety First

• You must know how to keep safe when you return home to begin dealing with the aftermath of the flood. This may include turning off the power, as water and electricity obviously do not go together.
• Be sure to wear protective gear, such as rubber boots and gloves. When you enter your home, ensure you are fully protected and do not touch anything that can pose a potential danger to you. Not only will you be dealing with the water itself, but also anything else the water has been in contact with, such as debris or even sewage.
• Be sure to never eat food that has been exposed to floodwaters, or even near the water, for an extended period. If the water is high enough to reach your refrigerator or any of your pantry cabinets, it is the safest practice to throw the food away.
• Be sure to thoroughly wash any glasses, utensils, and flatware that might have been caught in the house flood before you use them again. You never know what germs and bacteria they may have been exposed to!

2. Stopping and Water Removal

One of the first things you should do when your house floods is to stop the source of water coming in, if at all possible. However, if you were not around when the flood happened, this could be a problem. It would be best if you could prepare ahead of time instead.

• f your sump pump is broken or has stopped running, replacing it will help keep up with any continuing rains and may prevent further damage to your basement, garage, crawl space, or the main floor.
• If your flooded home was caused by a burst pipe, have the water removed and the plumbing fixed as soon as you get home to reduce Spartanburg water damage inspection. The sooner you stop the water, the sooner you can start cleaning up and repairing any damage.
• If you don’t know what to do, it’s best to ask for help from Spartanburg flood water removal experts instead. You’ll get a fast response and quick action that could save you a significant amount of money later on.

3. Drying Out Your Home

• Even if you are successful in removing all of the standing water from your home, everything will remain wet, especially if heavy rains have increased the humidity in your area. If you have electricity, use your air conditioning and portable fans to help dry the wet areas of your home.
• Dehumidifiers are also a big help, especially in closed-off spaces, such as basements, garages, or crawl spaces. However, in the case of a house flood, dehumidifiers are only supplemental, and you are likely to need different methods of structural drying. Call the experts right away!

4. Clean Up and Repairs

Once the water is gone and you have settled with your insurance company, it’s time to begin post-flood care. Since this is too big a task, you can call in Spartanburg water damage inspection like ServiceMaster of the Upstate. We know what to do in a situation like this!

Contact a Water Damage Restoration Company Near You

Returning to a flooded home? Don’t panic; call the experts instead!

ServiceMaster of the Upstate offers 24/7 emergency water damage restoration Spartanburg across South Carolina. Our certified technicians respond quickly to stop the damage, dry your property, and restore peace of mind.

Property Damage Restoration and Cleaning Services in Hendersonville, NC

When property damage occurs due to natural disasters, accidents, or unexpected events, the path to recovery can seem overwhelming and stressful. ServiceMaster of the Upstate in Hendersonville, North Carolina, offers comprehensive property damage restoration services designed to help home and business owners recover from these devastating situations.

Our services include restoration after fire and damage, Water Damage Repair Hendersonville NC, frozen pipes, mold damage, and Storm Damage Restoration Hendersonville NC. Whether the property has been affected by a small leak or a large-scale disaster, we have the skills, state-of-the-art equipment, and experience to handle it. We work quickly to prevent further damage, clean up the affected areas, and begin the restoration process to bring your property back to its pre-disaster state. We utilize modern equipment and practices for a speedy recovery.

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 or contact us online for an on-site inspection and assessment in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas.

Property Damage Restoration and Cleaning Services in Fletcher, NC

When property damage occurs due to unexpected events or natural disasters, it can create significant stress and disruption. ServiceMaster of the Upstate, a locally owned and operated company near Fletcher, North Carolina, provides comprehensive property damage restoration, cleanup, and repair services. Backed by the strength of the national ServiceMaster Restore network, we deliver reliable solutions when you need them most.

For more than 15 years, ServiceMaster of the Upstate has served homeowners and businesses with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Our dedicated team servicing Fletcher works closely with clients during difficult times, offering customized restoration plans tailored to specific needs.

