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.

7 Steps to Handling a Broken Water Heater in Hendersonville, SC

 

Understanding how to manage a broken water heater effectively is crucial for any homeowner in Hendersonville, NC. This guide outlines seven (7) practical steps to minimize damage.

1. Turn Off the Power
   For electric water heaters, shut off the electricity at your circuit breaker. If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas valve to prevent gas leaks.
2. Shut Off the Water Supply
   To stop water from flooding your area, locate and turn off the main water supply to the water heater. This will help minimize further water damage until repairs can be made.
3. Drain the Water Heater
   Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, and lead the water to a safe area outside your home. Draining the tank prevents further leakage and reduces the risk of water damage.
4. Assess the Damage
   Check the surrounding area for water damage. Water can seep into subfloors, walls, and adjacent rooms, creating the perfect environment for mold growth.
5. Remove Standing Water
   If water has pooled in the area around your water heater, remove it as quickly as possible using a wet-dry vacuum or mop. Fast removal helps prevent the spread of moisture into construction materials.
6. Dry Out the Affected Area
   Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows (weather permitting) to aid in drying the area thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent the growth of mold, which can start to develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water damage.
7. Inspect for Mold
   Look for signs of mold in areas that were water-damaged. Early detection and remediation are key to preventing long-term issues.

For any water damage restoration or mold remediation needs in Hendersonville, NC, ServiceMaster of the Upstate is here to help. Call us at (864) 310–7891 for fast, reliable water damage restoration and mold remediation in Hendersonville, NC. For non-emergency situations, message us online.

Professional Mold Remediation & Removal Service Provider in Mauldin, SC

Mold development is very common in homes and buildings and has the potential to cause health risks. Without professional help, mold can grow and spread to other areas, triggering allergies and worsening existing respiratory conditions.

Since 2008, ServiceMaster of the Upstate has been providing residential and commercial properties in Mauldin, South Carolina and the surrounding areas professional mold removal and remediation services. We are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and have a team of licensed, certified and fully bonded mold remediation specialists. ServiceMaster of the Upstate's experts will create a customized mold remediation plan after conducting a thorough assessment of the affected area, then proceed to eliminate mold using state-of-the-art technologies and cleaning products. We work with insurance companies in South Carolina to help guide policyholders all throughout the claims process.

 

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate today at (864) 310-7891 or connect with us online to request a free, on-site inspection and estimate. 

Mold Remediation and Restoration Services in Mauldin, SC 

• Appliance Ruptures & Leaks

• Burst & Leaking Pipes

• Carpet Removal and Installation

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration

• Contaminated Water & Sewage Backups

• Content  & Document Drying

• Drying and Dehumidification

• Emergency Board-Up and Tarp

• Fire Fighting Damage

• Flooded Basement & Rising Water

• Hardwood Floor Repair & Cleaning

• Mold Remediation

• Odor Removal

• Roof Leaks & Failures

• Tile and Grout Cleaning

• Water Removal

ServiceMaster of the Upstate's Mold Remediation Process 

Mold remediation processes vary in each project, however,  ServiceMaster of the Upstate follows general steps to completely eliminate mold from affected properties.

• Free, On-Site Mold Inspection and Estimate - A ServiceMaster Project Manager will assess your property and provide a findings based estimate.  Oftentimes, we recommend conducting an initial air quality test to determine if there are traces of mold present in the air.

• Isolation and Containment - Isolating and containing mold is crucial. Our technicians use techniques like physical barrier installation and negative air machines to prevent the spread of mold.

• Air Filtration - Capturing, filtering and scrubbing microscopic mold spores from the air is critical for air safety.

• Mold Removal - ServiceMaster of the Upstate's technicians utilize HEPA vacuums, antimicrobial agents, negative air scrubbers and other high-tech equipment to eradicate mold from homes or businesses

• Cleaning Content and Sanitizing - Our team will sanitize, disinfect and dehumidify your home or business, including inside HVAC units and air ducts, using state-of-the-art industrial dehumidification equipment. This removes excess moisture and prevents new mold growth.

• Disposing of Affected Materials - ServiceMaster of the Upstate properly and lawfully disposes of contaminated materials.

Don't Know What to Do Next? We Do. 

ServiceMaster of the Upstate has all required licenses and insurances, including workers’ compensation, liability coverage, and pollution coverage, to conduct proper and professional mold removal and remediation services in Mauldin, SC. Call us at (864) 310-7891 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.

Mold Awareness Month: What You Should Do

 

Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp and moist places. While mold typically occurs in nature, it can be a nuisance when it grows indoors. Mold can attach itself to porous and non-porous surfaces and spread to other areas in a matter of time. While most mold species are harmless, some can cause allergies and even trigger existing respiratory conditions, especially that of immunocompromised individuals.

 

Mold exposure causes symptoms that may seem mild at first, but they can develop to life-threatening medical problems. These dangers inspired the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to create National Mold Awareness Month.

