Restoring Peace of Mind: Dealing with Water Damage

Name: SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington
Address: 15 Main Street, Torrington, CT, 06790
Telephone: (203) 267-6262

6/17/2024 (Permalink)

Imagine coming home to discover your house transformed into a watery disaster zone, courtesy of a burst pipe. It's a scenario that strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners everywhere. However, amidst the chaos and despair, there exists a beacon of hope: SERVPRO®, the trusted name in water damage restoration.

The Calamity: A Burst Pipe

The sudden rupture of a water pipe can turn a peaceful home into a scene of chaos within minutes. Whether due to aging infrastructure, extreme temperatures, or an unforeseen accident, a burst pipe unleashes gallons of water into places where it doesn't belong. From soaking carpets and furniture to seeping into walls and ceilings, the damage can be swift and extensive.

Initial Response: Navigating the Crisis

In such moments of crisis, quick action is crucial. The first steps involve shutting off the water supply to prevent further flooding and ensuring the safety of all occupants. Once these immediate concerns are addressed, the focus shifts to damage assessment and mitigation. Here's where SERVPRO steps in.

SERVPRO: The Restoration Experts

SERVPRO is not just a cleanup crew; we are a lifeline in times of water damage emergencies. With their expertise and experience, SERVPRO teams swiftly assess the extent of the damage. Our thorough inspection identifies areas affected by water intrusion, even those not immediately visible to the untrained eye.

The Restoration Process

Once the assessment is complete, our team formulates a comprehensive restoration plan tailored to each unique situation. This plan typically includes:

Water Extraction: Using powerful pumps and vacuums, SERVPRO extracts standing water from affected areas, minimizing further damage and mold growth.
Drying and Dehumidification: Industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers are deployed to remove moisture from floors, walls, and air spaces. This step is crucial in preventing secondary damage and mold formation.
Cleaning and Sanitizing: Salvageable belongings and structures are meticulously cleaned and sanitized to mitigate the effects of water damage and restore them to preloss conditions.
Restoration: Finally, our skilled technicians undertake repairs and reconstruction as necessary. This may involve replacing drywall, repairing structural damage, or restoring damaged surfaces like carpets and hardwood floors.

Beyond Restoration: Restoring Peace of Mind

While SERVPRO's primary mission is physical restoration, our impact goes beyond repairing walls and floors. We restore peace of mind to homeowners by handling the complexities of insurance claims and providing clear communication throughout the process. Our dedication to customer satisfaction ensures that homeowners can focus on rebuilding their lives with minimal disruption.

Understanding Water Damage

5/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee cleaning a home after water damage

Water damage can strike unexpectedly, wreaking havoc on our homes and lives. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a natural disaster like flooding, the aftermath of water damage can be overwhelming. However, there's hope in the form of water damage restoration professionals who specialize in bringing order back to chaos.

Understanding Water Damage

Before delving into the restoration process, it's crucial to understand the different categories and classes of water damage. Water damage is categorized into three levels:

Clean Water (Category 1): This type of water damage involves water that doesn’t pose an immediate health risk. It typically comes from sources like broken pipes, overflowing sinks, or rainwater.
Grey Water (Category 2): Grey water is slightly contaminated and may cause discomfort or illness if ingested. It can come from sources like dishwashers, washing machines, or sump pump failures.
Black Water (Category 3): This is the most severe type of water damage and poses significant health risks. Black water contains harmful bacteria and pathogens, often stemming from sewage backups, floodwaters, or stagnant water.

Additionally, water damage is classified into four classes based on the extent of saturation and evaporation:

Class 1: Minimal damage with only a small area affected, typically involving materials with low porosity like concrete or hardwood.
Class 2: Significant damage with a larger area affected, including materials with moderate porosity like carpets and cushions.
Class 3: Extensive damage where water has been absorbed into walls and saturated the area, requiring specialized equipment for drying.
Class 4: Deeply entrenched water damage, often requiring specialized drying techniques for materials like hardwood floors or plaster.

The Restoration Process

Water damage restoration is a multi-step process that requires precision, expertise, and quick action to minimize further damage. Here’s an overview of the typical restoration process:

Assessment and Inspection: Restoration professionals begin by assessing the extent of the damage and identifying the category and class of water involved. This assessment helps them develop a tailored restoration plan.
Water Extraction: Using powerful pumps and vacuums, excess water is swiftly removed from the affected area. This step is crucial in preventing further damage and mold growth.
Drying and Dehumidification: Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers are employed to remove moisture from the air and surfaces. This step may take several days to ensure thorough drying.
Cleaning and Sanitizing: Once the area is dry, thorough cleaning and sanitization are essential to prevent mold, bacteria, and odors from developing. Restoration professionals use specialized cleaning agents and equipment for this purpose.
Restoration and Repairs: The final step involves restoring the affected area to its pre-damaged condition. This may include repairing structural damage, replacing flooring or drywall, and restoring damaged belongings.

Importance of Professional Restoration

While DIY solutions may seem tempting, water damage restoration is best left to the professionals for several reasons:

Expertise and Experience: Restoration professionals have the knowledge, training, and experience to handle water damage of any scale safely and effectively.
Specialized Equipment: Professionals utilize advanced equipment and techniques for water extraction, drying, and restoration, ensuring thorough and efficient results.
Prevention of Secondary Damage: Prompt action by professionals helps prevent secondary damage such as mold growth, structural deterioration, and health hazards.
Insurance Assistance: Many restoration companies work directly with insurance companies to streamline the claims process, alleviating stress for homeowners during an already challenging time.

