Preventing Water Damage from Appliances in Your Avon, CT Home

6/6/2024 (Permalink)

Appliance water damage can be avoided with routine maintenance!

While you may not expect it, your household appliances can cause serious water damage in your Avon home. When an appliance malfunctions or leaks, it can lead to costly repairs, mold growth, and even structural issues. From leaking washing machines to a malfunctioning dishwasher, your appliances have high potential to cause significant water damage when not properly maintained.

Appliance Water Damage Prevention Tips

1. Perform Regular Maintenance Checks

Routine maintenance checks are crucial for ensuring that your appliances are in good working condition and are less likely to malfunction and cause water damage in Avon. Schedule regular inspections of all your appliances, paying close attention to hoses, seals, and connections for any signs of wear or deterioration. Replace any worn-out parts promptly to prevent leaks or ruptures.

2. Replace Old or Faulty Hoses

Hoses are a common point of failure in appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers. Over time, hoses can become brittle, cracked, or worn out, increasing the risk of leaks and water damage. Inspect the hoses connected to your appliances regularly and replace them every five years or sooner if signs of wear are present.

3. Clean and Maintain Your Appliances

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your appliances can help prevent water damage by keeping them functioning properly and minimizing the risk of clogs or blockages. Clean the lint traps in your washing machine and dryer regularly, remove food debris from your dishwasher's filter, and inspect the seals and gaskets for signs of mold or mildew growth. Proper maintenance will not only extend the lifespan of your appliances but also reduce the likelihood of water damage.

4. Monitor Water Pressure

High water pressure can put excessive strain on your appliances' hoses and connections, increasing the risk of leaks and water damage. Install a water pressure regulator if your home's water pressure exceeds recommended levels and monitor it regularly to ensure it stays within the optimal range. By maintaining proper water pressure, you can protect your appliances and prevent potential water damage.

5. Act Quickly in Case of Leaks

Despite your best efforts, leaks can still occur. In the event of a leak or malfunctioning appliance, it's essential to act quickly to minimize water damage. Shut off the water supply to the affected appliance immediately, mop up any standing water, and use towels to soak up excess moisture. Then, contact a professional plumber or appliance repair technician to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs, along with a water damage restoration company to properly address all areas of moisture in your property.

Appliance Water Damage in Avon, CT? Call Us 24/7 For Immediate Assistance!

Preventing Sewage Backups in Farmington, CT: Essential Tips for Homeowners

5/29/2024 (Permalink)

When sewage disasters strike, we're here to provide 24/7 emergency sewage backup cleanup in Farmington and the surrounding areas.

Sewage backups in Farmington are more than just an inconvenience—they can cause significant damage to your home and pose serious health risks. Preventing these messy and costly incidents requires regular maintenance and vigilance. Here, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you keep your plumbing system in top shape and avoid the nightmare of a sewage backup in your Farmington home.

Understand the Causes of Sewage Backups 

To effectively prevent sewage backups, it's important to understand what causes them. 

Common causes include:

• Clogs: Blockages in your plumbing system can occur due to grease, hair, or foreign objects.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can infiltrate and damage sewer lines, leading to blockages.
• Damaged Sewer Lines: Older or poorly maintained pipes can crack or collapse.
• Heavy Rainfall: Excessive rain can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, causing backups.
• Sump Pump Failures: A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding and sewage backups.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Sewage Backups in Farmington

Regular Maintenance

• Schedule Regular Inspections:
• Hire a professional plumber to inspect your sewer lines annually.
• Use a video camera inspection to detect potential problems early.
• Clean Drains and Pipes:
• Use enzyme-based cleaners monthly to keep your pipes clear.
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes.

Proper Waste Disposal

• Dispose of Grease Properly:
• Never pour grease or oil down the drain. Let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.
• Use Drain Screens:
• Install screens over drains to catch hair, food particles, and debris.
• Be Mindful of What You Flush:
• Only flush toilet paper. Avoid flushing wipes, feminine hygiene products, or any non-biodegradable items.

Landscaping and Tree Care

• Plant Trees Away from Sewer Lines:
• Avoid planting trees and shrubs near sewer lines to prevent root intrusion.
• Regular Root Maintenance:
• If you have trees near your sewer lines, consider annual root maintenance. A plumber can use root-killing chemicals or mechanical augers to prevent roots from growing into the pipes.

