Common Causes of Basement Flooding in Milwaukee

11/26/2024 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Milwaukee

Heavy Rainfall and Storms

Milwaukee’s seasonal rains can lead to excessive groundwater buildup around homes, especially when the soil becomes saturated or when sump pumps are overwhelmed. Heavy storms can also cause water intrusion through small foundation cracks or improperly sealed windows. SERVPRO’s team quickly removes floodwater using high-capacity pumps and industrial-grade extraction units. We then deploy powerful dehumidifiers and air movers to eliminate remaining moisture, ensuring the basement is thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

Sump Pump Failures
Many Milwaukee homes rely on sump pumps to keep basements dry, but these can fail due to power outages, mechanical issues, or inadequate capacity during high-volume storms. SERVPRO® is prepared for sump pump failures with high-powered extraction units and industrial drying equipment. We also provide guidance on sump pump maintenance and emergency backups to prevent future issues.

Sewer Backups
During intense rain events, city sewer systems can become overburdened, forcing wastewater back through basement drains. This sewage backup can cause significant health hazards and damage. SERVPRO handles sewer backups with specialized protective equipment and industry-approved disinfection methods to safely extract and dispose of contaminated water. After cleanup, we sanitize all affected surfaces, providing peace of mind with comprehensive cleaning and odor removal.

Burst Pipes and Plumbing Failures
Winter freeze-thaw cycles in Milwaukee can cause pipes to burst, especially in poorly insulated areas of the basement. Plumbing failures, such as a malfunctioning water heater or washing machine, can also cause unexpected flooding. SERVPRO quickly addresses burst pipe water emergencies by shutting off the water source, extracting water, and drying affected areas. We use moisture-detection technology to ensure that hidden pockets of water are removed, reducing the risk of long-term damage.

Water Damage Restoration Services In West Allis

8/22/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration Services in West Allis, WI

Water damage is one of the most common and potentially devastating issues homeowners and businesses in West Allis, WI, can experience. Severe weather and plumbing failures are some of the main examples that can cause water damage and lead to significant property loss, mold growth, or structural problems if not addressed promptly and properly. Fortunately, SERVPRO of West Milwaukee are available to help West Allis property owners recover quickly from these situations.

Understanding Water Damage and Its Impact

Water damage can occur in various forms, from minor leaks to catastrophic flooding. The severity of the damage often depends on the source and duration of the water exposure. Common causes include burst pipes, leaky roofs, overflowing appliances, and natural disasters like heavy rain or snowmelt. In West Allis, the region’s seasonal weather patterns, including the risk of heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures which can burst pipes, make it essential for property owners to be vigilant about potential water damage.

Immediate action is crucial when dealing with water damage. Water can quickly seep into building materials, weakening structural integrity and leading to the growth of mold and mildew within 24 to 48 hours. 

What Is The Process I Should Expect To Happen?

Water damage restoration services addresses the problem from start to finish. The restoration process typically involves several key steps, such as:

1. Inspection: A prompt response is vital in minimizing damage. Our restoration team is available 24/7 in the west Ellis and Milwaukee area to assess your situation, identify the source of the water, and determine the extent of the damage. We use advanced equipment like moisture meters to detect hidden moisture in the affected areas.
2. Water Removal and Extraction: The next step involves removing standing water from your property. High-powered pumps and industrial-grade wet vacuums are used to extract water quickly and efficiently. This step is critical in preventing further damage and reducing the drying time.
3. Drying and Dehumidification: Once the water is removed, the drying process begins. Commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers are used to dry out walls, floors, and other affected areas. Monitoring equipment ensures that the drying process is thorough, preventing moisture from lingering in hard-to-reach places.
4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: After the area is dried, the restoration team will clean and sanitize the affected areas to remove any contaminants. This includes disinfecting surfaces, cleaning carpets and upholstery, and using specialized treatments to eliminate mold spores.
5. Restoration and Repairs: The final step in the process is restoring the property to its pre-damage condition. This may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall or carpeting, or more extensive reconstruction work, depending on the extent of the damage. Our restoration professionals work to ensure that the property is fully restored and safe for occupants.

Water damage can be a serious threat to your property and your health, but with the help of professionals and experts like our SERVPRO® team in West Milwaukee, homeowners and businesses can recover quickly. By acting fast and choosing a reliable restoration partner, minimize your extended damage, prevent mold growth, and restore your West Allis home back to its original condition.

About West Allis, WI

West Allis, WI, takes its name from Edward P. Allis, a key figure in 19th-century American industry. His company, the Edward P. Allis Company, was a prominent manufacturing firm during that time. In 1901, the company evolved into Allis-Chalmers and, by 1902, established a large new facility to the west of its original location. This expansion led to the formation of the Village of West Allis, which gained city status in 1906. Today, West Allis is known for landmarks like the West Allis Center.

