Why Choose SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County?

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

We’re SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County, #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, and we’re here to help. When we’ve finished your property restoration, it’ll be “Like it never even happened.”

Time is of the essence when you’re dealing with home damage. Give us a call for fast, 24-hour service, and we’ll have your home or business back to normal with minimal interruption to your life.

The Best Choice in Restoration for Homes and Businesses

Maybe you’ve had flooding in your basement after a storm. Or perhaps a fire in your home left you with soot, smoke, and structural problems. Or a pipe in your commercial property may have burst, swamping your business with water damage.

With more than 50 years of experience in restoration and cleanup, SERVPRO has the know-how to handle your residential (home) or commercial (business) restoration needs. Our cleanup specialists are trained to handle:

• Water Damage
• Fire Damage
• Storm Damage

Our process is simple and adaptable to any size disaster. First, we assess the extent of the damage so we can plan an appropriate response. Then, our team will work to contain the damage and prevent it from spreading. After that, we can begin the restoration process.    

We’ll remove any materials that can’t be restored and clean and sanitize what remains and reconstruct your property, so it really is, “Like it never even happened.”  

We’re Available Around the Clock, so Call!

Did you know the national SERVPRO network can reach 90% of U.S. zip codes in two hours or less? With a convenient location in western Lancaster County, we can get to your property fast. Emergencies don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, so neither do we.

When disaster strikes, you can call us day or night because we’re available around the clock. Our cleanup and restoration teams are ready to jump into action 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, even on holidays.

Well-Trained Experts & Top Equipment

The more extensive the damage, the more you need a knowledgeable cleanup crew. SERVPRO really is the home of the pros. All our technicians have received the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the standard in the restoration industry.

Of course, the best education is continuing education. That’s why we offer our specialists plenty of opportunities to grow their skills through hands-on practice and virtual courses.

The techniques and technology of our trade have seen rapid advancement in recent years. That means we can be quicker, more reliable, and more effective in our response with:

• Moisture detection and measurement equipment
• Water extraction and drying equipment
• Odor removal and deodorization
• Sanitizing agents, germicides, and anti-microbial treatments

Call Our Cleanup Crew—We’ll Be Onsite in Hours!

The first step in our disaster response can’t happen without you. So, make the call, and the specialists at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County will be onsite within hours to begin the assessment, containment, cleanup, and restoration process.

Give us a call today!

4 Signs of water leaks in your home

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Visible water leaks are the easiest to spot; however, not all leaks are quite noticeable. Know the warning signs of a potential problem.

While water leaks are a common problem that any homeowner can face, you can’t always find them easily. Leaks that are hidden behind walls and floors can cause significant damage before they are located, and they are often the most challenging to repair. Here are four signs that can indicate hidden water leaks in your home.

Visible Water Damage

Unfortunately, you’ll most easily find a leak after it has already done some damage. Not all leaks lead to large, noticeable water spots, however, so you should be on the lookout for more subtle signs. Peeling or blistering in paint and wallpaper is often a sign that the drywall behind them is swelling with water. As the leak continues, you may notice the walls bowing inward in these areas as the drywall becomes completely saturated.

Several of the pipes and fittings under your bathroom floor can be points of failure, which makes this one of the most common places for leaks to occur. This will sometimes cause stains on the bathroom floor, or the tiles may begin to lift. However, gravity tends to draw the leaking water downward, so you should keep a watchful eye for stains on the ceiling of the room below your bathroom.

Unexplained Stale or Musty Odor

Stagnant water is likely to create a noticeable odor in any environment. If there is an unexplained stale or musty smell in one of the rooms of your home, a hidden leak is likely. Plumbing leaks can create an even more serious problem by emitting a lingering sewage odor.

Mold on Walls or Ceilings

Mold flourishes in environments that are dark and damp, so leaks behind the walls of your home can create the ideal conditions for mold growth. Because drywall is porous, mold will eventually grow through it and begin to show on the outside of the walls as well. Although mold is common where leaks occur, mold can grow in some places without necessarily indicating a leak.

Common examples of places in your home where moisture can build up are the areas below air conditioners, the space behind your fridge, the area around your shower or tub, and in damp spots in your basement. Mold in these areas should not be immediate cause for alarm about a leak. Hidden leaks will typically cause mold to grow on walls, floors, and ceilings that don't normally come in contact with water.