Complete Restoration and Specialty Cleaning in Fletcher, NC

Our services cover a wide range of restoration needs, including fire damage repair Fletcher NC, restoration for water damage Fletcher NC, mold remediation Fletcher NC, and storm damage repair Fletcher NC. Whether the problem is a small leak or a large-scale disaster, our experts use advanced equipment and proven techniques to mitigate further damage, handle cleanup, and restore your property to pre-loss condition.

Commercial Water and Flood Damage Restoration in Fletcher, NC

We recognize the unique challenges that commercial properties face when dealing with water damage restoration Fletcher NC and Fletcher NC flood damage. For offices, retail spaces, or industrial facilities, quick action is essential to minimize downtime and protect valuable assets. Our commercial water damage services Fletcher NC are designed to get businesses operational again as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Flooding may result from heavy rainfall, severe storms, broken pipes, or sewage backups. Our team responds rapidly to control water intrusion, reduce structural damage, and prevent further losses for your business.

Fletcher, NC's Trusted Disaster Recovery Specialists

At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, our mission is to restore not just properties but also peace of mind. Our restoration professionals in Fletcher, NC, are committed to delivering high-quality, responsive service that alleviates stress and gets your home or business back on track.

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate today at (864) 310-7891 or contact us online to schedule an on-site inspection and assessment.

Types of Mold that Can Grow Indoors!

Mold can appear in many different colors and forms, and it has the ability to grow in almost every area of your home.

Here are the common types you may encounter:

Acremonium
Acremonium is a toxigenic mold that changes in appearance as it matures. It usually begins as a moist growth and eventually transforms into a fine, powdery texture. Common colors include pink, gray, orange, or white. Acremonium is often found in household systems such as humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window sealants.

Aspergillus
Aspergillus typically looks like black or green specks resembling ground pepper. It often develops around toilets, painted surfaces, or inside air ducts. When inhaled, it can trigger allergic reactions such as asthma attacks, fever, and persistent coughing with mucus. 

Aureobasidium
Aureobasidium is an allergenic mold that can sometimes grow behind wallpaper, on wooden surfaces, or on painted areas. It usually appears pink, brown, or black and darkens to a deeper brown as it ages. This mold can cause eye, skin, and nail infections, and because it may lead to dermatitis (skin rashes), it should never be touched with bare skin.

FIND MORE MOLD TYPES

How to Prevent Mold Growth Indoors

• Control humidity
• Ventilate properly
• Fix leaks quickly
• Dry wet areas fast
• Use mold-resistant materials 
• Maintain HVAC systems
• Watch for condensation

Always check for mold in your bathrooms, cellars, and other moist places, and make sure your home is well-ventilated with controlled humidity levels.

If you think you already have mold damage Greenville SC, it may be time to contact a mold remediation expert from ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891. You may also complete our online contact form. You can also contact us for mold remediation Rutherford County NC, mold remediation Fletcher NC, and nearby areas.

How Does a Flooded Basement Affect Your Foundation?

Homeowners in Greenville, SC, face serious risks during storm season, including heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and hurricanes. One of the most damaging outcomes of these weather events is basement flooding. Unfortunately, water intrusion into your basement can do more than just damage your belongings; it can seriously impact the structural integrity of your home.

How Basement Flooding Impacts Your Foundation

Basement flooding affects more than just your flooring and furniture. It can lead to long-term structural problems by compromising the foundation of your home. Here's what you need to know:

• Hydrostatic Pressure
  When water accumulates around your foundation, it creates hydrostatic pressure. This pressure pushes against basement walls, which may cause them to crack, bow, or collapse. Over time, this ongoing force weakens concrete and masonry materials, threatening the safety of your structure.
  
  
• Soil Erosion
  Floodwaters can erode the soil surrounding your home, which destabilizes the foundation and may cause it to shift, sink, or settle unevenly. Homes with poor grading or pre-existing foundation issues are particularly vulnerable.
  