In recent years, West Allis has experienced a resurgence in development, with efforts focused on revitalizing its downtown area. These initiatives have attracted new businesses, restaurants, and housing developments, blending the city’s historical charm with modern amenities. This ongoing transformation is making West Allis an increasingly appealing destination for residents.

Responding to a Water Disaster at Home | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee right away.

Water plays an incredible and vital role in our lives, and oftentimes we don’t even think twice about it on a daily basis. It is constantly flowing behind our walls and through our pipes to help us cook dinner, wash the dog and clean the dishes.

While we certainly rely on the ease of access to water in our daily lives, that access also increases our risk of experiencing water damage. Busted water heaters, leaky appliances and flooding in your home during a severe summer storm can all impact your house in a big way. These strong storms in the Milwaukee area can cause chaos in a moment’s notice.

Even though it is ideal to avoid water damage altogether if you can, sometimes that is just not possible. Thankfully, SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee is here to help you recover quickly and efficiently.

The Hazards of a Flash Flood | SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee to restore your space in no time!

We all know and love those classic summer rainstorms that allow us to slow down and rest inside as the rain falls. It can be refreshing to watch our community calm down and watch our gardens and lawns get a much-needed drink!

However, we also know that not all storms are like this. Serious thunderstorms can blow into town quickly and bring heavy rain, strong winds and even damaging hail. While we are grateful that our homes can withstand moderate storm conditions, sometimes the rain can be intense enough to leak into our homes.

Our SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee team wants you to stay as safe and dry no matter what is going on outside, so read our tips for preparing for intense rain below.

Detecting Water Leaks Around Your Home | SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Rapid City to find the source.

If you have ever suffered water damage before, you know how frustrating it is to deal with. Regardless of whether the situation was widespread or contained to a single room, water damage has the potential to be really costly and troublesome to many homeowners.

Because of water damage’s destructive qualities, it is important to recognize where water leaks often start and to take action right away when you notice one in your Milwaukee area home.

Read on to learn about the top three locations for water damage below.

Your roof. Your roof has an important job of keeping your family safe and dry, but sometimes that process can get interrupted by roof damage or a small water leak.

Since we aren’t up on our roofs often, it can be easy to miss the signs until it is too late and you are left with damage.

If a leak goes unaddressed, it can slowly seep into the ceilings, walls and floors of your home and cause hidden chaos. This water has a hard time drying out on its own, which can lead to mildew and mold problems.

In your bathroom. Another common space is your bathroom areas. Water is constantly flowing in and out of your sinks, tubs, toilets and showers, making water damage here very common.

In order to stop water from becoming an issue in your bathroom, be proactive about checking your water lines and the seals around your fixtures. It is also important to dry out your space each day so that water and moisture cannot linger and cause water damage this way.

The best way to catch water damage in your bathroom is to investigate issues quickly. It can be hard to see a puddle on the ground and assume it was from one of your kids being messy, but do your due diligence and investigate further to be sure.

Your pesky appliances. We love having appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and fridges in our homes! It certainly makes life easier, but only when they are working properly. Any sort of leak or malfunction has the potential to flood or cause widespread water issues in your home.

Similarly with your bathroom, investigate puddled water quickly and check for moisture often around your appliances. It can be extremely helpful to pull them away from the wall to check for water spots or mold growth as well, which indicates a water leak somewhere.

Finally, do your best to only keep new or reliable appliances in your home. Older or worn-out appliances increase your risk of suffering a water catastrophe with every day they get older.

Remember, even if you do your best to avoid water damage, it can still happen. Our SERVPRO of West Milwaukee team is always here to help.

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

SERVPRO Is Your A-to-Z Water Damage Restoration Team | SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of West Milwaukee for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

Thousands of times a day—14,000, to be precise, a homeowner’s domain is infiltrated by an invasion of unwanted water, whether through appliance failure, flooding or some other malfunction.

You probably know by now that SERVPRO can handle the cleanup and recovery after some such mess, but do you know how? Today’s the day to learn.

Emergency Contact. Our first conversation will consist mostly of us asking you some questions that will helpfully guide us through the incident and help us formulate a customized plan for the necessary cleanup and restoration. Then we’ll head over to your place.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once the SERVPRO team arrives on site, we’ll look over the property and get a feel for the damage to complete our plan. Then we’ll inform you of anything we see that we estimate to be beyond restoration, and we’ll make sure you’re aware of any on-site hazards resulting from the aquatic intrusion.

Water Removal. That water doesn’t stand a chance. Our powerful pumps will gulp down gallons and gallons of the stuff before it even knows what hit it. Depending on your scenario, there could be multiplied hundreds of gallons that need removal, and we’ll do it more efficiently than you could imagine.

