Ways to Avoid a Sewage Backup in Your Newtown Home

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Sewage backups are caused by a variety of reasons – from heavy rainstorms to clogs or blockages in the sewer lines. When the sewage system becomes overloaded, the waste can get forced back up through the pipes and into you house, typically though a basement drain or your toilet bowl.  We have even responded to calls from homeowners in which the backup had forced its way through the shower head! Not only does a sewage backup cause your home and belongings to be flooded with smelly waste, it also creates dangerous conditions in your home due to the pathogens and microorganisms present in the water.  

Although not all septic back ups are avoidable, homeowners can take some preventative steps to reduce their risk.   

1. Properly discard cooking oil and grease - Never wash cooking oil or grease down the drain. Even if rinsed with hot water, grease solidifies once it cools and will accumulate in your drains, drain lines, or the main sewer lines, eventually causing a clog. The same goes with small food scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, old contact lenses, rocks, hair, or similar items. An old coffee can makes the perfect receptacle for hot grease.  
2. Flush toilet paper only. The only items you should flush down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper, which is designed to disintegrate quickly. Even items such as paper towels, medicine, wet wipes and feminine products should never be flushed. 
3. Replace your line with plastic pipes. One of the causes of sewage blockages are tree roots that have snaked their way through the joints and into the line.  Plastic piping, as opposed to clay or cast iron piping (used in older homes) has impervious joints that tree roots cannot penetrate. 
4. Keep an eye on large trees growing near your sewage lines. Tree roots can cause movement and damage your lines, causing a backup.  

Septic tank waste is considered black water and contains pathogens that are harmful to your health and always requires professional mitigation.  SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County crew is available 24/7 to help. Our IICRC certified specialists will inspect your home, contain the affected area and place it under controlled air flow. Once we have those steps established, we will extract the contaminated floodwater and sanitize your home in accordance with OSHA and health regulations. Our goal throughout the process is to do the job right and make your home safe once again for your family.  

Crime Scene Clean Up

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Part of our job is cleaning homes in which a homeowner may have experienced a crime, trauma and sometimes death. It is a vulnerable time for the family filled with confusion and emotion. We approach each family and home with empathy, care and respect. This is not "just a job" to us. We can't undo what has happened however we can do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. 

Our team is trained in cleaning up blood, bodily fluids, and crime scene residues that can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even microscopic amounts of these pathogens can be a danger to health. We are experienced in working in cooperation with local police and health departments in properly cleaning, disinfecting and disposing of biohazardous materials.  

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences and we take our responsibility in doing such cleanups seriously. Our crew has been trained to safely remove biohazards according to OSHA and health department regulations.  

If a traumatic event has occurred at your home or business and you require discrete assistance with the cleanup, call our office at (203) 743-5362.

SERVPRO is Here to Help During This Time of Need

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County at (203) 743-5362.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Crime Scene Clean Up and Restoration in Fairfield County

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County safely cleans up biohazardous substances such as blood, fecal matter and vomit.

Part of our job is cleaning homes in which a homeowner may have experienced a crime, trauma and sometimes death. It is a vulnerable time for the family filled with confusion and emotion. We approach each family and home with empathy, care and respect. This is not "just a job" to us. We can't undo what has happened however we can do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. 

Our team is trained in cleaning up blood, bodily fluids, and crime scene residues that can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even microscopic amounts of these pathogens can be a danger to health. We are experienced in working in cooperation with local police and health departments in properly cleaning, disinfecting and disposing of biohazardous materials.  

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences and we take our responsibility in doing such cleanups seriously. Our crew has been trained to safely remove biohazards according to OSHA and health department regulations.  

If a traumatic event has occurred at your home or business and you require discrete assistance with the cleanup, call our office at (203) 743-5362.

Sewage Backups are Never a "Do it Yourself" Clean Up

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

The last thing that a homeowner wants to wake up to is a sewage backup. Sewage backups are NEVER a "do-it-yourself" clean up. Sewage is considered black water because it can contain harmful pathogens. Exposure to these biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences to your family. 

