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ServiceMaster of Salem Oregon

Restoring Peace of Mind

ServiceMaster’s Mitigation Experts Are Available 24/7!

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ServiceMaster is available 24/7/365 to respond to water and fire/smoke damage.

Don’t Know What To Do Next? We Do!

ServiceMaster Restore of Salem and our sister companies are local businesses that provide emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We provide Disaster Restoration Services, but we specialize in Restoring Peace of Mind®. We are proud to provide our services out of three local offices located in Salem, Corvallis and Lincoln City. Whether it’s your home, rental property or business, we have the expertise and trained staff to get you from Damage to Done!

Immediate mitigation services reduces and prevents additional damage from developing after a water or fire disaster hits your home or business. Expert mitigation technicians from ServiceMaster Restore are at-the-ready 24/7/365, which includes all holidays. Quick action following any type of disaster is essential to reduce damage, prevent additional damage and to restore your property safely and effectively.

24/7 Service Makes a Difference!

Let’s look at three scenarios where the 24/7 service offered by ServiceMaster Restore can make a difference.

  1. Unattended lit candle leads to home fire and water damage from firefighting efforts.

While candles are beautiful, if left unattended they can become an instrument for disaster and even death. It’s easy to rush out of the house to attend a kids’ activity and forget to douse a lit candle. A pet can bump a table, tipping the lit candle or a breeze from the furnace kicking on or an open window can waft a drapery too close to the flame, resulting in a house fire. Not only is there the devastation of a home fire, but there will be water damage from the firefighting efforts.

Smoke damage, if left untreated, can leave behind unsightly stains, discolorations, corrosion and permanent damage as well.

  1. Overflowed washing machine, dishwasher or bathtub.

It’s never a convenient time to have a washing machine, dishwasher or bathtub overflow, but it can become even more inconvenient if you wait to mitigate the situation. The ability to reach a trained water mitigation technician at any time of day or night, any day of the week makes a difficult, frustrating situation a bit more bearable.

  1. Pipes often burst causing water damage.

The horror of coming home or waking up to a flooded basement is awful. Pipes can freeze during the cold season but can burst at all times of the year causing significant water damage. Whether it’s a flooded basement, kitchen or other area of the home, water mitigation is needed to prevent further damage.

The Benefits of Professional Mitigation

Successful mitigation is the process of damage assessment, control, preventing additional damage and restoring the affected property and building materials. Water mitigation is more than just cleaning up the mess. It’s a comprehensive process that includes the drying and restoration of substructures as needed to prevent the development of mold. Mold can begin to grow in as few as 24 to 48 hours after a water damage event.

By acting fast after a fire, restoration experts can mitigate severe losses that your home or business may face. When they arrive on scene, you can expect our trained technicians to provide the following services:

  • Evaluate all of your furniture and equipment to assess whether damage is reversible.
  • Work with you to create a comprehensive remediation plan.
  • Thoroughly clean each of your items and surfaces.
  • Use specialized equipment and chemicals to eliminate the smell of smoke.
  • Seal surfaces to prevent the risk of re-contamination.

If the unexpected happens and you are in the need for immediate mitigation services, call on the experts at ServiceMaster Restore. Our experts arrive quickly and immediately begin to assess the damage and create a comprehensive plan to prevent additional damage and restore your property and home. Please call us at any of our locations:

Salem: 503-585-4017 + Corvallis/Albany: 541-738-4624 + Lincoln County: 541-996-2255

The Importance of Main House Water Shut Off Valves

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Know where your water shut off valve is to prevent further water damage

Water Damage Doesn’t Take Time Off!

As a homeowner, it’s essential to know where the main water shut off valve is located. Water leaks from running toilets, burst pipes, broken water heaters, and even leaky sinks can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. In order to prevent costly damage, turn off the water supply as soon as a leak, flood, or spill occurs.

Find out how to maintain all your valves throughout the year, including the ones connected to your sinks and toilets, plus tips on when it’s best to completely shut off your main water line from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore.

When Do I Need to Shut Off My Main Water Line?

Typically, you won’t have to go directly to the main water line to fix a leak. Instead, your first attempt at stopping your water supply should be straight at the source. Most local supply lines have valves located directly behind or above the fixture and can be turned clockwise to shut off the water supply.