Water damage can be a devastating experience, but with the help of skilled professionals, homes can be restored to their former glory. From initial assessment to final restoration, the water damage restoration process requires precision, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. By entrusting the task to the professionals at SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford, homeowners can regain peace of mind and restore comfort to their living spaces.

We are Southbury's Leading Water Damage Restoration Team

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

Most people know that SERVPRO is the nation's leader in water damage restoration.

You've seen the commercials, our trucks out on the road and perhaps a friend has used our service. However, many of our restoration customers are surprised to learn that our franchise, SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington, offers construction services as well.

After the fire is put out, the water is extracted, the structure dried, the odor removed, the mold remediated, and the contents cleaned, there is often still the issue of returning the physical structure back to preloss condition. When our restoration crew has completed the restoration of water and fire damage in a structure, our building services team will take over for the rebuilding phase.

Our professional and licensed contractors will meet with you to assess the damage and formulate a plan to rebuild your home or business.

Whether you need a few walls in your home sheet-rocked, a total replacement of your kitchen or a new roof, our team is trained and experienced to do the job. We work with your homeowner's insurance company estimator to ensure that the repair costs are in line with your policy's coverage.

Using our building services team for your construction needs streamlines the process for you, enabling you to get back into your home as soon as possible. If you've had a fire in your Milford home, we know that you have been through a traumatic experience.

Our goal is to leave our customers a home that is even better than before their disaster happened.

Help for Flooded Homes and Businesses

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

basement being cleaned after water damage

The reality is that despite precautions, flooding still happens and needs to be cleaned up quickly to prevent secondary damage. Quick action is the key to limiting damage if you have flooding. Here are some actions that can prevent mold from growing in your home.

Protect your belongings – remove light furniture and upholstered items as well as other items that are susceptible (cardboard boxes, carpets and other porous items) from the affected area.
Remove as much water as possible using a wet/dry vacuum.
Use fans to circulate the air and speed up the drying process. A good rule of thumb is to run the fans for an additional week after the area appears dry.
A dehumidifier can be used as well to remove excess moisture and dry out the room.

Water damage can easily be hidden underneath rugs or carpet, so be sure to give your home a thorough inspection if you suspect water damage. Although carpets can be steam cleaned, they are tough to treat and padding typically cannot be saved.

If you do have wall to wall carpeting in your basement that has gotten wet from flood water, give us a call. We are an IICRC trained mold and water mitigation company and have the tools and expertise to treat your home for damage.

Floodwater vs Sewage Water

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Graphic that depicts different types of water damage

Our approach to treating water damage in Connecticut homes depends on which category it falls into.

CAT 1 or Clean Water

Clean water is just that- water that has come from a source that is not contaminated. Examples of this would be a pipe bursting or a refrigerator leak. Also, if you have a leak that allows rainwater in through your roof, it is considered clean. Although clean water can cause significant damage, it is not considered hazardous to human health as there are no microbes in the water. The biggest hazard clean water presents is if the area that has been damaged is not properly cleaned and dried. This can result in mold and fungus growth.

CAT 2 or Gray Water

Gray water is water that is slightly contaminated, either because of the nature of the source or because of neglect. For example, clean water can become “gray” water if it is left untreated for an extended period time. When a toilet or washing machine overflows, the resulting water would be considered gray because of its source. Toilet overflows containing urine only are considered gray.

CAT 3 or Black Water

CAT 3 water is highly dangerous to human health. Black water can include toxic materials such as bacterial diseases, chemicals, pesticides, microbes and more. Sewage based components such as bacteria, fungi, feces, viruses and parasites. Black 3 water situations are usually caused by sewage backups or overflows and flooding.

Since the human eye cannot see bacteria, it is not always obvious whether the water in your home is a CAT 2 or CAT 3. If you experience a flood from a heavy rain, the water may look “clean,” but if there is any ground water that has backed up into your home as a result, there may be invisible microbes lurking in the water.

Any water damage that is not treated correctly will eventually elevate to the next category. Even a simple pipe burst can turn into a biohazard and mold issue if not treated.

If you have any water damage in your home, call Southbury/Torrington at (203) 743-5362 for service that you can count on.

The Green Machines and What They Do

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Your Southbury area business has had water damage. Perhaps a pipe has broken, a toilet overflowed or your coffee maker line sprung a leak.

You’ve called SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington and have been assured that the crew is on their way to clean up the mess. After our property manager has inspected your property, work will begin based on their assessment. The crew will start to unload the trucks and begin work. While the bright green equipment is getting set up throughout your facility, you will likely wonder what all of it does.

When water damage occurs, we typically use the following equipment.

Air Mover and/or Axial Fans: Professional grade air movers and axial fans produce more air movement than a standard household fan. The higher volume of air being moved increases the rate of evaporation, helping to dry the structure as quickly as possible.

Dehumidifiers: A dehumidifier removes water vapor from the air by condensing it out against refrigerated fins. The water is stored and then periodically purged from the machine by use of plastic tubing. The tubing will generally be run so that it dumps water down a drain, such as a bath tub or sink, or sometimes out a window or door. Professional dehumidifiers pull much more vapor from the air than a household dehumidifier. In this way they are generally more efficient.

Air Scrubbers: An air scrubber might be used if your loss is a result of water classified as grey or black, which means that it came from a contaminated source or through building materials. These machines remove airborne particulates by trapping them in HEPA filters. Air Scrubbers are also used in cases where a customer has a health condition that requires the air quality be monitored.