Here are a few of the most common bacteria that are found in sewage and what they can do the human body: 

• E. Coli – Causes abdominal cramping, diarrhea and occasionally death. 
• Acanthomoeba – Causes eye, nose, throat and ear infections. 
• Salmonella – Causes abdominal cramping and diarrhea 
• Heliobacter Pylpri – Leads to increased chance of ulcers 
• Hepatitis – Causes liver infection and liver failure 
• Leptospirosis – Creates muscle aches and vomiting 

Don't take chances with your families health if you have a sewage backup in your home. Give SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County a call at (203) 743-5362 to have it cleaned up safely and professionally.

Avoid Sewage Backups in Your Newtown, CT Home

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County is IICRC Certified to clean up septic backups in your home.

Sewage backups are caused by a variety of reasons – from heavy rainstorms to clogs or blockages in the sewer lines. When the sewage system becomes overloaded, the waste can get forced back up through the pipes and into you house, typically though a basement drain or your toilet bowl.  We have even responded to calls from homeowners in which the backup had forced its way through the shower head! Not only does a sewage backup cause your home and belongings to be flooded with smelly waste, it also creates dangerous conditions in your home due to the pathogens and microorganisms present in the water.  

Although not all septic back ups are avoidable, homeowners can take some preventative steps to reduce their risk.   

1. Properly discard cooking oil and grease - Never wash cooking oil or grease down the drain. Even if rinsed with hot water, grease solidifies once it cools and will accumulate in your drains, drain lines, or the main sewer lines, eventually causing a clog. The same goes with small food scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, old contact lenses, rocks, hair, or similar items. An old coffee can makes the perfect receptacle for hot grease.  
2. Flush toilet paper only. The only items you should flush down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper, which is designed to disintegrate quickly. Even items such as paper towels, medicine, wet wipes and feminine products should never be flushed. 
3. Replace your line with plastic pipes. One of the causes of sewage blockages are tree roots that have snaked their way through the joints and into the line.  Plastic piping, as opposed to clay or cast iron piping (used in older homes) has impervious joints that tree roots cannot penetrate. 
4. Keep an eye on large trees growing near your sewage lines. Tree roots can cause movement and damage your lines, causing a backup.  

Septic tank waste is considered black water and contains pathogens that are harmful to your health and always requires professional mitigation.  SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County crew is available 24/7 to help. Our IICRC certified specialists will inspect your home, contain the affected area and place it under controlled air flow. Once we have those steps established, we will extract the contaminated floodwater and sanitize your home in accordance with OSHA and health regulations. Our goal throughout the process is to do the job right and make your home safe once again for your family.  

Fuel spills in Sherman homes and businesses are biohazardous

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

Regular inspection of your oil tank and its lines for leaks, corrosion and wear will reduce your risk of a malfunction causing a spill in your home.

Home heating oil spills happen more often than you would think. They can occur from a variety of reasons, including damage to your New Fairfield home's oil tank or lines,  loose lines or even an accidental overfill from your delivery company. 

A heating oil spill can potentially cause environmental and structural damage to your home as well as cause health issues to those living there.  

The primary actions that a homeowner can take in reducing their risk of an oil spill is to have their oil tank inspected and follow some guidelines.  

• Check all of your pipe connections to make sure they are clean and tight. 
• Check the condition of the tank and lines. Any signs of spillage such as dark spots on the floor or drips on the tank, rust or wear should be followed up on.  
• Confirm that the legs and the ground beneath your above-ground tank is stable. Tanks have tipped and spilled due to being unbalanced.  

If you do have an oil spill in your home or business that was due to an error by your oil delivery company, contact them immediately as they may take responsibility for the clean up. 

We recommend that you leave the building until it has been deemed safe to be in. You can call your local fire department to determine if there is an explosion hazard. 

Oil spills must be cleaned up by a professional restoration company. SERVPRO of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County has responded to several oil leaks a year for the past twenty years and has the experience and training to do it right. Call us at (203) 743-5362 if you experience an oil leak in your Fairfield County home.  