  
• Concrete Degradation
  Extended exposure to water causes a process called leaching, where minerals are drawn out of the concrete. This results in surface breakdown and weakens the overall structure, often requiring significant repairs to restore stability.
  

Your Local Water Damage Restoration Experts in Greenville, SC

If your property has suffered Greenville water damage due to storms, plumbing issues, or flooding, trust ServiceMaster of the Upstate for expert restoration services. Based in Roebuck, SC, we proudly serve homeowners and businesses across Greenville and the surrounding areas with rapid, effective solutions.

Our water damage restoration services include:

• 24/7 Emergency Response
• Professional Water Extraction
• Structural Drying and Dehumidification
• Comprehensive Mold Remediation
• Greenville Water Damage Repair
  

With our experienced team and state-of-the-art equipment, we act quickly to reduce damage, protect your property, and restore your peace of mind.

Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate today at (864) 310-7891 or online for trusted water damage restoration service Greenville SC. We’re here when you need us most.

Professional Hoarder Cleanup Services in Newberry, SC

Living in a cluttered or disorganized space can cause significant stress and emotional strain. At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we understand the delicate nature of hoarding situations and are committed to offering respectful and thorough cleanup services in Newberry, SC. Our team is specially trained to handle even the most difficult hoarding cases with compassion, professionalism, and care, making the entire process as smooth and supportive as possible.

Types of Hoarding We Address

Hoarding is more than just collecting clutter. Each case is unique and can deeply affect the individual and their loved ones. Common types of hoarding include:

• Animal Hoarding
  Involves keeping more pets than can be safely cared for, often resulting in unsanitary living conditions for both animals and humans.
  
• Compulsive Shopping
  The ongoing purchase of unneeded items, which leads to excessive accumulation and hazardous living environments.
  
• Object Hoarding
  May involve the collection of specific items like books or clothing or a wide variety of items such as old newspapers, food waste, or recyclables.

At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we approach each situation with discretion and respect. We work alongside families to help restore safety, cleanliness, and order while ensuring the individual is treated with dignity.

Why a Clean, Organized Home Matters in Newberry, SC

• Better mental and physical well-being
• A safer environment with fewer risks of falls or injury
• A more comfortable and peaceful living space
  

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Not Sure What to Do Next? We Do.

ServiceMaster of the Upstate is available 24/7 to help when you need it most. If you or a loved one is facing a hoarding situation or needs mold damage restoration in Newberry, SC, call our emergency line at (864) 310-7891. We are here to support you with expert cleanup services and restore your home to a safe and livable condition.

What to Know About Burst Pipes and Home Insurance in South Carolina

This winter, handling burst pipes in South Carolina can be a stressful and expensive ordeal for homeowners. Knowing whether your home insurance covers the damages is crucial for managing repairs and reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Does Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

In South Carolina, homeowners' insurance generally covers damage from burst pipes if the incident is sudden and unforeseen. However, if the damage results from negligence—like failing to maintain pipes or adequately heat your home during cold periods—coverage may not apply. It’s essential to check the specifics of your policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand the limits and exclusions of your coverage.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

• Insulate Pipes. Wrap pipes in unheated or vulnerable areas like attics, garages, and basements with foam padding sleeves or special insulating tape.
• Maintain Heat. Keep your indoor temperature consistent, even if the property is temporarily unoccupied.
• Allow Faucet Drips. Letting faucets drip slightly during freezing temperatures can prevent pressure buildup from ice formations.
• Seal Exterior Gaps. Close up any cracks or openings on your home’s exterior to stop cold air from reaching indoor pipes.

If you encounter a burst pipe in your home, act quickly to prevent further damage. Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate right away for professional water damage restoration services in Spartanburg, SC, and other Upstate South Carolina areas. Our skilled team is ready to manage all aspects of burst pipe cleanup to swiftly and effectively restore your home.

Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 or message us online to learn more about our services or request an estimate. Our emergency response team is available 24/7 to assist you.