Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

Expert Water Damage Repair and Restoration Services

Name: SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield
Address: 100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT, 06002
Telephone: (860) 216-2785

10/7/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Water Damage Bloomfield and Enfield, CT

When disaster strikes, the damage caused by water can be daunting and overwhelming. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an unexpected flood, the devastation to your property can be extensive and challenging to address. This is where SERVPRO comes to the rescue, offering expert Water Damage Repair and Restoration services in Bloomfield and Enfield, CT. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of timely intervention, the comprehensive services we provide, and why SERVPRO is the trusted choice for thousands of homeowners and businesses.

Why Timely Water Damage Restoration Is Crucial

Preventing Further Damage

Structural Integrity: Water can weaken the structural elements of your home or business, leading to costly repairs if not addressed immediately.
Mold Growth: Moisture creates an ideal environment for mold growth. Quick Water Damage Restoration can prevent mold from spreading, which is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and the health of occupants.

Protecting Personal Property

Furniture and Belongings: Water can ruin furniture, electronics, and personal items. Immediate action helps to salvage as much as possible.
Insurance Claims: Timely repairs can facilitate smoother insurance claims, as delayed actions can sometimes result in disputes over coverage.

Comprehensive Water Damage Repair and Restoration Services

Initial Assessment and Inspection

Upon contacting SERVPRO, our specialists will arrive promptly to assess the extent of the water damage. Our detailed inspection includes:

Identifying Source of Water Intrusion: Ensuring that the source of water is properly identified and fixed to prevent further damage.
Extent of Damage: Thoroughly evaluating how far the water has spread and its impact on various materials and structures.

Water Removal and Extraction

Swift water removal is crucial in mitigating damage, and at SERVPRO, we utilize advanced technology for this process:

Industrial-grade Pumps and Vacuums: Efficiently extracting large volumes of water from affected areas.
Moisture Detection Equipment: Ensuring even the hidden pockets of moisture are identified and dealt with.

Drying and Dehumidification

Once the bulk of the water is removed, the drying process begins to target residual moisture:

High-speed Air Movers: To enhance airflow and evaporation.
Dehumidifiers: Reducing moisture in the air and expediting the drying process to prevent mold growth.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water damage can bring about contaminants and pathogens. Our cleaning process ensures your property is safe and habitable:

Cleaning Techniques: Utilizing specialized cleaning methods to remove residues from walls, floors, and personal items.
Antimicrobial Treatments: Applying treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

Restoration and Repairs

After the drying and cleaning stages, SERVPRO focuses on restoring your property to its pre-damage condition:

Minor Repairs: Including drywall replacement, painting, and installing new carpets.
Major Reconstruction: Comprehensive structural repairs, if necessary, to restore the integrity and functionality of your property.

Why SERVPRO is the Trusted Choice in Bloomfield and Enfield, CT

Certified and Experienced Technicians

SERVPRO employs a team of highly trained and certified technicians, experienced in handling all levels of water damage. Our expertise ensures that every job is completed to the highest standards.

Advanced Technology and Techniques

Utilizing the latest technology in water extraction and drying, along with proven cleaning and restoration techniques, ensures maximum efficiency and effectiveness in every project we undertake.

Comprehensive Services

From initial assessment to final restoration, SERVPRO provides a full spectrum of services to make your property look "Like it never even happened."

Customer Satisfaction

Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has made us a preferred choice for Water Damage Repair and Restoration in Bloomfield and Enfield, CT. We understand the stress that water damage can cause, and our goal is to make the restoration process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

24/7 Emergency Services

Water damage can strike at any time, which is why SERVPRO offers 24/7 emergency services. Our quick response team ensures that remediation starts immediately, minimizing damage and reducing recovery times.

Contact SERVPRO for Premier Water Damage Restoration Services

When water damage threatens your property, quick and professional intervention is key to minimizing damage and restoration costs. SERVPRO of Bloomfield and Enfield, CT, is your reliable partner for effective Water Damage Repair and Restoration.

Reach Out Today

By choosing SERVPRO, you are ensuring that your property is in the hands of skilled professionals who understand the intricacies and challenges of water damage restoration. Discover peace of mind with our comprehensive services and dedicated support.

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services in Northern CT

7/8/2024 (Permalink)

The flooded basement was caused by leaky pipes.

Are you suffering from water damage in north central Connecticut? Don’t worry SERVPRO® is here to help®. From small puddles to big floods we’ve got you covered. SERVPRO's water damage restoration service cleans and restores your belongings and building materials to their original state. When it comes to flooding or water damage, speed is crucial. The sooner the damage is reduced, the more likely it is to rescue building materials, personal belongings, and avoid mold growth.

When a water damage disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield is ready to provide 24/7 emergency water damage restoration in Connecticut!

Water Damage's Unseen Hazards

Whatever has caused your water problems - leaking pipes, a flooded basement, an overflowing dishwasher — it isn't good. Water damage is not only ugly, but it also poses a threat to your health. Mold and mildew can take root in your Bloomfield or Enfield house or company if all of the components are not fully dried. This can lead to structural damage and damage to any personal belongings.

It is critical to use SERVPRO of Bloomfield, CT's experienced water damage restoration services to avoid this. You'll have a hard time cleaning and drying regions such under the floors or in the walls, but we will ensure they are 100% dried and cleaned.

What to do after flooding?

You’ve been hit by water damage. Now what? Be sure to follow SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s tips to ensure you follow the proper steps to avoid further damage.

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

We're Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in storm damage restoration, water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, commercial services and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm, and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We are here to help®!

What’s It Like to Hire SERVPRO for Water Damage Remediation Services?

7/8/2024 (Permalink)

Your home's water damage may be small or large, but SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield will respond promptly, clean up thoroughly and work respectfully.

Water damage in your home can be a seemingly endless problem that can drain your time, energy, emotions and—let’s face it—your money. Sometimes the damage is sudden and overwhelming, such as after a hurricane or other strong storm, when parts of your home are overrun by water. Other times, the damage is less overwhelming but still quite serious, such as when a water appliance fails or a pipe bursts. And other times, the damage is more subtle, for instance when a small, unnoticed leak creates a colony of mold.

All these situations need to be treated as a true water emergency and dealt with promptly and professionally. That’s why you should call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield to restore your home and property back to before-damage condition. SERVPRO® has the people, tools and experience to do your water damage cleanup and restoration job the right way. See what our customers have to say about working with us.

“The team was amazing! They did an excellent job and worked every moment they were here. Extremely efficient and everything looks great!!!”—Deb in Manchester

“The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield met and went above my expectations of a restoration company when a water pipe burst. Everyone I came in contact with was professional and had a great vibe about them. I felt at ease working with SERVPRO and will be recommending them in the future.”—Gerard in Enfield

“The water damage disaster I recently experienced must’ve been my lowest point but the SERVPRO team was the very definition of what professionalism is supposed to be, if not more. They were meticulous and did not leave a single stone unturned. They were knowledgeable and did their jobs while respecting me, my time and space, and the property itself. They treated me as more than just a client and inspired me to keep pushing forward.”—Harry in Bloomfield

“The SERVPRO team did a great job cleaning up the mess in our home from some flooding that was caused by a broken pipe. They called within an hour of us notifying our insurance company and arrived an hour later. They stayed late into the night removing carpet, ceiling tiles, hardwoods, etc. It was extremely hot and humid and hard work. Dustin Jones was our project manager. He did a great job explaining everything to us and staying in touch throughout the cleanup process. We felt very confident and comfortable that the job was being done right. Thanks very much.”—Dave M. in Bloomfield

“I had a major water loss at my house in Farmington. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield was very professional, understanding and helpful. At first, the event seemed overwhelming but with the help of SERVPRO, everything went smoothly.”—Lori in Farmington

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has the people, skills and equipment to help homeowners recover from water damage and eradicate mold. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785 any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Flooding at Hartford Public Library

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO at Hartford Public Library

Hartford Public Library experienced some flooding last week and needed a team to assist in restoring the library back to top shape! They called in the team at SERVPRO! When water damage strikes your business or property you can trust our locally trained technicians to handle it immediately and effectively!

Efficient Solutions for Enfield Water Damage Restoration

9/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians utilize advanced equipment like drying mats to mitigate water damage in Enfield homes, "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Cleanup Involves Many Steps

Enfield continues to grow as one of the larger communities in Hartford County, with more than 42,000 residents from its humble start in 1679. Even more than in the past, homes are susceptible to damages and emergencies related to water in their properties. As a leading restoration outfit serving the county, SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield can work quickly to help with needed restoration solutions like:

Structural drying
Content restoration
Repairs
Water removal services
Surface cleaning

With Enfield water damage, our professionals need to respond quickly to help. We recognize the urgency of these disasters and have trained technicians available 24/7 to respond. Our Green Fleet of service vehicles stays stocked with needed equipment to help with mitigation and emergency services, such as extractors, demolition tools, and packing materials.

How Does Water Damage Happen?

The modern home has many ways that water and moisture damage occur, and property owners should be aware of these potential issues. Understanding the scope of the damage water can cause is a focus of the inspection SERVPRO professionals conduct to focus on restoration efforts yet to begin. Common causes of water emergencies in the home are:

Plumbing Issues – From breaks in the lines to damaged fixtures that steadily leak through wall systems and cabinets, plumbing is a common culprit for needed water restoration services.
Appliances – Water-fed appliances are more common than ever in homes, ranging from washing machines to dishwashers and refrigerators. Leaks from these units can spread fast and cover a wide area, making a fast response vital.
Flooding – Flood damage is common in Connecticut homes, especially those knowingly living at lower elevations. Flash floods or rising creeks and streams could infiltrate basements and cellars to affect the house.
Spills/Accidents – Human error accounts for a substantial volume of water damage restoration callout requests SERVPRO manages, from overflowing sinks and tubs to dozens of other possible scenarios.

Clearing Pooling Water from Flooring

When standing water is a concern for your residence, many exposed materials can be at risk. Our restoration team's most glaring mitigation obstacle is removing pooling from floors, which requires multiple extractors. We rely on trash pumps and submersibles for deep water removal to reach a shallow depth where wet vacuums are more suitable choices.

Removing Water Trapped in Materials

However, surface pooling is only part of the water damage obstacles for SERVPRO professionals. Specialty extractors and drying equipment is needed to pull moisture caught in flooring materials and structural cavities. Weighted extractors and carpet wands are essential for certain flooring types, while drying mats are effective with semi-porous installations like planks.

How Do You Achieve Thorough Drying?

Every restoration project involving water requires drying measures. The more widespread and involved the disaster, the more drying required. Centrifugal and axial air movers are at the heart of this mission, evaporating surface water into humidity for collection by placed dehumidifiers. We also account for the successes of drying measures by tracking moisture with tools like:

Detection devices
Thermal imagery
Moisture sensors

Are Damage Repairs Necessary?

Our general contractor license (0646584) allows many of the build-back services and repairs your home might need after water exposure. Often, homeowners are at a loss for securing additional contractors while restoration work is underway, and with SERVPRO, you do not have to. We seamlessly transition from cleanup to reconstruction to make water disasters in your residence "Like it never even happened."

Enfield water damage threats can rapidly impact homes and businesses in the area, making the quick response of SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield critical. We introduce containment measures and mitigation solutions to protect what matters most. Call us now at (860) 216-2785.

SERVPRO Provides Water Restoration Services in Enfield

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

From small spills to large flood causing water damage--Enfield homeowners rely on SERVPRO for extraction and drying.

Why Should Water Restoration be Completed Quickly by SERVPRO in Enfield?

Many consumers assume that they can open the windows and let the wet carpet or hardwood floor dry on its own after a plumbing water leak in Enfield. Small water leaks may dry completely after a few days. Larger amounts of water may be absorbed by porous materials causing swelling, warping, buckling, and loss of structural integrity if not dried properly.

SERVPRO provides water restoration and drying services to Enfield consumers and homeowners. We recommend contacting us immediately. SERVPRO can be onsite within four hours of your call, assess the situation, and provide appropriate guidance regarding how to proceed based on your specific situation.

Porous materials such as carpets and fabrics absorb water quickly and can also be dried promptly. The carpet under padding may take longer to dry. This is due to being covered by the carpet. It may need to be exposed for the under pad to completely dry.

Various Flooring Compositions

Semi-porous materials such as plywood subfloors, hardwood floors, and cabinets take longer to absorb moisture and also take longer to dry. Removing all traces of water before these surfaces have an opportunity to absorb moisture and begin swelling can avoid significant secondary damage. Subfloors can lose structural integrity. Hardwood floors swell and buckle, often requiring replacement. The same applies to cupboards, especially those made from compressed wood products.

Immediate action by SERVPRO utilizing a combination of weighted water extractors, suction pads, air movers, and dehumidifiers can prevent this type of secondary damage. Our clients appreciate the quick service, especially when they know the importance of preventing secondary water damage.

SERVPRO provides water restoration services, including:

Water clean-up in basements, ceilings, and main floor areas
Water removal services
Water damage repairs and restoration

Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield for water restoration services. We provide service to Enfield and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (860) 216-2785.

Water Damage Restoration in Enfield is Fast with SERVPRO

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is no DIY project. Cal SERVPRO for a team of experts for your home.

Drying Structural Cavities During Water Damage Restoration

Structural cavities behind walls, ceilings, or cabinets can be challenging to dry after water damage to your Enfield home. SERVPRO techs use various drying and ventilating systems to replace the cool, moist air from these cavities with warmer and drier air.

The most common ventilating system that SERVPRO techs use to dry cavities after water damage to your Enfield homes consists of vents or hoses attached to air movers. Restorers direct air into the cavities by drilling small holes in walls or ceilings. After drilling the holes, techs can either push air into the cavity or draw air out.

Using Negative or Positive Pressure to Dry Cavities During Water Cleanup

Once the SERVPRO techs identify trapped or hidden moisture inside a structural cavity in your Enfield home, they have the following two options to dry the structure-

Applying positive air pressure
Applying negative air pressure

Whether the restorers apply negative or positive pressure depends on the individual situation and the extent of moisture present. Positive pressure is achieved when the drying air is pushed into the cavity. The forced air can improve the circulation and increase the temperature of the surfaces helping them to dry quicker.

Another method of drying the cavities involves drawing out the cool, moist air from recesses after water damage. SERVPRO techs use this method only if there is no visible contamination exists.

When drilling holes into the structure is not feasible or practical, the techs use drying mats to draw out the moisture. Restorers often use drying mats to remove water below tiles or under hardwood floors.

We are committed to helping you when you need it the most, so call SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield at (860) 216-2785 for fast and efficient service. Remember, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Basement Water Damage? Follow These Steps

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency Safety Tips

Whether you have burst pipe water damage, a water damaged floor, storm damage, water damage in your basement, or any other major water cleanup issue, your primary focus should be safety. After any major water damage consider:
• Is your house safe? If you’re not sure, don’t take a chance. Find somewhere else to stay until you’re certain your house is safe again.
• Are there electrical or "slip and fall" hazards? After major storms, these are some of the most prevalent dangers we see.
• Are you only doing things you know are safe? Don’t take risks.
• If you have water damage in the basement can you see what and where you are walking on. Don't walk on or near an area that doesn't have sufficient lighting.

• Are you trying to lift wet materials? If so, be careful. When items are soaked with water they become very heavy.

Contact A Water Removal Service
You’re wise to contact a professional water removal service like SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield. You want the job done right and right away. That’s what we do. Never hesitate to call for help.

Responding Fast To Flood And Water Damage
A SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield highly trained technician can respond immediately to water damaged basements and other flood or water damage at your home or business. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and safely.

The sooner the water is removed and the drying process begun, the better condition your home or business will be in. And the cost to repair water damage will be lower.

Call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield to discuss. Call 860.216.2785. We’re the water removal service professionals who have saved property and saved money for the owners of flooded basements and water damaged properties. We've served clients in Ellington, West Hartford, Avon, Springfield, Manchester, Bloomfield, and beyond.

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services in Northern CT

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

The flooded basement was caused by leaky pipes.

Are you suffering from water damage in north central Connecticut? Don’t worry SERVPRO is here to help. From small puddles to big floods we’ve got you covered. SERVPRO's water damage restoration service cleans and restores your belongings and building materials to their original state. When it comes to flooding or water damage, speed is crucial. The sooner the damage is reduced, the more likely it is to rescue building materials, personal belongings, and avoid mold growth.

When a water damage disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield is ready to provide 24/7 emergency water damage restoration in Connecticut!

Water Damage's Unseen Hazards

It is critical to use SERVPRO of Bloomfield, CT's experienced water damage restoration services to avoid this. You'll have a hard time cleaning and drying regions such under the floors or in the walls, but we will ensure they are 100% dried and cleaned.

What to do after flooding?

You’ve been hit by water damage. Now what? Be sure to follow SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s tips to ensure you follow the proper steps to avoid further damage.

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

We're Here for You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm, and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002

IICRC Certified

Noemi Garcia

Certified SERVPRO technicians

Call 860.216.2785

24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Frozen Bursting Water Pipes? Here's the scoop

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

When you have suffered a disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

When you hear of the potentially disastrous effects bursting water pipes can have, you may wonder what causes a pipe to burst. The short answer is the expansion of hydrogen and oxygen molecules, but let’s be realistic - what you’re probably wondering is how to prevent bursting pipes and what to do in the unfortunate case that pipes do freeze and can’t hold the pressure.

Let’s start by talking about what steps can be taken on the preventive side:

Tip #1: Insulate your pipes

This is the A-#1 tip to reduce the risk of pipes freezing and bursting. When your pipes are properly insulated, you decrease the risk of bursting pipes significantly. Here are a couple of things to consider when choosing the right insulation for your pipes:

Location matters. Are you insulating indoor or outdoor pipes? The colder the area the pipes are in, the more necessary it is to insulate. Not only does this help with the bursting risk factor but there are a few bonus benefits, as well!!

R-value rating. Why does this matter? In short, the R-value refers to the amount of thermal insulation provided by the insulation product and is rated on a scale between 1 - 5. The higher the R-value rating, the more protection your pipes will have. NOTE: All pipe insulation products should have the R-value rating clearly marked on the packaging or in the product description.