Damaged Material Removal. Once water removal is done, we can remove the items and materials that are going to be replaced. You don’t want them sitting around soaking the place anyway.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. When water comes in, it brings stains and smells that you don’t want sticking around. We’ll use a combination of specially formulated products, high-tech equipment and time-tested methods to see to it that this important aspect of restoration is handled thoroughly.

Drying. The water is gone, but excess moisture in the air and on surfaces can cause Mold if your home isn’t properly dried. We’ll use high-powered HEPA vacuums and other equipment to restore the proper moisture level of your home.

Monitoring. You’ll get regular contact from our specialists during the drying process, so we can be sure everything is drying well and that our equipment is performing at optimal levels.

Repairs and Construction. Finally, we’ll be hard at work restoring damaged areas of your home, going so far as to fully reconstruct areas which have been hit hard. From the moment you call us to the moment we leave, we’ll treat your home with utmost care and leave the smallest possible footprint. You may never even remember we were here.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look "Like it never even happened."

You’ll Be Shocked by These Water Damage Numbers | SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO of West Milwaukee.

Like a team of heroes trying to hold a supervillain at bay, your pipes and drainage systems are the daily workhorses of your home, and they have the dual tasks of both transporting the water you need every day and keeping it from spewing, leaking or rushing all over your home.

Water damage can happen all too quickly, which is why keeping your plumbing and drainage systems well-equipped and maintained is an important part of preventing damage in your home.

We’ve put a few numbers together to give you an idea of the scope of water damage in the United States.

24. That’s the percentage of all U.S. home insurance claims that are water-related. That’s a quarter of all home insurance claims—almost 3,000,000 homes every year are damaged by water.

48. When water invades, the clock is ticking. You’ve got 48 hours to get rid of it and get your place dried out before mold starts growing.

98. Out of 100 homes with basements, this is the number of them that will experience water damage of some kind in said basement. This one’s simply hard to avoid—blame gravity and underground moisture.

10,234. When the water heater bursts or a flood brings water rising inside, this is the expected cost associated with the insurance claim. You may get away with less, but this is the average.

14,000. In the next minute, by average, there will be six water damage incidents across the country. That’s one every six seconds, for an average of an astonishing 14,000 per day.

13,000,000,000. All those zeroes are insurance companies crying—that’s how much money they’re shelling out every year to repair the damage done by water in homes across the U.S.

Shocking, right? But you don’t have to be part of these numbers. Everything you do to maintain, upgrade or otherwise strengthen your water system or protect your home from water damage is one more weight to tip the scale in your favor. Be vigilant, and we’ll hope with you that you can stay on the outside of these statistics.

If water damage catches you off guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO to see how we can quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

Where to Sleuth Out Signs of Impending Leaks | SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of West Milwaukee team if you are dealing with any water damage.

It sure would be nice if water damage announced itself before it happened. If you could get an email or a text that said, “Hey, it’s your sump pump here; I’m feeling a little clogged and I’m thinking about backing up tomorrow,” that would make things a lot simpler.

Unfortunately, we don’t get detailed plans and updates from our water devices. But if you don’t mind doing some routine checking, you may be able to stave off or even fully prevent some instances of water damage at home.

Toilets. The flapper inside the tank and the valve seal under it are both common sources of leaks, and if the wax ring under the toilet itself happens to lose its seal, it can introduce some seriously gross (and toxic) leakage.

Appliances. Washing machines are notorious for going through water hoses every few years, and any appliance runs water through hoses or soft supply lines may develop similar issues. And when’s the last time you considered the age of your water heater? Don’t let replacement wait too long, or it could explode.

Clogged gutters. This one at least has a repeatable prevention method that you can control, even if you’d rather not spend an afternoon on a ladder. Gutter clogs can force water to seep into and under your roof, and send water running down your interior walls, weakening beams and ruining paint and drywall.

Roof damage. Your roof is like Atlas, holding the world on its shoulders. It takes a constant beating from the elements and local critters, and it holds on as long as it can. But eventually, it will show signs of wear, and left unchecked, that wear will allow water into your house.

Pipes. Indoor pipes can crack or burst for several reasons, from freezing to rust, and loose joints and high water pressure can allow hundreds of gallons per day to flow into your home. And always keep an eye on your water bill, because if tree roots encroach on your water lines, you may have no other way of noticing—that is, until you have a massive backup.

Blocked garbage disposals. Foods that soak up water can really gum up the works and cause blockages in your sink, and excessive or hard plunging to remove those clogs can cause your p-trap to break free if joints are loose.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

The Tokens of Basement Water Damage | SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Milwaukee is a full restoration company. Our restoration experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action

Basements can be one of the most useful parts of a home. If you have a larger family, it can be a great place for kids to play while you get some peace and quiet upstairs.