Specialty Drying Equipment: There are a variety of different tools available to our technicians for use in specialty circumstances. For instance, a floor drying mat system allows the technician to create a vacuum system for removing moisture from hardwood floors, in order to try to dry them in place. This helps the floor dry faster, and generally gives us a better chance of saving the hardwood flooring.

If you have any questions about the equipment being used during the restoration of your commercial property, our crew chiefs and technicians are always available to explain the process and what the function of each of those machines in your building is.

We understand that our customers are not experts in water damage restoration. When you have water damage, we are here to help restore your property quickly and efficiently.

When Appliances Break

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Floods can happen without warning - you turn on your washing machine that has been working fine and the next moment, water is everywhere. Our team has been to thousands of water damage restoration jobs in the Southbury area and have identified the main causes of flooding from household appliances in our area.

HOT WATER HEATER

Did you know that about 75% of tank water heaters fail by the time they’re 12 years old, typically due to leaks or burst tanks? The average cost of damage from a water heater failure is $4,000. Proactive tasks include: inspecting your tank regularly for leaks.An inspection should include flushing the tank, inspecting the anode rod, examining shut-off values and checking water heater piping.

WASHING MACHINE

More than half of all water damage are due to broken washing machine hoses, with damages average more than $6,000. So, an easy way to reduce your risk of a flood is to inspect your hoses once a month and look for signs of impending leaks, such as blisters, bulges, cracks, discoloration or kinks.

DISHWASHER

Dishwashers usually fail when they are 10-12 years old, with flooding damage from a dishwater leak averaging $5,000. Keep an eye on connections and small parts, which are often the cause. Tighten the drain line where it connects to under-sink plumbing. Choosing a steel-braided hose over a rubber one is always recommended as well.

REFRIGERATOR

We all love our ice makers (remember having to fill the old cube trays? However, ice makers are the primary cause for water leaks in a refrigerator. Replace copper water lines with braided steel alternatives. Check the water supply line behind the fridge yearly. Tighten the compression nut to prevent a slow drip from causing hidden damage.

AIR CONDITIONER

When an HVAC air conditioners is installed in the attic, it can cause the most damage because water can leak throughout the entire home. Installing a secondary drain line and drain pan overflow switch can help. Also, have your A/C maintained regularly, which includes changing the filter and checking the refrigerant level.

Can Your Wet Carpet Be Saved?

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

two photos- featuring a carpet being restored and replaced

What’s to be done about carpeting when you’ve had a flood in your home?

Water damage restoration is not a “one size fits all” solution and while it’s true that carpeting is unsalvageable in many situations, that’s not always the case.

How does our team overcome wet carpeting?

Our approach to carpet restoration and water extraction varies depending on the fiber count and thickness of the carpet itself, as short pile carpeting (glue down) absorbs less water than plusher options. The restoration of carpets requires a combination of several water removal tools exclusively designed for this porous flooring. Some of the devices and machines our team uses in this process include:

Carpet Wands – The addition of specialty attachments like carpet wands to the wet vacuums and pumps already in use is a versatile implement to the extraction of water. These attachments are a focused vacuum head used on the surface of carpeting to pull the majority of moisture from the fibers and backing material.
Weighted Extractors – When it is possible to restore the carpet, the padding, and the underlying material, it is critical to reduce their oversaturation quickly. The best approach for this is a weighted extraction option that utilizes a technician's weight on a stationary or ride-on unit. The heft of the machine and the operator press the carpet and padding against the subflooring to force moisture to the surface for removal.
Floating – Once most of the moisture has been removed by weighted extraction, floating the carpet by placing a centrifugal air mover between the carpet and padding layers dry both materials simultaneously.

It's not always obvious which carpeting can be saved. For a professional assessment of your water damage situation, give us a call!

When the Washing Machine Leaks...

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

washing machine with bubbles coming out of it

Floods can happen without warning - you turn on your washing machine that has been working fine and the next moment, water is everywhere. Our team has been to thousands of water damage restoration jobs in the Southbury area and have identified the main causes of flooding from household appliances in our area.

HOT WATER HEATER

Did you know that about 75% of tank water heaters fail by the time they’re 12 years old, typically due to leaks or burst tanks? The average cost of damage from a water heater failure is $4,000. Proactive tasks include: inspecting your tank regularly for leaks.An inspection should include flushing the tank, inspecting the anode rod, examining shut-off values and checking water heater piping.

WASHING MACHINE

More than half of all water damage are due to broken washing machine hoses, with damages average more than $6,000. So, an easy way to reduce your risk of a flood is to inspect your hoses once a month and look for signs of impending leaks, such as blisters, bulges, cracks, discoloration or kinks.

DISHWASHER

Dishwashers usually fail when they are 10-12 years old, with flooding damage from a dishwater leak averaging $5,000. Keep an eye on connections and small parts, which are often the cause. Tighten the drain line where it connects to under-sink plumbing. Choosing a steel-braided hose over a rubber one is always recommended as well.

REFRIGERATOR

We all love our ice makers (remember having to fill the old cube trays? However, ice makers are the primary cause for water leaks in a refrigerator. Replace copper water lines with braided steel alternatives. Check the water supply line behind the fridge yearly. Tighten the compression nut to prevent a slow drip from causing hidden damage.

AIR CONDITIONER

When an HVAC air conditioners is installed in the attic, it can cause the most damage because water can leak throughout the entire home. Installing a secondary drain line and drain pan overflow switch can help. Also, have your A/C maintained regularly, which includes changing the filter and checking the refrigerant level.