Install Preventive Devices

• Backwater Valves:
• Install a backwater valve to prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rainfall or municipal system overloads.
• Sump Pumps and Battery Backups:
• Ensure your sump pump is in good working condition and consider installing a battery backup to keep it running during power outages.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

• Know the Signs of a Sewage Backup:
• Slow drains, gurgling toilets, foul odors, and water pooling around basement drains are warning signs.
• Have a Plumber on Speed Dial:
• Establish a relationship with a reliable plumber who offers emergency services.
• Know a Sewage Damage Cleanup Company:
• SERVPRO of Farmington, Avon are experts in water damage restoration and biohazard cleanup - If you find yourself dealing with a messy sewage backup in Farmington, our team is ready to respond 24/7 to return your property to safe and sanitary conditions as quickly as possible.

Need Sewage Backup Cleanup? Call Us 24/7! 

Keeping Your Basement Dry: Tips for Preventing Basement Flooding in Farmington, CT

4/12/2024 (Permalink)

Taking preventative measures against basement flooding can protect your property from serious damages or the growth of mold.

A flooded basement in Farmington can be a homeowner's worst nightmare and result in serious damages and even mold growth in your property. However, there are proactive steps that can be taken to help prevent basement flooding and safeguard your home or business. 

Flooded Basement Prevention Tips:

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts:

One of the primary causes of basement flooding is water seepage from overflowing gutters and downspouts. Regularly clean your gutters to remove leaves, debris, and other obstructions that can prevent proper water drainage. Ensure that downspouts are directing water away from your foundation and ideally towards a sloped area or a designated drainage system.

Grade Your Yard Away from the Foundation:

The slope of your yard should always be directed away from your home's foundation to ensure that rainwater and runoff flow away from the house instead of pooling around it. If necessary, consider regrading the landscape around your home or installing French drains to channel water away from the foundation.

Install a Sump Pump:

A sump pump is a vital tool for preventing basement flooding, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or high water tables. It sits in a pit below the basement floor and automatically pumps out excess water that accumulates around the foundation. Regularly test your sump pump to ensure it's functioning correctly, and consider installing a battery backup system to keep it operational during power outages.

Seal Foundation Cracks:

Even small cracks in your basement walls or foundation can provide entry points for water during heavy rain or snowmelt. Inspect your foundation regularly for any signs of cracks or deterioration, and seal them promptly using waterproofing sealant or hydraulic cement. Addressing these issues early can help prevent water infiltration and potential structural damage.

Waterproof Exterior Walls:

Applying a waterproofing membrane or coating to the exterior walls of your basement can provide an additional barrier against moisture intrusion. This extra layer of protection helps repel water and prevent it from seeping through porous concrete or masonry materials. Consult with a professional waterproofing contractor to determine the best waterproofing solution for your home's specific needs.

Install Window Well Covers:

If your basement windows are below ground level, installing window well covers can help prevent water from entering through these vulnerable openings. These covers create a barrier that directs water away from the windows and prevents debris buildup in the window wells, reducing the risk of water infiltration during heavy rains.

Need Flooded Basement Cleanup in Farmington, CT? Call 24/7 For Immediate Service! 

Why Your Bathroom in Farmington Needs More Than Mold Remediation

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Trust the IICRC-certified technicians from SERVPRO to remediate mold damage in your Farmington home. "Like it never even happened."

Any Room in Your Home Can Need Mold Remediation

Mold can start to grow out of control in any area (room, hallway, closet) inside the residences of Farmington, including the most well-kept homes. Mold has only a few requirements – organic materials and moisture. With an excess of these, your home can soon need mold remediation experts.

Microbial-infested homes in Farmington need mold remediation as a first step. SERVPRO can help homeowners successfully tackle the other challenges microbial colonies often create. One area that is sure to hold the right ingredients to support microbial life happens inside most bathrooms.

Many bathrooms require more than remediation and general cleanup to make it appear "Like it never even happened." Following are a few convincers you might want to have SERVPRO handle everything for you:

• Our expertise,

• Our equipment, and

• Our integrated services.

SERVPRO's technicians hold several certifications, ranging from water to fire to flooding, including AMRT applied microbial remediation certifications making our team well-rounded and able to respond to any cause of mold infestation. We also train our team in construction techniques and building methods, including local building codes and other ordinances.

Our equipment provides our employees with the safest possible working conditions while providing our customers with the most cost-effective services. We regularly inspect each unit for precision, effectiveness, and damage or excess wear.

When someone faces the destruction of part of their home, they want someone who can give them answers that make a difference. We provide start-to-finish services. We eliminate the need to find another service that can rebuild anything the mold destroyed, or reinstall bathroom fixtures, including your tub, its surround, shower stalls, sinks, or other items. If we ever need an expert plumber, we have a licensed one on call who works with us, which helps keep your overall costs low.

Call SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley at (860) 431-2733 for assistance with mold and other damage in your home.

