Recent Water Damage Posts

Standing Basement Water

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Standing Water Standing Water Extraction Specialists

When resulting flood waters from storms enter your home or business, it can cause "standing water". Standing water is a pool of water that does not flow. This stagnant water can be a dangerous thing if it is not handled correctly, and surely a difficult task to handle if you do not have the appropriate resources. Standing water should be dealt with right away, and we are here to help with just that. The cleanup process of standing basement water can sometimes take up to 10 or 11 days to completely disappear unless it is mitigated immediately. 

Here are some protective measures to take into consideration when dealing with standing basement water: 

Stay Away from Standing Water 

  • Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the standing water leftovers.
  • Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria and other parasites.
  • Standing water can lead to secondary mold damages.
  • Standing water can leave a musty odor behind in your home if not addressed immediately. 
  • Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick.
  • Wash your hands after contact with standing water.
  • Do not drink the water. 
  • Water conducts electricity. Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock. 

Standing Water vs. Animals: 

  • Snakes and other animals may get into your home or building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when you clean up. 
  • Mosquitoes can breed and grow in standing water.
  • Some animals might find your home or business a cozy place to live. 
  • If tap water is unsafe to drink, it is unsafe for your pets. 

If you find yourself dealing with standing water of any kind, we are here to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Commercial Water Damage

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Loss Commercial Water Loss our SERVPRO Technicians responded to after hours this Spring. We responded fast & mitigated before farther damages occurred.

At SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula, our team of highly trained technicians works proactively and accurately to restore any damages and protect families from potentially dangerous mold growth.  Using our updated methods, SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula's technicians first identify the extent of the problem and then work with care and sensitivity to rescue and restore the area to normal conditions. Our technicians are trained and ready to mitigate loss and meet every challenge with professionalism, reliability, compassion, and respect.

Commercial Building Water Loss

Any kind of commercial damage presents unique and different challenges than residential restoration. But Upper Peninsula residents are in luck! At SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula there is no job too big for us! Regardless of how big the property may be or how large the scope of work is, we are the guys that can handle it properly and professionally.

Our Promise to The Upper Peninsula

Our commitment to excellence includes you, which means that you can expect effective and quick mitigation services. SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is open 24/7 to help the residents of The Upper Peninsula. Our certified technicians have handled jobs big and small, and we can handle your job no matter what.  Just give SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula a ring at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Pure Michigan.  906-204-2450 is HERE TO HELP!

What To Know About Ice Dams

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

What to Know About Ice Dams If you experience water damage caused by an ice dam, call our SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula team.

For homeowners in the Upper Peninsula, winter can bring a number of problems, from burst pipes to leaky roofs. Another issue you may not be aware of is the formation of ice dams. While it may not seem like much of an issue on its own, it can cause extensive water damage to your house which can then create more problems. Here are a few things that you should know.

1. What Are They?

As you may be able to guess from its name, an ice dam is a formation that keeps water from properly moving from your roof. They occur when snow melts and then refreezes into harder ice. They often form on the edge of the roof which can make it difficult for water to drain properly but can also show up in other areas. When this happens, the trapped water can begin to back up and cause damage to the roof and ceiling underneath it.

2. How Do You Prevent Them?

These formations occur because of melting and refreezing snow, so one tip for ice dam prevention is to keep the temperature of your roof cold enough to prevent melting. This is most easily done by keeping the temperature in your attic low. Proper insulation can help as well. Another method of prevention is removing snow from your roof immediately after a storm.

3. How Can You Remove Them?

If you already have an ice dam on your roof, then you should remove it as quickly as possible to prevent it from causing any damage. One way to do this is by using an ice melt product. Hot water steaming can do the trick as well.


While a winter storm and cold weather can often create frustrating problems, you do not need to handle them all on your own. Our SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula team is always here to help!

Avoid Bursting Pipes This Winter

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement This flooded basement was caused by a floor drain blockage.

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is here to help in case of a pipe that bursts or lines that freeze. Our crews are ready 24/7! No matter how big or small our local SERVPRO team handles them all, give us a call at (906) 204-2450!

7 Helpful Tips to Avoid Bursting Pipes This Winter

Outdoor Tips:

  • Wrap outside faucets.
  • Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
  • Disconnect garden hoses.
  • Drain in-ground sprinkler systems

Indoor Tips:

  • Let a stream of water run if the temperature dips below freezing.
  • Open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathrooms. 
  • Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving the house for several days.

What to do when your basement floods

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement in Ishpeming, MI SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is here to help families with flooded basements all around the Upper Peninsula.

When a basement floods it is a stressful, confusing event which can take a lot of time, money and effort to bring your home back to where it was before the water damage. Whether the damage is caused by a broken water pipe, heavy rains, snow melt, a failed sump pump or swelling of ground water complicate things further as they all require different approaches to make it "Like it never even happened."