Increasing Water Bill

If your water bill has significantly increased but you haven’t had any significant change in water usage, a leak is likely to blame. According to the Environment Protection Agency, an average household can lose almost 10,000 gallons of water a year to leaks, and 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 or more gallons of water per day! Needless to say, wasting this much water can cause a significant increase in your bill if the problem is not addressed in a timely manner.

If your water bill has sharply increased over a short amount of time, you should suspect a high-flow leak. These types of leaks should be fixed as soon as possible to minimize the risk of water damage to your home. A gradual increase in your bill may be caused by a smaller leak, but you should still have your plumbing inspected promptly before the leak begins to worsen over time.

Locating a hidden water leak is less difficult if you know the most common symptoms. Keep an eye out for these signs of water leaks, and contact us at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster for repairs if a leak has led to water damage in your home.

We're the Professionals

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Some of our Technicians at Asbestos Handling training!

SERVPRO is a name you can rely on! SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County professionals understand your situation, are fast acting, and are always working toward continued education to help better meet the needs of our local community!

Emergency Response to Claims

Restoring property is the SERVPRO of Western Lancaster’s first priority. As a customer, we believe you will appreciate the quick response and knowing that everything is going to be done correctly to limit the damage to your home or business.

Pretesting Reduces Expense

Restoring property is less expensive than replacing it. At SERVPRO of Western Lancaster, we follow the thought process of "restore whenever possible and replace when necessary."  Our SERVPRO franchise professionals make sure pretesting is completed on every loss to determine restorability, in addition to assessing the area and determining the Category and Class of water damage.

Trained Professionals

Effective training is the best way to help ensure that our customers receive the service they deserve. Our franchise is trained to IICRC standards in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration. In addition, continuing education classes are provided to our team of professionals at IICRC Approved Training Facilities. Collectively, our technicians are trained and certified in Water Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation, Applied Structural Drying, Fire and Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, Crime and Trauma Scene Bio-hazard Recovery, Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning, & Asbestos Handling.

We’re Here to Help

For fast and effective mitigation and restoration, call SERVPRO of Western Lancaster at 717-665-1270! SERVPRO is a 24/7 emergency service provider and is always Here to Help!

Christmas time- Joy and Cheer from SERVPRO of Western Lancaster

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Ray our very talented office manager has brought his eye for design and made our sweet Charlie Brown tree look oh so fabulous!

We love this time of the year, we love the smell of chocolate cookies, cinnamon and Christmas cheer (!!!) ...yes we smell it all...!

We are grateful for our health and wish the same to all families out there. We are all there for each other and that makes our community strong and persevering. Our prayers and warm wishes to all this holiday season! We are happy to have our Christmas tree up and to be able to celebrate the end of the year. 

We at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster wish all our customers safety, strength and  wishes for all they deserve and desire. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all !

Why Duct Cleaning Is Important

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let your dryer ducts become a fire hazard! Call to schedule services today.

When you want to reduce the risk of fire in your commercial or residential building, cleaning out dryer ducts can be an important step. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County can not only help you clean out your building’s dryer ducts but also lend a hand in fire restoration should you need it. Learn more about the importance of duct cleaning below.

If you realize your dryer ducts need cleaning, contact your local SERVPRO team today.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy to forget small details regarding proper maintenance and cleaning in your home or business. We surveyed local home and business owners to learn about maintenance that lends to get overlooked or pushed off.

After months of talking to local home and business owners, we’ve realized that many people forget a VERY important appliance that needs regular service: DRYER DUCTS. Dryer ducts are essential to the proper functioning of your dryer. A clean dryer duct improves energy efficiency and helps you quickly complete important tasks around your home or business.

Many people have shared that their ducts had become so clogged they thought their dryers had broken. There is a greater risk than thinking your dryer may be broken—a fire. Fires can take a long time to recover from without the right help. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County can help you restore fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

HOW TO PREVENT DRYER DUCT FIRES

Most homes need to have their ducts cleaned annually or semi-annually, depending on the dryer usage. Spring and fall are excellent times to get your dryer ducts cleaned. Whenever you adjust your clocks backward or forward, it means it’s time to get your dryer ducts cleaned!

Don't let your dryer ducts become a fire hazard! Call to schedule services today.