Special Care for Older Homes

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

The Litchfield County area is known for its beautiful old houses in a picturesque setting. Hundreds of years old, these homes are reminders of how things used to be. We’ve seen homes in which the crawlspaces reveal rocks stacked on top of each other for the foundation. That these structures still stand is a testament to the craftsmanship of our ancestors.

As impressive as old houses are, however, it is inevitable that they might be plagued by structural problems. Foundations crack and shift, creating a risk of water damage. Old electrical wires that often do not meet code can fray as well as overload the system, causing an electrical fire. The plumbing systems that were added long after these homes were built are often not installed to today’s standards. Septic systems deteriorate and break with age. There are a host of problems that cause water damage to older homes.

If you have an older home in Connecticut, be vigilant about the warning signs of water damage.

Water stains. Water stains are the most common and obvious indication that you have a leak.You may see them on the ceilings or walls. Have all water stains inspected to see what the source is.

Deteriorating wood. In particular, keep your eye on door and window frames as well as baseboards and molding which are the first areas to show water damage because of a leaking window or door.

Buckling floors. If there is an appliance leak that goes unnoticed, a pipe leak under a sink or a gap around your shower door, you may end up with floors that absorb the water. Wood flooring absorbs the water, which makes it swell and buckle. Vinyl will curl up at the edges, which gives you a clue that there is a problem.

Pay attention to suspicious smells. If you notice a moldy or mildew smell, find the source even if there is nothing visible. Water damage can cause mold to grow behind walls and can cause serious damage if not mitigated.

Do you have water damage in your older home? Call Us Today (203) 267-6262.

Clean Your Gutters to Avoid Water Damage this Fall.

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

leaves and plants growing out of a gutter

If there are plants growing out of your gutter, they cannot work properly!

The start of the school year has begun, the weather has been cool and the first day of fall is next week.

With all of the pumpkiny, cinnamon-spicey, sweatery ads popping up in my Facebook feed, it comes at no surprise! And I have to admit that as much as I am sorry to see summer end, fall is my favorite season and I am looking forward to the crisp air and coziness that it brings. We are so lucky to live in New England and be surrounded by the fall colors that the changing of the leaves brings. Of course, those leaves fall and often land in our gutters, which can cause water damage to your home.

I’m sure that it goes without saying for most of you, however, I’m going to go ahead and remind you to clean out your gutters this fall.

I usually find myself doing this task twice- once at the beginning of the season to get all of the wet, decaying leaves and twigs that have accumulated all year out. Then, I go out a second time in November, after all of the leaves have fallen but before the snow falls, to do a clearing of all of the new leaves. I do want to caution our readers that cleaning gutters should be done with care. If it cannot be done safely, please reach out to one of the many wonderful specialists in our area to do it for you.

A common cause of roof and water damage in residential properties is malfunctioning gutters.

When your gutters are clogged, the water collects and spills out of the top in both directions. When it falls away from your house, it pools and causes problems at your foundation level, causing damage to your foundation and often flooding your basement. When it flows out onto your roof, it can create a leaking problem in your attic. Roof leaks often go unnoticed because most of us don’t make frequent visits into our attic spaces. But, eventually, the water will make its way into the insulation, walls and ceilings of your home. Roof leaks are also a common reason why attic mold grows.

Cleaning out your gutters lowers your risk of basement flooding and roof leaks.

However, if you do find yourself with a flood due to clogged gutters, don’t worry - we won’t judge! We understand that despite a homeowner’s best intentions, life gets busy and accidents happen! Give our office a call and schedule an appointment with our team to restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

Video on how to clean out your gutters

Contact us if you have water or mold damage.

When it Comes to Water Damage, Timing is Everything

7/24/2021 (Permalink)

If your Woodbury home has experienced water damage, whether from a pipe burst, an appliance line leak or a flooded basement, calling a restoration company immediately will reduce the damage to your home and possessions. The sayings "time is of the essence" and "there's no time to waste" are applicable here. The longer that your home is left untreated, the greater the effects of the water damage will be.

What might appear as a water stain in the morning could progress to the ceiling having fallen on your couch by noon. Once wet, sheetrock can quickly deteriorate and fall to pieces. As time passes after a water damage event, the flooding can cause your porous furnishings such as carpeting, mattresses and furniture to become water logged, rendering them unsalvageable. Home insulation and carpet padding also retain moisture. Electronics are susceptible to internal degradation from the moisture in the air. When treated quickly, wood and laminate flooring can often be saved using our floor mat system however if left to penetrate and go beneath the wood to the subfloor, this option is unlikely.

Secondary water damage issues can also arise if restoration is delayed. What may have entered your home as clean water, such as an ice dam melting through your ceiling or water from a faucet leaking, may become contaminated and change to gray or black water, which can be a health concern and require a higher degree of handling. The growth of mold spores is also a concern when a home has had flooding that goes untreated.

Upon arrival to your home after we receive your call, one our estimators will assess the damage. If you have not yet determined the cause of the water damage, their first course of action will be to do so. Our technicians use a variety of tools such as moisture readers and sensors, probes and infrared technology in their evaluation. This, coupled with decades of experience and the highest level of industry training, gives them an accurate picture of the situation.

Typically, our first course of treatment is to remove any standing water from your home using water extractors, submersible pumps, dehumidifiers and air movers. If necessary, we will order dumpsters to be brought to your home for the disposal of unsalvageable personal items and structural materials such as flooring, carpeting and wallboard. Our crew may also move household belongings from your home to our storage facility while your home is being cleaned. They may also restore some items such as furniture, area rugs, and photos off site. Throughout the process, our office staff will communicate with your insurance company to address any concerns and gain approval for planned restoration work.