Why Mold Damage Calls for Expert Intervention in Farmington

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the equipment to remove mold damage from your Farmington home. Contact our experienced team for mold damage remediation services.

SERVPRO Offers Skilled Mold Damage Remediation in Farmington

Mold infestation can be a significant problem in any business or home in Farmington with plumbing issues, failed attempts at water removals, or a leaking roof from storms. Once you suspect black mold or mildew developing within any area of your property, you must get in touch with mold remediation professionals to begin assessment and cleanup. With SERVPRO in your corner, we get in fast to determine the problem so that we can restore your property “Like it never even happened.”

Why is hiring professionals best when handling mold damage in Farmington? There are many reasons, with one central point being that DIY methods alone will not work or worsen the problem. Things to keep in mind when wondering whether or not to call in the pros for mold problems:

• Mold is everywhere, and it only takes moisture, the right temperature, and an organic food source to thrive and colonize.
• Mold remediation is a must because it can damage your belongings, building materials, and structural elements.
• Mold can cause structural damage, which means you need a company trained to handle it with care and precision using best practices for mold cleanup.

Remember, There is no Such Thing as Total Mold Removal

We want our area Farmington customers to know that any company offering total mold removal should be avoided. Microscopic mold spores are everywhere, and there are also countless types of mold. While you can get surfaces clean and remove colonies, it is impossible to rid any environment of mold completely. It would be wise if you had a team like us in your corner that understands the best and safest ways to restore relative humidity, address the root cause of the mold infestation, and ensure all surfaces and contents get the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal of approval.

Proven Processes to the Rescue

With each call we get for a homeowner or business owner that suspects mold growth; we bring a full arsenal of advanced instruments, EPA-registered antimicrobials, cleaning agents, and proven procedures. We work to determine and monitor moisture levels throughout the air, surfaces, and each sub-surface. Based on our findings, we work on a mold remediation plan that involves drying and careful extrication of moisture and mold contamination. There are some standard steps we follow for all mold cleanup projects:

• We complete a comprehensive assessment of mold infiltration, contain spores, and inhibit them from growing in uncontaminated areas of your Farmington property. 
• Humidity control helps us battle the root cause to halt mold growth. This may involve using water extraction tools with drying and dehumidification equipment. 
• Once the impacted zone is dry, our IICRC Certified technicians begin mold remediation with the help of HEPA filtration to pull up all microscopic particles. 
• We then work to apply disinfectants and antimicrobials to thwart future mold growth and eliminate any chance of musty odors lingering.

Controlled Demolition Handles Unsalvageable Materials

Depending on the level of mold damage, our team may need to remove and replace certain materials deemed unsalvageable. This may include oversaturated drywall, warped baseboards and flooring, and anything else where mold infestation took over. We take the time to ensure all areas get restored to preloss condition so you can breathe easily again.

Contact SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley should you require help with mold damage cleanup and restoration service. You can reach us by dialing (860) 675-4500 or requesting help online.

Addressing Water Damage Found in Your Farmington Property

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

No matter the source of water damage, SERVPRO has the equipment and knowledge to restore your Farmington home. Call us today!

SERVPRO’s Water Damage Technicians to the Rescue 24/7 in Farmington

Water cleanup and water damage restoration are never something you want to tackle on your own with DIY efforts. While you might start cleaning up when you have an incident at your Farmington property, it is always prudent to contact skilled technicians to ensure everything gets done right the first time. Without proper care, water issues can cause bacteria and black mold growth, or you could end up with lasting structural damage. Once water enters your property, you can get in touch with SERVPRO, and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

We make the process easy for you at SERVPRO whenever you are faced with water damage in Farmington. Whether you have a commercial flooding incident or burst pipes in your single-family home, we have the proven methods and protocols to get you back on your feet fast. Once you require help, the process you can expect includes:

• Initial contact with our customer care team. We want to know about your project, location, and other pertinent details.
• You will get connected with our IICRC-certified water restoration technicians (WRT) so that we can start developing a plan of action for your job. 
• We arrive on-site and ready to work with our Green Fleet of vehicles packed with equipment, tools, and other products to help us achieve our goals. 

Reliable, Efficient Water Restoration Services – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Water from a significant spill or a leaking roof from storms will not wait, so you need a prompt response to get the cleanup started. Not only do we get to your door within hours of initial contact, but we also work diligently to form a plan that includes calculations for the types and amount of equipment we need to get results. 

To save time, our technicians monitor moisture content and relative humidity (RH) throughout the extraction and dehumidification process. Some of the moisture detection tools that we bring with us for all water-related projects include:

• Sensors
• Meters
• Thermal imaging technology
• Borescopes

Why Might Pack-out Services Get Initiated?