Fortunately here at SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula we have been able to help families with flooded basements all around the Upper Peninsula and are ready to help you. In this blog we will seek to give you general advice for handling flooded basements but do remember our emergency line is open 24/7 and we are here to help you with specific advice for your flooded basement.

Safety for you and your family should be your first concern when you find out your basement has flooded. There are two main safety concerns in every water intrusion situation Electrical and Tripping hazards are the most prevalent source of injury in our industry.

  • Never go into a flood damaged basement with standing water which has submerged outlets or other active sources of electricity. Wait for the water to be pumped out by a professional, such as SERVPRO, if you can’t safety do that yourself.
  • Most home electronic systems and devices can be damaged from being submerged or exposed to water. Don’t us devices or outlets that have been exposed to water even after the water has been pumped out.
  • It is not just the water but also the particulates in the water which will stay behind even after the water has been removed that can damage electrical systems and equipment.
  • Not everything breaks immediately it can take time after electrical system is exposed to water before it breaks or becomes unsafe.
  • Pay attention to where you are walking, many restoration professionals have hurt themselves walking across different materials (such as carpet to tile) because they didn’t expect the different in friction when these materials are wet.
  • If you are removing any materials from your basement remember that wet materials can be VERY heavy.
  • Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

When you have accounted for safety you can move on to being proactive about your home and belongings before our restoration technicians get there. Every minute counts which is why we respond 24/7 to emergencies and why anything you do until we get there can help protect your home.

  •  If possible find the source of water intrusion and stop the flow of water into your property. Check your sump pump to make sure it is working. They sometimes get unplugged or the arm gets stuck. If a pipe is broken shut off your water valve to your home.
  • Remove as much water as you can. Using a shop vac, mopping or blotting possible. The less water which is allowed to soak into your furniture, walls and carpet the better off you will be.
  • Move furniture off of wet carpet and wipe the legs or bottoms before placing in an unaffected area. Wet furniture, especially wood and metal, can stain carpet very quickly.
  • If you cannot remove furniture from an affected area you can place foil or woodblocks between furniture legs and the carpet to prevent staining.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting so their coloring doesn’t bleed onto the carpet.
  • Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in the summer.

Remember that our emergency line (906) 204-2450 is always answered by one of the restoration professionals here at SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula, so we can give you advice specific to your situation. We are always Here to Help.

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in The Upper Peninsula.

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (906) 204-2450

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter!

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

The Upper Peninsula  facing months of cold weather, which means months of potential dangers to your home. Winter’s heavy precipitation, freezing temperatures, and high winds can cause a great deal of damage, but the most costly and time-consuming winter home damage often comes from burst pipes. Luckily, taking a few small steps to ‘winterize’ your property can prevent future problems. Until spring, follow these simple tips:

  1. Keep cabinet doors open during the coldest days of the month to circulate warm air around the pipes. Of course, be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals to a secure spot out of the reach of children.

  2. Leave water on at a very slow trickle through faucets, especially from pipes lacking heat or insulation. The slow flow can often prevent water from freezing in place in the pipe.

  3. If you have outdoor faucets, consider turning them off. Shutting off the valve in the basement, or crawl space, will prevent water from freezing in outdoor exposed pipes. Make sure to completely drain outdoor faucets, as well.  

  4. If you leave for vacation, set the temperature in your home no lower than 55° F. Leaving the heat on ensures that all pipes will remain warm during your time away.

  5. If there are water lines in the garage, keep the garage door shut! Open garage doors allow drafts to potentially freeze exposed pipes.

In the coldest days of winter, be sure to regularly check your water pipes and faucets. The earlier water damage is discovered, the easier it is to clean and contain—water leaks left unchecked for as little as 48 hours can easily result in mold growth.

If you have water damage, call SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula at (906) 204-2450 to schedule an assessment and cleanup.  Your SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula professionals  have the training, certifications, and equipment to mitigate quickly and prevent secondary damage.

Avoid Bursting Pipes This Winter

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Avoid Frozen Pipes SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is here to help in case of a pipe that bursts or liens that freeze.

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is here to help in case of a pipe that bursts or lines that freeze. Our crews are ready 24/7! No matter how big or small our local SERVPRO team handles them all, give us a call at (906) 204-2450!

7 Helpful Tips to Avoid Bursting Pipes This Winter

Outdoor Tips:

  • Wrap outside faucets.
  • Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
  • Disconnect garden hoses.
  • Drain in-ground sprinkler systems

Indoor Tips:

  • Let a stream of water run if the temperature dips below freezing.
  • Open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathrooms. 
  • Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving the house for several days.

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in The Upper Peninsula.

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today - (906) 204-2450

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Upper Peninsula basement could flood, including:

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today-SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula (906) 204-2450

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home's structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home's integrity. It's worth making a call to SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. WE have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals. 