Tip #2: Let your faucets drip slightly

Letting your faucets drip ever so slightly will help release pressure in pipes helping to avoid the chance of burst pipes. Keeping water moving a little makes it harder to freeze. This isn’t the most eco-friendly solution, but it has been known to help. (You can also keep a bucket under the slow dripping faucet to capture the water and use it to water plants or wash dishes!)

Tip #3: Keep your thermostat temperature consistent

Keeping the temperature at a steady level inside your home helps combat fluctuation in pipe temperature, which could factor in freezing pipes.

In closing, remember that things happen and these tips are not 100% guaranteed, but will definitely help. In the event that you do have an emergency situation, remember that SERVPRO is certified and ready to help.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your residence or commercial building and your property after suffering damage from a fire, storm, water, mold, or biohazard disaster. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785.

When you have suffered a disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm, and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002

IICRC Certified

Noemi Garcia

Certified SERVPRO technicians

Call 860.216.2785

24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Keep Water Out of Your Suffield Basement

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Following these tips from SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield can help prevent water from entering your Suffield basement.

When your basement floods, it can cost you time and money—and may ruin appliances, furnishings and personal belongings that you have stored there. Sometimes the flood is from a sudden intense storm, a burst pipe or an appliance leak, but often the water enters more slowly and frequently, leaving you with ongoing damage to your Suffield home.

Prevent Water from Entering Your Basement

A common cause of water in basements in north central Connecticut is from foundation leaks. If you have a perimeter drainage system that isn’t keeping the water out, you’ll want to hire a professional waterproofing firm to correct or upgrade your system.

But often, the fix is much easier and faster—and something you can do yourself. Typically, you want to home in on the features of your house and yard that direct water away from your foundation.

Check your gutters. Your house’s drainage system includes your gutters and downspouts. Gutters can get clogged with leaves and debris, so make sure they are cleaned out; some homeowners have to do this a couple of times a year if trees surround the home.

Next, check your cleaned-out gutters after a heavy rainfall. If water overflows along the run of a gutter, it may need to be adjusted to the appropriate angle to direct water to the downspout.

Your downspouts should extend far enough to prevent water from pooling near your foundation. If not, purchase extenders to carry the water ten feet or more away from your home.

Check your slope. The ground surrounding your home should slope away from the foundation on all sides to carry water away from your foundation. You can fill in small depressions or swales with clay-based soil, but if there are large soggy areas or your home is surrounded by hills that drain water toward it, you’ll need to hire a civil engineer to regrade your property.

SERVPRO to the Water Damage Rescue

When you do get water in your basement, you can call on SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield to clean up the damage. We are the north central Connecticut experts in water damage restoration and we will arrive at your home quickly, gauge the damage and outline a plan to get you back to normal. And we don’t just repair structural damage; we can clean, sanitize and restore your possessions affected by the water damage, including furniture, personal items—even clothing. We’ll even coordinate with your insurance company to expedite your homeowners claim!

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here for You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

What’s It Like to Hire SERVPRO for Water Damage Remediation Services?

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Your home's water damage may be small or large, but SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield will respond promptly, clean up thoroughly and work respectfully.

All these situations need to be treated as a true water emergency and dealt with promptly and professionally. That’s why you should call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield to restore your home and property back to before-damage condition. SERVPRO has the people, tools and experience to do your water damage cleanup and restoration job the right way. See what our customers have to say about working with us.

“The team was amazing! They did an excellent job and worked every moment they were here. Extremely efficient and everything looks great!!!”—Deb in Manchester

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Clean Up Water Damage in Your Bloomfield Home the Right Way

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Even if you have just a little water damage in your Bloomfield home, you need to get everything completely dried and dehumidified—and it's not easy.

Small or large, water damage in your Bloomfield house needs to be taken seriously. Puddles or flood, it’s a genuine emergency that can end up costing you thousands of dollars. The problem is, the job is not as simple as mopping up the water and hoping it dries.

It’s not just the water you see on the floor that’s the problem; it’s also the moisture. Your floors, floor coverings, walls, furnishings and possessions all need to be 100% dried out. That’s not something you can necessarily do by yourself. And if you try, will you be sure all the moisture is removed? If not, you can suffer more structural damage, lingering odors and the very real potential for a serious mold infestation.

A professional water damage remediation company like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield will bring your home and property back to before-damage condition. SERVPRO has the people, tools and experience to do the job the right way.

Removing the Water

SERVPRO brings in our powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove the majority of water from your property—sometimes, hundreds or thousands of gallons! Depending on how much water needs to be removed, we may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial wet/dry vacuums.

Among the other tools and equipment we use to remove the water from your Bloomfield home are:

Moisture detectors, hygrometers and other meters to measure the degree of saturation
Infrared cameras that can detect water lurking behind walls and ceilings

It’s important that water removal be done thoroughly, which will speed up the next step, drying and dehumidifying.

Drying Your Property

Even the best water extraction equipment cannot remove all the moisture in floors and walls that have been soaked. Because nearly all building materials (such as wood, drywall and flooring materials) are porous, they absorb water, and that can cause them to swell, warp, degrade or become infested with mold.

The SERVPRO crew measures square footage, temperature and humidity levels to calculate how many air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to dry your home. Then we bring our best equipment to bear on restoring your home:

Industrial-grade dehumidifiers to help prevent secondary water damage (swelling and warping)
High-speed air movers to create airflow that accelerates the evaporation of moisture

We’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until everything is sufficiently dried and dehumidified.

Meanwhile, SERVPRO dries, cleans and deodorizes your furnishings and personal possessions. When everything is fully restored, we return your property to your home, leaving you with no traces of the water disaster!

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has the people, skills and equipment to help homeowners recover from water damage and eradicate mold. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785 any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

SERVPRO Basement Flood Cleanup in Enfield CT

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Basement Flood Cleanup in Enfield CT

Sometimes floodwaters enter your home when you least expect them. When the water recedes, it usually leaves a dirty mess behind. In winter, sometimes the snow melts so quickly it rises fast and flows right into your basement. Springtime rains often cause water surges that require emergency flood cleanup.

We know that rising water can damage your home day or night, so we’re ready to work whenever you make the call. When we perform SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT homes, we bring the manpower and equipment to take on any mess a flood leaves behind.

At SERVPRO, we’re experts at getting your home back to normal. Whether you need basement flood cleaning services or a top-to-bottom flooded house cleanup, we have the expertise to get the job done right. We respond 24/7 and we work fast.

SERVPRO Basement Flood Cleanup

When you need SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT, we send professional cleaning and restoration experts to your home. Each member of our team is a SERVPRO-trained professional. We arrive with specialized industrial equipment to remove water, dry out surfaces, dehumidify, deodorize and restore your home to its pre-flood condition.

Basement Flood Cleanup Walkthrough

Before we get started with SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT homes, we inspect your basement and evaluate the damage. We do a walkthrough to search for visible and hidden damage. We inspect unfinished and finished areas for signs of floodwater damage. We look for areas that require black water clean up and examine porous surfaces for water saturation. We see what needs to be done and we plan our work accordingly.

Separating Damaged and Undamaged Property

Protecting and salvaging property is essential to SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT homes. When dry property and floodwater-soaked property remain in the same storage areas, the wet items often contaminate the dry items. We separate damaged and undamaged personal property to minimize the risk of additional loss.

Water Removal

We begin SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT homes by using industrial-grade extraction equipment extraction to quickly remove the water. Wet fabrics, carpets, and other porous items provide a fertile environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Our equipment gives us the power to extract the water and dry out your most vulnerable surfaces.

Dry-Out

SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT promises a thorough dry-out and cleanup process. We understand that bacteria, mold, and mildew often remain a concern after floodwaters leave your home. They thrive on porous surfaces that retain moisture. Even if you can’t see bacteria, mold, and mildew, you can smell and sometimes feel the contaminants in the air. They sometimes cause health effects for young children and adults with sensitive lungs. We minimize this risk by drying out any remaining moisture with specialized drying equipment.

Dehumidification

When your home has flood damage, humidity often lingers in the air. When fabrics and other surfaces absorb the moisture, it often causes mold, mildew, and gradual deterioration. We use industrial dehumidifiers to remove the moisture from the air before it causes problems.

Dehumidification is critical to SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT homes. To do it right, we calculate room sizes, relative humidity, and temperature. We use these measurements to determine how many dehumidifiers we need and where to place them for the best results.

Odor Removal

Floodwaters often contain bacteria, sewage, dirt, and organic materials. The waters recede, but they leave odor-producing debris behind. If left untreated, the odor often moves beyond your basement into the rest of your home. During our SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT homes, odor removal is one of our most important steps. We use specialized equipment and solutions to eliminate odors before they drift into the rest of your home.

Restoration Completion

We complete your restoration by repairing and salvaging items we identified during our walkthrough. Our tasks often include drywall replacement, painting, and carpet cleaning. We clean and repair salvaged items and arrange to replace furniture and decor as needed.

Commercial Flood Cleanup

We also provide commercial SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Mansfield CT. Our team performs expert flood cleanup services for any type of business in any size commercial or industrial building. We bring the manpower and the equipment to perform each task professionally. We work quickly to minimize your business downtime.

Contact SERVPRO

We’re a local business but we’re proud to be part of the national SERVPRO team. We are IICRC Certified. We provide SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT homes and businesses, and we’re just a phone call away.

For more information about SERVPRO basement flood cleanup in Enfield CT, give us a call at (860) 216-2785.

How to Avoid Water Damage From Frozen Pipes

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen and burst pipes can cause expensive water damage to your Bloomfield home. This is how to prevent or stop the damage.

One of a homeowner’s most dreaded events is a frozen and burst pipe. The water damage that can occur can be tremendous, ruining both furnishings and structural elements of your home—and even create a serious mold problem.

In just the first 24 hours, 250 gallons of water can flow from a burst pipe, and cleanup costs can reach well over $50,000. Insurers know that the average residential water damage claim ranges from $10,000 to $15,000.

Unfortunately, here in central Connecticut, we are at the mercy of New England winters and their frigid temperatures. Pipes can freeze from being uninsulated and exposed to extremely cold temperatures or even merely freezing weather that lasts for days and days. Even a strong, constant wind can drive the temperature around your pipes down enough to allow them to freeze.

Here’s what happens when a pipe freezes:

Ice blocks the interior of the pipe and expands.
The ice creates pressure inside of the pipe that can reach up to 1,000 times the normal pressure.
The pipe bursts, not always at the blockage, but wherever the water pressure finds a weak spot.
Sometimes the leak starts when the pipe bursts, but not always. Sometimes nothing much happens until the frozen pipe starts to thaw and leak.

Unfortunately, when the leaking occurs out of sight—behind a wall or ceiling or in a basement, for instance—that burst pipe has a chance to create lots of water damage before you even know it.

Do You Have a Frozen Pipe?

While the frozen pipe may be hidden, certain clues may give it away. Your may notice a difference in your water flow:

Reduced water pressure in the sink or shower
Discolored water
No water flowing at all from a faucet
A toilet that doesn’t refill

Or you may notice some other signs:

Sounds: dripping, bubbling or whistling noises in pipes or behind walls
Smells: odd or unpleasant odors from drains or sinks
Stains: discoloration or water stains on walls or ceiling

And of course, any dripping, puddles or gushing water can be a clear sign of a burst pipe, too!

Any of these clues should spur you to hunt for a frozen or burst pipe. The culprit is likely to be near an exterior wall, at the foundation near where the water service enters your home, in the basement, attic, garage or crawlspace, or under sinks—all places that may not be particularly well insulated.

Start the hunt by turning on all the faucets one by one:

If none of the faucets work, your freeze is probably close to where the main water pipe enters your house.
Once you find a non-working faucet, work your way back toward the main water line to determine the general area of the blockage or leak.

With the location of the freeze narrowed down, now you can investigate further:

Look for an area of pipe that has a layer of condensation on it. There may even be a spot where the condensation has frozen.
Feel for temperature differences along a pipe. The coldest spot should be the ice blockage.

Prevent the Pipe from Bursting if You Can

Depending on whether there’s an active leak, you may have found the freeze in time to prevent most of the water damage. If the pipe is still frozen, take these steps:

Shut off the water to the whole house at the main valve and open up all the faucets in your home (this will relieve pressure).
Thaw the blockage by gently warming the pipe. You can use a hair dryer to start warming the pipe at the faucet or fixture and work your way back to the frozen spot. Or you can wrap an electric heating pad or towels soaked in hot water around the pipe.
If pipes inside an exterior wall are freezing, cut an opening in the wall to expose the pipes to the home's warm air. Wrap insulation around the pipe and up against the exterior wall. (Cover the hole later with a hinged door or panel, which will allow access during future freezes.)

Finding a Burst or Leaking Pipe

Your job’s not over when you’ve managed to thaw out a frozen pipe. Now you have to determine if that pipe has burst anywhere along its length or developed a pinhole leak.

Turn the water on at the main valve and listen for leaks or dripping. A sound of water rushing in your walls is an indication that you have a burst. In that case, shut the water off immediately. Likewise, if you see a flood or puddle of water, turn the main valve off pronto.
If there’s no obvious sounds or sights to indicate a burst pipe, investigate further to see if you have a smaller leak. Check seams and joints visually for small leaks. At the same time, run your fingers over these areas to detect the slightest moisture.
If you still haven’t found any leaks, go around your home and turn on each faucet in turn. You’re looking for low water pressure, which can indicate that you have a slow leak in that particular line.

You Have a Leak: Now What?

Small or large, that leak you have found needs to be dealt with promptly. Water damage leads to a complicated and costly cleanup, so you’re much better off preventing as much of the damage as possible.

Act quickly by taking some or all of these steps:

Consider cutting the electricity to your house if the leak is substantial or if water on the floor poses a risk of electrocution.
For a large leak, use a circular sleeve clamp lined with rubber to form a waterproof seal. Because you’ll need to have the correct size on hand, consider keeping different sized sleeve clamps on hand.
Make your own temporary patch out of a length of flexible rubber from an old radiator or heater hose. Slide it over the leak, place a small block of wood over the leaky area and clamp it with a C-clamp.
For a small pinhole leak, wrap good-quality duct tape tightly around the pipe to hold back the water until you can get a plumber to your home.
If your burst pipe is overhead, drill weep holes in the ceiling to drain out the water.
Clean up all standing water. This will keep you safer while helping to reduce the chances of water damage and mold growth.

SERVPRO Will Clean Up the Water Damage—Completely

The problem with water damage is that it’s challenging to clean up completely and if not done right, can lead to further problems down the road. You can attempt your own cleanup for minor leaks if the damage to your structure isn’t too severe and the items affected—furniture and property—aren’t too heavily damaged.

The key to effective water damage cleanup from a burst or leaking pipe, though, is to know if all the moisture is removed—and a homeowner can only guess at that. (Oh, and you need to get your home and property dried out within 48 hours of the leak, because that’s when mold can start to grow.)

With all that, your best bet is to call a professional water damage remediation company like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield. When it comes to water damage, we have seen it all! Our skilled damage restoration experts have the know-how, equipment and products to thoroughly clean and restore your home and property to its before-water-damage condition. Here’s our process:

Inspect and assess: We arrive promptly at your home and inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled. With this information we can devise a plan to ensure proper and complete restoration of your water damage.

Remove and extract water: We start the water removal process ASAP. Using powerful pumps and vacuum units, we quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, helping to prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Dry and dehumidify: Next, we use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our professionals use room measurements, temperature and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Clean and sanitize: We clean all the restorable items and structures damaged by the water using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Restore: Finally, we restore your home or business to its pre-water-damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

If you’ve suffered water damage from a burst or frozen pipe, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield will work closely with you to be sure that all the damage is 100% cleaned up and repaired, that your possessions are completely restored and that the whole process is as smooth as can be—from pack-out through final move-in—even including coordinating your insurance claim.

Prevent Water Damage from a Frozen or Burst Pipe: Before a Freeze

Reduce the chances of a burst or leaking pipe after a freeze and avoid the resulting water damage to your home and possessions by taking some steps before and during a freeze. Here’s how to keep your pipes too warm to freeze in the first place.

Protect your pipes

Start with an evaluation of your vulnerable pipes in the areas of your house, such as your basement, attic, garage and crawl space, that are more exposed to cold. Also check under bathroom and kitchen sinks. Determine which ones are most at risk of freezing. Check for wear and damage, too.

Insulate those at-risk pipes in the attic, crawl space or other out-of-the-way place with un-faced fiberglass insulation (wear protective gear) or foam pipe sleeves. Or wrap the pipes with heat trace cables.

Keep the cold out and the heat in

These steps will help prevent heat from escaping your home, potentially saving you on your heating bills, too.

Seal up gaps around doors, windows and outlets with caulk.
Insulate larger areas in the attic or basement by screwing foam board to wood framing. Use rigid foam insulation to insulate foundation walls in the basement.
Install storm windows and replace broken or old windows with energy-efficient ones.

Use a smart leak/flood detector

Smart leak/flood detectors and water-shutoff valves let you immediately stop a flood of water, practically eliminating water damage. Connected to your home’s Wi-Fi, the smart leak detector can send an alert to your smartphone if it detects a drop in water pressure. Some devices shut the water off automatically, while others let you do it remotely through the app.

Prevent Water Damage from a Frozen or Burst Pipe: During a Freeze

During a cold snap, check up on your vulnerable pipes and take these steps to minimize the chances of water damage.

Keep a slow drip of water trickling through the pipes.
Open doors to cabinets, vanities, closets and pantries to allow warm air to surround the pipes.
Use space heaters to warm up areas near vulnerable pipes.
Gently warm the most vulnerable pipes with a hair dryer, heating pad or cloths soaked in hot water.

If you know you’ll be away from your home during a freeze, take these steps to avoid returning to a burst pipe and a water disaster.

Keep your thermostat at 55° F or higher.
Shut off the house's main water valve.
Use a freeze-sensing system that will monitor your home's internal temperature, and set up a smart leak detector that will shut your water off at the first sign of a leak.
Ask a trusted neighbor to check inside your home once a week.