To locate water valves next to specific fixtures in your home, use these tips:

  • For sinks, look under the cabinet on the supply lines leading to the faucet. There will likely be two shut-off valves to control both cold and hot water.
  • For toilets, look close to the ground behind or beside the toilet, along the flexible metal tubing leading to the tank.
  • For washing machines, look either directly above the washer or pull the machine away from the wall and check behind it.
  • For water heaters, the water valve should be located just above the heater itself.

If the leaky fixture’s valves aren’t working or break off, turn off your main water line right away. Acting fast could save you plenty in damages and repair costs.

How Do I Find My Main House Water Shut Off Valve?

The main water line valve to a house is usually located in the basement or in the crawlspace and enclosed behind an access panel. However, there isn’t a standard location specified in any home.

If you don’t know where to look for your water shut off valve, use these tips:

  • The valve will often be located on-grade, so you’ll likely find it at eye-level in the basement or near the ground on the first floor.
  • The valve may also be attached to the water meter outside your home. Water meters are generally located close to the street in an underground box or near your driveway, yard or sidewalk.
  • Take a look at the property inspection report provided when you purchased your home. This report should note the location of the valve.

Maintaining Your Water Valves

At ServiceMaster Restore, we know how terrifying it can be to try shutting off your supply lines just to see the valves stick in place – or worse, snap off in your hands. That’s why we recommend periodically checking your shut off valves to ensure they’re in good working condition.

At least twice a year, test all the valves in your home. Simply turn them completely off and on again to ensure they aren’t stuck in place or include faulty parts. That way, if an emergency ever does occur, you can have peace of mind that you’ll be able to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

If the unexpected happens are you aren’t able to shut off your water valves in time, call on the experts at ServiceMaster Restore. Our water damage restoration services can help you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. With the proper tools and knowledge, we’ll work fast and efficiently to prevent additional water damage, cleanup costs, and overall stress. Please call us at any of our locations:

Salem: 503-585-4017  +  Corvallis/Albany: 541-738-4624  +  Lincoln Co.: 541-996-2255

How To Recognize Signs of Water Damage to Your Basement

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Water Damage in Basement - Salem, Oregon

If your basement smells musty, you may have water damage. Learn about signs of basement water damage with tips from the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore.

Look for these top-5 signs of water damage in your basement.

If left undetected, basement leaks can cause serious and even irreversible damage to your property. While the first signs of trouble are often extremely subtle, checking for these indicators regularly can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Learn the top 5 signs of basement water damage with help from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore to protect your home.

1. Cracks in the wall, floor or foundation

Cracks in a basement’s walls, floors or foundation could mean that water is putting pressure on your home’s structure. Hairline cracks are often harmless, but if those cracks grow larger than one-sixteenth of an inch across, then it’s time to contact a professional to assess the situation. If you notice your walls shifting or becoming displaced, call in the experts immediately.

2. Peeling paint

If you see peeling paint in your basement, don’t assume it’s a normal part of your paint’s aging process. Peeling paint could be the first sign of water deteriorating the foundation. If you notice this symptom, watch out for the cement under the paint beginning to flake, also known as spalling, and white salt deposits accumulating on the foundation, also known as efflorescence. Both spalling and efflorescence occur when water is present, so if you see any signs of damage, you may be looking at early symptoms of structural failure. Call the experts right away to assess your basement.

3. Sinking floors

A sinking floor may be one of the most noticeable signs of basement water damage. However, its cause isn’t always immediately apparent. If your floor begins to sink, your home could be experiencing foundation damage or soil erosion under its foundation. Either way, the floor should be assessed immediately before its underlying condition worsens and leads to costly repair bills.

4. Musty smells

If your basement develops a musty odor that cleaning, dehumidifiers and additional ventilation can’t remedy, it could indicate a serious problem. Musty odors may be caused by mold, which grows near a water source. Smelling musty odors in your basement could indicate that you have a leak nearby.

5. Mold growth

Mold thrives in wet, damp environments, making it a major sign that you have water damage. If you notice mold growing in your basement, you may have a leak. Look for any signs of dripping water or excess humidity and call the experts right away to stop the leak and safely remove the mold from your property.