Oil burner malfunctions cause puffbacks in Bethel, CT homes

12/31/2017 (Permalink)

This photo shows the difference between cleaning with liquid after a puffback as compared to cleaning the SERVPRO way.

During the wintertime, we receive several calls a month from homeowners whose oil burner has caused a puffback. What in the world is a puffback, anyway? Most people have never even heard of this phenomenon until they experience one! 

A puffback occurs when an oil burner misfires or malfunctions, sending soot and debris throughout the home.  It can happen as a dramatic, one time event or over time as a result of repeated burner mis-firings. The debris from this explosion travels through the air duct system, spreading black, oily soot throughout the home.  

We're not talking about a fine, dust-like ash here. Soot from furnaces is a sticky substance that is very difficult to remove. It will most likely have covered walls, all surfaces, soft furnishings and even the inside of your walls and closets. 

Soot removal from a puffback is not a do it yourself project. Traditional methods of cleaning will simply smear and spread the oils, further damaging your home and possessions. 

If you have a puffback, there are three calls that you need to make: 

First, call your oil burner repairman and have them come repair the problem.  

Second, call your insurance company to report the event.  

Third, call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County to clean up the mess! We have the training, the experience and the equipment to clean it up right and make it "Like it never even happened."

Household heating oil spills cause health hazards in Fairfield County homes

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

If you have an oil spill in your Bridgewater home, call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County to immediately start the clean up process.

Heating oil is used to heat the majority of homes in Litchfield County, CT. Most of us have no problems with heating oil and it's a relatively safe way of heating our homes.  Yet, our Brookfield office received several calls from homeowners who had experienced home heating oil spills last year. Typically, these spills occur when a tank is accidentally overfilled or there is a leak in the oil tank.  

If a person inhales the vapors from a heating oil spill, it can cause negative health effects.  If your oil company is responsible for a spill, you will most likely be informed of it without harm to the people in your household. There are some signs you can look for if you are concerned about an undetected slow leak. Inspect your tank and look for signs of rust and drips around the tank.

While you wait for our arrival, we advise against attempting to clean up the spill yourself. You should ventilate the area where the leak occurred (most likely the basement) by opening windows and doors. Turn off all sources of flames or sparks in the area, such as pilot lights in water heaters and furnaces. Try to contain the fumes out of the living space by closing vents and doors to the basement if possible. If your oil company accidentally overfills your tank, call SERVPRO of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County at (203) 743-5362 for emergency clean up service. 

What causes septic backups in Newtown area homes and how to avoid them

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Taking caution when driving vehicles on your Sherman lawn and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals helps you protect your septic system from backups

Connecticut homeowners are never happy when they call our office due to a septic back up! Having a smelly mess on the floors of your home is an upsetting experience. What causes septic backups and how can you avoid them?   

Blocked lines in your septic tank are the most common contributor to the backup of septic systems.  This can be caused by tree roots causing damage to the system. Never plant trees or large shrubs over any part of your system, their roots are too large and will likely break through the pipes or tank, disrupting the flow; if you want to plant something on top of your system, plant grasses to prevent erosion and assist with evaporation  

Your septic tank itself can also be damaged heavy equipment such as a car driving across the ground or even natural shifting of the earth. Never allow a vehicle to drive over the system – it only takes one time to cause damage.  

If the amount of water being used or lost is too high, the water in the system will influx and cause blocking issues within the system itself. If you have a garbage disposal, problems can arise because the debris from the disposal doesn’t break down properly resulting in a buildup of sludge in the bottom of your septic tank. Consider not using a garbage disposal if your home is on a septic system.  

If you apply harsh chemicals to your system, you will kill off the natural bacterium that consumes the waste that collects in your system. Do not use harsh chemicals in your home. Natural detergents and cleaners are readily available alternatives for most household needs.   

Limit the amount of wear and tear on your septic system by reducing the amount of water you use. Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes, take shorter showers and repair all water leaks as soon as possible. 

If you find yourself facing a sewage backup in your New Fairfield, CT home, call our office at (203) 743-5362 for our experienced restoration services.    

We Clean Up Sewage Backups in the Bethel, CT area!

