Resolving Multilevel Water Damage: How We Helped a Jefferson City Home Recover After a Burst Pipe

The Cause of the Damage: A Burst Pipe in the Ceiling

The problems for this Jefferson City family began when a burst pipe in the ceiling left disastrous multilevel water damage throughout their home. Every room, from the bedrooms and living areas to the basement and bathrooms, was affected. The damage to ceilings, drywall, insulation, flooring, and carpets required immediate action to prevent further damage to other elements of this property.

Developing a Plan for This Multilevel Water Damage

Like any other multilevel water damage project, this one also required a detailed plan considering the extent of the damage. Here’s how our team approached this challenging case:

Step 1: Initial Assessment and Planning

When we arrived at the home, we started by inspecting the damage and discussing the situation with the homeowner. Using moisture meters, we examined the materials that had soaked up water, including ceiling drywall, insulation, subflooring, and baseboards. 

Step 2: Removing the Water

The first step in the mitigation process was removing as much standing water as possible. Although the visible water was mostly gone by the time we arrived, hidden water in the ceiling and walls was still a major concern. We used specialized equipment to extract water from carpets, remove saturated insulation, and ensure that the floors and subfloors were free of moisture.

Step 3: Drying and Dehumidification

As the most important step of any water damage project, drying and dehumidification involved the following:

• Setting Up Drying Equipment: We placed air movers for proper airflow across wet surfaces, promoting quick drying. Using dehumidifiers, we extracted excess moisture from the air. 
• Strategic Placement of Equipment: We focused all the equipment on high-impact areas like the basement bedroom and bathroom, which experienced heavy water damage. Positioned equipment throughout the home to dry out this home as much as possible.
• Ongoing Monitoring: We watched over the drying process over several days to ensure all materials were thoroughly dried.

Step 4: Removing Damaged Materials

Unfortunately, some materials were too damaged to save. We carefully removed waterlogged drywall and insulation from the ceilings and walls and also removed all carpets, so we could focus on the damage that flooring had suffered in multiple rooms. This included:

• Laminate Flooring Removal: To remove water trapped beneath the surface, we carefully removed sections of laminate flooring in areas where moisture levels were elevated. This step allowed us to examine the condition of the subfloor underneath and prevent long-term damage, such as mold growth.
• Bathroom Tile Removal: In the bathroom, we removed sections of water-damaged tiles to expose the subfloor. This allowed us to thoroughly dry hidden areas and eliminate any potential for moisture to linger beneath the tiles.

Step 5: Final Inspection

Once everything was dry, we completed a final inspection with the homeowner. We made sure they were satisfied with the mitigation work and answered any questions they had about the next steps for rebuilding and restoring their home.

Moisture and Water-Free Home Once Again

By the time we finished, the home was fully stabilized and ready for repairs. The ceilings, walls, floors, and other affected materials were cleared of water damage, and the homeowner had peace of mind knowing the home was safe from further issues.

This project showed the importance of acting fast during a water emergency. Thanks to our experienced team and specialized equipment, we were able to mitigate the multilevel water damage and restore a sense of safety for this family in Jefferson City.

Why Choose ABC Environmental Contracting Services?

At ABC Environmental Contracting Services, we are proud to serve the Columbia area and surrounding communities like Jefferson City. We specialize in water mitigation and restoration, using proven methods and top-notch equipment to handle even the most extensive water damage.

If you’re dealing with a water emergency, contact us today at (573) 928-2668 or fill out this online form for a free estimate. We’re here 24/7 to help you through every step of the process, from mitigation to restoration!