To keep your basement safe from water damage, check your basement regularly for these symptoms. During times of high moisture, like melting snow or spring floods, inspect your basements more frequently to ensure your home is safe.

In the event that you do notice any signs of water damage, do not hesitate to call the professionals here at ServiceMaster Restore. Our team of professionals can restore your home back to normal as quickly as possible. With the ability to be at your home within 2 to 4 hours of your call, our emergency water damage technicians can take the stress off your shoulders and move you from crisis to resolution fast. After your basement leaks are repaired by the appropriate service, we’ll work with your insurance company to get your restoration claims processed quickly. Our caring professionals are at your side every step of the way to make your house feel like home once again.

If you do end up noticing any water damage to your basement, please contact us immediately. We can provide guidance on the steps to take to mitigate the damage. Please call us at any of our locations:

Salem: 503-585-4017  +  Corvallis/Albany: 541-738-4624  +  Lincoln Co.: 541-996-2255

Be Prepared For Spring Flooding!

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With heavy snow pack, warmer temperatures and March rain showers increases the chance of flooding in the Willamette Valley and Central Coast.

Flood Awareness & Preparedness Tips

The month of February brought a lot of snow to the state of Oregon. Here in the valley, some areas were hit with over a foot of snow and the mountain ranges were hit extremely hard. As the first day of spring approaches on March 20th, we thought it would be important to share some preparedness tips to help prevent flooding at your home or business.

A flood can occur at any time, often with little or no warning. During the spring, factors such as heavy rains, rapid snow-melt and dam erosion can increase the risk of seasonal flooding. As warmer weather approaches, now is the time of year to take proactive steps that can reduce flood damage to your property. Flood insurance is recommended for property owners who live in designated flood zones, but effective flood preparedness doesn’t stop there. Reducing the potential impact of flooding in advance can save time, money and even lives in the long run.

We recommend the following flood preparedness tips for property and construction projects to help minimize the potential damage to your home or business in the future.

1. Use Flood Damage-Resistant Materials

Certain construction materials can help reduce the amount of water damage your home or business suffers in the event of a flood. These special materials can handle direct contact with floodwaters for up to 72 hours without sustaining the kind of significant damage that will require major repairs. Here are the top flood-resistant materials to consider before building or remodeling certain areas of your property:

  • Floors: Use concrete, pressure-treated lumber, or clay and ceramic tiles.
  • Walls & Ceilings: Use brick, metal, concrete and stone.
  • Doors: Use hollow metal doors and cabinets instead of solid wood.
  • Surfaces: Use polyester epoxy paint for added protection. Raise Electrical System Components

2. Raise Electrical System Components

Water and electricity don’t mix, which means floods can wreak havoc on your property’s electrical system. You could face thousands of dollars in equipment repairs or even fall victim to a devastating fire sparked by live wires coming into direct contact with water. Raising your electrical system components can go a long way toward protecting your property when water gets involved. Follow these tips to get started:

  • Ideally, all electrical components should be raised approximately one foot above the 100-year flood level.
  • Consult with a licensed professional to find out how high you can move electrical meters, switches and outlets. Your local power company can also help you determine how high you can raise your power meter.
  • Upgrade your fuse box to a more modern circuit breaker system so it can handle high fluctuations in power.

3. Utilize Sewer Back-flow Valves

Sometimes floodwaters can cause sewage from your sewer lines to back up, pushing contaminated water back through drainage pipes and into your home or business. This damage is not only costly, but also a serious health risk. Installing a back-flow valve can prevent overloaded drain pipes from pushing return flow into your property. Configurations range from simple flap-style valves to complex gate valves and those with both. Consider the following tips before choosing your new sewer back-flow valve:

  • Look for complex valve designs that use both flap and gate styles for extra protection.
  • All valves should be installed on the main waste drain pipes leaving your building, or lines connected to equipment below the designated flood level.
  • Only allow a licensed plumbing company to make alterations to your plumbing or sewer lines.
  • Structures with sump pumps use underground lines, which may be more difficult to seal.

Wherever you live or work, a flood could affect you. Having the right preparations in place can help reduce damage to your property during a flood and mitigate safety risks for your family or coworkers. Once the waters have subsided, you can depend on the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore to help reverse any damage your property did sustain. Our expert teams are available 24/7/365 to provide the help you need to get your property back to normal as soon as possible after a flood.

