Water is everywhere: it is the universal solvent and is indispensable for life. However, people build their homes and structures to keep water out. Uncontrolled amounts of water in any form (solid, liquid or vapor) may cause warping, swelling, cracking, fungal growth, corrosion and/or deterioration to the integrity of the structure. These actions can continue long after an initial intrusion has occurred.

ServiceMaster of Alexandria, VA, Washington D.C. and Ft. Washington, MD has the right equipment, and understands the principles involved in the restoration process. We respond quickly and efficiently, providing 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency service for water extraction and drying. Fast response is imperative to mitigate the damages, save money on costly repairs, and get your home or business back to normal.

Thank you for choosing ServiceMaster of Alexandria for your water mitigation emergency.  We strive to be the best in our field and will endeavor to provide you with the highest quality service possible.  Following are a list of details to be aware of during your project.  Of course, all of these may not apply to your particular project, so be sure to consult our main office if you have any questions.

• The purpose of structural drying is to prevent the growth of mold and to save as much of your structure as possible.  Our goals are to keep you and your family healthy and to maintain your investment in your home by preventing further damage and returning it to it’s pre-loss condition.
• Water is broken down into three categories based on it’s risk to human health.  If you have any porous material such as carpet, drywall or paneling that is affected by Category III water we will recommend that it be removed and disposed of.  If you choose to leave it in place you will assume all risk.
• Our equipment will generate airflow and heat during the drying process, which is necessary for evaporation.  Our technician may also adjust your thermostat to speed the process.  PLEASE do not turn off any equipment, even if the noise and heat are difficult to live with.  This will only lengthen the time that it must remain onsite.  
• Because our equipment draws more power than your house is used to supporting, you may find that circuit breakers are tripping.  If you cannot find a plug that works, please call us and we will re-route the cords.  There is NO fire hazard from having our dehumidifiers and air movers in your home; they will run unattended for months on end with no risk.
• We may have to remove some of your structure if it does not dry quickly enough or is impeding the drying process.  This may include vanities, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, drywall, etc.  We DO NOT provide reconstruction services, though we can provide names and numbers of companies that do.  The only thing that we will replace is your carpet padding, followed by steam cleaning of the carpet once the drying process is complete.
• All decisions regarding the job are ultimately the responsibility of the property owner, though if we are billing your insurance company the adjuster must approve services.  If the adjuster does not approve requested service or structural removal the property owner may still authorize them, but in doing so the owner will assume responsibility for paying for anything the insurance company declines.
• We must return to your home or office every 24-48 hours to monitor drying progress and remove or adjust equipment.  If you are not available between 8am and 5pm, please allow us to place a lockbox with a spare key on your door, so that we can access the house without affecting your work schedule.  
• As our contract states, we cannot guarantee insurance coverage or force the insurance company to authorize services.  After 30 days, if your insurance company has not paid the bill or has denied coverage, the property owner will be billed for services and finance charges will accrue if the balance is not paid promptly.
• Financing is available through ServiceMaster corporate for up to $10,000.  The only money down is the processing fee, and we will handle all of the paperwork for you.  If you are interested, ask your Field Manager for details and an application.

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and will get you through this traumatic experience as quickly and safely as we can.  Rest assured that no one has as much experience, training, or technical expertise as ServiceMaster of Alexandria.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us anytime at (703) 212-7000.

Our water damage emergency specialists have completed advanced training and are experienced in the assessment of water intrusions, the handling of water damage mitigation, dehumidification systems, mold, corrosion control, sewage contamination clean-up and reinstallation techniques. The customer is given a folder with basic water mitigation information and a price list.

Water intrusions are classified into three categories by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) based on its risk to human health. Appropriate handling has been standardized by the IICRC, and optimizes the safety, salvability and efficiency of mitigation.

Category I Water - That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water may become progressively contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, subflooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Examples: burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances, vertically falling rainwater.

Recommendation: Remove padding, Extract water, Treat front and back of carpet with Carpet Sanitizer. Furniture is placed on blocks or pads to speed drying and prevent staining. Dry area. Reinstall carpet & padding.

Category II Water – That which begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. As with Category I water, time and temperature can cause Category 2 water to become progressively more contaminated.

Recommendation: (need information…)

Category III Water – That which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes containing silt and soil contaminants that infiltrate into structures, generally through doors or around foundation walls. This ground surface water (storm surge) may accumulate to a depth of several inches or several feet. When structures are partially submerged or remain substantially flooded for weeks, far more elaborate procedures usually are required.

Recommendation: Porous material, such as carpet, drywall or paneling that is affected by Cat III water will be recommended for removal. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for workers is required.