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Burst Frozen Pipe Cleanup in Suffield, CT

1/16/2021 (Permalink)

Burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT causing basement flooding.

At SERVPRO, we understand that most burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT homes can be challenging. Our team of professionals provides the assistance you need to handle your emergency. We respond fast with the workforce and the equipment to get the job done.

When a pipe freezes and bursts, it requires immediate attention. Water flows throughout your home, leaving a trail of damage behind. When it pools in your coldest rooms, it sometimes freezes. The result is often a combination of water damage and ice damage.

SERVPRO professionals give burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT homes our traditional commitment. Our highly-trained staff remains on-call 24/7. We respond when you need us, and we arrive ready to do the work. Whether your problem begins with an appliance leak, a broken pipe, or a frozen pipe leak repair, we do the job quickly and professionally.

SERVPRO Burst Frozen Water Pipe Damage Cleanup

Timing is crucial when managing burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT homes. If you plan to submit an insurance claim, the coverage issues are often complicated, but your duty to protect your property is clear. When we enter your home, we keep that in mind. We help protect your property by extracting flooding quickly, separating your contents, and drying wet areas before they freeze.

To accomplish this, SERVPRO uses specially designed extraction, deodorizing, cleaning, dehumidifying, and drying equipment. We do what's necessary to protect your property and minimize the chances of further damage.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

Before we begin on SERVPRO's burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT homes, we conduct a thorough inspection. We walk through your home to document visible damage. We also search for areas where water might accumulate or freeze and cause hidden harm. Once we've inspected the areas involved, we establish a strategy to do the work quickly.

Water Extraction

We quickly sort and separate damaged and undamaged property. This is an essential aspect of burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT homes. When dry property remains in saturated areas, the water often damages items that could have been salvaged.

After separating your property, we bring in our specialized extraction equipment. Our team then removes the water before it has a chance to cause damage or freeze. The faster we complete the process, the more property we save.

Drying

When a porous surface becomes saturated, it requires extraction and drying to remove all the moisture. Moist surfaces provide an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. Within days, you can smell it on porous surfaces and in the air.

To achieve optimum drying, we use drying equipment in every affected room. Our industrial equipment dries your property, stops ice from forming, and prevents mold and mildew from causing permanent damage.

Dehumidification

After extraction and drying, moisture often lingers in the air. Excess water settles into your furniture, flooring, carpets, and other porous surfaces. Then gradually damages your property and provides an ideal environment for mold and mildew. To minimize the risk of this additional damage, the SERVPRO team dehumidifies the air.

We calculate room-size, relative humidity, and temperature in each affected area. The data helps us determine the number of industrial dehumidifiers we need and where to place them. The process removes the humidity from your home and helps to prevent ongoing damage.

Odor Removal

Each frozen pipe burst homes' recovery process doesn't end when the moisture is dry. Next, we complete the SERVPRO deodorizing process to remove the odors that soaked properties leave in the air. Our team uses industrial scrubbers, foggers, and odor-neutralizing products.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Effective burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT homes, requires cleaning and sanitizing all affected surfaces. The SERVPRO team performs these tasks using specialized equipment and professional-grade solutions.

Repair and Restoration

Burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT homes, inevitably require restoration and repair. We do wall reconstruction, drywall replacement, painting, and other repair and restoration tasks. We also salvage, repair, or replace home decor and furnishings. We work professionally to restore your home to its previous condition.

Commercial Building Restoration

SERVPRO professionals also perform commercial burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT. We have the workforce, expertise, technology, and equipment to manage any size job in any facility. We work quickly to minimize business downtime.

Contact SERVPRO

We are a locally owned and operated SERVPRO franchise, and we're committed to recovering homes. When you call us, we respond immediately, and we get the job done fast.

For more information about burst frozen pipe cleanup in Suffield, CT, give us a call at (860) 649-0836.

Water Damage Cleanup in Granby CT

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Cleanup in a Basement in Granby CT

Basement Water Damage Cleanup in Granby CT

Water Damage Cleanup in Granby CT

When you call SERVPRO for water damage cleanup in Granby CT, we arrive ready to get the job done. We’re on call 24/7 because when water damages your home, it’s an emergency.

A broken pipe or a leaking roof can release a damaging stream into your home. Water settles into porous furnishings, floors, and decor and begins causing damage immediately. Without prompt cleanup, water deteriorates fabric, wood, and other surfaces. It stains upholstery, carpeting, and draperies, and leaves behind damp areas where mold and mildew thrive.

At SERVPRO, we are cleanup and restoration professionals. We understand that water from a broken pipe or a leaky roof can cause significant damage in a very short period of time. When you call our team for water damage cleanup in Granbury CT, we take steps to save your home from further damage.

Our team brings in specialized equipment and solutions to maximize our efforts. We are highly trained professionals who get the work done right every time.

SERVPRO Water Damage Cleanup

When water flows into your living areas, you don’t care how it got there. You just want it gone. Whether your problem started because of pipes freezing or a hot water heater leaking, you just want your home livable again. Until your flooring, walls, furniture, and home furnishings are dry, clean, and odor-free, it doesn’t feel like home at all.

When you need water damage cleanup in Granby, CT, our team arrives fully prepared to do the job. We implement a multi-step process to restore your home as quickly as possible.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

Before we begin residential water damage cleanup in Granby CT homes, we conduct a thorough inspection. We do a walkthrough, looking for obvious and not-so-obvious damage. This is an important step as water not only saturates surfaces in the open, it also finds its way into hidden spaces. Once we determine what we need to accomplish, we establish a strategy for completing your water damage cleanup and discuss our recommendations with you.

Water Extraction

We separate your wet and dry property before we begin water extraction. This allows us to minimize the damage that occurs when wet and dry property come into contact because they share the same space. We use specialized industrial equipment to extract as much water as possible.

Drying

We use industrial driers to remove the remaining moisture. When surfaces finish drying naturally, they often stay damp, allowing mildew and mold spores to settle in and grow. Damp surfaces provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. Within days of a water release, you will notice the scent throughout your home. Industrial driers remove moisture completely. This eliminates disrupts mold and mildew growth before it damages fabric and surfaces in your home.

Dehumidification

When you have water-saturated areas in your home, moisture lingers in the air. It increases when water evaporates as we dry your property. Eventually, moisture settles on porous surfaces allowing problems to continue.

To effectively dehumidify your home, the SERVPRO team measures each room’s size, relative humidity, and temperature. We use these factors to calculate the correct number of industrial humidifiers and air circulators to place in each room.

Odor Removal

Odor removal is our next step in completing water damage cleanup in Granby CT homes. We remove offensive odors with industrial scrubbers, foggers, and other specialized equipment. We use odor-neutralizing solutions to finish the deodorization process.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

To complete our water damage cleanup in Granby CT homes, we clean and sanitize each room. We perform this task using specialized equipment and professional-grade solutions.

Repair and Restoration

When the SERVPRO team completes your water damage cleanup, we perform the repairs necessary to restore your home. This sometimes includes drywall replacement, painting, structural repairs, furnishing replacements, and other tasks.

Commercial Building Restoration

The SERVPRO team also performs commercial water damage cleanup in Granby CT. We handle all clean-up and restoration jobs regardless of building size or facility type. Our staff works fast and efficiently to minimize business interruptions.

Contact SERVPRO

We are a locally owned and operated SERVPRO franchise, and we’re committed to professional performance. When you call us, we respond quickly to your emergency. For more information about water damage cleanup in Granby CT, give us a call at (860) 649-0836.

What to Do If You Have Emergency Water Damage in Bloomfield CT

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency Water Damage in Bloomfield CT

Did you know that hurricanes cause an estimated $4.6 billion in emergency water damage per event? And that’s just the damage caused by storms! It’s not even counting things like overflow, burst pipes, and sewage backup. Emergency water damage is scary because it can ruin properties and affect the inhabitant’s health.

As such, it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible. But exactly what should you do when you discover water damage? And is all water damage serious? If you have these types of questions, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about dealing with this home problem. Let’s get started!

What Are the Different Types of Emergency Water Damage?

Before we begin, it’s important to first go over the different types of emergency water damage. Keep in mind that the extent of the damage is often determined by the type of water in the house.

There are three types of water: white, grey, and black. Blackwater, which contains fecal matter, is the greatest cause for concern. You can learn more about them by checking out this guide here. However, it’s vital to remember that even the smallest leak is capable of developing into a dangerous mold. So, all water damage should be handled with abundant caution.

Sewer Backup

Sewer backup occurs when raw sewage is forced into your home through pipes and drains. Generally, this is one of the more costly types of damage since it almost always involves black water. There are a variety of things that can cause this type of water damage. More often than not it’s caused by a large block in the city sanitary main or aging pipes.

However, it can also be caused by natural events like storms. This happens when leaves or other debris block the gutter system. The result is a backup entering the home.

Overflow Damage

Overflow occurs when water escapes from appliances. This can be caused by clogs, like when a toilet overflows from a clog. However, it can also be caused by machines that are beginning to break down. For example, when a water heater breaks down it can discharge water and flood an entire area.

Most of the time the water that comes out of this type of situation is greywater. However, in some cases, it can also be black water. Often people associate overflow with appliances like dishwashers and toilets. However, you’d be surprised by the number of household appliances that can cause flood-like conditions.

Flooding

While sewer backup and overflow can cause flooding, the term refers to a specific type of water damage. Officially, flooding involves water that enters your home from a source that overflowed. Generally speaking, a flood isn’t localized to one house. It affects acres and acres of land. As such, the term is reserved for the type of flooding that accompanies hurricanes and other rough storms.

Flooding can contain a mixture of grey and black water, depending on the area where it hit. These are generally the most serious types of water damage because they can cover rooms, floors, and even the entire property, in water.

Construction Damage

Construction water damage occurs when buildings undergo major construction. For example, if a roof is damaged, then there may be a large hole in it for an extended period.

During this time a rainstorm can cause water to enter the home. Generally, this type of damage is the least serious. However, it can still cause serious damage in the form of mold if left unattended. Temporary solutions like tarps and buckets are a good way of protecting against this construction water damage until you can get it fixed.

What to Do When You Discover Emergency Water Damage

When you discover emergency water damage there are typically a million things running through your head. What should you do first? Call someone? Deal with the water?

It can be easy to panic and make a potentially dangerous mistake. Luckily, in this section, we’ve broken down what you should do into six easy steps you can follow. Just make sure to follow these tips, and you should be fine.

1) Make Sure Everyone is Safe and Stop the Water

The most important thing is safety. Emergency damage caused by flooding presents a potentially dangerous situation, especially if it comes in contact with electrical devices. Contact with charged water can cause serious injury or even death. As such, if the situation is serious, then you should evacuate yourself and your family from the area.

If you can, then you should try to get any valuable objects you don’t want to lose — things like family jewelry, cash, or heirlooms. However, remember that no material possessions are worth your life. It’s not worth it to try and risk your safety for these objects. You can make the situation safer by turning off the main power and all the individual fuses.

You should do this even if your power isn’t working. However, don’t try it if you can’t safely access the power controls. Next, you should try to stop the flow of water. More water means more damage, so the quicker you can stop it.

If you can’t access your home, or you can’t identify the source of water, then you immediately contact a professional. Once you do, they’ll immediately walk you through the water damage restoration process.

2) Remove the Standing Water (If Possible)

The longer that standing water is left sitting, the more damage it will do. As such, if you have the means, then you should try removing it yourself. You will require a sump pump to deal with standing water. If there isn’t much water, then you may be able to get away with a wet vac.

However, before you begin, make sure that you first put on protective gear. This includes things like a respirator, rain boots, and rubber gloves to protect you from the contaminants in the water. When using a sump pump you should find the lowest spot possible in the flooded area. In some instances, you’ll need to lower the pump down with a rope.

Never dive down into flood water to place the sump pump. Once you get most of the water out of the area, open all the windows and doors in your house to let air start circulating. If you want more tips on what to do immediately after flooding, then check out our guide on dealing with water damage.

3) Document the Damage and Contact Insurance Company (If Applicable)

After you deal with the standing water, it’s important to document the extent of the damage with detailed pictures. This step is important even if you don’t have insurance. You can send them to repair and restoration professionals to quickly give them an idea of what they’re dealing with.

If you have water damage insurance, then you should contact your agent as soon as possible. The quicker you get in touch with them, the faster you can get access to your claim. Once you have them on the phone allow the agent to walk you through the process. Most of the time you will need to make a detailed list of the damages caused by the water.

Also, ask about samples. Some insurance companies require samples of water damage, like a moldy piece of rug. You should also keep receipts of all your expenses during the cleaning process.

Some insurance providers will even cover things like motel bills during the nights when you can’t stay at the house. Unfortunately, many insurance companies don’t cover flooding that occurs during storms or other natural events. Usually, this requires a separate policy.

4) Clean Up to Protect Your Health

Now it’s time to start cleaning up your home. The first thing you should do is get rid of any debris that may have entered. Make sure you are careful of any potentially dangerous debris like sharp objects, fecal matter, and mud. If the damage is extensive, then it may not be safe to live in your home.

During this time you should also move your furniture and electronics to a safe place where they can dry out. Once you remove as much physical debris as you can, spray down the area with clean water. Now it's time to prevent mold growth. Mold typically develops within a day or two of contact with water.

As such, time is of the essence. Remove any carpets from the area. Mold is next to impossible to remove from carpet fibers. Then, disinfect all hard surfaces with a bleach solution. However, typically families can set up a clean room, that’s untouched from damage. You can live in this room until all the serious restoration and cleaning has been finished.

However, organizations like the AFHH recommend not having children in your home during this process. Unfortunately, even the most thorough DIY cleaning isn’t enough to stop the water from absorbing into your drywall, floor, and ceiling. As such, you will need to consider hiring restoration services.

5) Begin the Restoration Process

Even the most thorough DIY cleaning process likely won’t be enough to entirely rid your home of water damage. As such, we highly recommend hiring a professional to check the extent of the damage. The individuals are knowledgeable enough to spot hidden damage that will get worse if left unchecked.

You can find these types of companies through your insurance provider or on your own. Typically, if you go through your insurance company, then they’ll give you references you can use. However, if you aren’t insured, or you don’t want the insurance company’s reference, then you will need to find a company on your own.

So how do you find a company you can trust? One way is by making sure that they’re certified with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or the IICRC. IICRC’s standards ensure that only respectable companies can become certified.

How to Prevent Water Damage in the Future

If you suffered expensive repairs because of water damage, then you probably want to know how you can prevent it in the future. While there is no 100% effective solution, there are practical measures you can take to reduce the extent of damages. For example, consider replacing the floors in flood-prone rooms with waterproof material like concrete, tile, or stone.

You should also check for leaks and cracks around your property. Water can easily enter through these areas so make sure you seal them. If your water damage was caused by faulty pipes or appliances, then you should replace or repair them.

You can also stop potential seepage by rearranging your storm drains and gutters. Make sure these things are facing away from the house so that water doesn’t get in the basement or into the foundation. If your basement is prone to flooding, then you should consider putting appliances on risers. This will protect things like your washing machine and dryer from small floods.

Do You Need Help With Emergency Water Damage? Contact SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

We hope this article helped teach you what to do when you discover emergency water damage. When it comes to this type of property damage, preparation is key. Unfortunately, even the most prepared individuals can be taken by surprise. When you feel overwhelmed by home damage, then get in touch with a professional like the SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield.

When it comes to protecting our Connecticut communities from water damage, you won’t find a more trained team of specialists. We offer 24/7 emergency services that will get to you faster than any other company. Don’t let minor water damage turn into a massive problem by ignoring it. Contact us today and let us help you get your life back to normal.

Leak in Basement? Get the Water Out Fast with a Sump Pump

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

You can stop a basement water disaster in its tracks with a high-quality, reliable sump pump. Here's why and how to buy one.

Never had a water leak in your basement? Good for you, but don’t relax just yet. Many homeowners know they have a slow, minor leak and they deal with it as needed. But so many others have a perfectly dry basement … until they suddenly don’t. This kind of water disaster often happens after a heavy rainstorm or a severe snowmelt overwhelms your outside drains, sending water into your basement. A basement flood can also occur if an appliance in your basement, such as a water heater or washing machine, leaks.

Even without an indication that you may have a water problem in your basement, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield recommends installing a sump pump to prevent a sudden flood from damaging your property and structure.

A water-activated sump pump sits either in a pit (or sump) in your basement floor or just above the floor. Water collects in the sump pit (slowly or rapidly, depending on the leak), and when it reaches a certain level, the pump turns on and pumps the water outside your home.

What Kind of Pump Should I Buy?

A reliable, well-working sump pump can keep your basement dry and prevent severe water damage. You should only purchase and install a sump pump that is well reviewed. If you’re not handy, have it installed by a professional.

SERVPRO also advises that you consider purchasing a second pump for backup in case the first one fails or is overwhelmed by water. You can either store the backup pump nearby or have it installed next to the first one. Consider, also, choosing a second pump that has a battery backup. That way, if the power goes out, as it often does during a big storm, this second pump will still work.

We recommend choosing a sump with these features:

A submersible pump (which sits in the sump pit) can be covered with a lid to keep debris out and block operating noise
A pump with a cast iron core will last longer than one with a plastic core
A pump with a mechanical switch will be more reliable than one with a pressure switch
A pump designed with no-screen intake and an impellor will experience fewer clogs
A solid float is preferred because it won’t get filled with water and burn out your pump’s motor
A pump with an alarm offers more protection from a flood by alerting you that water has exceeded a set level

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Keep Water Out of Your Basement

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Water flows from a home's gutter to its foundation

Regular maintenance, repairs and smart planting can help prevent water from entering and damaging your basement.

You can live in your home for a decade or more, and never experience water damage in your basement, but that is no guarantee that it will never happen. Sometimes water enters a basement through condensation or seepage, but sometimes it enters in a gush after a heavy rainstorm or snow melt. The fact is, 98% of basements in the U.S. will be damaged by water.