There could be several reasons why our SERVPRO team will perform pack-out services for your project. If there is limited space within the work zone, our crew may inventory and pack items to be moved off-site for safekeeping throughout the project. This allows our team to move freely without anything getting damaged along the way.

We may also pack up items and move them to a staging area or our warehouse to perform specialized drying and cleaning techniques. Once complete, all things get moved back into your property and placed just as they were before the incident. 

Do you have a gradual leak? Some clients may call us when they suspect they have a hidden leak that is beginning to wreak havoc under their kitchen cabinets, behind a shower wall, or under their toilet. Hidden water damage takes a toll on building materials and could lead to bacterial development and mold growth. We can come in to perform leak detection services, address the issue, and work on water damage restoration to bring the area in question back to normal again.

SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley is here for you whenever you require water damage assistance. You can reach us by requesting help online or dialing (860) 675-4500.

Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Farmington

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

If your Farmington home experiences fire damage like our vehicle in this burn demonstration, Call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO is Available to Farmington Residents for Fire Damage Assistance

Fires are incredibly destructive, and once they break loose, they can indiscriminately ravage any Farmington property – commercial or residential. Once a fire occurs and everyone is safe, the best thing to do is contact a skilled team to handle the fire restoration and cleanup process. SERVPRO is there 24-hours a day with certified fire and smoke restoration technicians to begin helping you pick up the pieces from such a traumatic event.

If you wonder how fire damage in Farmington gets addressed, SERVPRO works to tailor a plan to your unique needs. No two fire restoration projects are the same, but we do follow some of the same guidelines along the way, including:

Assessment and Inspection

After our crew arrives at your property and first responders give the green light for entry, we inspect and assess all fire damage. This allows us to select the correct number and types of equipment to help us achieve our restoration goals. The inspection usually involves:

• Safety hazard identification
• Possible issues with structural elements
• All surfaces and materials damaged by fire
• Contents inspection
• The type of soot/soilings present
• How much water damage is present from first responders extinguishing the flames

Securing Your Property / Debris removal

Once the project scope gets formulated, we secure your property with board-up and tarping services. Covering the roof, walls, windows, and doors that are missing or damaged helps keep vermin out, thwart vandals, and ensures that your interior does not take on further damage from the elements.

Our team also handles debris removal, including unsalvageable building materials and charred contents. Everything gets safely disposed of according to local guidelines.

Secondary Damage Prevention

Mold growth and corrosion are two factors that need careful consideration after a fire incident in your home. The potential for bacteria and black mold is why water must get removed and the interior dried. When it comes to corrosion, there is potential for discoloration on walls and other surfaces, pitting, and etching on some items due to the corrosive nature of soot and smoke residue. 

Detailed Cleaning

House fire cleanup is always best with the help of skilled professionals that understand best practices for ensuring safe, effective results. SERVPRO’s technicians have access to EPA-registered cleaning agents and a broad range of specialized techniques that allow us to restore versus replace whenever possible. This saves your cherished belongings and saves you money on your restoration project. 

Odor Control is Paramount with any Fire-related Project

We have an entire team of IICRC-certified technicians on our team, including trusted and knowledgeable Odor Control Technicians (OCT). Our crew understands all the latest techniques and processes for handling pungent smoke and soot odors. We never use anything that masks odors. Instead, we work diligently to ensure odorous particulates get eliminated so there is no lingering reminder of the blaze. Some of the scent battling weapons in our arsenal include:

• Odor counteractant beads or granules
• Thermal fogging equipment
• Ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers
• Air scrubbers with onboard HEPA filtration
• Hydroxyl generators
• Ozone technology

Did you know that we will also work with your insurance?

There is nothing better than knowing you have a trusted partner in your corner to help with your homeowner’s insurance for your fire claim. We handle the paperwork to help you streamline the process! 

Our team at SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley is second-to-none when handling fire damage. Get in touch with us for emergency response by dialing (860) 675-4500, and our customer care team will mobilize a crew to your door within hours to get started.

Emergency Water Damage Repair for Farmington Houses

4/9/2023 (Permalink)

Has your home suffered through a plumbing emergency? Contact SERVPRO for effective water removal and drying services.

What Water Damage Repair Is Needed After Disasters?

No two damage situations residences face are the same. Different structural layouts, affected contents, and causes change how responding restoration professionals must react. Our experienced SERVPRO team understands the many types of water damage repair necessary after disasters.