9/3/2017 (Permalink)

Nothing says "Good Morning" in New Fairfield, CT like a sewage backup.  Falling into the "Black Water" category, sewage backups contain harmful microorganisms. These floods are NEVER a "do-it-yourself" clean up – they always require a professional clean up. The SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County team removes sewage, contaminates and moisture, disinfecting as we clean. Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences to your family. 

 Here are a few of the most common bacteria that are found in sewage and what they can do the human body: 

• E. Coli – Causes abdominal cramping, diarrhea and occasionally death. 
• Acanthomoeba – Causes eye, nose, throat and ear infections. 
• Salmonella – Causes abdominal cramping and diarrhea 
• Heliobacter Pylpri – Leads to increased chance of ulcers 
• Hepatitis – Causes liver infection and liver failure 
• Leptospirosis – Creates muscle aches and vomiting 

If you have a sewage backup in the Sandy Hook area, call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County at (203) 743-5362 to have it cleaned up safely by professionals with over 20 years of experience. 

SERVPRO of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County Cleans Contaminated Air in Connecticut Homes

7/13/2017 (Permalink)

Silica dust from concrete can be hazardous and even deadly. Call SERVPRO of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County if you have air contaminants.

"We had a severe situation with silica dust all over our basement caused by ignorant workers cutting a groove in the concrete floor for a new oil feed line. Dangerous stuff to breathe. The SERVPRO folks had to clean it all up while dealing with our 35 years of accumulated furniture/junk. They handled it all with great patience and professionalism. Thank you Bianca, Junior, et al....!!"  - Tom C., Southbury  

Our office yields calls from homeowner's who would never dream that their home would be damaged by something like a concrete drilling mishap. Who prepares for that sort of accident?  

Silica, often referred to as quartz, is a very common mineral.  It is found in many materials common on construction sites, including soil, sand, concrete, masonry, rock, granite, and landscaping materials. The dust created by cutting, grinding, drilling or otherwise disturbing these materials can contain crystalline silica particles. 

These dust particles are very small. You cannot see them.  It only takes a very small amount of airborne silica dust to create a health hazard. Inhaled dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause disabling and sometimes fatal lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer, as well as kidney disease. 

Clearly, this was a dangerous substance that required thorough removal. Our team responded to this call with protective gear, including masks for the residents of the home. We moved the contents of the basement and protected them with plastic. We used air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to clean the air, as well as the surfaces. Our team then finished up by steam cleaning the floor.  

It wasn't a big job for our crew, but an important one. Making sure that the home was safe for this family was our number one priority. If there is an accident that causes air contamination in your Southbury home, call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County at (203) 743-5362 to make sure the job is done right!

We clean up water, sewage and mold caused by toilet overflows in Fairfield County

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Toilet floods can be caused by a sewage backup or clogged pipe. Call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County if your toilet overflows.

We are frequently called after Brookfield area homeowners experience an overflowing toilet in their home. An overflow can occur from a septic tank not draining properly or a clog in the line. Fortunately, most homeowners are alerted to an overflow immediately when  they flush the toilet and water comes out instead of down the pipe.  

If your toilet overflows, there are a few critical components that can determine the extent of the damage. If the water contains sewage, the situation calls for a dramatically different response. Sewage can contain bacteria and other contaminants that are harmful to the health of humans. If you have reason to suspect you have sewage backup coming from your toilet, we advise that you do not enter the area or attempt any clean up yourself.  Call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County for immediate biohazard clean up service.

If the bathroom is upstairs, it's likely that water has permeated through the floor into the ceiling and you may notice water leaking through the downstairs ceiling. However even if there aren't visible spots or leaks there is still a possibility that there is water damage beneath your floor that can cause mold to grow.  Floods in the bathroom can also cause water damage in places that you cannot see such as under the bathroom flooring as well as the cabinets and walls. 

While it may be tempting to mop the bathroom up and hope there are no issues, we have seen many cases of mold  in our years serving the Bethel area that were the results of a bathroom  flood that was not properly restored. If your toilet overflows, call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern at (203) 743-5362.  We have the training and experience to accurately assess the damage and determine the  course to be taken. 

