24-Hour Emergency Water Damage Cleanup Services in Milwaukee and Waukesha

Informational Documents

Servpro of Milwaukee North understands emergency water damage demands attention 24-hours a day; there are NO answering machines, only real people to give you attention when you require it most.  Servpro is a one-stop solution providing consistent service and education to our customers.  Water damage CAN be stopped with rapid drying services and attention to your specific needs.

Communication & Appreciation

Servpro insists on making sure our customers know how to contact each member of our company; we are introduced on the About Us page where you can EXPECT a response to your questions.  Communication is vital and information concerning emergency service goals and how they relate to your specific job are fundamental to building an open relationship.  Customers should always understand we appreciate the opportunity to enter their Milwaukee area home and help restore normal life.

Stabilization Goals

Water can damage both structure and contents - Servpro's procedures are setup to handle both potential problems.  Rapid structural drying is achieved by bulk water extraction, air movement, dehumidification, and temperature control.  Every water damage Servpro responds to is evaluated to determine the source of the water, and the best way to quickly restore the structure.  Stabilization of contents is just as meaningful when dealing with emergency service situations - communication is needed to locate and preserve the priceless items that are irreplaceable.

Sump Pump Failure

Sump pumps have the task of protecting the structure from excess water 24 hours per day - Servpro understands the importance of responding no matter what time failure occurs.  It is VERY IMPORTANT to contact a Milwaukee area plumber as soon as possible to have the failed sump pump repaired or replaced.

Water will begin to enter the structure from the sump crock and any point where the foundation has a crack or seam in the concrete.  Servpro recommends that care is taken to insure electricity is shutoff before entering a water damaged environment.

Do

• Make sure all efforts have been made to STOP further water from entering the structure
• Determine what contents are irreplaceable and move out of the damaged area
• Heavy items should be put on blocks to get out of the water
• Begin to mop or extract standing water - Make sure to have a drain available because water is very heavy to carry upstairs to dump!
• Remove wet rugs or fabric items to dry in a safe place
• Evaluate the extent of water damage and determine if additional help is needed

Do Not

• Use electrical outlets, light switches or appliances possibly damaged by the water
• Leave books, magazines or colored items on wet carpets or furniture because of stains
• Allow the water damage to go untreated - moisture and time are a bad combination sometimes leading to severe mold damage.
  

Frozen / Broken Pipe

Water damage is a serious situation when a constant supply of water is allowed to run; shutting off the water supply to your Milwaukee or Waukesha home needs to be accomplished as soon as possible.  Take time to locate the shut-off valves in your home before situations arise; have an emergency call list including a plumber to do repairs.  Water can saturate wall cavities and damage can be impossible to see without using a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera.

The picture above is from a thermal imaging camera which shows temperature differences; when water damage has occurred the blue colors would signal possible wet building materials.  Water can run into cavities and seep across ceilings until cracks or light fixtures allow it to drip down; don't let water damage take control of your Wisconsin home!

Sewer Damage

Safety is the most important aspect when dealing with sewer / contaminated water damage; use caution when entering and exiting the affected area.  Professional service is always recommended to make plumbing repairs and confirm proper cleaning has been done.

Structures that have sewer damage pose inherent health risks - working without proper safety equipment can result in serious health risks.  Servpro of Milwaukee North is ALWAYS available to provide emergency stabilization services.  Take control of your home and call a plumber to confirm proper repairs are made. 

The institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers these facts to dispel some typical myths:

Myth # 1 - Sewage from oceans, lakes or rivers is clean. This water contains contaminants such as microorganisms, bacteria and pesticides. Trapped inside walls or under floor coverings, it doesn't take long to become a "smelly" health hazard.

Myth #2 - Sewage-saturated carpets can be "saved." Absolutely not! Porous materials, such as carpet, pad, upholstery, bedding, wicker, paper goods, or fabrics that can't be washed in hot water, must be disposed of safely.

Myth #3 - Partially sewage-flooded buildings are safe. Not unless contaminated areas can be sealed off to prevent cross-contamination of other areas. Only trained professionals using specialized equipment are qualified to restore sewage damage.

Servpro of Milwaukee North technicians understand sewage damage and have the training and expertise to restore your home or business back to normal and completely disinfect the area after a sewage damage.

Appliance Failure

Water can drip from a cracked fitting or leaky valve for months before appliance failure is evident.  As with all water damage situations stopping the water is most important.  Damage can be done to more areas than what is visible; proper inspection needs to be done in order to save building materials from being replaced.

Water seeps under wood flooring and before too long warping starts to occur.  Take time to listen for running or dripping water; it can be the difference between using a fan and replacing your flooring. 

Appliances to monitor:

• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Water cooler
• Automatic ice maker
• Washing machine
• Water heater
• Air conditioning unit
• Water softener

Multi-Story Water Damage

Structures which suffer multiple story water damages have the potential for sagging or falling ceilings; water can saturate walls and drip from lights, and electrical items can short-circuit.  Professional service is always recommended to help determine where the water came from and utilize a plumber to safely turn it off.  Careful inspection is required to track where all the moisture went and confirm that the structure has been dried correctly.

Servpro of Milwaukee North is available 24 hours per day to respond when water damage takes control of your house.

Ice Dam & Roof Leak

Wisconsin winters are treacherous on structures and melting snow can take advantage of ice build-up in your gutters.  Ice dams are common occurrences; Servpro of Milwaukee North can quickly stop them and begin the drying process.  The pictures below simulate both an example of an ice dam when water is leaking in the home and a home where proper attic weatherization has been completed to eliminate the heat loss.

Servpro of Milwaukee North is happy to provide contact information for companies who can help increase energy efficiency by resolving heat loss issues.  Resolving ice dam complications can benefit the homeowner in the long run in reduced heating / cooling costs and potential water damage. Click here for an informational article on ice dams.