After we have removed the excess water from your home, we begin sanitizing it. We use both wet and dry cleaning methods to remove dirt and pollution from the carpets, walls, furniture, baseboards, appliances and pieces of furniture that were affected by the water. Industrial air scrubbers, which clean the air by passing it through special filters, remove any contaminants from the air of the home. Our crew uses antibacterial and antimicrobial treatments to sanitize and disinfect any contaminated items and deodorization to eliminate any odors.

Once your home is dry, clean and restored, we are able to bring your household items back, have the dumpsters removed and move our equipment out. Although each water damage restoration job we encounter is unique, our essential approach is consistent. At SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington, our goal is to arrive at your home and begin the water damage process quickly after receiving your call, restore it professionally and thoroughly and help you get back to normalcy. If you experience water damage in the Southbury area, call our office at (203) 267-6262. We are available 24 hours a day and have staff ready to respond to your call.

Should Your Water Damaged Carpet be Restored or Replaced?

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

photos of a man replacing a carpet and restoring one

When there is a flood, a building's carpet is usually affected. Whether a traditional cut pile or a commercial glue down, wet carpet always needs to be addressed. Our treatment of damaged carpet is not a one-size fits all application, but rather it varies depending on the category of water loss and current condition of carpet

There are three categories that water flooding falls into.

Category 1 is clean water that may be found when a bathtub overflows or ice maker line leaks. If the restoration process begins within hours of occurring the likelihood of salvaging the carpet is extremely high.

Category 2, also referred to asgray water, is water that has picked up some forms of contamination, such as water from the dishwasher or a washing machine flood. The soap, food particles and soil that are found in the water create a CAT 2 water loss. Salvaging carpets under this condition is also possible however the emergency service of drying must begin quickly.

Category 3 water damage is defined by water that is contaminated and potentially hazardous. Think raw sewage or water damage that started as another category due to prolonged interaction with bacteria and other pathogens on the building materials that populate due to the increased moisture content. Toilet overflows, sewage backups and flooding from ground water are examples of a CAT 3. Carpeting hit by CAT 3 water is not salvageable.

In the end, safety is our number one priority when determining whether your carpet will be restored or replaced.

The Water Damage Process Explained

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Quick action is crucial when you are dealing with water damage. The severity of the damage to your home can increase within just a few hours. This is the case no matter what has caused your water damage- whether it be from a broken refrigerator supply line, a leaking roof or a water heater burst.

When they pick up your call, Theny and Alexis, our Torrington office staff, understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and a bit vulnerable. Our staff has experience of taking hundreds of calls like yours each year and can calmly guide you through the process.

Upon answering your call, we will gather the necessary information in order to determine what equipment and resources will be needed as well as the size of the crew to send.

Some of the questions we might ask are:

Your name and phone number as well as email address

If you are a renter or property manager, the homeowner's contact information

Your home insurance policy information

The street address of the water-damaged home or business as well as the billing address

When the water damage occurred and what caused it

Whether there is electricity and heat available in the home

The following step will be for the office to schedule an appointment for one of our estimators to come to your home along with a crew to inspect the damages and formulate a restoration plan. The information that they have gotten from your call will help them determine how many technicians to send and what type of equipment is needed. Once we have inspected the damage, our crew will begin work.

We know that most of our clients have not experienced water damage before and may be unfamiliar with the terminology used and why certain actions need to be taken. Please know that if at any point you feel this way, our production managers and office staff are available to answer your questions.

The team at SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington are your Connecticut water restoration specialists. If you have a flood or leak, call us at (203) 267-6262.

How to Find the Right Water Damage Restoration Company When Your Home is Flooded

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Since most people haven’t researched and chosen a water restoration company prior to having a disaster, the decision is often made while in the midst of an emergency situation.

Most of our emergency water damage customers learn about our company in a few ways.

A Personal Recommendation. As stressful as it can be to have your home flooded, having a friend or family member recommend a company that they’ve used can make your situation a bit easier. At SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington we get a lot of our jobs from personal recommendations. We work hard to make each and every customer satisfied and, in turn, our customers often recommend us to others.
An Insurance Agent. The first person who you will most likely talk to when you have flooding is your homeowner’s insurance agent. They are the perfect person to ask for a recommendation - they have more experience with water damage restoration companies than anyone else you’ll find! They know which companies are reliable and professional and they hear all of the complaints as well. Asking your agent for a referral is a smart move if you want to have a positive experience.
An Internet Search. In today’s world, we have access to much more information about a company than we did back in the days of the yellow book. Most restoration companies have a website, Facebook page and online reviews that you can use to make your decision.

Water damage in your home is stressful but choosing a restoration company doesn’t have to be.

SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington is highly recommended in the Hartford County area because of our highly trained professionals who go above and beyond to help our customers.

Freezing Pipes Burst in Southbury Homes

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

With the thermometer dipping last week, pipes in Litchfield County homes began freezing and, in may cases, burst.

Although pipes can freeze anywhere in your home, there are some areas that are more susceptible than others.

1. Your Crawlspace - Many older homes in CT have a crawlspace rather than a full basement. These are typically not insulated and the pipes are exposed to the environment. Lining the sides of the space with foam board and the ground with plastic can help. You may also consider installing a heat cable that runs along the pipes and is turned on when the temps drop.

