Recent Posts

Fire Can Cause Permanent Damage to Your Greene County Home

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

A house fire can lead to the scattering of millions of tiny ash, soot, and soil throughout your home. The particles can stain textiles, surfaces, and paintwork. Introducing water or foot traffic to the area can sometimes cause permanent damage to contents with particle soiling. 

It is essential to reduce foot-traffic and water absorption during fire damage restoration in your Greene County area home. Water-based cleaning agents, like detergent, can also cause particles to set into carpets or textiles' fibers. SERVPRO of Greene County can help to restore your home to the pre loss condition after the fire. 

  • We pre-test materials before introducing cleaning agents or water.
  • Thoroughly drying the property can help to reduce odor problems.
  • Using dry vacuuming and emulsifying agents, we can reduce soiling without using water.

We also focus on indoor air quality. We have advanced equipment like HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to capture airborne particles and hydroxyl generators to neutralize pungent odors from the smoke. We are committed to restoring your property to its pre loss condition whenever possible.

Attention to detail is essential to restoring a fire-damaged home. Contact SERVPRO of Greene County for fire damage restoration at (423) 638-1104.

Summer Rains in East Tennessee

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

We all love the warmer weather, fresh cut lawns, and summer flowers but we all know, spring in the South brings a lot of rain! Summertime can be challenging to our homes, businesses, and landscaping. Many times, the rain can bring backed up sewage, holes in our roofs that lead to water damage and flooding the basements. SERVPRO of Greene County thought it would be important to share some safety tips with you regarding heavy rains and flooding so you can keep the water mitigation to a minimum this season. 

Heavy Rain Tips

  1. Check your Roof-Look for current damage and areas that look vulnerable to leaks. Repair these as soon as possible. If need be, call a roofer to perform the inspection and the repairs.
  2. Trim Foliage-Plants and trees with overgrown branches can pose a danger to your household in harsh winds and rain.
  3. Waterproof Windows-Check the edges of your windowsills to see if they need a waterproof sealer or rubber on the edges.
  4. Clear out Gutters-It is important that these are clear in case of heavy rain to prevent any possible flooding. You should check your gutters a couple of times throughout the year as the wind tends to carry leaves and debris into the gutters blocking the water from flowing freely.

Remember, it is very important to keep an eye on these things because a small leak can cause a lot of damage. SERVPRO of Greene County is always here to help! Call us at (423) 638-1104.

Helping Our Community Out

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of  Greene County, we strive to not only be the premier cleaning and restoration company in our community, but to truly be invested in our community as well. We have so many businesses and organizations in our area who do a great job of spreading joy and love to those who have fallen on hard times, so when we have an opportunity to help one of these places out, we jump all over it. One Acre Café, here in beautiful downtown Johnson City, is one such group that really puts their money (and their food) where their mouth is. They provide meals for “suggested” prices or allow those who aren’t able to come up with the cash to spend some time volunteering in exchange for a meal. Folks can help in several different capacities in order to get some delicious food (and some of the best sweet tea I’ve ever had!) in their bellies. Recently, they reached out to us to see about services cleaning their brick floor in the dining room along with some tile in the kitchens and bathrooms. After having to be closed for a while during COVID and celebrating being able to get back to some level of normal, they wanted to brighten everything up to reflect their mood and vibes of brightening the lives of their patrons every day. It was about 3,000 square feet of floor space, so we were able to complete the cleaning in about a half day using SERVPRO Tile and Grout cleaner and a walk behind floor scrubbing machine with hot water. We were thrilled to be able to help brighten up the space at no cost to the restaurant and look forward to helping spread the word about the good work they are doing and continuing our partnership in the future.

Summer Bonfire Safety

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

What Are Some Safety Measures to Protect Yourself from Fire Damage As A Result Of Bonfires? 

  • Check the weather before building your bonfire! Don’t set up a bonfire on a windy night. 
  • Make sure that the area you have your bonfire is in a legal location. Before you begin, find out your state, county, and city regulations are about fires.  
  • Keep an eye on anyone running too close to a bonfire so that no one gets hurt. 
  • Keep a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case the fire spreads. It never hurts to be prepared. 
  • Make sure that the wood you’re burning is dry and seasoned. No furniture, nothing coated or treated, and certainly no railroad ties should be thrown into the flames. 
  •  Do NOT burn anything with foam or paint! This includes canisters and aerosols. The chemicals from these items can release toxic fumes and are incredibly flammable. Such products are known to explode, so it’s best to stay away from these materials during a bonfire. 
  • Wet the area so that there aren’t any flammable fragments after the bonfire. 

