How To Avert 3 Common Sewage Issues

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Paper towels should never be flushed down the toilet.

Minimize the Risk of Unsanitary Flooding Inside Your Facility

Many commercial buildings in Laredo, TX, may be susceptible to sewage issues. Because a blocked sewer or overflowing toilet can cause significant damage, it’s helpful to recognize specific factors that may contribute to the problem and learn how to address them. Abiding by the following guidelines can help minimize the risk of unsanitary flooding inside your facility.

1. Broken Pipes

Like most infrastructure, sewage lines can deteriorate and fail over time. While you may not be able to completely prevent pipe breaks, making conscientious landscaping decisions can help minimize the risk.

Roots seek moisture and can easily infiltrate and damage sewer and water pipes. Because of this, it’s important to identify the location of critical infrastructure lines and plant foliage away from these areas.

2. Blocked Lines

In addition to damaging supply lines, excessive root presence can result in a blocked sewer. Inappropriate waste disposal can also have a detrimental impact on the system.

Paper towels, diapers and feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet. To help alleviate this concern, you should have trash bins accessible in every restroom and post signage reminding staff and visitors of appropriate waste disposal techniques.

Grease is another potentially problematic product that can build up inside plumbing lines and cause a blockage. To help minimize obstructions, commercial kitchen staff should avoid dumping cooking oils down sinks.

3. Overflowing Toilets

A toilet overflow is another common sewage issue. Performing routine inspections is a beneficial strategy that may allow you to identify defective toilet components before substantial leaks and water damage occur. You can also help prevent unsanitary commode seepage by encouraging proper trash disposal, promptly completing necessary repairs and using a plunger instead of drain cleaners to remedy slow drains.

No Laredo, TX, business is immune from a blocked sewer or flooding toilet. However, making informed decisions and performing proactive measures can help minimize the risk and may spare you from a messy and potentially costly sewage cleanup.

We are Cleaning Experts

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Laredo is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go 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 the coronavirus. 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 the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of North Laredo, 956-568-0266

We Are Coronavirus Cleaning Services and Biohazard Experts

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and sanitize your business.

CLEAN AND SANITIZE

According to the CDC, COVID -19 can survive on certain types of surfaces, such as plastic and stainless steel, for 2-3 days. People can become infected with the virus by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, and then touching their mouths, noses, or eyes. Two processes need to be followed in order to minimize the risk of exposure:

• Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs, but it decreases the risk of spreading infection. It is recommended to clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, and doorknobs.

• Sanitizing is the use of chemicals to reduce germs on surfaces. By reducing germs on a surface after cleaning, you can further lower the risk of spreading infection. Using EPA registered disinfectants is an important part of reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

SERVPRO of North Laredo professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and sanitize your business using EPA registered disinfectants according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We offer a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning; we offer a proactive viral pathogen cleaning.

USE EPA REGISTERED PRODUCTS ONLY

According to the EPA statements, consumers should beware of imposter disinfectant products that are being marketed with potentially dangerous claims of protection against the novel coronavirus.

The EPA has warned against companies that are trying to take advantage of this pandemic by offering fraudulent products and/or cleaning services, and claim to use products that have anti-viral, antibacterial, disinfectant, sterilizing, or sanitizing properties.

If you are not sure the products being used are EPA registered, you can ask for their SDS (safety data sheets). If none are provided or offered, then the product is not registered.

EPA registered products are evaluated to ensure they achieve the intended functions, e.g., disinfection, while preventing unreasonable adverse health and environmental consequences.    

Not using EPA registered products, and/or mixing the wrong chemicals can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

At SERVPRO of North Laredo, we make sure to use only EPA registered products. We’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the country as we find our way to a new normal.

“Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned”, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. We are proactively conducting viral pathogen sanitizing. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of North Laredo Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

• IICRC certified firm: SERVPRO of North Laredo is an IICRC certified firm (certification awarded by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration).
• OSHA certified: All of our employees have completed the OSHA 10 hours safety course as well as the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen in the Work Place course to ensure all necessary safeguards are followed.
• PPE: when we conduct a COVID sanitizing job, we make sure we use personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, such as protective clothing, helmets, goggles, and/or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection, depending on the scope of the job.
• UVL fogging machines: we use equipment such as ultra-low volume (ULV) fogging machines, which are cold fogging machines that use large volumes of air at low pressures to transform liquid into droplets that are dispersed into the atmosphere. ULV machines are typically used to apply sterilizers and disinfectants amongst other chemicals.
• Electrostatic sprayers: Electrostatic spray surface cleaning is the process of spraying an electrostatically charged mist onto surfaces and objects. Electrostatic spray uses a specialized solution that is combined with air and atomized by an electrode inside the sprayer. Subsequently, the spray contains positively charged particles that are able to aggressively adhere to surfaces and objects. Because the particles in the spray are positively charged, they cling to and coat any surface they’re aimed at. After the spray is applied, the sanitizing agent works to disinfect the covered surfaces. For this reason, electrostatic spray is an excellent solution for germ and contaminant ridden areas.

At SERVPRO of North Laredo it is our duty, not our job, to inspire confidence by ensuring your business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, making community possible again. We’re here to help—24 hours a day, seven days a week—until life is back to normal in the community we call home.

Your commercial property suffered water damage, what's next?

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

When your commercial property suffers water damage, SERVPRO of North Laredo can assist immediately.

Flooding and water damage events at Laredo commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of North Laredo

SERVPRO of North Laredo specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

If your commercial property suffers water damage, give us a call - (956) 568-0266

SERVPRO of North Laredo Responds Faster to Any Disaster

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

We respond to any residential and commercial disaster. Give us a call at (956)568-0266

SERVPRO of North Laredo is committed to assist in any-size disaster in Laredo and surrounding areas 24/7. We have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs:

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Residential Services

Whether your Laredo home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services
• Air Duct Cleaning 

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Laredo commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Cleaning 
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Building/Reconstruction Services
• Air Duct Cleaning 

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (956) 568-0266