2. Under the Kitchen Sink - In particular, sinks that are on an exterior wall tend to experience frozen pipes. An easy solution to this is leaving your cabinet doors open to allow the warm air in the home to circulate.

3. Bonus Rooms Above the Garage - Most bonus rooms are built above an unheated garage. They are exposed to the cold air (especially along the exterior walls). Keeping the temperature in your garage above freezing with the use of space heaters on frigid days can help.

Frozen pipes can happen to anyone. We have responded to water damage from burst pipes in houses built in the 1700's as well as homes that are new construction. We've seen it all and have the experience to restore your home quickly and thoroughly

Your Home has Water Damage and You've Called SERVPRO. What's Next?

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Your Southbury area business has had water damage. Perhaps a pipe has broken, a toilet overflowed or your coffee maker line sprung a leak.

You’ve called SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington and have been assured that the crew is on their way to clean up the mess. After our property manager has inspected your property, work will begin based on their assessment. The crew will start to unload the trucks and begin work. While the bright green equipment is getting set up throughout your facility, you will likely wonder what all of it does.

When water damage occurs, we typically use the following equipment.

Air Mover and/or Axial Fans: Professional grade air movers and axial fans produce more air movement than a standard household fan. The higher volume of air being moved increases the rate of evaporation, helping to dry the structure as quickly as possible.

Dehumidifiers: A dehumidifier removes water vapor from the air by condensing it out against refrigerated fins. The water is stored and then periodically purged from the machine by use of plastic tubing. The tubing will generally be run so that it dumps water down a drain, such as a bath tub or sink, or sometimes out a window or door. Professional dehumidifiers pull much more vapor from the air than a household dehumidifier. In this way they are generally more efficient.

Air Scrubbers: An air scrubber might be used if your loss is a result of water classified as grey or black, which means that it came from a contaminated source or through building materials. These machines remove airborne particulates by trapping them in HEPA filters. Air Scrubbers are also used in cases where a customer has a health condition that requires the air quality be monitored.

Specialty Drying Equipment: There are a variety of different tools available to our technicians for use in specialty circumstances. For instance, a floor drying mat system allows the technician to create a vacuum system for removing moisture from hardwood floors, in order to try to dry them in place. This helps the floor dry faster, and generally gives us a better chance of saving the hardwood flooring.

If you have any questions about the equipment being used during the restoration of your commercial property, our crew chiefs and technicians are always available to explain the process and what the function of each of those machines in your building is.

We understand that our customers are not experts in water damage restoration. When you have water damage, we are here to help restore your property quickly and efficiently.

CAT 1. CAT 2. CAT 3. What's the Difference?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Our approach to treating water damage in Connecticut homes depends on which category it falls into.

CAT 1 or Clean Water

Clean water is just that- water that has come from a source that is not contaminated. Examples of this would be a pipe bursting or a refrigerator leak. Also, if you have a leak that allows rainwater in through your roof, it is considered clean. Although clean water can cause significant damage, it is not considered hazardous to human health as there are no microbes in the water. The biggest hazard clean water presents is if the area that has been damaged is not properly cleaned and dried. This can result in mold and fungus growth.

CAT 2 or Gray Water

Gray water is water that is slightly contaminated, either because of the nature of the source or because of neglect. For example, clean water can become “gray” water if it is left untreated for an extended period time. When a toilet or washing machine overflows, the resulting water would be considered gray because of its source. Toilet overflows containing urine only are considered gray.

CAT 3 or Black Water

CAT 3 water is highly dangerous to human health. Black water can include toxic materials such as bacterial diseases, chemicals, pesticides, microbes and more. Sewage based components such as bacteria, fungi, feces, viruses and parasites. Black 3 water situations are usually caused by sewage backups or overflows and flooding.

Since the human eye cannot see bacteria, it is not always obvious whether the water in your home is a CAT 2 or CAT 3. If you experience a flood from a heavy rain, the water may look “clean,” but if there is any ground water that has backed up into your home as a result, there may be invisible microbes lurking in the water.

Any water damage that is not treated correctly will eventually elevate to the next category. Even a simple pipe burst can turn into a biohazard and mold issue if not treated.

If you have any water damage in your home, call Southbury/Torrington at (203) 743-5362 for service that you can count on.

The Appliances That Cause Water Damage and How You Can Prevent It.

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Floods can happen without warning - you turn on your washing machine that has been working fine and the next moment, water is everywhere. Our team has been to thousands of water damage restoration jobs in the Southbury area and have identified the main causes of flooding from household appliances in our area.

HOT WATER HEATER

Did you know that about 75% of tank water heaters fail by the time they’re 12 years old, typically due to leaks or burst tanks? The average cost of damage from a water heater failure is $4,000. Proactive tasks include: inspecting your tank regularly for leaks.An inspection should include flushing the tank, inspecting the anode rod, examining shut-off values and checking water heater piping.

WASHING MACHINE

More than half of all water damage are due to broken washing machine hoses, with damages average more than $6,000. So, an easy way to reduce your risk of a flood is to inspect your hoses once a month and look for signs of impending leaks, such as blisters, bulges, cracks, discoloration or kinks.

DISHWASHER

Dishwashers usually fail when they are 10-12 years old, with flooding damage from a dishwater leak averaging $5,000. Keep an eye on connections and small parts, which are often the cause. Tighten the drain line where it connects to under-sink plumbing. Choosing a steel-braided hose over a rubber one is always recommended as well.