How Can SERVPRO of Greene County Help with Fire Restoration This Summer

  • We’re faster to any disaster- big or small. Damage is damage, and we strive to restore your Greene County, TN property "Like it never even happened."
  • We specialize in fire and water damage, which is the foundation of our business. This includes fire, smoke, and soot restoration, odor control, fabric cleaning, and water damage restoration. 
  • We have a “restore vs. replace” mentality. This helps you get back in your Greene County home or business faster while also lowering costs. This mindset leads to the specialized training and equipment that we use to get your property back to the way it was before the fire. 
  • We know that every fire damage scenario is unique, so we tailor each restoration project to the situation on hand. 

A summer bonfire can be a festive way to celebrate with family and friends, but if you’re not careful, the night can end in disaster. We hope that with these tips, you can have a safe, enjoyable bonfire this season, but if the situation arises, our experienced team at SERVPRO of Greene County is only a call away. Contact us at (423)638-1104. This franchise is independently owned and operated.  

Keeping Your HVAC Condensation Line Clear Can Help Prevent a Water Loss

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common reasons homeowners need to call in for water damages during the warmer months. However, many homeowners don’t realize the problem is usually avoidable with regular care and DIY AC maintenance.

If your condensate drain line is clogged, you can likely remove the clog yourself. Read our easy how-to guide below.

How to Clean Air Conditioner Drain Line with Vinegar in 6 Steps | Drain Line Cleaning

You can prevent a clogged AC drain by performing routine cleaning. By pouring a ¼ cup of vinegar into your AC’s drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your drain line with vinegar and keep everything operating at peak performance.

Step 1. Turn off your air conditioner.Turn the system off at the thermostat as well as at the breaker.

Step 2. Locate your condensate drain line.Your drain line is a PVC pipe located near your outdoor unit and is attached to the wall of your house.

Step 3. Identify the access point on the drain line.Most drain lines will have a T-shaped vent tee with a cover or cap. Remove the cap at the top of the drain and inspect for blockage.

Step 4. Flush with distilled vinegar.Add ¼ cup of distilled vinegar to the drain line through the opening where the cap was removed. It’s recommended you use regular distilled white vinegar, as the increased acidity boosts its cleaning properties. If you find the smell of vinegar foul, you can also use peroxide or hot water and a dash of dish soap.

Step 5. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes.Flush the pipe out with water to ensure everything is flowing freely and operating as it should.

Step 6. Repeat each month.Kill any harmful bacteria or buildup and make sure your system continues to operate at peak performance by cleaning your drain line every 30 days.

Clogged AC Drain Line Symptoms and Causes

Because condensation collects in your air conditioner’s drain line, it provides the perfect breeding grounds for mold and algae to thrive. Over time, sludge and buildup form in your condensate drain line. This debris can include mold and mildew, algae, bacteria, fungus, and even small plants. Once enough buildup accrues, the blockage will become too large and create a clog in the line, causing water to back up into the AC drain pan.

When that condensate drain pan fills, the excess water will overflow and leak into your house, causing water damage issues that can quickly turn into costly home repairs. In addition, improper or neglected cleaning of your drain line can cause elevated humidity, musty odors, and potentially serious and costly problems with your overall central air conditioning system.

What Does My AC Condensate Drain Line Do?

The condensate drain line connected to your AC unit plays a vital role in the effective operation of your entire system. Ultimately, your condensate line is responsible for removing the condensation that’s produced by the evaporator coil, draining it from the air handler to the outside of your house.

If you find yourself in this situation, call SERVPRO of Greene County at 423-638-1104 and we will be there to assist you.

Greene County Smoke & Soot Work

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

? Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

? Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

? The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Greene Count will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

? Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

? Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

? Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience

Why Call SERVPRO of Greene County

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

The unexpected and unimaginable happens: your home has sustained water, storm, fire, or smoke damage.

If you've never had to use the services of a restoration and emergency services provider, you likely turn to the internet to search one in your area. We've done the search ourselves - we know you'll have many options to choose from.

So, why should you call SERVPRO of Greene County?

  • As one of over 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises, we have access to more support during harsh weather.
  • We are Faster to any size disaster.
  • We work with all major insurance carriers and have relationships with many local providers.
  • We always put our customers' needs first.
  • We have the equipment and training to get any job completed.
  • We can easily handle both commercial and residential properties.
  • We are locally owned and operated, so we live and work in the same communities you do.
  • SERVPRO is a trusted name in the mitigation and restoration industries.
  • We are a Large Loss Provider.
  • We are a one-stop-shop that can handle any job from start to finish.
  • We love what we do, and we want to help you!