The most obvious sign of water in your basement is a pool of water on the floor. Water can enter your basement from a leaking roof or through poor drainage outside your home. If you notice water accumulating after a storm, that’s a good indication that water is entering from outside the home.

Regardless of how it gets in, water in your basement can result in ruined carpeting, drywall and framing. It can even buckle flooring above the basement and lead to a stubborn mold infestation. Stains, discoloration, warping, sagging, peeling or bubbling of your walls, floors or ceiling are signs that you have water damage.

What to Do Outside Your Home

For every inch of rain that falls, a 1,500-SF roof sheds 1,000 gallons of water. Your goal is to keep that water outside of your home and basement.

It starts with the grading of your yard. Soil should slope away from your foundation for at least 4 feet, at the rate of 1 inch per foot. If your grading does not meet this standard, add soil to the perimeter of the house and rake it smooth.

If you suspect your property has a high water table, call a professional in to evaluate the situation and determine solutions.

Evaluate your lawn and plantings. Any type of flowers or shrubs close to your foundation can attract water, increasing the chances that water seeps into your basement. Keep small plants at least 12 to 18 inches from your foundation. Planting grass next to your foundation, on the other hand, is beneficial.

Trees should not be too close to your home, as the roots can damage the foundation, leaving cracks that provide a path for water to enter. Plant trees at least 10 or even 20 feet from your house.

Clogged roof gutters are a guaranteed way to encourage water to leak into your home’s foundation, so clean them out regularly. Add 4-foot or longer extensions to your downspouts and have them empty onto splash blocks to guide water away from your foundation.

What to Do Inside Your Home

There are a few tasks you can do to prevent greater damage if you do get some water in your basement:

Regularly test and maintain your sump pump, if you have one.
Patch cracks in walls and waterproof the walls to seal them.
Prevent condensation by running a dehumidifier.

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

6 Signs You Need Water Damage Restoration Services

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Water damaged wall with mold.

In 2017, the total amount of insurance payouts for water damage was $13 billion, with the average claim costing around $10,000. The commonality of water damage means you need to know the signs of water damage so you don't end up paying a ridiculous amount of money.

Read on for six signs you may need water damage restoration services.

1. Stained Walls

The most common sign that you need water damage restoration services is discovering discolored walls or ceilings. This is not a sign of paint aging. You have water damage.

Water will dry between leaks leaving minerals and salt to leave a discolored look on the walls. If you have dark paint, stains can be less noticeable. Look for brown, yellow, green, or orange discoloration in this case.

You may find that your ceilings are the most common place you see discoloration. This does not mean stains cannot occur on the walls or floors too. Anywhere that has pipes, can cause discoloration from a leak.

2. Smelling Mold

If you sense a strong odor throughout the house and it reeks of mold, you have water damage. A water service restoration service should be called right away if you have a moldy smell.

If the smell comes from the walls, the room may feel damp too. Through water damage restoration, the smell can be eliminated by removing all of the excess water.

3. Warped Flooring

One of the most noticeable water damage signs is having warped flooring. When water gets into the subflooring, you will see and even feel it.

Depending on the material of your floor, it could rise or become uneven. Sometimes the floor will break away from the foundation and sink.

Water Damage Cleanup is needed to get under the flooring and remove all of the water.

4. Wall Damage

Wall damage is not the same as discoloration. A leaky pipe could lead to your wall peeling or bubbling up. Soft walls are a sign that there was recent water damage.

If you can visibly see damage on a wall from a leak, it is likely the leak has gone unnoticed for a long time. This means you will need immediate water damage restoration services.

5. Moldy Baseboards

Moisture building up in the home usually comes with mold. Baseboards on a wall could have subtle mold growth that means you have water damage.

Mold is uncommon in a room with windows unless there is water damage. If you spot a moldy baseboard, you can peel it back to see how much damage there is.

6. High Water Bill

If there is an unusual spike in your water bill, something could be wrong. If you are unsure why your bill has all of the sudden gone up, it may be worth it to get your pipes checked out.

Leaks can come from a lot of different places which makes them hard to find. Check the toilets, sinks, and the main water supply. These areas will affect the amount on your bill the most.

Get Water Damage Restoration Services Now

If you are experiencing any of these six issues within your home, you need to get water damage restoration services now. Getting a leak taken care of as soon as possible can save you from further damage on your walls, floors, and even furniture. Don't wait, call the professionals right away.

For more information on water damage restoration services, contact us today.

Where Are Your Home’s Shutoff Valves?

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

If you have a sudden water emergency in your home, you can minimize the damage if you know where your shutoff valves are.

Often without warning, you can experience the bane of homeowners everywhere: a burst or leaky pipe, or even a flooding appliance. Maybe it’s a toilet that seeps or a washing machine hose that splits. Maybe it’s a water stain on a wall, indicating a leaking pipe, or maybe that pipe bursts clear open! Whichever way it happens, you’re in for potentially costly water damage. At that point, your best line of defense is to quickly stop the flood by shutting off the flow of water at its source.

Even if you turn off the shutoff valves at the first sign of trouble, you may still suffer water damage to your home. For everything from a small leak to a water disaster that spans several floors of your home, call on an experienced disaster recovery company like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield, which has specialized training, expert staff and the latest equipment to help you restore your home and possessions.

You’ll be ready to respond to a water disaster in your home if you know where all of the shutoff valves are located and how to operate them.

Locate Your Whole House Shutoffs

Main Shutoff Valve

The location of this valve will vary depending on if you have metered water or a well.

Metered water: the shutoff valve will be on one side of the water meter. The meter itself may be in your basement, on an exterior wall or close to the street in a concrete "meter pit."
Well: the valve will be on the side of the pressure tank nearest the house. (When you shut off the main valve, also cut power to the tank to prevent the motor from burning out trying to compensate for the loss of pressure—then remember to turn the power back on when you restore water flow.)

Hot Water Shutoff Valve

The hot-water outlet on your water heater should have a valve that controls your home’s hot water. If your water heater lacks a valve, have one installed.

Locate Your Appliance and Fixture Shutoffs

Toilet: Look on the toilet under the tank for this shutoff valve, which usually has a ribbed oval handle.
Sink: Look under the sink, inside the vanity or sink cabinet. Typically, the hot water shutoff valve is on the left and the cold water valve on the right.
Dishwasher: You may need to check in a couple of spots for this shutoff valve. First, look on the 1/2-inch hot-water sink-supply line that leads to the dishwasher under the kitchen sink. Not there? Go to your basement, stand below the dishwasher and look up. Find the supply line that runs along the ceiling joists and check for a shutoff valve.
Washing machine: You’ll find these valves (one for hot and one for cold) at the spot where the house-supply lines meet the washer hoses. Tip: Close off these valves when you leave your home for more than a few days.

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Do You Have a Burst Pipe in Your Home?

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

You don't always know right away that you have a burst pipe. These are the signs that you may have a damaging leak in your home.

Many burst pipes in the winter are due to freezing, but pipes can leak from other causes, too, such as poor installation or aging. Just a trickle of water from a small hole can, over time, destroy drywall, ruin flooring and cause other damage that costs you hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair.

Stop the leak before it becomes a big, expensive problem by paying attention to these signs of a burst or leaking pipe.

Less Water Pressure

A sudden unexplained drop in pressure when you wash your hands, fill your sink or take a shower—or more clogs in your toilet or sinks—may mean you have a leak. If no water comes out of a faucet at all, you may have a frozen pipe.

Water Marks

A leaking pipe behind one of your walls can leave dampness on the drywall. Pipes that serve upstairs bathrooms or laundry rooms can leak down into the ceiling, leaving clear marks. These spots may tell you exactly where the leak is.

Standing Water

If a leak is big enough or goes on for some time, you may notice puddles, drips or gushing water coming out of the area. Follow the source of the water to determine where the leak is in the pipe. Outside, a break in the water main can cause a sinkhole or puddles in your yard near the source of the leak.

Water Discoloration and Odors

Brownish water may indicate your pipes have rust in them, which can create or result in leaks. Pay attention to a sudden water odor, too—a leak in your plumbing system can prevent sewage from being pushed out of your home, causing a stink.

Odd Sounds

If you notice bubbling and whistling sounds when you turn on a faucet, you might have or may be developing a leak. If you hear a dripping sound within your walls when you run the water, a leak may already have started.

Higher Water Bills

If your water usage hasn't changed, a sudden high bill could indicate a leak. If you notice your water meter seems to be running constantly even when you're not using water, suspect a leak, as well.

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Burst Pipe in Your Home? How To Seek the Leak

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water stains on a wall or ceiling may show you exactly where a leak is, but it's not always that easy. Follow our steps to seek the leak.

Often, if you experience a burst water pipe, you’ll know it almost immediately. There may be a puddle or drip, or water stains on the drywall or ceiling. If the pipe freezes before it bursts, you may not have any water flowing through the pipe at all. If the damage happens on an exposed pipe in your basement or elsewhere, you can often spot the hole in addition to the leaking water. But other leaks are hidden behind walls and are not so obvious.

Signs of a Burst Pipe

These are the clues of a burst or leaking pipe in your home:

Sudden drop in water pressure
Water marks on ceilings or walls
Puddles of water
Discolored or smelly water
Unusual sounds when running water
Sudden jump in water bills

Seek the Leak

If you suspect a leak, you’ll need to do some sleuthing. This step-by-step procedure will help you locate the source of your mysterious leak.

Turn off all appliances that use water, and don't use any faucets, toilets or other sources of water during the test. Look at the water meter. After 30 minutes, check it again to see if it moved at all during that time. If it did, you have a leak.

To determine if the leak is inside or outside, shut off the main water valve coming into the home. Watch your water meter; if it stops moving, your leak is likely inside the house. If the meter continues moving, the source is likely a water main leak outside the home.

Once you know you have a leak, look for the visible signs of leaks to figure out where the problem lies. Start with obvious places like toilets, sinks and showers. If you can't find the leak yourself, call a plumber to help you find and fix the problem.

After You Find the Leak

Cleanup from even minor water damage in your home or business should be done by experienced professionals like SERVPRO® of Bloomfield / Enfield to remove all the water, ensure that your structure is sound and reduce the risk of developing a stubborn mold problem.

We're Here For You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield at 860-216-2785

Ways to Avoid Winter Water Damage to Your Home

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent costly damage to your home in winter with some pre-season maintenance and cold-snap tasks.

Burst pipes, storms, rooftop ice dams and other cold-weather hazards can unleash winter water damage at your house. Prepare your home to withstand the challenges of a New England winter and remain water-tight.

Prepare for Winter Storms

Do these tasks before winter hits and you’ll have a better chance of preventing storm-related damage to your home.

Clean out the gutters.
Disconnect and drain all outside hoses. Shut off the inside valves that supply water to outdoor faucets and hookups if you can. Open outdoor faucets to allow residual water to drain, and keep them open during the cold weather months.
Have a contractor check your roof to see if it can sustain the weight of a heavy snowfall. Repair roof leaks.
Remove tree branches that overhang your (and your neighbor's) house.

Prevent Burst Pipes

A frozen pipe that bursts can cause an immense amount of damage in a short time, unleashing up to 250 gallons of water in 24 hours. These tips can help prevent a big leak from a pipe that bursts (and you may even save on your heating costs, too).

Insulate walls and attics, and caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
Wrap water pipes in your basement or crawl spaces with foam insulation sleeves.
Keep your home’s temperature set to at least 55 degrees, and make sure your furniture isn't blocking your heating vents.
If you have a fireplace, keep the flue closed when you're not using it.

During a deep freeze, keep your pipes from freezing by:

Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Keeping a slight trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces.
Draining the water system if your house will be unattended during cold periods.

Avoid Ice Dams

Ice dams form when water from melted snow refreezes above your eaves or in the gutters and seeps in under the roof, soaking interior walls. Here’s how to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof:

Adequately ventilate your attic.
Insulate the attic floor well to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.
Clear leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts.

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield at 860-216-2785

Winterize Your Plumbing Now

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Take simple steps to winterize your home's plumbing, and you could save yourself many thousands of dollars worth of water damage.

Whether you stay home or travel south for the winter, one thing you must do to prevent costly water damage repair in your home is to prepare your pipes for the winter. When water in a pipe freezes, it expands, which can burst that pipe open. You could suffer tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home and belongings in mere hours. Avoid that kind of trouble by winterizing your pipes.

If You’re Staying Home

Even if you will be in your home all winter, using your plumbing as usual, certain pipes and fixtures can still freeze in cold weather. When the temperature drops, take these steps to prevent a flood in your home.

Locate all the plumbing that runs along the inside of your exterior walls. Protect these pipes from the cold by insulating them with foam-like wrap and using duct or electrical tape to keep it in place. Then, wrap your pipes that run through unheated spaces, like attics, crawlspaces and basements.
Shut off your hose bibs (the outside faucets where you connect your hoses) by locating the inside shut-off valves for these fixtures (commonly found under the kitchen sink) and turn them off. Then, go outside and disconnect the hoses if they are in place. Now, turn on the hose bibs to allow any water inside the pipe to drain. Turn off the outside shut-off valves, too. (No water will flow to the hose bib while the shut-offs are engaged, so write yourself a note to open them back up in the spring.)

If You’re Going to Be Away

If you travel for any length of time during the winter, or you own a property that you don’t live in full-time, winterizing is a must. Unattended plumbing systems are much, much more likely to fall prey to winter weather.

Begin by turning off your main water valve. The valve may be in the basement or near the crawl space, when either is present. You may also find main valves in the same room with the water heater.
Go outside and turn on your hose bib (the outside faucet) to allow water to drain out of all the pipes. If you have a basement, turn on any faucets there to drain the water.
In winter, ordinary water may freeze in your fixture’s traps and rupture your pipes. Buy a large bottle of windshield wiper fluid, which won’t freeze, and pour about 2 cups of this fluid into each drain, including sinks, showers and bathtubs. The liquid will drain down to the trap and stay there. Finally, pour about 4 cups of the fluid into each toilet (but don’t flush).

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has the people, skills and equipment to help homeowners recover from flooding damage and eradicate mold. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785 any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Sump Pumps: Your Last Line of Defense Against Basement Water Damage

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Sump pump with a green check mark in front of a shield.

Having a sump pump in good working order is an important way to prevent basement flooding and the resulting costly damage.

If you’ve ever had a flooded basement after a storm or burst pipe or washing machine leak, you know how devastating the damage can be. Even a few inches of flood water can ruin your household items, cause rust and rot in your basement and cripple your essential mechanical systems, including your hot water heater and furnace/boiler. By collecting and removing water to a home’s exterior, a sump pump can prevent some serious and costly damage.

Any home that regularly experiences even a little water penetration into the basement or crawlspace should be equipped with a sump pump—but all homeowners should consider installing one to help prevent sudden water damage from a flood or storm.

How a Sump Pump Helps Prevent Basement Flooding

A sump pump is an electric pump that sits in a hole, called the sump pit. The pit is located at the lowest corner of the basement or crawlspace so that when flooding occurs, water drains directly into the pit. When water in the pit reaches a predetermined level, the pump automatically kicks on and pumps the water outside the house through a PVC pipe.

Most basement water problems stem from exterior drainage problems. As you consider installing a sump pump, evaluate (in the rain, if you must) the drainage around your home. Are gutters clogged? Do downspout extensions move roof runoff at least 4 feet beyond the foundation? Does the soil within 3 feet of the foundation slope away from the house?

Even if these conditions have been met, water may still find its way into your basement. Perhaps a utility trench invisibly channels runoff back to the house or you have a seasonally high ground water table. These situations call for a sump pump.

And just because you’ve never had water in your basement, don’t think it can’t happen! Even if you don’t have a chronic water problem in your basement, a powerful storm, such as a hurricane, or a long-lasting or heavy rain storm can inundate your home. The driest basement can, under the wrong circumstances, become a flooded mess.

Installing a sump pump, even in the absence of an ongoing basement water problem, is still a wise and relatively low-cost investment.

How to Choose a Sump Pump

Consider these factors when selecting a pump:

There are generally two types of sump pump: pedestal and submersible. Choose a submersible pump over a pedestal pump if your sump basin has the space. Submersible pumps allow the sump pit to be covered with a lid, reducing pump noise and keeping debris out of the pit.
Choose a pump with at least 1/3 horsepower, which is sufficient for most homes.
Buy a pump with a cast iron core, not a plastic one. Cast iron helps to dissipate heat to the surrounding water, lengthening the life of the pump.
To minimize clogging, the pump should have a no-screen intake design and an impellor that can handle solids up to ½-inch in diameter.
Choose a mechanical switch over a pressure switch. The float should be solid.
Look for a pump with an alarm that tells you when the water reaches a preset level, detecting a water leak before it causes costly damage. Sump pumps can burn out, lose power, become clogged or misaligned, or malfunction in a variety of other ways, so an alarm can help you resolve flooding before damage occurs.
Seriously consider installing a battery backup to keep the sump pump working in the event of a power outage, which is most likely to happen during heavy rains and floods—just when the pump is most needed. The backup power comes from a car battery—or even better, a deep cycle boat battery. Most of the systems charge the batteries while the power is on, so that the battery is fully charged in the event of a power outage.

Some Notes on Installation

Many homeowners will have a sump pump professionally installed, while those comfortable with plumbing and electricity should be able to install a sump pump system themselves in 2 to 4 hours (this does not include creating a sump pit). Here are a few installation tips to consider:

The sump pit should be large enough for the pump to operate properly. For most homes, the pit should not be less than 24 inches deep and 18 inches wide. A float jammed between the pump and the pit is a common reason why sump pumps fail.
Install a check valve to prevent water in the discharge pipe from flowing back into the sump pit after the pump turns off.
Place the battery (if including backup) in a protective plastic case and set it on a wall-mounted shelf—not on the floor.
The water discharge pipe should be 1 1/2-inch-diameter PVC pipe.
An electrical outlet for plugging in the electric pump and the charger for the battery-backup pump should be near the sump pit. If necessary, hire a licensed electrician to install a new outlet. Don't use extension cords to power the system. Per code, a sump pump must be plugged in to a functioning ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet.
When pumping the water outdoors, the water must be released onto a downhill slope and at least 20 feet away from the house so that it can't drain back into the basement or crawlspace. Another option is to pump the water into a drainpipe that leads away from the house. And while you don’t want your discharge pipe too close to your house, shed, garage or other structure, make sure it stays on your property, not your neighbor’s, and does not drain into a public sewer or residential septic system.

