It’s important to consider home fire prevention as there are around 37,000 house fires annually in the UK according to Fire Safety Facts.

Consider it as easy as 1, 2, 3!

  1. Home Fire Prevention
  • Keep flammable materials away from heat sources
  • Don’t leave flames unattended
  • Fix or repair faulty wiring
  • Don’t overload sockets
  • Inspect household electrical items

2. Home fire safety equipment

  • Install smoke detectors
  • Keep the most suitable fire extinguisher for the home
  • Consider an automatic sprinkler system

3. Fire safety planning

  • Create a fire safety plan and familiarise yourself and your family with it
  • Make a list of important contact details
  • Practice your escape plan every year
  • Teach children how and when to call 999

It’s important to get to grips with the above to keep yourself and those around you safe in the home. House fires represent a great risk that can be prevented with proper care and attention.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be affected by a fire, you can speak to the experts for restoration help. ServiceMaster Restore provide fire and smoke damage clean ups for customers in the UK.

For further information view our fire and smoke restoration service or call us at 0845 762 6828

Read the following case study for how we responded to an escape of water, from two burst pipes and restored the damage caused to the property.

The Client problem 

In this particular case we were surprised to see that the flood and it’s damage were caused by two burst pipes, having burst simultaneously, causing damage to different areas of the property.  The ceiling had collapsed, resulting in much of the property being affected by water damage.

How we helped

Following the initial call, quotation and acceptance, our technicians were allocated the work. 

  • We uplifted and removed all floor coverings, chipboard flooring, plasterboard and insulation. 
  • We appointed an electrician to make safe all electrics within the property and test. 
  • A entire removal of skirting boards, full clean up and sanitisation was expertly carried out following the installation of drying equipment.
  • Reinstatement of all the effected rooms and full clean up after building works was carried out along with carpet and upholstery cleaning of the contents.

Client Testimonial 

“I have to say that they have done an outstanding job and we are delighted with the quality of their work. From the moment Paul turned up to help clear the water, sodden carpets and debris….to the de humidifying and drying out….and the final rebuild and restoration. They have been a pleasure to deal with….prompt, reliable and responsive….we could have asked no more.”

Mr K (Policy Holder)

If you would like us to help with your restoration requirements, contact us today on 0845 762 6828 / www.servicemasterrestore.co.uk

If your water bill is going up without reason, it might be worth knowing the common leak types in commercial buildings so you can prevent them.

Water leaks can cause excessive damage to the property, but also rack up quite a water bill too. That’s why it’s a good idea to monitor water usage and know the common leak types in commercial buildings.

Toilet leaks

There are a number of parts within a toilet that can become worn and lead to issues including water loss. By checking seals and all parts for wear, tear and damage and repairing any concerns, you can prevent water leaks from happening.

Underground leaks 

Not as easy to detect, but general giveaways include wet soil, water gathering, extreme plant growth and unusually high water bills. Drains and pipes require water leak detection equipment to help locate any leaks. If found, pipes can be dug up and repaired. If not, exploratory digging may be necessary to find the source of the leakage. It’s important to establish the responsibility of underground leaks before doing any exploratory work.

Hidden leaks 

Leaks can be found in surprising places! Not the most obvious of leaks, hidden leaks can often be the most devastating in terms of damage, mainly because they can go undetected for so long. Look out for water marks and swelling of walls and floors, higher water bills and noise!

ServiceMaster Restore can help with leak detection, as well as the restoration of water damage if required. We have a thorough detection, extraction, drying and cleaning process to ensure that commercial properties are restored both quickly and effectively. Remember, prevention is always better than the cure.

For further information on our water damage services you can visit our page here, or call us in an emergency on 0845 762 6828

Mold thrives in damp environments and a common issue can be mould in your washing machine. Not only is mould unsightly, but it can be hazardous to your health too. The spores can lead to coughing, allergies and even aggravate existing respiratory issues.

It’s a good idea to keep on top of mould in your home to maintain the health of those living in it. Follow these simple instructions to reduce the likelihood of mould in your washing machine.

Inspection 

Routine inspection of your washing machine inside and outside of it can ensure that you find mould quickly and easily if you have it. Quick action is best to reduce it spreading and breading. Do remember that mould likes damp areas so try where possible to check inside any crevices of the washer and it’s surroundings where water may have leaked.

Check for damage 

Check for damage on the washing machine itself as well as it’s surroundings. Things like broken fixtures and fittings and tiles can hold moisture. Repairing or replacing these can stop moisture from getting inside and becoming a breeding ground for mould.

Maintenance 

Maintain your washing machine following the manufacturers instructions. Clear out any product and residue build up to prevent it from becoming blocked.

Check for the source of mould in your washing machine 

A general giveaway is if your clothes smell mouldy after being washed. You can check the following to see where the mould is originating from;

  • Check hoses for breakages
  • Check connections of hoses to the appliance
  • Check for leaks
  • Stop the water supply if you find any leaks until you have them repaired
  • Remove any standing water as soon as possible

If you find any traces of mould in your washing machine, you can call the experts to help! Our team at ServiceMaster Restore are professionally trained in removing mould safely and effectively from any property.

Visit our page for further information or call out our experts for emergency help at 0845 762 6828

It’s important to know your fire extinguishers for use in your home or business so that if the worst should happen, you know which one to select. This is because they all have their benefits and draw backs.

It’s a good idea to have the most suitable fire extinguisher for your property for incidents where making a quick decision to use a fire extinguisher can help to prevent things from getting worse.

Here are the benefits and drawbacks of the types of extinguisher;

Water – A good solution for in the home. Great for tackling fires with paper, furnishings or wood. This type of extinguisher works by cooling the burning materials whilst extinguishing the fire. The drawback here would be using it on open electrical equipment.

Foam – Works by creating a smothering affect on the fire to starve it of oxygen. They can be used on fires containing flammable liquids (like petrol).

CO2 – Containing pressurised gas, they leave no residue behind. They’re suitable for fires involving burning liquids and fires involving computer liquid as an example. Caution should be taken when using them as your hands could freeze to the horn if it’s not double layered/frost-free.

Powder – Dry powder extinguishers have a very good fire fighting capability but because the powder does not soak in to materials, it doesn’t cool them down, risking fires reigniting.  This is something to be aware of.

Water mist – A thin mist of water laid over the fire helps to cool it down, creating steam and starving the area of oxygen. It’s good to know what water mist extinguishers can be used one fat fires, unlike normal water extinguishers.

Wet chemical – Should be used from a distance, they lay a cooling layer of foam on top of the fire. Other fire extinguishers have better fire fighting abilities.

It’s important to note, that you shouldn’t use a fire extinguisher unless you feel it is safe to do so.

We hope you now know your fire extinguishers and feel better equipped should you need to use one. If you do have a fire related incident and require restorative help, reach out to us here at ServiceMaster Restore. We know how hard cleaning up smoke damage and residue from power and foam fire extinguishers can be. Leave it to the experts.

For emergency help contact us at 0845 762 6828