At Accurate Water and Fire Restoration, we’ve had our share of dealing with water damage caused by a hidden plumbing leak. When water seeps into your home, it can weaken structures, ruin materials, and create the perfect environment for mold growth. In this case, we helped a homeowner recover from such a situation, where the damage struck both the upper level and their basement. Our team quickly stopped the source of the problem, removed the damaged materials, and dried out the affected area, completing another successful water damage mitigation in Colonie, NY.
One afternoon, we received a call from a homeowner who had just discovered a collapsed ceiling on their upper level. Water had been leaking behind the scenes for some time, weakening the ceiling structure until it finally gave way. The leak didn’t just affect the upper level, but it also caused significant damage to the hardwood floors and baseboards, allowing water to seep down into the basement ceiling as well. The homeowner was understandably concerned about structural damage to their Colonie, NY home.
The Steps We Took in the Process
We arrived at the property right away to assess the situation and start the water damage mitigation process. Here is what our detailed plan involved:
Assessing the Damage
The first thing we did was take our moisture meters to check all affected areas, including the ceiling, walls, baseboards, and hardwood flooring. The readings confirmed that moisture had spread into multiple areas, including the basement ceiling.
Removing Damaged Materials
Since the upper-level ceiling had already collapsed, we removed any remaining loose debris. We also had to cut out sections of the damaged drywall and remove wet insulation to prevent mold from forming. The baseboards and some of the warped hardwood flooring also needed to be taken out.
Setting Up Containment
To keep the unaffected areas of the home safe, we set up containment barriers. This helped control dust and debris while we worked and minimized the spread of moisture.
Drying Out the Affected Areas
The drying process took a couple of days, and it included the following:
- Dehumidifiers: We placed commercial-grade dehumidifiers to pull the moisture out of the wet surfaces and materials, such as the ceiling and flooring.
- Air movers: With the help of fans, we improved air circulation throughout the space.
- Monitoring: Each day, we monitored moisture levels with meters to make sure each room was dry and materials were moisture-free.
Final Inspection
After several days of drying, we performed a final moisture check to confirm that all materials were at safe moisture levels. Once we were confident the home was dry, we removed our equipment, leaving the homeowner in a safe and dry home once again.
Think You Have a Hidden Plumbing Leak? Call Us Today!
Water damage can spread quickly, leading to costly repairs if not handled immediately and professionally. At Accurate Water and Fire Restoration, we act fast to remove damaged materials and dry out your home, saving it from additional structural damage or potential mold growth.
If you’re dealing with a hidden plumbing leak, don’t wait! Call us today at (518) 707-1399, or fill out this online form for a free estimate. We’re here to help you get your home back to normal as quickly and safely as possible!