REFRIGERATOR

We all love our ice makers (remember having to fill the old cube trays? However, ice makers are the primary cause for water leaks in a refrigerator. Replace copper water lines with braided steel alternatives. Check the water supply line behind the fridge yearly. Tighten the compression nut to prevent a slow drip from causing hidden damage.

AIR CONDITIONER

When an HVAC air conditioners is installed in the attic, it can cause the most damage because water can leak throughout the entire home. Installing a secondary drain line and drain pan overflow switch can help. Also, have your A/C maintained regularly, which includes changing the filter and checking the refrigerant level.

Appliance Leaks Cause Water Damage to Southbury Homes

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

dishwasher with water gushing out of the top

With everyone spending more time within their homes during the pandemic, we are experiencing an increase in calls from homeowners with water damage with an appliance leak. It doesn’t take long for the water from an appliance leak to flood a house, leak through the floor and cause widespread damage. Appliance leaks cause damage to the wood flooring, carpets and the walls and ceiling of homes. The good news is that most insurance companies will cover water damage that is a result of a sudden malfunction of an appliance.

Nobody plans on an appliance leak in their home but they happen more often that you would imagine. Your immediate response when you discover an appliance leak at your home will be to stop the flow of water. Turning the water off at the main shut off valve will stop any further flooding.

After the water has been shut off, call our office at (203) (203) 267-6262. We are open 24-7 and the sooner the water damage restoration process begins, the easier the and quicker the work will be. Our team is practicing safety precautions such as social distancing, the use of personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves and sanitizing surfaces to protect them and you from any Covid-19 exposure.

Despite COVID-19, Water Damage is Still Hitting Homes and Businesses in Southbury

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

a sign that says yes we're open with a SERVPRO symbol

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused most of our lives to halt to a stop. Despite this, home and business owners still face many of the same challenges that existed prior to this outbreak. Dishwashers malfunction, roofs leak and basements flood just like before.

We are all concerned about spreading the coronavirus and some of our friends and customers have expressed concern over having people in their homes and businesses. Yet, water damage must be addressed quickly. Please be assured that our crew is practicing the highest level of safety as they work, for their own protection as well as yours. Some of the practices our franchise is adhering to strictly are:

Personal Protection Equipment: Our crew is wearing gloves and masks on every job
Social Distancing: We are following social distancing guidelines and maintaining a safe distance from each other as well as those who must remain in the building as we work
Disinfecting: We are wiping down surfaces that we touch - such as doorknobs and light switches - with SERVPROxide, a hospital grade disinfectant. When deemed necessary, we are also applying the same disinfectant with a fogger in order to further sanitize.

Why can't you just wait for a few weeks until things go back to normal?

Unfortunately, the more time that goes by with untreated damage, the worse the situation gets.

The First 24 Hours:

Drywall, which is found on the walls and ceilings of most Connecticut homes, gets saturated and begins to disintegrate. Many people discover their water leak only after the ceiling is already on the floor. That's how quickly this can happen.
You will notice a musty smell and normal household odors grow stronger.
Any uncoated metal surfaces, which are vulnerable to moisture in the air, will begin to tarnish.
Your furniture may begin to show signs of damage. In particular, laminated furniture and flooring will begin to swell and crack due to the moisture.
Free-floating laminated flooring may also begin to pop out of place due to swelling.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

The 'clean water' situation will have been upgraded to a 'gray water' intrusion.
You will notice an earthy smell in the home, which is caused by standing water as well as building materials and contents that have begun to decay.
Because of the high moisture levels, fungi, mold and mildew will begin to grow at this time, especially on porous materials such as sheetrock and carpeting.
Wood building materials begin to show signs of damage as they swell, warp and split. You will notice this on window frames, wall moldings, the interior doors in your home and even studs and joists at this time.
Rust and corrosion will begin to occur on metal items.
Electronics in the home will begin to malfunction.
Wood flooring and furniture begin to swell from the saturation.
The Indoor Air Quality in the structure is compromised and health hazards can become an issue. Occupants of the home who are at risk due to health issues may begin to experience negative health effects.

More Than 1 Week:

A 'black water' situation is most likely the case at this time due to the growth of bacteria and other harmful contaminates in the home.
Mold spores will spread quickly and begin to break down natural materials, wallpaper, wood paneling, and other building materials
The structural safety of the home is in question as wood building materials are compromised.
The air quality in the home can pose a danger to all inhabitants.
The costs associated with your insurance claim exponentially rises. The demolition and replacement of, rather than the restoration of, damaged materials becomes necessary.
Our water damage restoration crews will be required to wear personal protection equipment in order to work in your home.

When Winter Thaws, Keep the Puddles Outside!

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

basement flooded withw ater and a drain hose on the ground

This week has been incredibly warm (with the thermometer hitting 56 degrees in Torrington today!)

With winter coming to an end, the ground is thawing out and with that, excess water will be created. Unless you have a water proof house, this could cause flood problems, particularly in your basement. We've compiled a few flood prevention tips that will help protect your home this spring.

Inspect the drainage system: The drainage system on your property must be free of obstructions so the melted snow and ice will drain away from your home. Open your roof drains and make sure the floor drains of free of debris. If you have flood drains outside your home, make sure they are clear as well.
Inspect your gutters and downspouts: It's important to make sure that your downspouts and gutters are clear so that any ice and snow that is melting off of your roof has an exit point. With the winter we had, which brought high winds and snowstorms, there can be a plethora of leaves, twigs and branches blocking your gutters. This can cause water damage by allowing water to enter your home through the roof. Also, if the water cannot drain properly, it will flow over the side of your gutter instead. This causes water buildup near the foundation of your home., which can lead to flooding in your basement.
Test your sump pump: Many houses in Connecticut have sump pumps to assist in keeping the basement dry. Sump pumps are a fantastic idea but only if they are working! Our Torrington office receives several calls a year from homes in which there is water damage from sump pump failure. There are some simple steps that you can take to make sure that your sump pump is in proper working order. We recommend doing so in early spring.