 

Health Risks of Mold

National Mold Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness, inform and educate the public about the adverse health effects of mold exposure and mycotoxins. The most common symptoms of mold exposure include the following:

• Allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough and itchy eyes

• Colds and flu-like symptoms

• Headaches

• Mold-induced asthma episodes or irritation

• Nausea

• Nose bleeds

• Respiratory issues

How to Prepare For Mold Awareness Month

 

Inspect your home

• Don't wait for mold growth to escalate into a full-blown problem before you start noticing. This will only increase the risk of sickness and damage to your property.
• Check your house for leaking pipes and damaged plumbing especially in areas with poor ventilation such as the attic, basement, bathroom and garage. Upon recognizing a problem, have it repaired immediately and inspect the area for mold.
• Research about the common types of mold that grow indoors to easily recognize mold growth when you see it. Contact a mold remediation professional to address any mold problem to prevent potential health risks.

Prevent future mold development

• Damp areas, such as basements, bathrooms and crawl spaces, must be dried out regularly.
• Use ventilation fans at least 30 minutes after showering or bathing to ensure that your bathroom is dry and that mold growth is prevented.

 

Educate your family and loved ones

• Tell your friends, family and loved ones to check their homes for mold especially if they are showing symptoms of prolonged mold exposure.
• Help the elderly or those with health conditions and compromised immune systems as they are more susceptible to the health effects of mold.

 Call a trusted mold remediation professional

• Contact the professionals at ServiceMaster of the Upstate to remove mold growth from your property. We have the training, experience and equipment to safely treat and kill mold to restore your health and property as soon as possible.

Make an Appointment for Mold Removal in Greenville, South Carolina

ServiceMaster of the Upstate is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to immediately address your mold damage emergency. We service commercial properties in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina, and surrounding areas. 

• We are an IICRC-certified firm and a Preferred Vendor for insurance companies in South Carolina.

• We offer a FREE inspection and estimate.

• Call us at (864) 310-7891 to schedule an appointment for mold remediation service.

• You may also message us online through our contact form.

• Our office is located at 170 Old Airport Road, Roebuck, South Carolina 29376.

Don't know what to do next? We do. Contact us today.

 

Summary: Mold exposure causes symptoms that may seem mild at first, but they can develop to life-threatening medical problems. Learn how to raise awareness about mold in this article.

How to File Your Smoke Damage Insurance Claims

After a fire incident, homeowners and business owners have to deal with more than just fire damage. Water damage from firefighting efforts and residual soot and smoke must immediately be addressed to prevent further problems from occurring. This is a job that is best done by professionals, such as the team at ServiceMaster of the Upstate.

Without proper cleaning techniques and the right equipment, it can be very difficult to return a home or business to pre-disaster condition after it has been damaged by smoke and fire.

A home or business owner may opt to file an insurance claim for smoke damage after a fire incident. Learn about smoke damage and the process of filing a smoke damage insurance claim in this article.

What is Smoke Damage?

When wood, fabric, plastic, and other materials burn, the resulting odor and physical residue left behind is called smoke damage. Smoke damage can affect building materials and parts such as walls, ceilings, and windows, as well as contaminate items like clothing, jewelry, and furniture. If left untreated, smoke damage can leave behind unsightly stains, discolorations, corrosion and permanent damage.

Effectively removing smoke damage requires different cleaning solutions and techniques, which often requires the skills and expertise of a professional. The most common items affected by smoke damage after a fire incident are the following:

• Art work
• Books and photographs
• Ceilings
• Clothing
• Furniture
• Jewelry
• Walls
• Window treatments

How to File for Smoke Damage Insurance

Here are the steps to take when filing for smoke damage insurance:

• Immediately call your insurance company after a fire. 
• Review your insurance policy for information regarding the coverage, limitations, deductibles or exclusions, as well as the deadline for filing.
• Take proper documentation of the damage (photo or video) and take care not to disturb the affected area.
• Contact a professional smoke damage removal team such as ServiceMaster of the Upstate to provide damage inspection and assessment and formulate a remediation plan.
• Gather all the information necessary for filing the claim. This information may include the date of the loss, the type and location of the damage, your contact information or that of the property's owner, a copy of the police report, remediation estimates, receipts for the repairs and restoration, repairs for hotels or meals if the affected area was deemed unlivable and you need to find a lodging, and a complete list of all damaged building materials and items. 
• Verify the procedures and timeline for filing all parts of the claim with your insurance agent.

Smoke Damage Removal?

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate, South Carolina's Leading Property Damage Restoration Company

Any form of damage is a time-sensitive problem, which is why it is necessary to call the professionals as soon as possible to get the job done fast. ServiceMaster of the Upstate is South Carolina's premier damage restoration and cleaning company. We have been helping residential and commercial property owners navigate the uncertainty after a fire with our top-notch solutions and services. 

ServiceMaster of the Upstate offers fire damage restoration services, including content cleaning, soot and smoke damage restoration, and board-up and pack-out with storage. We have a team of certified, licensed and fully bonded technicians who have been trained under the latest techniques and practices in the industry, and have the skill to properly perform the job using state-of-the-art equipment, 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed.

Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 or message us online for a free on-site inspection and assessment. We are servicing clients in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina and surrounding areas. Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to respond to your needs.