Keep Your Sump Pump Humming

A sump pump does you no good if it’s not working when a storm hits and water gushes into your basement. Ensure your peace of mind by performing routine maintenance.

Do a visual (and slightly hands-on) inspection of your sump pump at least three to four times a year. Some homeowners even hang a sign in their basements reminding them to check the sump pump frequently. Grab a flashlight and give your pump the once over:

Is the pump plugged in? Is the power cord in good condition?
Test the GFCI outlet that the pump is plugged into and reset if necessary.
Is the drain hose connected properly? Is it unblocked and unfrozen?
Is the pump totally upright and on a solid, even surface with no leaning?
Is there any debris in the pit that could clog the pump and prevent it from working properly? Clean it out.
Does the float move freely? Adjust it if necessary.
Pour a bucket (about 5 gallons) of water into the sump pit. Does the pump start automatically and quickly clear the water?

In addition, do these tasks at least once a year (or hire a professional to do an inspection):

Clean and lubricate the pump. The sucking action of the pump can pull small stones into the grate, blocking the inlet or damaging the pump over time. Unplug the pump, disconnect it from the discharge pipe and pull the pump out of the sump. Hose away any debris on the screen at the pump’s base and rinse off its housing. Lubricate the pump bearings, if required (check your owner’s manual).
Inspect the check valve. If the internal flap doesn’t swing freely, flush it out, and if you see mineral deposits, soak it in vinegar. Make sure its arrow points up when reconnecting it to the discharge pipe.
Test the float switch. A failed sump pump is usually the result of a switching problem. Sometimes the pump can shift inside the basin, causing the float that operates the switch to lodge against its side. Debris can also interfere with the action of the pump switch. Pour a few gallons of water into the sump. If it comes on and sucks out the water, the switch—and pump—are good to go. If not, repair or replace the switch.
Press the GFCI outlet’s test and reset buttons.
If you have a backup battery, unplug the pump to see if it functions properly on battery power alone. Then, top up the battery’s cells with distilled water.
Ensure the outlet pipes are tightly joined together and draining out at least 20 feet away from your foundation. Make sure the vent hole in the discharge pipe is clear.

Signs of a Failing Sump Pump

Eventually, machines fail and even a well-maintained sump pump has an end date. Contact a professional if you encounter any of these signs:

Aging. Experts recommend that you replace an average-use unit every 7–10 years or 5–7 years if your pump runs frequently.
Odors. If you detect rotten, moldy smells in your basement, your sump pump may be malfunctioning.
Rust. An older pump may not have been made with rust-resistant materials. A pump with rust that can't be scrubbed away needs to be replaced or the rusted part needs to be repaired.
Noises. Sump pumps shouldn't generate loud noises. If your pump is making unusual noises, like humming, clanging or banging, it could be time for a replacement.
Water. The most noticeable sign your sump pump needs repair or replacement is the presence of water in your basement.

To avoid the stress of trying to buy and install a new sump pump while flood water seeps closer and closer to your basement, have a backup sump pump handy—and be sure to test it regularly, too.

When All Else Fails

If a storm is pouring water into your basement and has knocked out the electricity and you don’t have battery backup, your sump pump won't do a thing, unfortunately. Instead of watching your basement fill with flood water, you can attempt this old-school, low-tech trick.

If you live on a slope, make a siphon. Fill a garden hose with water from the outside spigot, seal one end with your thumb and have a friend seal the other. Place one end through the cellar window and into the standing water. Then, have your friend carry the other end as far downhill as possible (the outlet has to be below the intake). Release your thumbs and gravity should begin pulling water out of your basement and away from your home.

Other options to pursue when the water is rising and your sump pump won’t kick in include using a manual bilge pump and setting up a bucket brigade. CAUTION: DO NOT ENTER a flooded basement until you CUT ALL POWER to your residence.

If Your Basement Floods

In spite of your best efforts, the water poured in and you’re looking at inches or even feet of water in your basement! That’s a disaster and you have to act fast to restore the water damage and prevent further damage, like mold growth.

For complete cleanup, you want to call on a reputable damage restoration company that will:

Get there fast to inspect and assess the damage.
Have a team of highly trained water damage specialists ready to go.
Pack out, clean and store your possessions.
Use the latest equipment and expert techniques for water removal and extraction, drying and dehumidification, followed by cleaning and sanitizing.
Complete necessary repairs of your structure and restore your possessions.

There’s a Coverage for That

Many property casualty insurers offer coverage for water backup and sump pump discharge or overflow damage. This would include water damage from a sewer or drain within your home, but not from a flood or surface water backup. Contact your home insurer for details.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

We're Here for You

If you have suffered damage from a storm or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Prevent Air Conditioner Water Damage

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Check on your air conditioning system regularly, and you'll prevent or catch a problem before it becomes a water disaster!

A home air conditioning system working at peak efficiency can collect 10 to 20 gallons of water daily, which should drain into a collection pan and then into the sewer system. However, if the drain becomes clogged and the unit produces more water than it can handle, the overflow of water can damage floors and carpeting—and cause stubborn deposits of mold.

Because most of the unit is typically hidden from view, water damage can cause hundreds of dollars worth of damage before you know it. Follow these steps to avoid costly water damage repair—and get more efficiency from your AC system.

once a month, change the air filter and check the condensation line and the drains
have a professional air conditioning repair service clean the condensation line once or twice a year
consider installing a safety float switch, which will automatically shut down the power to an AC unit whenever condensation builds up, or a condensation pump to help ensure the free flow of excess water

We're Here For You

The team at SERVPRO has the people, skills and equipment to help homeowners recover from water damage and eradicate mold.

Other Blog Posts You Might Find Helpful

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your homes and businesses from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Do These Five Things After a Flood

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Do these five things fast to minimize damage, hazard and expense after you suffer a flood.

Disaster has struck, your home is flooded and you need to figure out what to do—quickly! These five essential tasks to start with that will make your recovery from a water disaster safer, easier and faster.

1. Halt the Damage

Cut power to your home at the circuit panel. Inspect the exterior of your property for signs of potential danger, like a collapsed roof. If you are not sure that the home is safe to enter, stay outside.

2. Gather Your Documents

Be prepared by gathering your important papers ahead of time, including:

homeowners’ policy records
documentation of flood insurance, if applicable
personal identification
proof of ownership

3. Create a Record

Document the condition of your home through words, pictures and videos. If the property deteriorates after the initial damage, update your information. Keep receipts for all your flood water repair - associated purchases and expenses.

4. File Your Claim ASAP

The sooner you start the insurance claims process, the sooner you’ll get your expenses covered.

5. Begin Repairs

As soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours), remove the water from your home and completely dry the structure and your possessions. A specialized professional disaster remediation company like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield will do this job quickly and thoroughly.

When you have suffered a flood or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has the people, skills and equipment to help homeowners recover from water damage caused by a flood. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785 any time.

Other Blog Posts You Might Find Helpful

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield publishes educational articles on how Bloomfield and Enfield residents can protect their homes and businesses from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

We serve Bloomfield, Enfield, Suffield, West Suffield, East Granby, Granby, North Granby, West Granby, Hartland, West Hartland, Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, Somers, Ellington, Tolland and Vernon, Connecticut.

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a flood or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Ice on Your Roof? It Could Become a Dam Problem (Part 1)

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Icicles hanging from your roof's eaves can mean an ice dam has formed, putting your home at risk of water damage.

Icicles glistening at the edge of your roof can be lovely in appearance, but the ugly truth is that they are a sign that your roof is at risk of water damage. Call SERVPRO to remove ice dams from your roof.

Those icicles are formed when snow forms a layer on your roof, is warmed by the air in your attic and begins to melt and trickle down over the shingles. Once the melted water hits the eave and is exposed to colder air, it cools and refreezes. Some of it drips off the gutter, freezes and forms icicles, but the water can also form into a thick ridge of ice--an ice dam--at the edge of the roof and gutter. Another way ice dams form is when snow and ice get trapped in a gutter already filled with leaves.

For Water Damage Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Once that hump of ice forms and grows on your eaves, any water that melts and trickles down the slope of your roof is blocked. The water will back up and seek a way out. Unfortunately, that escape route is often through the roof shingles, through the layer of insulation and into your house’s ceilings and exterior walls. The result can be stained and sagging ceilings, ruined Sheetrock, soggy insulation that can turn moldy, warped floors and peeling paint.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

The root cause of ice dams is having a warm attic roof, and that comes from having insufficient insulation and venting in the attic. Taking four simple steps should prevent most ice dams from forming. (Additional benefit: you’ll save money on fuel bills because you’ll keep more of your heated air inside!)

Seal the spots where warm air leaks from your living space to your attic! This may include areas around the chimney and house frame that can be sealed with flashing; the attic hatch or opening for whole-house fan, which can be covered with foil-lined foam board; HVAC and exhaust ducts that can be covered with foil-faced fiberglass; and gaps around electrical cables and vent pipes that can be plugged with sealant.
Insulate your living space to prevent heat loss through the ceiling! Check with your local building department to determine how much insulation your attic needs.
Vent the space between the insulation and the roof sheathing, so that any heat that does leak is carried to the outside! A proper attic ventilation system should include soffit vents, a ridge vent and baffles at the eaves, and should provide at least 1 SF of opening for every 300 SF of attic floor. Any ducts from the kitchen, bath or dryer should lead directly outdoors through the roof or walls, not the soffit.
Clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris! Because this work is done on a ladder, consider hiring a professional.

Another way to prevent ice from forming dams on your roof is to install heated cables along the roof’s edge in a zigzag pattern.

For Water Damage Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785How to Know If You Have an Ice Dam

Icicles are your first and most obvious clue. Get a good look at them and if they are confined to the gutters and you see no ice or water backed up behind them, you probably aren’t at risk of an ice dam--yet. (Icicles also pose a hazard if they fall off, so if you can, remove them before trouble starts--just don’t stand directly below them!)
Inside your home, check for water stains or moisture in your attic and along the ceiling of your exterior walls.

Part 2 of this blog post will tell you how to quickly and safely get rid of an ice dam.

We're Here For You

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
Top 50 Franchise Nationally
We serve Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartland, Enfield, Granby, North Granby, Riverton, Suffield, West Granby, West Hartland and West Suffield, Connecticut.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

For Water Damage Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Ice on Your Roof? It Could Become a Dam Problem (Part 2)

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

An ice dam on your roof can cause stained and sagging ceilings, ruined Sheetrock, soggy insulation, warped floors and peeling paint.

Dealing With an Ice Dam

Once you’ve determined that you have a dam problem on your roof, you need to act fast to prevent or minimize water damage. A quick way to halt the damage is to freeze the water that is seeping into your home. Do this by taking a box fan into the attic and aiming it at the underside of the roof where there is an active leak. The stream of cold air should freeze the water in a matter of minutes.

This is, however, a temporary fix only—that water still needs a way off your roof. You can make this happen by physically removing ice and snow from the roof or melting a path for the water to safely drip off the edge of the roof.

For Water Damage Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Removing the Ice Dam

With a great deal of caution and care, you can climb a ladder and, using a mallet, gently break pieces of the ice dam off. Do not use a sharp tool, such as an axe—you might cut through your shingles. This is dangerous and risky work and is not recommended.

The preferred method to physically remove ice and snow is to use a snow rake. Standing on the ground, remove snow 3–4 feet back from the gutter. Take care not to damage the roof itself or to pull chunks of snow directly onto yourself!

Another recommended way to treat an ice dam is to create a vertical channel or channels to the gutter to allow the melted water to escape. You’ll need a calcium chloride ice melt product (never rock salt or sodium chloride, which can damage your roof). Fill an old pantyhose leg with the product, tie it off and lay it on the roof with one end near the gutter and the other pointing toward the peak. (You’ll want to cover any shrubbery or plants below to prevent damage from the dripwater.)

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield's Professionals Can Resolve Ice Dams and Repair Resulting Water Damage

Dealing with ice dams on your roof can be risky, both to your personal safety and to your home. A call to SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield is the first step to a rapid and professional solution to your problem.

We will quickly and safely remove the ice dam and then thoroughly repair any water damage to your home. We use advanced equipment and scientific drying techniques to restore both your home and your damaged property.

Once the water has been removed, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s professionals reconstruct damaged areas of your home to their pre-water damaged condition—drywall; carpet, tile and flooring; and painting—"Like it never even happened."

For Water Damage Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

For Water Damage Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Basement Water Damage From Condensation

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

You can stop water damage from condensation. Learn how.

Not all basement water damage is caused by runoff from rain, storms, and melting snow. Sometimes your basement water damage is from condensation. Here’s how to diagnose the problem and deal with it.

Water Droplets A Sign of Condensation
Also called sweating, condensation shows up in your basement as water droplets, wet spots, or puddles on your basement floor or basement (foundation) walls. Condensation happens when moist, warm air hits cool basement foundation walls or uninsulated cold-water pipes. The result is often damp carpets, rusting appliances, and an unpleasant clammy climate in your basement. In crawl spaces, condensation encourages wood rot and insect attack, and can buckle and delaminate plywood.

Nonprofessionals can easily confuse a condensation problem with runoff or subsurface water damage. Before you treat your basement for condensation, make sure you have correctly diagnosed the problem. To identify condensation, tape foil over damp spots and check those spots after a day. If moisture forms on the outer foil face, water is condensing from the air and you have a condensation problem. If moisture forms on the foil underside, water is seeping in from outside and you have either a runoff or a subsurface seepage problem.

If You Have Water Damage Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

Another way to diagnose a condensation problem is to observe if you have obvious flows of water after each rain. If the problem isn’t worse after a rain but you have a persistent dampness in your basement, your problem may be basement condensation rather than water leaking through the walls. And if the dampness seems to be a hot-weather problem, basement condensation is the likely cause.

Easy Solutions First
Try solving your condensation problem with the simple, inexpensive solutions first. If you have a full basement, air it out by opening windows and running fans. Then consider installing a dehumidifier. You can buy a good heavy-duty one for $250-300. The dehumidifier can process 50 pints in 24 hours. If possible, place the dehumidifier near easy drainage. If there is a basement shower that gets a lot of use, install a basement exhaust fan that draws the damp air out of the house.

During colder months, turn up the heat in the basement. Be sure your clothes dryer vents to the outside with no duct leaks. And don't dry clothes on a line in the basement or store wet firewood in the basement.

When Air Circulation May Be The Problem
If the condensation in your basement is modest, and you have no obvious sources of excess moisture, increasing air circulation may resolve the problem. Some basements don’t have air-conditioning vents. It’s often a simple matter to create a couple of vents. If you already have vents, make sure they are open.

A more expensive and complex solution to a basement condensation problem is to reduce the extent to which moist air contacts cool surfaces where that air can condense. This means insulating exposed duct work, pipes, and walls – anywhere that water tends to condense. If the moist air can’t reach the cool surfaces, it won’t release water as condensation.

Another effective but costlier solution drying out basement to damp-proof your basement walls with a waterproof coating. Or apply a crystalline penetrant that clogs concrete pores.

Solutions like these solve the majority of basement condensation problems. If you continue to see moisture after trying these solutions, then you're probably not dealing with condensation.

If You Have Water Damage Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield knows of one homeowner who had basement water damage because the property needed a swale. Houses on hilly sites can use a shallow trench with gently sloping sides, a swale to catch and divert runoff away from the house. Once this homeowner created a swale the basement water damage stopped.

More Water Damage Information On Our Blog
You can learn more by reading other posts about water damage and water damage cleanup on our blog.

Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime. We are proud to serve our local communities including Glastonbury, Marlborough, Portland, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield.

Basement Water Damage Begone!

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Basement water damage can often be prevented so you don't face a costly cleanup

If you have a soggy basement, you're among the majority. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates 60 percent of U.S. homes have wet basements, and 38 percent run the risk of basement mold.

1,000 Gallons for Every Inch of Rain

The water usually comes from rainfall and melting snow. Think about this: A house with a 1,500-square-foot roof sheds 1,000 gallons of water for every inch of falling rain. You may also have rising groundwater, which may even be fed by an underground spring. Once the water accumulates around your foundation, it works its way inside through cracks, joints, and porous material.

Before you call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield you may want to tackle the problem on your own. Here are some tips on drying out your basement and keeping it free from water damage.

Safety First
Is it safe for you to tackle the water damage? If you’re not sure, don’t take a chance. Find somewhere else to stay and call in the professionals until you’re certain your house is safe again.

One way to judge the safety issue is finding out whether you have electrical or "slip and fall" hazards. Don’t walk through your water damaged basement if you can’t see what you’re walking on. Stay out of areas that lack sufficient lighting. And if you try lifting wet materials be careful. When items are soaked with water they become very heavy.

If You Have Water Damage Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

Water Damage from Runoff
If you know the water damage is from runoff the probable cause is rainwater or melted snow that isn't routed away from your house. A damp crawl space or wet basement walls and floors just after a storm or as snow melts are telltale signs the problem is runoff. Runoff percolates through porous topsoil and then stops at the compact soil near the base of the foundation. Hydrostatic pressure forces the water through gaps or cracks in walls and footings. Water also moves through porous walls by capillary action.

Carefully inspect your basement, looking for where runoff can enter. Check that the ground outside your basement foundation slopes away from your house at least one inch vertically for every foot of horizontal travel. Be sure downspout runoff isn't pooling or percolating into the soil near your home’s foundation during a storm, and that downspout seams aren't leaking.

Fix Cracks

Patch and seal any cracks you find in your basement walls or foundation. Use a polyurethane masonry caulk for small cracks. For 1/4-inch or larger cracks, use hydraulic cement, which expands as it dries.

Your driveway curbs should channel rain and other runoff to the street, not onto your property. You can also check for unsealed cracks in your driveway. Driveway cracks can allow water to collect below grade.