AN EXAMPLE OF THE RISK

The photo you see on this page was taken at a local apartment complex after a dryer duct cleaning. The previous owners had neglected this important cleaning for years, making the building at high risk for fire.

Furthermore, this issue caused them to go through dryers more often than necessary. These additional drying cycles also wasted energy as tenants ran dryer cycle times of over four hours per load! That’s a lot of extra energy and money in electric bills!

While there, our crew of trained professionals pulled and vacuumed out over 3 to 5 cubic feet of compacted dryer lint from each dryer duct! That’s the size of a large suitcase or two.

New management is much more diligent about necessary dryer duct cleanings, reducing fire risk, and keeping energy costs lower since fewer dryer cycles are needed.

SCHEDULE OUR DUCT CLEANING SERVICES TODAY

If your home or business needs duct cleaning services, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County at 717-665-1270! We’ll clean your dryer ducts, help you keep your commercial or residential property working as intended, and reduce fire risk. Contact us today.

SERVPRO Professionals Are Always Ready To Help!

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals undergoing training and certifications to be able to better meet their communities needs.

By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Beyond fire, water, and mold mitigation and restoration services, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills, always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – Program

The program is grounded in our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult

Not all businesses are the same, which is why SERVPRO professionals understand that each business will need to create a custom cleaning program to meet their specific needs. SERVPRO has worked in a wide variety of industries, with businesses ranging from start-ups to global organizations. The business’s specific program will be developed based on a range of factors including business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic, and congestion points. As a result, they’ll know that Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is not just the industry-leading standard in clean, they’ll know that the clean they receive is customized to their unique needs.

Clean

Based on the specific needs of their business, properties will undergo a thorough, expert cleaning. Combining our proprietary training, cleaning solutions, and processes creates a solution that will provide their business, employees, and customers the peace of mind that they are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. SERVPRO professionals have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform.

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency responsive cleanups that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, a SERVPRO professional will be there ready to safely and thoroughly clean, sanitize, and disinfect the facility to ensure they get back to business as quickly as possible.

Certify

We’re going to extend our credibility as the premier biohazard cleaning company in the country to their business—to give assurance to their employees and customers that only SERVPRO can deliver. Once their business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, they will gain access to propriety signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that they’ve selected the highest standard of cleaning available to protect their employees and customers. And because we add the date to that proprietary stamp of clean, their guests will know that their location is being cleaned regularly at this standard

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help! Call SERVPRO of Western Lancaster today at 717-665-1270.

We're Ready For Any Disaster Life May Throw At You!

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee ready to meet any cleanup and restoration needs the community may have.

Our Mission

Restoring residential and commercial properties is SERVPRO of Western Lancaster's number one priority. As a customer, we believe it is important to you that we are fast acting and will give you the reassurance you need in knowing that the tasks will be done correctly in order to reduce damage to your business or home.

SERVPRO is a name you can depend on. The professionals at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster understand your crisis and how to get you though it, and are also always working toward continuing their education and experience to be able to better meet your needs as well as the rest of the community. 

Training & Certifications

Our employees go though effective training to meet llCRC standards in fire and water clean up and restoration. Our technicians are certified and trained in mold remediation, fire and smoke restoration, asbestos handling, water damage and restoration and even crime and trauma scene bio-hazard recovery. 

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster is ready to assist you in your crisis with our 24/7 emergency service provider. Contact us at (717) 665-1270

Why SERVPRO is the option for you!

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employees eager to help a customer.

If you're asking yourself, "Why SERVPRO?", the answer is simply that once you give us a call our number one priority becomes aiding and assisting you through your crisis. 

About SERVPRO of Western Lancaster

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster specializes in the clean up and restoration of commercial and residential properties after a natural disaster, fire, or any other uncontrollable situation that may cause damage to your home and/or place of business. Our team of organized and passionate employees undergo training in property damage restoration to efficiently and effectively serve our community and meet your needs.

24/7 Service Provider

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster is always on stand by and ready to help any hour of the day, any day of the week. You can contact us today at (717)-665-1270. 

We're faster than any sized disaster!

Our Year dedicated to Community and Employees

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

In the midst of a 24 x 7 schedule we took some time to give Thanks this year

In a year so fraught with stress and uncertainty we at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster have tried to give back in a few ways.