Bulk Material Removal and Demolition 

Before water damage repair in Farmington homes can get underway, controlled demolition and bulk material removal must occur. Sagging materials, collapsed drywall and insulation, and other ruined materials are cut out and removed from the property. This exposure makes needed repairs faster.

Plumbing Repairs 

Most water damage your home can face originates from some part of the plumbing system. Drainage concerns, aging pipes, and isolated damage can each present immediate threats to the structure when water results. With the plumbing exposed through controlled demolition, our team can quickly confirm the compromised components and work to replace these. Plumbing repair prevents:

• Leaks
• Drips
• Separations
• Damaged Fixtures

Structural Reinforcement 

Securing the property is a step in water damage repair as well. Often the presence of water and moisture can have a deteriorating effect on exposed materials, so newly installed framework or structural supports can improve the stability of the property until full reconstruction follows.

Reinstalling Removed Materials

What is in disrepair must be rebuilt and reformed to preloss condition. The backbone recovery is reconstructing the original state of the property. Our SERVPRO IICRC-certified professionals work quickly to resurface wall systems and flooring, finishing these installations with priming and painting when appropriate. 

Water damage repair encompasses several steps to restore your home to normal after water disasters. Our fast arrival ensures we can get vital mitigation and emergency services, like controlled demolition, started immediately. Give our SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley team a call for restoration and repairs at (860) 675-4500.

Fire Restoration or Replacement After a Fire in Farmington Homes

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in need of assistance with fire damage remediation, call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Restoration and Repair to Farmington Homeowners After a Fire

A fire in your Farmington home can be devastating! Damage to contents and structure, smoke residues, and odor everywhere. Your family is sometimes displaced for months, and many of your cherished family mementos and heirlooms are potentially lost.

SERVPRO provides fire restoration to homeowners in Farmington and surrounding areas. Many residents affected by a fire in their homes are unaware that many of their mementos, heirlooms, clothing, and furniture can be saved and restored. Our goal is to restore smoke-damaged materials to their preloss condition, free of smoke residues and odors.

Our approach is first to assess the home's condition, ensure that it is safe to enter, and assess the damage caused by the fire and the efforts of the fire department to quell the blaze. We remove contents and structures damaged by the fire, keeping an inventory of all items being removed.

Next, we begin cleaning, following these principles:

• Locate smoke residues throughout the home.
• Determine the type of smoke residue.
• Identify surface type to determine the cleaning method and cleaning products.
• Capture and remove residues using the appropriate cleaning method and products for each type of residue and surface.

Non-porous surfaces can be wiped down and cleaned, while fabrics must be carefully cleaned to avoid pushing the residues further into the fabric. Light, fluffy residues and particles can be vacuumed using HEPA filter-equipped vacuums. Some materials require surface agitation to remove residues using towels, brushes, air, water pressure, or sonic vibration equipment.

Our highly trained fire restoration technicians will apply their knowledge and experience to return your home to its preloss condition "Like it Never Even Happened."

Call SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley for fire restoration services. We provide service to Farmington and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (860) 675-4500.

Water Damage Repair in Farmington Can Include Documents

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley to help with water restoration to your property.

Protecting Electronics Post Water Intrusion–Call SERVPRO

Water damage repair needs in Farmington commercial buildings are not limited to only flooring, walls, and structure. Although this damage is difficult to deal with, the business may need to close until the water is removed, the space is dried, and repairs are completed before reopening. Damage to essential documents and electronics such as computers, printers, shredders, and servers can be catastrophic for the business.

Commercial businesses can rely on SERVPRO to provide water damage repair services in Farmington for damage to flooring, walls, and structure. Our building services team coordinates all the trades needed to make the repairs as quickly as possible, saving time and cost for the business owner.

Documents exposed to water can also be damaged. Papers can be reprinted; however, signed original documents, for example, are needed for business record purposes. SERVPRO can review with the owner which documents must be protected and dried before additional damage occurs. While the existing damage to documents cannot be reversed, they can be saved and retained for business needs. Quick action with help from the owner can help to minimize the damage.

Electronics such as computers, servers, and printers are susceptible to water damage. Turn all equipment off to avoid electrocution risks and avoid further damage to the equipment. Everything must be thoroughly dried before attempting to operate these devices. SERVPRO can cover equipment with plastic to prevent further exposure. Allowing temperatures to fall below the dew point can cause condensation and corrosion. 

SERVPRO can arrange a qualified electronic restoration vendor to evaluate the equipment and complete water damage repairs and restoration services. Turn on the equipment when it has been adequately dried and checked to avoid permanent damage.

Call SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley for water damage repair services. We provide service to Farmington and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (860) 675-4500.