If You Have Water Damage Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

We know of one homeowner who had basement water damage because the property needed a swale. Houses on hilly sites can use a shallow trench with gently sloping sides, a swale to catch and divert runoff away from the house. Once this homeowner created a swale the basement water damage stopped.

More Water Damage Information On Our Blog
You can learn more by reading other posts about water damage on this blog:

FEMA’s Take On Restoring Flood Damage In Bloomfield/Enfield

Saving Water Damaged Electronics

The Surprising Danger In A Flood Or Sewage Backup

Water Damage Dangers

Water Shut Off

Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime. We are proud to serve our local communities including Bloomfield, Enfield, Granby, Hartland, North Granby, Salmon Brook, Suffield, Thompsonville, and West Granby.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Saving Water-Damaged Electronics

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

Professionals may be able to restore your water-damaged electronics

Water-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by water! SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield can coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including TVs, DVD players, computers, tablets, cell phones, and more.

The Key To Electronic Cleanup
The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield starts by cleaning the exterior of your electronic devices to help stop further corrosion and damage. With us, your electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Cleaning Up Corrosion
When it comes to cleaning up corrosion after water damage, be careful. If you don’t use proper tools and techniques you can further damage your water-damaged electronic devices. You could also potentially injure yourself. Remember: electronic devices and liquids generally don’t mix. Any time you apply a liquid cleaning solutions to an electronic device, you need to be cautious. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield recommends that the average consumer never attempt to repair a water-damaged electronic device without professional assistance. When in doubt, take your device to a professional. If you are confident about cleaning up corrosion on your water-damaged electronic device by yourself, please keep these tips in mind:

1. Keep safety first
If you’re standing in water or your clothes are wet please remove yourself from any potential shock hazard before even thinking about retrieving a submerged or soaked electronic device. If the device is still on, turn it off. If possible, rotate and shake the electronic device to try to drain out any fluid.

2. Always remove any batteries or power connectors.
This not only prevents harm to you, but also prevents any short-circuiting of your electronic device. By doing this, you will also be exposing extra connectors that may already have corroded, so exercise caution. A shorted battery may be a fire and/or chemical hazard. If you see or feel any heat, smoke, steam, bubbling, bulging, or melting avoid handling the electronic device.

3. Look for white or green “crusty” areas on the device.
You may find them on the battery connectors, charging ports, SIM card connectors, or any other major metal connectors on the device.

4. Use cotton swabs and a cleaning solution such as isopropyl alcohol.
You can also use baking soda and water or vinegar to clean corrosion. Gently apply the solution to the affected area and wipe back and forth until you’ve removed the corrosion. If necessary, leave some solution on the corroded area and wipe it off later.

5. Dry your electronic device with a soft cloth or a hair dryer on a cool setting.
Do not use heat to dry out your device. Make sure your device is dried extremely well before attempting to replace the battery and turn the device on. Any water left in the device could cause additional water damage.

6. Take special care with electronic circuit boards.
If you think water or any liquid has reached an electronic circuit board take the device apart carefully. Follow the instructions and remember the order of the disassembly so you can put the device back together later. Soak up any remaining liquid on the circuit board with a lint-free cloth. Don’t use paper products (they could leave lint or scratch the board). Avoid rubbing any cloth on the circuit board because that might scratch or dislodge parts. Place the cloth over the board and press gently. This will soak up the liquid. Remove the worst of any remaining particles by brushing with a toothbrush. This includes any globs of dried liquid. You don’t need perfection at this stage. Then remove any dust or loose pieces of dried liquid by spraying the board with compressed air. Spray in one direction in quick bursts, since the canister can become extremely cold if used for longer sprays. Rinse the circuit board with clean or distilled water to remove any sticky materials. If your circuit board was wet by clean water and you didn’t have to remove dried materials, you may be able to skip this. Pat the board gently with a cloth to remove the majority of the moisture and allow it to dry completely. Clean any residue off the circuit board using a cotton swab. Moisten the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol. Do not use a dripping wet swab. Swab gently in stubborn areas and be careful not to upset the components. The alcohol should take care of most of the work without rubbing.

7. Cross your fingers
When you try to repair a water-damaged electronic device there are no guarantees. The water-damage or corrosion may be permanent. These steps improve your chances of repairing it, but in the end you just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best.

More Information

You might also want to explore the educational information on our sister franchise’s blog, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield.

Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

Water Damage Dangers

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Our crews are experts on water damage repair and restoration

When water from a flood, storm, or sewage break damages your property you need to know the dangers and avoid them. Water damage comes with lots of potential health and safety hazards. Here are a few of things you need to know.

Stay Out Of The Water

First, stay out of the water completely until a professional has done an assessment of the dangers that lurk in the water in your home or business.

Don’t Risk Electrocution

Stagnate flood water could be carrying electrical currents from electrical appliances that are running in the basement or from the source of the flood. People who do mitigation for water in the home regularly have the attire and equipment to avoid electrocution, and to remain safe while extracting the water out of the home. Water in business properties that contains electrical currents is a serious liability concern, so stay out of the water and keep others out.

Avoid preventable disasters. Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield (860) 216-2785.

Start Mitigation and Drying Quickly

Mold can grow around a water damaged space in just 24 hours. The mitigation and drying process need to be started as quickly as possible with water in business properties, or with any water in home basements and other areas. You can minimize water damage cleanup if the water damage and restoration company removes the water and starts drying out the structural materials quickly.

Avoid Legal Concerns
Water damage in business properties and mold can cause legal concerns, because if there’s mold after the water has been cleaned up, the toxic air could be considered an unsuitable working environment. After the water’s removed the area has to be sealed and sanitized to contain and kill the mold. The mold can get into the ducts and spread throughout your ventilation system if it isn't taken care of as needed.

Check For Structural Damage
If water in business spaces or water in home residences sits for too long, it can start to deteriorate the materials and compromise the building. This can make the business or house unsafe to live or work in. Soggy beams or crumbling concrete could cause the house or building to cave in. You may want to have a structural consultant look at your business or home if you don't know how long there’s been water damage. Other materials around the house will also be damaged, so be sure to remove and replace any materials that you feel aren't stable or safe.

Avoid preventable disasters. Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield (860) 216-2785.

Check For Sewage Contamination
At first you may not know where the water is coming from. Even if the source is heavy rains or melting snow, there could be sewage in the water. Inhalation of raw sewage is toxic and dangerous, and the mitigation and sewage cleanup company will be capable of dealing with the contaminated water, without jeopardizing their own health.

Water cleanup, mitigation, and restoration services are complex. They must be handled in a detailed, professional way. Drying your home or business property on your own may not be successful. We recommend letting the water cleanup company pump out everything that they can, then use commercial drying fans and dehumidification systems. As soon as you see flooding water, or you find out that you have had a flood, call the water cleanup services in your area to get help.

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

Water Shut Off

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Reduce water damage by knowing how to shut off your water during a water emergency

In an emergency you may have to shut off the water to your home. For example, freezing or thawing may cause a water pipe to break. Water pipe breaks are also common with most types of natural disasters (winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and more). Broken water pipes can lead to electrical hazards, long-term wood rot, long-term mold, or even drowning.

Where’s The Water Shut-Off Valve?
1. Look for the water shut-off valve where the water line enters your house. In warmer climates the shut-off valve may be outside your home where the water line meets your home’s exterior. But in most climates the water shut-off valve is just inside the house where the water line enters through your home’s foundation or exterior wall. Scott Finazzo, author of The Neighborhood Emergency Response Handbook, says that if your water comes in through a ground well the valves on either side of the pressure tank should both be shut off.

2. Often the water shut-off valve is a quarter-turn ball valve. If that’s what you have, turn the valve a quarter of a turn until it’s perpendicular to the water pipe. Or your home may have a round handle that you turn clockwise until you can’t turn it anymore. Don’t have a master shut-off value in your home? Have one installed.

If You Have Water Damage Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

3. Another water shut-off option is closing the municipal water meter shut-off valve. This valve, if you have municipal water, typically is in your front or side yard. Look for a round metal lid or box close to your property line. It’s often 24 to 48 inches from the curb or fence line.

If your water meter has a round metal lid use a wrench or pliers to rotate the lone nut on the lid counterclockwise. This will release the latch and you can open the lid. Another type of metal lid requires a screwdriver. Turn the lid until the tabs line up with the gaps and you can lift the lid off. A third type of water meter lid is square or rectangular. You can pry it open with a screwdriver or pry bar.

Don’t reach into the meter box until you inspect the area for debris and rodents. If the box is old and covered with a lot of growth you may want to wear gloves. Once inside the municipal water meter box you’ll need pliers or a specialty tool to turn the valve. Turn it until it’s perpendicular to the water pipe.

If You Have Water Damage Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

Shut-Off Valves For Single Rooms
Sometimes you only need to shut off the water to one room. Most newer houses have shut-off valves at every sink and toilet. Your water heater may have several shut-off valves. If your issue is one leaking sink just shut off water to that sink. If you know the water heater is leaking just shut the valves to it off.

Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, flood damage repair, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

FEMA's Take on Restoring Flood Damage in Bloomfield/Enfield

4/18/2017 (Permalink)

Many water damaged items can be restored

In Bloomfield, Enfield, and surrounding Connecticut towns, flood damage technicians are the ones who deal directly with residential flood repairs. However, they must adhere to a set of rules and guidelines provided by government authorities. Some of these authorities are national and oversee flooding in all parts of the country, and others are regional. The biggest and most important may be FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The important thing is that SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield always follows the right restoration directives. FEMA is the source for many of the most crucial restoration directives. So, when it comes to repairing flood damage in Bloomfield and Enfield homes, we use FEMA policies on removal, drying, clean-up, and remediation. Keep reading to find out what FEMA says about flood damage restoration and how it should be carried out.

For Flood Damage Restoration Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785 Anytime

Water Extraction And Drying
FEMA and other agencies stress the importance of speed. At SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield, we waste no time getting repairs started. It may be necessary to complete an inspection of the property first, but we can address your most vulnerable items immediately. For instance, we cover large, delicate items with protective plastic to prevent further water intrusion.

Removing Wet Materials
FEMA leaves it up to the discretion of the flood damage repair team to decide what can and cannot be salvaged (unless you’re dealing with black water). If porous materials have absorbed lots of water, we need to determine whether drying is the best option. Not all items removed from the flood site are destroyed. Some (artwork and electronics are examples) get sent to cleaning facilities and are returned.

Cleaning HVAC Systems
Cleaning damaged ductwork is tricky. FEMA recommends the use of a spray washer to hose down accessible surfaces. Pine oil or phenolic disinfectants are a safe choice because they are efficient but won’t circulate harsh chemicals. If your home or building’s internal insulation is saturated, the technicians need to remove it. However, fiberglass is placed in a temperature controlled room for drying.

For Flood Damage Restoration Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785 Anytime

Drying Hard Surfaces
Non-porous surfaces are the easiest items to dry. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield usually applies a wet vacuum first, if there is a sufficient amount of water to remove. Then, as FEMA recommends, we wash the materials with detergents to prevent mold growth. Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours of a flood, says Ashley Small of FEMA, so remove wet contents, including carpeting and bedding, as soon as possible.

Plastic and metal are slow to react to water, but wood can be permanently damaged rather quickly. Water particles can move inside the material and dehumidifiers are the best way to draw them out.

If You Must Leave Home

If the flood was serious enough for you to leave your home, be sure you stay safe upon your return. FEMA warns that you should check for any visible structural damage, such as warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, cracks, and holes before entering the home and contact utility companies if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, and sewer lines.

In addition, it’s important to have a working flashlight and turn off all water and electrical sources within the home, says Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Disaster Preparedness.” Even if the power isn’t operational, it’s a good idea to go to your fuse box and turn off the main, plus all of the individual fuse connections. That way, if the power is reactivated, you’re not at risk for mixing standing water and electricity.

Check Out Our Other Blog Posts
Every month on the SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield blog we publish educational articles on how Bloomfield, Enfield, and other Connecticut residents can protect their homes and businesses from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, restoring water damage, sewage, storm, or other damage.

Here For You
In Bloomfield the team at SERVPRO has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield in Bloomfield at 860-216-2785 anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860-216-2785 anytime

The Surprising Danger In A Flood Or Sewage Back-up

3/14/2017 (Permalink)

Don’t allow children into the flooded area during dean-up.

When your Bloomfield property experiences a flood or a sewage back-up the greatest danger is not the risk of disease. The greatest danger is the risk of electrocution or explosion. Do not enter a flooded basement or light matches until the utility companies have shut off the gas and electric service.

If flood waters or sewage enters your basement, you must clean properly to prevent you and your family from becoming sick or injured. Don’t allow children into the flooded area during cleanup.
If you experience a sewer backup in Bloomfield we recommend you call in a professionally trained restoration firm. If it is a small event and you prefer to do the work yourself, the following are suggestions on Bloomfield flood cleanup or sewage problem.

Cleaning and Sanitizing
1. Drain all flood waters and/or sewage by natural draining or pumping.
2. Remove dirt, soil, and debris from surfaces that came in contact with flood waters.
3. Wash down all walls, floors, and surfaces that the flood water or sewage touched with clean, warm or hot water and a low suds detergent.
4. Rinse again with warm or hot water.
5. Sanitize by rinsing walls, floors, and surfaces using one of the following mixtures:
o 2½ tablespoons (tbs) of Lysol/Pine Sol per gallon of water used, or
o 8 tablespoons (tbs) of laundry bleach (i.e., Clorox, Roman Cleanser) in each gallon of water used.
6. Air the area by opening windows or using fans.
7. Prevent tracking flood debris and sewage into clean areas.

For Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785 Anytime

Utilities
Follow these guidelines when you enter a flooded area with gas and/or electricity present:
1. Have the utility companies shut off the gas and electricity.
2. Don't touch the fuse box or any plugged in cords or appliances until the electricity is shut off.
3. If an electrical appliance motor or its controls are submerged under water, don't start it until consulting with the dealer or service company.
4. Do not relight your gas appliances until the gas company has checked them. Make sure all pilot lights are on before relighting burners.
5. Don't light matches until the gas is turned off. If there is a gas leak, it could cause an explosion.

Clothing, Bedding, Furniture Often Must Be Thrown Out
What do you do with clothing, carpets, furniture, toys and/or bedding that have been affected by a flood or sewage back up? You may have to throw them out unless they are professionally and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Movable objects can be put outdoors for cleaning and drying in the sun. Put all discarded clothing in a tightly closed container until pick-up or disposal.

After clean up, make sure that all clothing and parts of the body that came in contact with the flood waters and/or sewage are thoroughly washed. Be sure to wash your hands immediately afterwards.

Anyone who helps clean up should be particularly mindful of their personal hygiene. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Don’t smoke because even slightly soiled fingers can carry disease germs to the cigarette and then to the mouth. After the flood or sewage damage is cleaned up, thoroughly wash your hands using a nail brush and a lot of soap.

Check All Foods Carefully
Contaminated foods can make you and your family sick. Here’s how to handle your foods after a flood or sewage event:
1. Destroy and discard all contaminated bottled and boxed foods.
2. Canned goods (including home canned jars) may be kept if cleaned thoroughly. To clean containers:
   o Scrub with soap and water. (Use a brush around the rim of home canned jars.)
   o Submerge in chlorinated water for 15 minutes (1 ounce of bleach per gallon of water).
   o Air dry to prevent rusting.
3. Food stored in a freezer will keep for 2 days after losing power, if the freezer is full (1 day for a half-full freezer) and not opened.
4. If your freezer cannot be started in a day or two, store food in someone else's freezer.
5. You may safely re-freeze meat that has ice crystals on it. If the meat is only "cool-feeling" you’re better off to cook it, and then re-freeze it.
6. Food stored in a refrigerator will keep for 4-6 hours after losing power, depending on how warm the room temperature is. Do not open the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary. You may add ice to the refrigerator if you know it will be turned on soon.
7. Throw out anything with an unusual color, order, or if a perishable food is above 45° F internally.
8. Place discarded food in a tightly closed container until pick up or disposal.

You might also want to explore the educational information on our sister franchise’s blog, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield.

For Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785 Anytime

Here For You
In Bloomfield the team at SERVPRO has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield in Bloomfield at 860-216-2785 anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860-216-2785 anytime

Commercial Hardwood Floors & Water Damage

12/12/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial hardwood floors are beautiful and durable but any water damage must be quickly dealt with

Your business is an investment. If your business is family-owned it’s part of your family’s inheritance, so its well being is essential. Sometimes, the worst does happen, and you find yourself facing a watery disaster. If you have hardwood floors, here are some steps to take before and after water damage occurs.

Keep Your Commercial Floor Dry
Don’t allow even small spills or water leaks to pool on your commercial hardwood floor. When you see any signs of moisture, grab a clean, dry cloth or mop immediately. Taking action quickly will minimize the impact on your expensive hardwood floors.

Be Careful With Your Cleaning Process Don’t soak a mop in cleaning solution or water and saturate your floors. Though you want to get your floors really clean, take care to use liquid solutions conservatively. For some good ideas on how to best maintain your hardwood floors go to the National Wood Flooring Association’s maintenance page.

Watch For Changes And Mold
Watch for moisture or changes to your commercial hardwood floor, especially around the perimeter. Keep an eye out for mold in areas that don’t receive much light. Mold is damaging to your hardwood floors and can affect the air quality of your business or commercial space. Mold is a sign that you should take immediate action.

Repairing Your Water Damaged Floor
All is not lost if your commercial hardwood floor (or a hardwood floor in your home) receives water damage. Genuine hardwood floors can be renewed to their original beauty with just a few steps.

First, do a thorough water damage inspection. Then remove any moisture in your hardwood floor and the sub-floor. No direct repairs to water damaged hardwood floors can be started until you remove all the excess water in the air. Don’t sand the hardwood floor while the atmosphere is thick with moisture because the hardwood floor won’t remain level. Usually, the moisture content in the room must be below 12% before you can begin to restore a hardwood floor. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield achieves this with our high-powered dehumidifiers, negative air movers, and HEPA filters.

Faster to any size disaster. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785.