It's been a long winter and we are finally coming out of it. Don't let your enjoyment of spring be hindered by a flooded basement or leaky roof.

If you have water damage from flooding this spring, call the SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington team for professional water damage restoration with experience and training you can count on.

Blown-in Insulation Removal in Southbury Homes and Businesses

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Blown in insulation can contain animal feces from bats, mice and other animals who are living in your attic.

Many homes in the Southbury area have blown-in insulation. It’s a popular choice as it provides full coverage, is easy to install and is very efficient method of insulating the home. On occasion, a homeowner will find themselves in a situation in which the blown-in insulation will need to be removed from their home.

There are a number of reasons why the removal of blown-in insulation might be necessary including:

Water Damage Events:

When your home has a leak or flooding, the insulation will have water damage along with the rest of your home. Because wet insulation can promote mold growth, it can be a health hazard for those in the home. Wet insulation also loses its effectiveness because it has become compacted and no longer insulates your home as intended.

Old Insulation:

Today’s standards of insulation are far greater than what a home would have been required to have 20 years ago. Older insulation is thinner and has a lower R-value. If this is the case in your home, having it removed and replaced will help in keeping your home better insulated.

Animal Infestations:

Mice, bats, and birds often make a nice home of your attic space. The feces from these animals spread contaminants and disease in your home. Animal waste also causes the insulation to compact, creating a better environment for animals to build a nest, which will exacerbate the problem.

The SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington team is experienced in blown in insulation removal.

We use commercial vacuums to safely and effectively remove the old insulation as well as any debris. Once the insulation has been removed, our team is able to assess any further damage to the structure, such as wet subfloors or walls, that will also require treatment or replacement. Once all of the damaged materials have been removed, the affected area is decontaminated and sanitized prior to the new insulation being blown in.

If you need the insulation in your home removed, call our office at (203) 267-6262 for an inspection today.

Leaking Roofs Causes Water and Mold Damage to Hartford County Homes

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

A leaking roof can cause not only damage the structural integrity of your Southbury home but can be a health and fire hazard as well. Leaks can be caused by a variety of reasons such as a roof that was incorrectly installed or damage from a storm or high winds. Here are some of the ways a roof leak can affect your home and family.

Compromised structure

A leaking roof can cause damaged rafters, ceiling joists and wall studs, as well as rotting to the interior and exterior trim. The water causes the wood to warp, weaken and deteriorate. Repairs to the infrastructure of your home can be costly.

Attic and ceiling damage

The initial dangers of a roof leak are damage to the attic area and the items stored there. If there is no attic, or the size of the leak is really big, it will damage the interior ceiling. You will notice water spots and perhaps bubbling or peeling on the affected ceiling and walls The dripping water can also damage ceiling fans and light fixtures.

Fire hazard from water damage

If electrical wiring is present in an attic or ceiling, a leaky roof could pose a fire threat from shorted wires. It is highly recommended to turn off electricity to the area that’s affected and have an electrician examine it.

Interior mold

One of the more serious issues that occur from a roof leak is mold growth. The consequences of letting the water settle without repairing the leak immediately can be harmful to your health. Mold damage can spread throughout the home’s structure, HVAC system and into personal belongings. Black mold is the most common type resulting from chronic water intrusion. SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington can remediate mold found in your Harwinton home.

High utility bills/wasted energy

Water leaking through the roof causes damage to the insulation in the attic, which becomes saturated and takes a long time to dry out. If a roof leak repair is put off, your home will lose hot and cool air, resulting in higher utility bills.

If you discover that a roof leak has caused water or mold damage in your home, call us at (203) 267-6262.

Washing Machines, Dishwashers and Refrigerators and the Water Damage they can Cause

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes, water damage comes from an unlikely source such as an appliance in your home.

In the past month, the team at SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County has responded to water damage emergencies in homes that were caused by leaking washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerator lines. The appliances failed without warning, leaving the homeowners dealing with an unexpected mess.

The problem with appliance leaks is that they often happen when the homeowner is away from the house. How many of us turn on the dishwasher prior to leaving our homes for the day? We expect to return to clean dishes but rather, find our homes flooded. Similarly, many of us run the washing machine while we are sleeping or not at home.In the case of a washing machine, failures can happen due to a leaky door seal, a loose hose or a shot pump.

It doesn’t take long for the water from an appliance leak to flood a house, leak through the floor and cause widespread damage. Appliance leaks cause damage to the wood flooring, carpets and the walls and ceiling of homes. The good news is that most insurance companies will cover water damage that is a result of a sudden malfunction of an appliance.

Nobody plans on an appliance leak in their home but they happen more often that you would imagine. We’ve seen this in the case of new and old appliances. Your immediate response when you discover an appliance leak at your home will be to stop the flow of water. Turning the water off at the main shut off valve (typically found in the basement of Newtown area homes) will stop any further flooding.

After the water has been shut off, call our office at (203) 743-5362. We are open 24-7 and the sooner the water damage restoration process begins, the easier the and quicker the work will be.

Older Homes in the Torrington Area are at Risk for Water Damage

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Wood floors buckling and with dark stains are a sure sign of water damage