If you do end up experiencing a water loss at your business this season, please contact us immediately. We can provide guidance on the steps to take to mitigate the damage. Please call us at any of our locations:

Salem: 503-585-4017  +  Corvallis/Albany: 541-738-4624  +  Lincoln Co.: 541-996-2255

Tips to Save Your Business’s Electronics From Water Damage!

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Tips to Prevent Your Business’s Electronics After a Water Damage Event

Saving Your Business’s Electronics After a Water Damage Event!

If you’re like most business owners, your office electronics are the lifeblood of your company. In the event that a disaster strikes, all your records could be impaired and permanently lost, including invaluable company records, customer information, and even communication.

In the aftermath of water damage, it’s important to know what to do to mitigate the effects of water damage on your computer systems and other electronics. If you act quickly enough, you may be able to save more information and get your business back on its feet faster. Find out what you should do after an emergency and when to call on the professionals after your equipment or technology has been damaged by directly hit, high humidity or completely submerged in water with these helpful tips from ServiceMaster Restore.

Damage Type: Direct Hit

Electronics can sustain a direct hit from running or splashing water without being completely submerged. This scenario can occur from accidental spills, water overflow, leaks, floods and virtually any other water-related incident. When direct hits to your electronics happen, try to remove them from the water source as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

What to do: Often, computer water damage from a direct hit looks worse from the outside than it actually is on the inside. Commercial restoration and cleaning, including an adequate drying period, can remove contaminants left by the water and restore the equipment to proper functioning, usually at least long enough to recover crucial data. However, there is always a risk of circuit board corrosion. Over time, you may need to replace either essential components, or the entire device.

Damage Type: High Humidity

Humidity spikes can occur in a room with standing water or other significant water damage. Surprisingly, delicate electronics like computers, printers, work phones, fax machines and other devices can still be damaged even without direct contact to the water source. That’s because in humid conditions, dust can turn into sludge and cling to wiring and circuit boards. This is even more likely if the flooding or high humidity was caused by an office fire that produced smoke damage to electronics.

What to do: In all instances of high humidity water damage, professional electronic restoration services are recommended to bring your equipment back to normal conditions. A professional cleaning provides a better chance that your costly electronics and devices can be fully restored to pre-loss condition.

Damage Type: Submersion

Submersion occurs when the electronic equipment has actually been completely covered in standing water – and possibly even muddy silt and sediment – for a period of hours or days. This type of damage can happen in serious disasters where people are unable to get to the office for long periods of time, or during weekends or holiday breaks when a pipe may burst and nobody is notified until the next business day.

What to do: Unfortunately, electronics that have been submerged are not usually good candidates for electronic restoration services. This is because most submersion incidents cause the computers to short out and damage the internal circuits beyond repair. While you could potentially replace damaged parts and have the equipment professionally cleaned, it may be prohibitively expensive unless your items were specially designed or extremely costly. In submersion cases, we recommend completely replacing your electronics and notifying your insurance about each damaged item.

Remember, if your business has sustained flood or water damage, it is never safe to just turn on your electronics afterward to test them. You run the risk of electrical shock, and even further damage to your equipment. That’s why you should call on us. Our water damage restoration services work quickly with the innovative tools and expertise necessary to fix your equipment. Contact the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore to learn how we can get your business back up and running fast.

If you do end up experiencing a water loss at your business this season, please contact us immediately. We can provide guidance on the steps to take to mitigate the damage. Please call us at any of our locations:

Salem: 503-585-4017  +  Corvallis/Albany: 541-738-4624  +  Lincoln Co.: 541-996-2255

Salem - #53168

Fire Damage Restoration Salem Oregon, Water Damage Restoration Salem Oregon
2275 Judson Street SE
Salem, OR
Phone: 503-585-4017

Corvallis & Albany - #188101

Fire Damage Restoration Corvallis, Oregon,
Water Damage Restoration Corvallis, Oregon
30649 HWY-34
Corvallis, OR
Phone: 541-738-4624

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Lincoln County - #208838

Fire Damage Restoration Lincoln Co., Oregon, Water Damage Restoration Lincoln Co., Oregon
4075 NW Logan Rd Unit AB
Lincoln City, OR
Phone: 541-996-2255

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