You can use large fans and dehumidifiers. Point your fans down to the hardwood floor boards while running your air conditioning. If your water damage is on the main floor, place additional large fans on the level below. Point these units upward toward the moisture to dry the hardwood floors from underneath.

Your flooring may begin to swell somewhat during this process. If you’re able, remove a couple of the damp hardwood boards to allow the wood to “give” and allow additional air to get to your subfloor.

Be Sure To Remove All Moisture
If the underlay or sub-floor is also wet, the entire floor and sub-floor may have to be lifted. You must be certain you remove all sources of moisture. Otherwise, the problem will return. One thing professionals do is erect a polyethylene tent or seal in the affected room to speed up the drying process. This method is common in workplaces like commercial offices, which have a large floor space and lots of flooring materials that may dry at different speeds. Sectioning off the water damaged area also lessens any downtime or inconvenience to your customers or clients.

What If Your Commercial Hardwood Floor Buckles?
If your hardwood floor buckles from water damage drying it fully should restore the boards to a flat position. At that point you can fill gaps or nicks and refinish if necessary. You can rent sanders from any major home supply warehouse, but beware. These machines are powerful. They can take on a life of their own across your commercial hardwood floor or a hardwood floor in your home. Hold the sander tight and show it you’re the boss. After sanding and refinishing, your commercial hardwood floors can be as beautiful as the day they were installed.

Have water damage? Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield anytime at 860-216-2785.

When To Call A Professional
If you’ve made every attempt to dry your commercial or home hardwood floors and buckling remains, that’s a sign that water still exists under your floor. In many cases, this means your wood has become detached from the sub-floor underneath. Solving this issue is going to likely require the help of a professional service like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield.

Depending on the professional opinion you receive, your hardwood floor may be damaged to the point that you need a replacement floor. Repairing may ease your troubles in the short-term, but if you have an unidentified leak or other moisture issue, effects to your commercial hardwood floors will certainly recur.

Don't Enjoy "Do It Yourself"?

If you’re not handy or don’t enjoy construction work, you may want to call in a professional as soon as the water damage occurs. Two advances of using a reputable professional firm is that you can get back in business sooner and know that the job will be done right the first time.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield specializes in commercial water damage repair and restoration throughout Connecticut and the region. We can help restore your commercial hardwood floor and get your business back up and running faster.

A Wealth Of Information For You
Every month on our blog, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield publishes educational articles on how to prevent natural disasters and deal with them quickly and effectively should they occur.

Here When You Need Us
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield also has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860-216-2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860-216-2785 anytime

Drinking Water Emergencies

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Dangerous chemicals or other unhealthy substances can make water unsafe to drink.

Water contamination doesn’t happen frequently in Connecticut and the surrounding region but it’s best to be prepared. Dangerous chemicals or other unhealthy substances can make water unsafe to drink. That can happen with a water system failure, accident, terrorist attack, hurricane damage, or in other ways according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Hazardous chemicals, human waste, or animal waste can get in to a water supply and make the water dangerous to drink.

Don’t Use Water That’s Changed in Smell or Taste
If a Connecticut water emergency occurs your water company or local officials will tell you if your drinking water is not safe to drink. The Connecticut Guide to Emergency Preparedness says that if your water has an unusual change in color, smell, or taste, or has floating pieces in it don’t use it or drink it.

Disinfect Flooded Wells
If you are a homeowner or business owner in a flooded area and have a private well that has flooded, consider that well contaminated. Flooded wells should be disinfected before use. To be safe, treat your water or use bottled water until you disinfect the well. You can find more homeowner information about flooding, wells, and cleanup at the Department of Public Health’s page on this subject.

Faster to any size disaster. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785.

What if you’re told to treat your drinking water? Use treated or bottled water for all your cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth, making baby formula—all water uses. Use treated water to wash your hands before you cook. There is one exception. Adults and older children do not need to use treated water to shower or bathe. They just need to not swallow or get untreated water in their mouths. Infants, toddlers, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems should be bathed using treated or bottled water.

How To Treat Potentially Unsafe Water
There are many ways to treat water you think is contaminated so it will be safe for use. Here are three options:
1. Boil your drinking water at a rolling boil for one minute. Make sure it is clear of floating pieces before boiling.
2. Add water purification tablets per the directions on the tablet package.
3. Add eight drops of liquid chlorine bleach to every gallon of clear water or 16 drops to every gallon of cloudy water. Do not use household bleach that has perfumes or ingredients other than sodium hypochlorite. That type of bleach may be toxic. Mix the water and bleach well and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before you use it.

Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield today 24/7 at 860-216-2785.

For more emergency water safety tips, go to the American Red Cross’s Water Treatment page.

A Wealth Of Natural Disaster Information For You
Every month on our blog, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield publishes educational articles on how to prevent natural disasters and deal with them quickly and effectively should they occur.

Why SERVPRO Excels
Many factors make SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield a great choice for fire and water cleanup and restoration. We offer:
•   More than 40 years of experience
•   A network of 1,500 franchises nationwide so we can call in every resource you need
•   On site evaluation of your natural disaster recovery needs within four hours of you contacting SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
•   Highly trained staff with experience in all types of natural disasters
•   Assistance with dealing with your insurer and filing a claim
•   Local knowledge and resources—we know your community and we have relationships with other local organizations that can help you in times of need

Here When You Need Us
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield also has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.216.2785 anytime

Preventing Water, Plumbing, & Other Disasters During The Holidays

11/15/2016 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage ruin your holidays

Your holidays are for being with and appreciating those people you love the most. But if you’re a homeowner, an unnecessary water or plumbing disaster could ruin your Christmas, New Year’s, or other holiday.

If you live in a cold climate, the low temperatures combined with higher traffic in your home’s kitchen and bathrooms can lead to unwanted water and plumbing disasters. You don't want to have to call an emergency plumber or water restoration company to your house in the middle of a family gathering. You don't want to have to send everyone home because your plumbing isn’t working or safe. Or worse yet, if you’re traveling for the holidays, the last thing you want to do is return to a mess after a long trip.

If you’re a homeowner, here are some ways you can help prevent broken or frozen pipes, plumbing issues, and sewage backups.

1. Disconnect all outside water hoses from your outside faucet.Once water freezes, there’s a good chance it will break the pipe and cause flooding.

2. Make sure your automatic lawn sprinklers have been turned off and drained properly.

3. When temperatures get below 25 degrees, consider keeping an indoor faucet dripping at night time.This prevents pipes from freezing.

4. Make sure you know where your home’s main water shut off is. Put a tag on it so anybody can easily find it. You never know when you may be out of town and somebody else may need to enter your house to turn the water off.

5. When you go on vacation consider keeping your heat close to the same temperature you keep it at while at home. If you do turn the temperature down don’t go below 60 degrees. Many people who turn their heat down or off end up with frozen pipes. It’s cheaper to heat your home than it is to pay a disaster cleanup company to clean up a water disaster.

Keep your holidays safe. Call 860-216-2785 and ask for ask your Emergency Ready Profile.

6. In severely cold weather consider leaving the doors of bathroom vanities and kitchen sink cabinets open to allow more heat to get to the plumbing,

7. If you leave town, turn your water off. Water can’t keep running and doing damage if it’s shut off. If you can’t shut off the main water supply because you have an automatic sprinkler system or someone watering the plants while you’re gone, shut off the valves to the most common sources of water damage (dishwashers, ice makers and washing machines). This will protect you in case a hose cracks or lets go. Individual shutoff valves or “stops” are installed on the supply lines leading to most appliances as well as to toilets and faucets. Typical supply stops have a small round or oval handle that you turn clockwise to shut off the flow of water.

8. Install braided stainless steel hoses. Stainless steel braided hoses last longer than rubber or plastic hoses and are less likely to leak. They also prevent mice from gnawing through your lines. Rubber or plastic supply lines that lead from shutoff valves to appliances, faucets, and toilets become brittle and can leak or even break as they age. While you’re turning water values off inspect the supply lines too. If you find any leaks, cracks, bulges, or signs of corrosion, replace the lines before you leave town. Your best choice is line encased in a braided stainless steel sheath. Shorter versions for faucets and toilets are also available.

9. Install heat tape on your roof if you know that you have problems with ice dams building up on your gutters. Ice dams sneak up under your shingles. When this happens the ice may start to melt and leak into your home.

10. During the holidays many things get flushed down toilets that aren’t meant to be flushed. Avoid flushing baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, any type of clothing, and plastic products. Check your toilets periodically throughout holiday parties to be sure they are flushing properly so you can avoid backups.

Keep your holidays safe. Call 860-216-2785 and ask for ask your Emergency Ready Profile.

11. Many people think the kitchen sink disposal will grind up and get rid of just about anything. It’s safer to put many of your food remnants in the garbage rather than the disposal. For example, you should avoid potato peels, orange peels, and large pieces of meat because they may cause damage or a water backup.

12. Make sure all of your home’s C02 detectors work. More deaths are caused by C02 poisoning than by fire.

13. Keep your fireplace safe. Use a metal mesh screen. Don’t use flammables to start a fire. Have your chimney inspected each year. And use fire-resistant materials on the walls around wood stoves. Fire safety is especially important during the holidays when fireplaces are burning in our homes.

14. Be careful about the number of Christmas lights you plug into one socket. Overloading your electrical outlets can lead to fire and smoke restoration.

15. For more holiday safety tips see the National Safety Council’s Holiday Season Safety.

A Wealth Of Natural Disaster Information For You
Every month on our blog, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield publishes educational articles on how to prevent natural disasters and deal with them quickly and effectively if they occur. Here are a few you might find helpful:

Why SERVPRO Excels
Many factors make SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield a great choice. We offer:
•   More than 40 years of experience as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider.
•   A network of 1,500 franchises nationwide so we can call in every resource you need.
•   On site evaluation of your natural disaster recovery needs within four hours of you contacting us.
•   Highly trained staff with experience in all types of natural disasters.
•   Assistance with dealing with your insurer and filing a claim.
•   Local knowledge and resources—we know your community and we have relationships with other local organizations that can help in times of need.

Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield also has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.216.2785 anytime

Water Damage & Repair

9/22/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage emergencies can be costly and traumatic for you

Your home or business can suffer water damage from many causes. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield knows that water damage emergencies can be costly and traumatic for you, your business, and your family. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for water damage repair across the nation is $2,154. That’s why it’s critical for professionals to immediately assess and fix any water damage problem.

Causes of Water Damage
Sometimes appliances can cause more harm than good. When your washing machine, dishwasher, sink, or toilet flood, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield can be there to fix the problem and repair water damage quickly. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has experience with water damage restoration from nearly every cause you can imagine:
•   Backed up sewage and septic tank lines
•   Leaking or frozen water lines or pipes
•   Overflowing sinks, bathtubs, showers, or toilets
•   Washing machine or dishwasher overflow
•   Heavy rain or storms
•   Melting ice or snow
•   Cresting rivers or streams

Experiencing water damage? To get help fast, Call Ralph at 860-216-2785

Highly Trained Staff
The SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield staff is highly trained in water damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your business or home from water damage. Our training program includes:
•   IICRC Training
•   Employee Certification Training
•   Initial Franchise Training
•   e-Learnings
•   Continuing Education Classes

Always Available To You
SERVPRO OF Bloomfield/Enfield is always available to you. We offer 24/7 emergency services 365 days a year. Whatever the cause of the water damage in your home or business, we offer a full menu of service options to restore your property. You’ll also find many educational essays on our blog that can help you tackle water damage issues:
• Dehumidification after Water Damage Cleanup
•   Flood Cleanup
• Flood Preparation and Procedures
•   Frozen Pipes
•   How To Clean Mold With Bleach
•   Protecting Your Home’s Foundation
•   Roof Leaks
•   Sewer Backups Are Emergencies
• Water Damage? 4 Reasons To Hire A Professional
• Water Damage Cleanup Requires The Right Equipment

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield will do a water damage assessment for you. We can extract water and dry affected areas and furnishings. We’ll assess and get rid of any mold issues. If water’s leaking somewhere we’ll find the leak and present you with a solution that will stop the leak. We can reconstruct and repair any damage and will even help you with your insurance claim filing.

Call Noemi and SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
Hundreds of people have called us for help with their water damage issues. They tell us that three main reasons they choose SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield are because we:
1. Respond immediately and work quickly
2. Have experience and solutions for virtually any water damage problem
3. Answer all questions and will help with insurance claims.

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield is also skilled in natural disaster prevention and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.216.2785 anytime

Flood Preparation & Procedures

4/7/2016 (Permalink)

Identify local waterways that could flood your home or business.

Flooding is one of the most common, most costly, and most dangerous weather disasters you can experience. Flooding may occur from a light rain falling day after day. Or flooding may happen when a deluge of water drops from the sky in a short time. Here’s how you can be prepared and what to do if flooding does strike.

Flood Preparation
1. Identify local waterways that threaten your home or business.
2. Preplan several evacuation routes from both your home and your business.
3. Make copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, financial information, marriage certificate, etc.) and store them in a remote location like a bank safe deposit box.
4. Check with your insurance agent about your coverage or need for flood insurance.
5. Prepare an evacuation bag. Include personal hygiene items, water, snacks, spare cash, a flashlight, and anything else that you or your family might need to stay safe for 72 hours or longer. For more items see our post, “Your Emergency Supply Kit Checklist.”

Need Water Restoration Advice Or Services? Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

6. Your evacuation bag should have at least a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
7. Have a weather radio, smart phone app, or other means to receive flood warnings and weather updates. Keep it close and turned on.
8. Take photographs of every room in your home or business. Be certain to capture the most valuable and hard to replace items (artwork, cars, jewelry, etc.). Store the photos on a portable device like a flash drive or memory card. Keep that device in your evacuation bag.
9. If you have a sump pump make sure it’s working. Consider installing a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure.
10. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.

Flood Procedures
1. Follow all appropriate flood warnings by the National Weather Service, local media, or any official authority issuing instructions due to an impending flood.
2. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
3. Move outdoor furniture or decorative items inside. Move important, valuable items upstairs.
4. Turn off water, gas, and electricity at the main shut-offs and unplug electrical equipment.
5. Lock all doors and windows.
6. Evacuate to a safe location.
7. Avoid driving or walking through moving water. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
8. Avoid flood waters. They’re usually toxic and filled with hazardous materials and bacteria.
Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
9. Beware of downed power lines that could go unnoticed on the ground, on a chain-link fence, or in water.
10. Stay away from animals. They may be afraid and defend themselves aggressively.
11. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood danger.

Here To Help
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in water restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and flood water cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Dehumidification After Water Damage Cleanup

2/2/2016 (Permalink)

Things look dry long before they are safely dry.

Removing water isn’t enough. After the water removal step, your floors and walls may look dry at first glance, but they are still wet to the touch. Most building materials, like drywall and wood, are porous and will retain significant water. The retained water will cause these materials to warp, swell, or break down and can also cause mold damage.

Need To Get Rid Of Moisture? Call Us Today – (860) 216-2785

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield will manipulate temperature and relative humidity to remove the remaining moisture. We use specialized equipment, including industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, to remove water and other moisture retained by building materials. Our professionals will carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials in your home or business return to acceptable drying goals.

Drying Takes Time
SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield can dry your carpets in 24 hours. Moderately wet drywall dries in 1-3 days. Other materials like hardwood flooring, plaster, concrete, and wood may require 7-10 days to dry. Contractors and claims professionals that promise to dry buildings in three days are ignoring basic scientific principles.
Structural drying is a scientific process that requires professional water damage training and the use of specialized instruments. Your property’s damage is very site-specific. One solution does not fit all cases. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield water damage technicians are highly trained in psychometrics, the science of drying, and always use IICRC S500 industry standards for professional water damage restoration.

Full Set Of Drying And Restoration Steps
Our water damage restoration techniques include:
•    Removing standing water and recovering assets
•    Measuring moisture and recording damage
•    Detecting any leaks (non-invasively)
•    Drying the building structure by technical means
•    Restoring machinery, electrical appliances, equipment and furniture, files, and documents
•    Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting to destroy micro-organisms and mold
•    Removing or neutralizing odors

We’re here to help you. The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of cleaning up after water, sewer, fire, smoke, or other similar damage. Call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Water Damage? 4 Reasons To Hire A Professional

1/27/2016 (Permalink)

Be safer, save more of your possessions, and get water damage removed faster. Use SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield.

When your home or commercial property is subjected to water damage you need to act fast to limit that damage and restore your property. Excessive standing water can pose health hazards, ruin valuable property, damage furniture and art, and weaken the structural integrity of your home or business. We recommend you secure professional water removal services. In Connecticut, here are four reasons why you should depend on professionals like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield:

1. Stop Dangerous Bacterial Growth
Standing or slowly dripping water attracts microorganisms. These forms of bacteria can breed very quickly. Moisture is the driving force allowing growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Concerned About Water Damage? Call Us Today – (860) 216-2785

2. What Looks Dry May Not Be Dry
You may not be safe even after the visible water is removed. Furnishings and buildings can soak in and retain excessive levels of moisture. That promotes microorganism development and fungi growth, even when you don’t see any water. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield uses a professional drying process that includes specialized air movers and dehumidifiers. It’s a surer, more thorough, and faster way to remove water and moisture. We continue the drying process until moisture measurement inspections indicate the ambient air humidity is back to normal.

3. Salvage Your Possessions
Materials and furniture exposed to excessive water must be carefully evaluated. A SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield professional can evaluate and explain to you what’s safe to keep and what must be discarded. We use a proprietary software technology called CCIS to inventory each room. We list categories of not-salvageable, salvageable, and questionable items and materials for you and your insurance adjuster. Then you can decide how to proceed with your water damage restoration process. We strongly believe in a "restore before replace" philosophy to keep your costs down and to salvage as much as possible.

4. Protect Your Safety
Attempting to remedy water damaged possessions and materials on your own can cause physical stress and unwanted, unknown exposure to health hazards such as category 3 water. Safety clothing, gear, equipment, and know-how are essential aspects leading to a safe and effective water damage restoration process.

