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."