We clean up vandalism and graffiti in Bethel area homes and businesses

6/18/2017 (Permalink)

If your New Milford area home has been vandalized, call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County at (203) 743-5362 to clean it up!

At SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County, we respond to calls other than water, mold and fire damage.  Did you know that we are able to restore homes and businesses that have experienced graffiti and vandalism?

A broken window that goes unnoticed in a Sandy Hook area business is not only a security issue, it also can allow rain in and cause water and mold damage. Graffiti removal can be a daunting task however our crew is up to the challenge and have successfully removed spray paint from concrete and brick walls.  In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, our team can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry.  

We have also responded to calls from homeowner's who have experienced biohazardous vandalism (including feces). Our crew has the training and equipment to safely remove biohazardous materials and any contaminants that might be present.  

If your home or business is the victim of malicious vandalism, it can be a very upsetting experience. Call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County at  (203) 743-5362 to come clean it up and make it "Like it never even happened."

#vandalism #graffiti 

SERVPRO of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County Cleans up New Milford Oil Spills

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

If oil spills in the basement of your New Fairfield, CT home, call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County at (203) 743-5362.

SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County does more than fire,water and mold restoration and remediation. We often receive calls to Fairfield County homes and businesses to clean up oil spills. Such spills occur when storage tanks develop a leak, are overfilled or if the heating system malfunctions. Since the typical oil tank in Connecticut is located in the basement of a home, a spill can contaminate the basement.  

Because oil is combustible, quick clean up is vital to safety. If there is an oil spill in your home, turn off all flame and spark sources. Ventilate the area by opening any windows and doors to the outside. Close all doors and seal any cracks between your basement and the rest of your house with towels to prevent vapors from entering the upper floors.  If you have forced hot air heating, shut off the system and close the grills.  

Protect the health of your family by avoiding the contaminated areas. Do not breathe the fumes and if in contact with oil, wear rubber gloves and boots as well as protective eyewear.  If the odor is strong, it may be necessary to relocate your family for a few days, especially if there are children and elderly in the home.  

SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County has the  training and equipment  to properly remove oil spills in the Bethel, CT area. Call us at (203) 743-5362 if you have an oil spill – big or small! 

We clean up after mouse infestations in Sherman, CT

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

We occasionally receive calls from New Milford area home or business owners who have discovered a mouse, bat, squirrel or raccoon  infestation in their building.  Rodent droppings can carry up 35 diseases and cleaning them up can pose a health risk. Once a licensed Litchfield or Fairfield County pest control company has treated your home and removed the unwelcome critters, call us to clean up the mess left behind.  

At SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County, we are trained and equipped to clean up biohazardous materials and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations. We are trained and equipped with the required safety gear and specialized cleaning products and can help restore your home or business into a safe environment.

We are able to properly vent the contaminated area and filter any contaminants out of the air with our "air scrubbers". We remove any soiled material, including insulation, as well as the droppings urine and nest material left behind by the unwelcome critters. Part of our restoration process is to disinfect the area with antimicrobial and antibacterial cleaning solutions.  

If your New Fairfield, CT home has been invaded by mice, bats or squirrels, give us a call at (203) 743-5362.

Responding to sewage backup in your Connecticut home.

9/18/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County is ready to respond to your sewage backup

It's happened to many of us. A simple flush of the toilet and suddenly your Bethel home is flooded with sewage. Biohazardous contamination from toilet overflow is a common call we get here at SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County.  

A sewage backup can be caused by several different reasons- from a clogged main sewer line to tree roots that have caused damage to your lines, causing holes and damage. Usually, homeowners are not aware of such problems until it's too late.  

Because pathogens found in sewage water can lead to unhealthy and dangerous consequences if left untreated in a home or business, we recommend that you contact us for an inspection as soon as possible. When we arrive at a your home or business to mitigate a sewage situation, we first determine which of the three types of contaminated water we are dealing with in order to create an action plan. We have the protective clothing, equipment and expertise to mitigate the situation and make getting your home a clean and safe environment once again.