What Should You Look For In A Water Removal Company?
• Industry experience and leadership
• A reputation for professionalism and customer service
• 24/7 emergency services
• IICRC-certified technicians, with extensive supplemental training
• A free estimate, action plan, and work with your insurance agent

Remember, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield is here to help. We provide water removal and restoration, and many other restoration services. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7. We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Frozen Pipes!

12/15/2015 (Permalink)

If your pipes freeze it could cost you $18,000.

Severe winter weather ranks third as a cause of insured catastrophic losses, after hurricanes and tornadoes, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Losses from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures across the United States average about $1.2 billion a year, according to the New York Times.

Concerned About Your Pipes Freezing? Call Us Today – (860) 216-2785

Preparing your home for cold weather can help avoid potentially costly problems, like frozen pipes. When water freezes it expands. That’s why a can of soda explodes if you put it into a freezer to chill quickly and forget it. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands the same way. If the water expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes, and major damage can begin.

Average Frozen Pipe Damage: $18,000
The average claim for damage from a frozen pipe is about $18,000, although costs can vary widely. Repairing the actual broken pipe is often the least costly part of the damage frozen pipes cause. The damage to fixtures and home finishes from water spurting from a ruptured pipe is what runs up your bill. When a frozen pipe bursts you often must repair the flooring, drywall, and anything left on the floor.

Preventing Frozen Pipes
So what can you do to avoid frozen busted pipes? First, make sure your heating system is working properly and that vulnerable pipes, like those that run close to your exterior walls, are insulated.

If you go away for several days in the winter, make sure you leave the heat on. The Insurance Information Institute recommends setting your thermostat at 65 degrees.

Have someone check your home and property, if you can. If you expect to be away for extended periods — say, you go South for the winter — have your water turned off.

Others actions you can take to help prevent your pipes from freezing are:
•    Seal air leaks surrounding or near your pipes
•    Keep your garage doors closed if you have water supply lines in the garage
•    Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems
•    Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing
•    Keep your heat at a minimum of 55 degrees F at all times. Keep it at 65 when you’re out of town.
•    During severe cold turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night
•    Remove your outside hoses and store them inside during the winter
•    If you need to be away from home, consider draining your water system before you go
•    Identify the locations of shut-off valves so that you’re prepared to stop the flow of water as soon as possible when a pipe bursts

What If Your Pipes Do Freeze?
First, turn off the flow of water. That prevents further damage. To do that you need to know ahead of time where your main water shut-off valve is. Clearly mark it with a bright sticker. You may have to find it in the dark.

Next, call a plumber or contractor like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield to conduct initial repairs and cleanup. Take precautions to avoid an electrical shock if you must be in or near standing water.

You should also take photographs to document the initial damage for your insurance company. Hold onto the broken pipe because your insurance company may want to inspect it.

Remember, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield is here to help. We work on frozen pipes and severe weather damage. So call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7. At SERVPRO we’re trained in many restoration services. We know the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help you recover from frozen pipe and other damage to your home or business.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Roof Leaks

12/2/2015 (Permalink)

Water backs up behind ice dams. It can penetrate your roof shingles, tiles, ceilings, and walls—leading to major water damage.

If you have a severe winter and your roof isn’t insulated well enough to keep the snow from melting, it doesn’t have to rain for your roof to leak.

Have A Roof Leak? Call Us Today – (860) 216-2785

When a layer of snow on the roof melts, it first runs down and freezes over the eaves, which causes ice dams, and then the water backs up behind the dam and under the roofing shingles. Ultimately, water will seep in through your ceilings and walls. Obviously, you don’t want that to happen.

Is Water Damage Coming From A Roof Leak?
If you have water stains that extend across ceilings or run down walls, the cause is probably a roof leak. Tracking down the leak is the hard part; the fixes are easier. Here in Connecticut and the snowy Northeast if you have leaks only on warm or sunny days, you probably have ice dams. We’ll cover that later.

Minor Leaks Can Cause Major Damage
Don’t wait to fix any roof leak. Fix leaks quickly even if they don’t bother you much or you’re getting a new roof next year. In just a short time, small roof leaks can lead to big problems. You could have mold, rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation, damaged ceilings, and more.

Preventive Measures: Roof Rakes & Insulation
Hardware and home improvement stores sell long-handled roof rakes. You can stand on the ground and reach the roof of many small and mid-size homes. Raking large amounts of snow off your roof prevents that snow from ever causing a roof leak. Do be sure that the snow isn’t so high and so close to your foundation that it might cause leaking in your basement.

A thick layer of insulation in your attic or crawl space provides an effective barrier against roof leaks. Insulation keeps warm air in your house where it belongs. The roof stays cooler so the snow doesn’t melt quite as fast.

Where Roof Leaks Occur
Many roof leaks occur around chimneys and roof vents. Flashing is supposed to go under adjacent roof shingles and then up the chimney or pipe for a few inches. The flashing joints have to be sealed. If they aren’t sealed, the water runs right down through the roof and into your house. What makes this tricky is that the water may travel a little down the roof and enter at a lower point. Roof leaks may make ceiling or wall stains far away from where the leak actually is.

Tracking Down A Roof Leak

When you’re trying to track down a roof leak, start by looking at the roof uphill from the stains. First look for any roof penetrations. Items that penetrate the roof are by far the most common source of leaks. In fact, it’s rare for leaks to develop in open areas of uninterrupted shingles, even on older roofs. Penetrations can include plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers, sky lights, or anything else that projects through the roof. They can be several feet above the leak or to the right or left of it.

Use Your Attic Access
If you have attic access, the easiest way to track down a roof leak is to go up to the attic with a flashlight and look for the evidence. There will be water stains, black marks, or mold. But if access is a problem or you have a vaulted ceiling, you’ll have to go up onto the roof and examine the roof closely.

If the problem still isn’t obvious, enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Start low, soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Isolate areas when you run the hose. For example, soak the downhill side of a chimney first, then each side, then the top on both sides. Have your helper stay inside the house waiting for the drip to appear. Let the hose run for several minutes in one area before moving it up the roof a little farther. Tell your helper to yell or call when a drip becomes visible. You’ll be in the neighborhood of the leak. This process can take well over an hour, so be patient and don’t move the hose too soon. Buy your helper dinner.

Ice Dams
When snow and ice accumulate in gutters and along roof ridges, melting water is unable to drain properly. As water backs up behind these ice dams, it can seep under flashing or penetrate your roof shingles, tiles, ceilings, and walls—leading to major water damage. To prevent ice dams from ruining your home’s exterior and interior, remove snow from the roof using a roof rake (if it’s a safe option). In the long-term, it’s important to seal air leaks between your roof and attic, increase roofing insulation, and ensure that your ceiling is air tight.

Roof Inspections Twice A Year
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, your home’s roof should be inspected twice a year—once during the fall and again in late spring—to ensure the best performance and maximize the roof’s lifespan.

Since your roof is the most weather-exposed part of your home, a thorough inspection should include an interior and exterior evaluation of the roof’s structure. Regular roof inspections include a look at interior walls, ceilings, and fireplace flues, assessment of leaks or visible damage, evaluation of downspout/gutter systems and examination of roofing materials (shingles, shakes, tiles, etc.). After inspecting your home from the inside and out, a qualified roofer can make recommendations about maintenance or replacement measures.

Remember, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield is here to help. We repair roofs. So call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

At SERVPRO we’re trained in many restoration services. We know the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help you recover from damage to your home or business.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Flood Cleanup

10/12/2015 (Permalink)

To prevent dry rot and on-going structural damage, don't reconstruct or cover wood materials until its moisture content falls below 16 percent.

When the rain stops and the water subsides, flood victims can follow a few simple steps to reduce property damage and limit health risks. Here are some tips we adapted from the nonprofit Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

When rising water breeches the natural boundaries of rivers, streams, and other bodies of water it flows across the ground picking up all kinds of contamination. The water can be contaminated with soil bacteria, decaying insects, animal droppings, oils and fluids from roadways, and fertilizers and pesticides from fields or gardens. Avoid it as much as possible.

1. Be careful entering buildings
Make sure the electrical power is off and the structure is sound before entering and inspecting a flooded building. Small animals or reptiles may also seek shelter inside a structure, so be cautious if you’re repositioning contents or removing materials.

Need Water Damage Cleanup Services? Call Us Today – (860) 216-2785

2. Wear protection
Wear an organic vapor respirator, available from paint or building supply stores, along with rubber gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. Ventilate affected areas by opening windows, and eventually, by placing a fan in a window. Work toward the fan as you clean to minimize cross contamination.

3. Know what to throw away.
Don’t try to restore porous items that contain contaminated flood water. In most cases, throw out any wet drywall, carpeting, carpet pads, mattresses, pillows, box springs, and particle board.

4. Try to save wet clothing and household fabrics.
Clothing and fabrics like drapes may be salvageable. Try washing them and including at least a 10-minute soak in detergent and hot water. That often removes most contamination and stains.

5. Open pockets of saturation.
Look behind areas where water has probably entered. Remove base molding and portions of damaged walls and wet insulation. Locate the water line and measure 15 inches to 20 inches above it. Everything below that line should be removed and discarded. Remove flooring (like hardwood, laminate, or sheet vinyl) so you can expose pockets of saturation underneath. Clean, sanitize, and dry those areas.

6. Clean aggressively.
Clean wall cavities and exposed durable materials (studs, joists) by pressure washing with detergent solutions. After thoroughly cleaning and flushing salvageable materials, apply a disinfectant solution liberally. That will help get rid of any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, toilets, and from other places. Use a non-toxic but powerful disinfectant. Be sure to disinfect all affected areas including walls, wood, and non-upholstered furniture that sat in the flood water. A water and flood restoration professional like SERVPRO® of Bloomfield/Enfield may be needed to perform this service safely and effectively.

7. Prevent mold growth.
You may not see it at first, but mold will appear in a few days. Mold thrives in a moist environment with organic material like paper or particle board and with temperatures between 68°F and 86°F. To keep mold from growing, keep the air moving and maintain moderate temperatures as much as possible.

8. Dry out before you rebuild.
To prevent dry rot and on-going structural damage, don't reconstruct or cover wood materials until its moisture content falls below 16 percent. Moisture meters are available online, but it may be best to hire a water restoration professional like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield to confirm proper drying before reconstruction. You want to dry everything out as soon as possible.

9. Consider hiring a professional.
A professional water damage restoration company has trained technicians, specialized cleaners and antimicrobial agents, and extraction, drying, dehumidifying and moisture measuring equipment.

We’re here to help. The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized water damage cleanup training and experience to quickly clean and restore your commercial building, home, or property. So call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Ellington, West Hartford, Avon, Springfield, Manchester, Hartford, Newington, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Enfield, Simsbury, Farmington, Coventry, South Windsor, Agawam, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Protecting Your Home's Foundation

8/24/2015 (Permalink)

Water damage hits at the core strength of your house. It will eventually cause serious structural damage to your home's foundation. In fact, nothing damages and weakens more home foundations than water.

Damp wood invites termites and carpenter ants; plus, water damage causes mold and mildew. And major work on a damaged foundation can easily cost you $15,000 to $40,000. The good news is that there are several simple, inexpensive ways you can protect your home’s foundation from water damage.

For Expert Help Evaluating Potential Water Damage Call (860) 216-2785

Ensure Good Drainage
Creating proper yard drainage around your home is the best way to prevent structural foundation damage. Poor drainage weakens your foundation, causing cracks, uneven settling, and pathways for water to enter your home. You ensure good drainage when you:
    1. Clean your gutters regularly.
        A clogged gutter will send cascades of water down the side of your house.
    2. Make sure downspouts direct water 10 feet away from the house.
During a one inch rain a typical home with four downspouts dumps almost 1,600 gallons of water. Some homes have underground extensions that lead to a dry well, bubbler pot, or discharge on a sloping lawn
3. Check the slope of your yard.
        The yard should slope 6 inches down over a 10-foot span away from your foundation.
    4. Check all plantings around your foundation.
    Be certain that anything planted near your home’s foundation is not causing water to pool around the foundation. Some plantings can form a dam that traps water against your home’s foundation. Don’t plant trees or bushes with extensive or deep root systems near your home’s foundation.

Fix Water Leaks
Small water leaks can lead to big water damage in basement. Repair dripping pipes. Check for dark spots under pipes or on ceilings. Inspect your roof every six months for any missing, damaged or loose shingles. Ensure the flashing around your chimneys is tight. Check caulking and sealants for peeling and leakage and look for cracking on collars around vents. Prevent algae and fungus on wood shakes and asphalt shingles with zinc control strips.
Test Your Sump Pump
Don’t wait until a flood or other major water event to know if your sump pump works properly. Test it every year. During storm season test it more frequently.

Know The Signs of Foundation Water Damage
A quick visual inspection of your foundation and home can reveal water damage issues that you need to deal with sooner than later. Here are eight things to look for.
1.    Fractured brick
Cracks in brick cladding may indicate a sunken footing. Look for “stair stepping” cracks near your windows and doorways, running vertically or diagonally near the ground and foundation corners.
2.    Wet crawl space
Excessive moisture, staining, or standing water in your crawl space is a sign of foundation failure and may cause mold growth and poor indoor air quality.
3.    Damp basement
A damp musty smell often means water is not draining away from your foundation.
4.    Fractured basement walls
Expansive soil pressure or lateral earth movement may cause horizontal cracks and water damage. This may eventually cause the basement wall to bow inward.
5.    Cracks in interior or exterior concrete
Uneven, sunken concrete slab, garage slab, separation of concrete slabs, steps, patio, or sidewalks may be signs of shifting soil or settlement. Any of these may cause water to enter your foundation or lead to rotting thresholds, mold, and poor indoor air quality.
6.    Problem doors or windows
When doors and windows stick you may have warping or distortion of your home’s frame caused by foundation failure and water damage.
7.    Cracked Interior walls
Vertical cracks in interior sheetrock or plaster, as well as displaced molding or wood trim may indicate a sinking foundation.
8.    Exterior mildew or stains
Persistent mildew or staining on exterior walls and siding may indicate insufficient draining of storm water around your home.
Remember, we’re here to help. We are water damage experts. Many people in the Connecticut region have used our professional water damage restoration services. So call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Water Damage Cleanup Requires The Right Equipment

6/19/2015 (Permalink)

Water damage from floods can be minimized with proper and swift action

To restore your basement and property from water damage and to keep your water damage losses to a minimum requires the proper water extraction equipment. The right water extraction tools for the job are vital for timely restoration and for drying basements, structures, and property in the way that’s most effective. Here’s a quick review of some of the expertise and equipment necessary.

Using Psychrometrics To Fight Water Damage
Psychrometry is the study of air and its properties (temperature, humidity, vapor pressure, dew point, etc.). To minimize basement water damage and water damage elsewhere you must have accurate measurements of the air conditions so you can create the right atmosphere for efficient drying. Water damage restoration contractors know how to control temperature and humidity levels. Doing so maximizes drying conditions without causing secondary damage through an improper drying process.

Water damage cleanup companies like SERVPRO® use equipment like moisture sensors, moisture meters, and thermohydrometers to define how much moisture has been absorbed. We also use advanced equipment to verify that your basement or other environment has dried thoroughly.

Water Damage Resolved By Extraction, Air Moving, and Deodorizing Equipment
The most effective way to remove moisture from a basement or structure is extraction. By removing the water quickly the environment dries much faster. SERVPRO uses extractors to clean carpets, upholstery, and floors after water damage. Our air moving and dehumidification equipment speed up evaporation. And SERVPRO’s deodorization equipment produces a mist that penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. Our water extraction teams also use ultra low volume foggers to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard to reach places.

The right tools are vital for restoring your water damaged basement, property, and possessions to the best possible condition. But more important is the water extraction team. Our teams thoroughly understand how to dry basements, structures, and personal property effectively.

Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
For any water cleanup and restoration questions you have, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield anytime, 24/7 at 860.216.2785. At SERVPRO our water extraction teams are trained in the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help you. We've served clients in Ellington, West Hartford, Avon, Springfield, Newington, Manchester, Bloomfield, Coventry, Hartford, East Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Water Damage In Basement? Here's What To Do

6/5/2015 (Permalink)

After your house or business suffers water damage don't take chances. Make safety your first priority.

Emergency Safety Tips

• Are you trying to lift wet materials? If so, be careful. When items are soaked with water they become very heavy.

Contact A Water Removal Service
You’re wise to contact a professional water removal service like SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield. You want the job done right and right away. That’s what we do. Never hesitate to call for help.

Responding Fast To Flood And Water Damage
A SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield highly trained technician can respond immediately to water damaged basements and other flood or water damage at your home or business. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and safely.

The sooner the water is removed and the drying process begun, the better condition your home or business will be in. And the cost to repair water damage will be lower.

Call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield to discuss. Call 860.216.2785. We’re the water removal service professionals who have saved property and saved money for the owners of flooded basements and water damaged properties. We've served clients in Ellington, West Hartford, Avon, Springfield, Manchester, Bloomfield, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

Sewer Backups Are Emergencies

5/15/2015 (Permalink)

What You Need To Know

If your sewer backs up you need to act fast. Sewer backup problems are health hazards and emergencies. Sewer water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that can cause serious illnesses. Know what type of sewer water backup you have:
1) Clean Water
This is sewer backup from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. But if you don’t treat it quickly this type of sewer water backup can become a more serious problem. It can become gray water (category 2) or black water (category 3).
2) Gray Water
Experts use the term gray water to describe a sewer line backup that’s contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. You have gray water (category 2) if the water is from a washing machine overflow; a toilet overflow with some urine (no feces); or a dishwasher overflow. This type of sewer water backup can quickly degrade into black water (category 3) if not treated in a timely manner.
3) Black Water
Pros use this term to describe grossly contaminated water. Sewer drain backups like this could cause severe illness or death if ingested. Avoid all contact with black water. You have black water when you have flooding from rivers or streams; water from beyond the toilet trap; water from the toilet bowl with feces; or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Call us whenever you require sewer backup cleaning. At SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield we’re trained in the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to eliminate all sewer backups. From Hartford to Middletown; Avon to Ellington, we’ll keep you safe and healthy!

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (860) 216-2785

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