To our community:

We have donated to several local non profits as well as local businesses that are struggling with financial stress and their ability to provide essential services to the most vulnerable at this time. We have seen a lot of turmoil and tragedy and through it all we have tried to pay it forward. As we look back at our year, we are grateful for life and the ability to help others in need while managing our own family pressures.

To our Employees:

We have been able to provide much needed levity for the men and women who are on standby 24 x 7 for our customer needs. Many times they are not appreciated and have always kept a stiff upper lip and continued to deliver. We celebrated Thanksgiving with in our newly constructed training room and had a few team building games that helped us bond and appreciate life, family and work.

Celebrating at SERVPRO

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Birthday, Dame and Lisa!

Here at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster, we have an amazing team of professionals! This week we celebrated the birthdays of two of our youngest Production Technicians, Dame and Lisa. We think it is important to invest time with our employees to build professional relationships and boost morale. 

Dame has been a valued SERVPRO of Western Lancaster employee for just over one year. He is a dedicated technician that always goes above and beyond. Dame is hard worker and is known to be dependable.

Lisa has been with SERVPRO of Western Lancaster for just under one year. She specializes in content cleaning and fire restoration. Lisa is known for her positive attitude and amazing cupcakes!

When you choose to work at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster, you choose to work for a company that notices the little things. 

Happy birthday, Dame and Lisa! We hope you had a wonderful birthday celebration, and we look forward to celebrating next year!!!

Meaningful Work

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Production Manager, Horace

At SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County, we take great pride in being a part of and building the local communities that surround us. Part of this process is taking care of our employees. Here at SERVPRO, we go to great lengths to show our employees appreciation through competitive pay, work incentives, and positive feedback. At our franchise, feedback goes both ways. We recently met with our employees to see why they enjoy working for SERVPRO.

The below questions were answered by our Production Manager, Horace:

1. What do you like about your job?

"I like helping people in need and meeting different people. Variety is the spice of life."

2. What do you think is important with our customer service & how do you implement it?

"It is important to increase customer knowledge in regards to their particular loss. By being thorough and detailed in presenting information, procedures, and policies, customers are not making 'blind' or uneducated decisions."

3. Why is out local community important to you?

"I like to consider my local community as my extended family. If my community prospers, so do I."

We Are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Our Team is Ready to Go!

SERVPRO is Here to Help!

During this unprecedented time, caused by the global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we would like to reminder our community that we are specialists in cleaning services, and that we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or office, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We have a skilled team and years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, going beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to COVID-19. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or office needs cleaning or sanitization services, or you would like to know more about our service, call our team of experts today – SERVPRO of Western Lancaster & East York; 717-665-1270

Tips to Prevent Residential Water Damage This Winter

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Snow and ice can create water damage. Contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County if you experience any water damage that may arise this winter

The combination of cooler temperatures, snow, and ice leaves your home vulnerable to water damage. Even a minor amount of standing water anywhere in the home can lead to major damage and a huge repair bill. Luckily, you can do several things to prevent the most common causes of water damage.

Discover a few ways you can winterize your home to keep water damage from ruining the season.

Inspect Your Plumbing

Schedule a plumbing inspection before the first snow falls and the temperatures drop. Ask the plumber to look for damaged pipes and to check the sump pump, main sewer pipe, and water heater. An operational sump pump is critical, especially in the late winter after the snow starts to melt.

If the sump pump doesn't work, any standing water in the basement could not only cause damage, it could drain into the sewer and cause a major backup. Keep an eye on your basement throughout the winter, and if any standing water exists or if you suspect the sewer has backed up, contact a water restoration company immediately to get rid of standing water and sewage.

In addition to causing damage to anything stored in the basement, if water that seeped into the basement floor or foundation freezes, it could cause major damage.

Install Water Leak Detectors

Imagine being away for the holidays and coming home to find several inches of standing water in your home. Serious water damage can even occur even if running water exists for a few hours while you are at work. A water leak detection system is the first line of defense against a serious catastrophe during winter.

Two main types of water leak detectors exist: active and passive. A passive unit will alert the homeowner that too much water is in a area or when the moisture levels become too high. The homeowner can then shut off the main water supply or the valve nearest the area that is being flooded.