As kids grow, it could be living space. You could use it for a home office or gym, and of course basements make pretty good storm shelters in a pinch.

However, many people who have owned a house with a basement can tell you the tale of the Achilles heel of basements—water damage.

Sure, it’s not an absolute lock that you’ll encounter a water emergency, but it’s one of the most common home insurance claims, so it’s in your interest to know both the risks and the warning signs. Let’s take a look at the things you’re most likely to see if water is becoming a problem downstairs.

Common Indicators of Moisture or Leakage in the Basement

Unpleasant, musky odors. Water that leaks into your basement doesn’t have to be dirty water or sewage to cause a problem. Even clean water will start to sour as it sits and soaks into surfaces, eventually producing the musty smell that arises when mold and mildew are present in the environment. You may not yet see mold on your walls or ceiling, but if you smell the aroma, it’s already there and you’ve got moisture somewhere.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. If the paint is cracking, bubbling or otherwise contorting, you have a water issue somewhere. Even so-called waterproof paint sometimes used on cinder block walls won’t keep moisture out for long, and if you’ve got a leak or moisture from the surrounding soil, you’ll eventually see the disruptions in the paint.

Foundational cracks. It’s true that houses do shift over a number of years, but cracks in the foundation are not common, and they mustn’t be ignored. You may first notice cracks in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, a sign that the house is exhibiting signs of pressure that could be caused by a compromised foundation. If you see any cracks inside that are larger than a hairline, call for professional diagnosis.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

Save Time and Money By Choosing Restoration | SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Have you sustained property damage and feeling overwhelmed? We are here to help, contact SERVPRO of West Milwaukee

Save Time and Money By Choosing Restoration | SERVPRO® of Southeast Waukesha County/West Franklin

While any type of damage to your home can be difficult to experience and recover from, if you have damage due to an emergency event, there can be many emotional hurdles on the road to recovery. Events like fire, floods and severe weather can have a long-lasting impact, but fortunately, we are here to make the recovery process as easy as possible for our customers.

We have helped hundreds of local residents with the recovery process, and we have the tools and expertise to help you, too. We perform every job with a restoration-first mindset, meaning that we will do everything we can to restore your home and belongings to their pre-damaged state instead of liquidating your property and recommending expensive replacements.

Why We Do Every Job With a Restoration-First Mindset

We can help you save money on your insurance. Many homeowners will be relieved to discover that most types of damage can generally be claimed with insurance, but this can be quite pricey depending on the cost of your claim and the rise in your premium. With a restoration-first mindset, we can keep your overall insurance claim lower, reducing the amount that your premium get raised.

We can protect your sentimental items. In any sort of disaster scenario, keeping your family safe is the most important thing—and when you have to evacuate to do this, you may be leaving some extremely sentimental items behind. We understand that some things could never be replaced, which is why we have invested in restoration technology to make salvaging these items possible even after severe damage.

We make sure your home feels like home again. It is emotional to return home after the restoration has been completed, and can be disheartening if the recovery is not what you had envisioned in your head. Because we handle all the cosmetic touches and keep your belongings where they belong, we aim to make your first trip through your front door a positive one after you have experienced so much.

If you have damages and are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help. You can call us as soon as you need to in order to begin the restoration process. Contact us today to learn more.

Winter is coming

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

With snow flurries in the forecast, it’s time to start thinking about preparing our homes for those cold snowy winter months. This past winter we experienced some of the coldest temperatures that we’ve seen in several years. Regardless of what Mother Nature decides to bring this year, there are some preventative measures we can take as homeowners and business owners to prevent our pipes from bursting.

When a pipe freezes, a lot of pressure is created and can cause it to burst, which can lead to serious flooding, especially if no one is home to turn off the water. Your best bet is to keep your water supply pipes warm and above freezing. Here are a few ways that you can do that:

1. Keep your heat on-If you are leaving for    a long period of time, you should keep your  thermostat at 50 degrees or higher. 
2. If you have concerns that your pipes may freeze, open the faucet slightly and let it drip. This helps relieve pressure in the system.
3. Open interior doors-Often times pipes are in cabinets. Opening those cabinet doors can help allow the heat in your home to keep the pipes warm.
4. Make sure cracks and holes are sealed-If there are any gaps around holes where pipes run through walls or floors, make sure to seal those with caulk or spray foam insulation. Seal both the interior and exterior if possible. 
5. Add additional insulation-If you have pipes in areas that are not properly insulated, adding some extra insulation will go a long way. Basements and attics would be a good example of areas that may be in need of more insulation.

Worst case scenario, if you do experience a burst pipe in your home or business, call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee. We’ve handled dozens of calls just like this and we will get your home back to its preloss condition as soon as possible. You can trust us to take care of your home as if it were our own.