Recent General Posts

Cold Weather Tips for an Iowa Homeowner

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

As the second week of December in Central Iowa comes to a close, we have, for the most part, avoided long stretches of frigid snow, ice, or cold temperatures up to this point as Iowans. We all know that is something that could potentially change in an instant, without much of a precautionary heads-up from mother nature. It's important to be informed on how to bundle up and conserve heat ahead of time in case of a winter emergency, Iowans have to stay ready so we don't ever have to get ready.

Experts from the National Weather Service and the Des Moines Register have provided excellent advice on how to keep your pets, plants, and pipes safe from the cold weather. When thinking of house pets, it's important to consider your dog's age, weight, and breed in regard to the amount of time your dog is safely able to be outside. Of course, the outside temperature strongly dictates this as well. Pipe freezing is an event that seems like an annual tradition for many midwesterners. 

Here are a few tips to prevent the mess — and cost — of frozen pipes:

  • Leave a faucet slowly dripping to keep water flowing through the pipe. The water can be captured in a bucket and used for other purposes around the home, like watering plants and washing dishes.
  • Open under-sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate near your pipes.
  • What if there’s no water coming out of your faucets? Check your water meter. If water is leaking or spraying from your meter or the bottom is cracked, your water meter is frozen. Feel for frozen pipes. Pipes located along exterior walls are most susceptible to freezing. To thaw pipes, contact a licensed plumber or use hot towels or a hair dryer. Never use an open flame.

Help Keep Your Car On The Road

If you have to drive on slick roads during an Iowa winter, here are tips on how to travel safely, courtesy of the Iowa Department of Transportation:

  • Check the weather forecast and road conditions before driving.
  • Maintain a reasonable speed and safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances and reduced visibility.
  • Drive below the posted speed limit when road conditions are less than ideal.
  • Turn on lights to see and be seen.
  • Keep headlights and tail lights clear of snow.
  • Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions.
  • You need to be in control of your car when accelerating based on road conditions. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, understand how to use them and what to expect when they are used.
  • Be aware that ramps and bridges may freeze before other roadway segments.

    • SERVPRO of Ames Visits Educational Symposium

    12/6/2021 (Permalink)

    Male employee standing in front of green background. Excited to serve you, SERVPRO of Ames is here 24/7.

    As a company deeply invested in the betterment of our surrounding community, SERVPRO of Ames actively seeks out ways to consistently enrich our knowledge and understanding of how to improve the SERVPRO experience.  Last week, our very own Sales & Marketing Manager Matt Weeks visited Lake Ozark, Missouri, in order to attend an annual week-long educational marketing symposium. He was joined by marketing team members representing other SERVPRO franchises spanning across the United States.

    The symposium’s objective was to collaborate and discuss how to better serve the communities in which we work by a multitude of means, through open forums and discussion. We look forward to seeing the progressive ideas from this retreat being put into action throughout the future. A special thank you goes out to the speakers who took part in this event, Ken Lutgen, Brian Wagler, Kelly Kordic, and Katie Jackson.

    At SERVPRO of Ames, we’re fully prepared for the hard work restoration jobs require. Disaster may not strike at a convenient time, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait for help, as our local staff is prepared to respond quickly to your emergency calls, day or night, 24/7. Feel free to contact us by phone (515) 233-4544 or on Facebook with any potential questions.

    For Immediate Service in Story County, Call SERVPRO

    12/3/2021 (Permalink)

    Story County, we are here day and night! Green SERVPRO vehicle. Story County residents, we are prepared to help day and night.

    SERVPRO of Ames provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Story County. We can respond immediately to your emergency and 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 

    Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (515) 233-4544

    Residential Services

    Whether your Story County 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

    Commercial Services

    There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Story County 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. Learn more about our commercial services: www.SERVPROames.com

    • Commercial Water Damage Restoration
    • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

    Homeowners To Do List

    6/16/2021 (Permalink)

    to do list Use this to do list to your advantage! Home maintenance is a key factor is avoiding certain mishaps!

    Homeowners must keep their property in great shape throughout the years.  It is vital to enlist the help of professionals that can help! SERVPRO of Ames & Marshalltown has provided homeowners with a "To-Do List" of household items that need to be checked for your home's health. 

    Once a year:

    • Enlist the help of a plumber or handyman to drain and check your water heater.  This can help diagnose problems.
    • Replace your RO (Reverse Osmosis) filter.  It is best to have a plumber or RO technician to help you with this process.

    Twice a year:

    • Clean your faucet aerator/screens.  A handyman can do this, or you can do it yourself.
    • Service HVAC system.  An HVAC company is the best choice for this service.

    Four times a year:

    • Replace filters.  A handyman or yourself can do this.  A pro-tip will be to put the size of your filters in the notes section of your cell phone if you have one.  Then, set calendar alerts. 

    Every two years:

    • Service your water softener.  A water softener technician or plumber can help.


    At SERVPRO of Ames & Marshalltown we want you to keep your home safe and free of any destructive happenings.  However, if you find that you are in a water, fire, or mold situation, give us a call 24/7, we are here to help with any of these emergencies.  Call us today 636-467-5444.