If you have questions, need assistance, or would like a free estimate, give us a call: (423) 638-1104. We are available to respond to emergencies 24/7/365.

ERP TO Help You Plan Ahead

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Disasters can strike a Greene County business in the blink of an eye, and when it does those who are prepared for it can bounce back much quicker than those who have no plan. In fact, up to 50% of all companies that are struck by a disaster can NEVER bounce back from it!

SERVPRO of Greene County can help your business get back on track after a disaster by developing an Emergency Ready Profile. The ERP will minimize your business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. What exactly to do, and what exactly to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.  

The Emergency Ready Profile is a tool that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By using your own Emergency Ready Profile, SERVPRO of Greene County can help reduce the impact of any disaster, natural or man-made. We are a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order. 

Contact SERVPRO of Greene County for a FREE assessment of your facility at 423-638-1104! 

Why Should You Choose SERVPRO of Greene County

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

As a business owner in Greene County, TN, you know that each day brings with it new challenges. It helps to know that, should a disaster occur, you can trust a company with a 24-hour fast response reputation to remedy the situation. SERVPRO of Greene County is ideal because:

  1. We’re Trusted Professionals

Since 1967, SERVPRO® has been providing customers with quick and reliable restoration and cleanup. With over 1,700 franchises nationwide, we’ve become a trusted industry leader.

  1. We’re Knowledgeable and Experienced

Extensive training and certification in fire restoration is provided at the IICRC-approved training facility of SERVPRO Industries, Inc., headquartered in Gallatin, Tennessee.

  1. We’re Preferred by Many

SERVPRO, not only handles residential cleanup but we've also become the trusted choice for commercial clients, much of the insurance industry, and many property management companies.

  1. We’re Always Available

SERVPRO is committed to the restoration, cleanup, and remediation industries, so it’s only logical to be available on a 24-hour basis, 365 days a year. Emergencies are never convenient; they don’t take nights, weekends, and holidays off, after all. The more than 10,000 SERVPRO teammates don’t either. We’re always open, so we’ll quickly be on the scene to analyze the damage and begin the cleanup and restoration process.

  1. We Have Equipment for Every Job

You can trust SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to have the right equipment available for every job. More than 140,000 pieces of professional restoration and cleaning equipment are housed in over 5,000,000 square feet of building space.

  1. We Offer an Array of Services

No matter what type of commercial facility you may have, SERVPRO is Here to Help. Our services include fire, water and storm damage restoration, mold remediation, building cleaning, as well as air duct and HVAC cleaning. We can also handle board-ups, biohazard cleanup, document drying and the cleaning, restoration and deodorization of electronics and artwork.


If your commercial building sustains any type of damage from flooding to fire to mold, you can feel confident hiring SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals with 24-hour availability to get your building back to preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of Greene County at 423-638-1104. Our owner, Zach Witt, would love to come meet you and see your place of business. We can even offer to prepare a free Emergency Ready Profile for your company.

How To Choose the Right Restoration Company for your Commercial Property?

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

You can be confident that SERVPRO of Greene County will get you back up and running!

You can depend on SERVPRO of Greene County to be there when you need us!

When it comes to small pipe leaks, or drywall repair, most business owners think that they can probably handle that themselves.  When it comes to your entire building flooding or experiencing a fire, you would have to call a professional restoration company.  But who do you choose?  With the amount of restoration companies popping up daily, it’s hard to choose who would be the best to hire.  When hiring a restoration company, keep certain things in mind.

Go to their website

This may sound a little scary, given the number of scams and false information on the internet, but you will know immediately if their website is legit.  Some things to think about would be links to their services.  Look to see if they have links that talk about fire or water damage, and the process that is performed in these services.  If it is a professional website, it will be clear, concise, and informative.

Give them a call and quiz them

Once you have reviewed the websites, come up with a few questions you may have for the company.  If they are professionals, they should be able to answer the questions without asking the manager or putting you on hold.  They should be able to give you clear examples of how they have worked with these issues in the past.  If they become annoyed, or frustrated, then you know they are not the ones for you!  Professionals need to be compassionate towards their customers because they are already dealing with a stressful mess. 

Read the Testimonials

 Google and Facebook are great ways to read the testimonials of the restoration company you are potentially going to be hiring.  Companies can never delete these reviews, they can only receive good reviews to counteract the bad ones, which makes it a very accurate depiction of what kind of company you may be dealing with.  Look at the good and bad reviews and make an educated assessment on the type of company they may be.

If you ever have any questions, give SERVPRO of Greene County a call at 423-638-1104.