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are available 24/7
  • We're a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We bill the Insurance directly-One less thing for you to worry about
  • Our technicians are highly-trained in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration standards
  • Advanced inspection and extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call us Today-We're Ready to Help

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula (906) 204-2450

Tips to avoid water damage in your home!

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

14,000 homeowners rush to deal with water leak emergencies every day- don't let it be you!

Follows these tips to avoid water damage in your house!

  1. Disconnect your water hose during a freeze. Standing water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block that may bust your pipes and create damage to walls and floors. 
  2. Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks.
  3. Check your water pressure. If the pressure is too high, pipes and hoses may fail.
  4. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are cleaned out.
  5. Investigate leaks right away and fix immediately.
  6. Know the location of your water main. If you leave your house for an extended amount of time, shut it off to avoid leaks while you are gone.
  7. Monitor your water bill. Sometimes, the only way to realize you have a leak is by taking a good look at your water bill. If your usage jumps significantly from one month to the next without explanation then you may have a leak somewhere. 

What to do when your basement floods

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

When a basement floods it is a stressful, confusing event which can take a lot of time, money and effort to bring your home back to where it was before the water damage. Whether the damage is caused by a broken water pipe, heavy rains, snow melt, a failed sump pump or swelling of ground water complicate things further as they all require different approaches to make it "Like it never even happened."

Fortunately here at SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula we have been able to help families with flooded basements all around the Upper Peninsula and are ready to help you. In this blog we will seek to give you general advice for handling flooded basements but do remember our emergency line is open 24/7 and we are here to help you with specific advice for your flooded basement.

 Safety for you and your family should be your first concern when you find out your basement has flooded. There are two main safety concerns in every water intrusion situation Electrical and Tripping hazards are the most prevalent source of injury in our industry.

  • Never go into a flood damaged basement with standing water which has submerged outlets or other active sources of electricity. Wait for the water to be pumped out by a professional, such as SERVPRO, if you can’t safety do that yourself.
  • Most home electronic systems and devices can be damaged from being submerged or exposed to water. Don’t us devices or outlets that have been exposed to water even after the water has been pumped out.
  • It is not just the water but also the particulates in the water which will stay behind even after the water has been removed that can damage electrical systems and equipment.
  • Not everything breaks immediately it can take time after electrical system is exposed to water before it breaks or becomes unsafe.
  • Pay attention to where you are walking, many restoration professionals have hurt themselves walking across different materials (such as carpet to tile) because they didn’t expect the different in friction when these materials are wet.
  • If you are removing any materials from your basement remember that wet materials can be VERY heavy.
  • Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

When you have accounted for safety you can move on to being proactive about your home and belongings before our restoration technicians get there. Every minute counts which is why we respond 24/7 to emergencies and why anything you do until we get there can help protect your home.

  •  If possible find the source of water intrusion and stop the flow of water into your property. Check your sump pump to make sure it is working. They sometimes get unplugged or the arm gets stuck. If a pipe is broken shut off your water valve to your home.
  • Remove as much water as you can. Using a shop vac, mopping or blotting possible. The less water which is allowed to soak into your furniture, walls and carpet the better off you will be.
  • Move furniture off of wet carpet and wipe the legs or bottoms before placing in an unaffected area. Wet furniture, especially wood and metal, can stain carpet very quickly.
  • If you cannot remove furniture from an affected area you can place foil or woodblocks between furniture legs and the carpet to prevent staining.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting so their coloring doesn’t bleed onto the carpet.
  • Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in the summer.

Remember that our emergency line (906) 204-2450 is always answered by one of the restoration professionals here at SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula, so we can give you advice specific to your situation. We are always Here to Help.

7 Tips to Avoid Bursting Pipes this Winter

1/31/2017 (Permalink)

7 Tips to Avoid Bursting Pipes this Winter

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is here to help in case of a pipe that bursts or lines that freeze. Our crews are ready 24/7! No matter how big or small our local SERVPRO team handles them all, give us a call at (906) 204-2450!

7 Helpful Tips to Avoid Bursting Pipes This Winter

Outdoor Tips:

  • Wrap outside faucets.
  • Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
  • Disconnect garden hoses.
  • Drain in-ground sprinkler systems

Indoor Tips:

  • Let a stream of water run if the temperature dips below freezing.
  • Open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathrooms. 
  • Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving the house for several days.

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Basement This basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Upper Peninsula basement could flood, including:

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today-SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula (906) 204-2450

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home's structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home's integrity. It's worth making a call to SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. WE have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals. 

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are available 24/7
  • We're a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We bill the Insurance directly-One less thing for you to worry about
  • Our technicians are highly-trained in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration standards
  • Advanced inspection and extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call us Today-We're Ready to Help

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula (906) 204-2450

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in The Upper Peninsula.

8/23/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (906) 204-2450

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.