An active unit will alert the homeowner to a leak or standing water and can automatically shut off the water to an individual appliance or the whole house. Do note that active leak detectors are more expensive than passive units.

Prepare Your Home's Exterior for Winter

Check for any vulnerable areas on your home's exterior that could cause interior water damage, including:

Foundation cracks. Seal any cracks or repair damage to the foundation. Water expands when it freezes, and if any moisture gets into these foundation cracks, it will lead to major damage.

Damaged or overflowing gutters. Repair damage and clean the gutters to allow water to flow away from the house and not down the siding and into the basement.

Water puddling around the foundation. Divert any water away from the home by either installing French drains or by hiring a professional to regrade the yard.

Contact a professional to inspect your roof and siding, repair any damage, or replace shingles and siding.

Prevent Burst Pipes

Finally, one of the most common and preventable causes of interior water damage is frozen and burst pipes. Wrap the exposed pipes in your home with foam pipe insulation, including pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sink. Leave the water running in a couple of faucets on particularly cold nights.

Moving water is less likely to freeze than water that is standing inside frigid pipes. If your pipes are frozen, use a blow dryer or another heat source to thaw them immediately.

Take the necessary steps before winter to prevent residential water damage that can cause serious damage and cost you a lot of money. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County with any damage restoration or mold remediation questions.

How to Get Rid of Bad Odors After Water Damage

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Removing water can be a difficult task. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County has the experience to get your property back to its original state.

When it comes to water damage in the home, there is one problem that can sometimes persist even after everything is repaired and dry - foul odors. Moisture and damp lead to mold, mildew, and bacterial growth, all of which combine to create a musty odor in your home. Fortunately, with proper restoration and cleaning, it is possible to remove these odors and enjoy a fresh-smelling home again.

Types of Odors

Odors can be present as soon as the water damage occurs, or they may develop in the weeks following the damage - even if you thought you had removed all the water. Here are the three main types of odors you are likely to encounter following water damage.

Musty smells are caused by mold and mildew. If the water damage occurred in an unheated area, the odor may disperse when it is cold and then return when the temperature warms, and the mold spores begin to grow. Mold and mildew odors can be pervasive, so even a small patch of active growth can cause the odor to permeate the entire house.

Dirty sock odors are most often associated with air conditioning systems since the odor is often caused by bacteria and microbe growth on moist AC coils. Unfortunately, the odor can also develop anywhere else moisture has led to bacterial growth. If you smell a sour odor akin to dirty socks, then an area where bacterial growth occurred during the flood may have been reactivated. Further restoration and thorough cleaning can help solve the problem.

Sewage smells can persist long after the backup has been repaired. If your home was flooded with raw sewage, then the last thing you want is lingering odors. These odors aren't just unpleasant, they may also indicate that some items require further disinfection in order to be safe.

It's imperative to find the source of the smell and ensure there are no remaining sewer pathogens in your house. Once disinfection is assured, then the best solution is to schedule a deodorizing treatment for the affected area.

Removal Tactics

Although you can deodorize some surfaces on your own, odor-causing vectors often lurk behind walls or under the flooring in a home that has experienced water damage.

Quick-drying is the main method needed to prevent carpets from developing a musty or sour odor. After drying, the carpets require cleaning with a disinfectant designed to kill any mold spores that remain in the carpeting. Although steam cleaning and drying can often save carpeting, the carpet pad may continue to harbor moisture and odors. When smells persist in the carpeting, pad replacement is often the best option.

Both drywall and plaster can hold onto odors long after the floodwaters recede. Sometimes mold or microbial growth occurs inside the wall where a hidden pocket of moisture persists after the rest of the damage is addressed. There are two options to remedy the problem.

If you are sure the walls are dry, then you may be able to seal off the odor by repainting the walls with an odor-blocking primer and paint. Otherwise, the walls may need to be opened up and deep cleaned or removed and replaced.

Wood floors, trim, and support beams can all suffer from moisture damage. Rot, accompanied by mold growth, is the most common cause of odors on wood. It may be necessary to remove badly damaged wood, followed by sanding down and refinishing any wood that can be saved. Mold may lurk behind baseboards and trim, so remove everything and verify that there are no hidden odor sources.

There is no need to live with bad odors after water damage. Contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County for more help with your water damage repairs.