PuroClean of Layton 
Fix water damage fast or risk major home and health issues. I learned that the hard way. What began as a slow leak under the kitchen sink turned into an ongoing nightmare. Despite all my DIY attempts, replacing drywall, repainting, and resealing pipes, the issue kept returning. Each time I thought I’d solved it, the damp smell and warped baseboards proved me wrong. It wasn’t until I called PuroClean of Layton that the problem was resolved for good.
If you’re struggling to fix water damage in your home, this is the story of how I finally put a stop to it, and how you can too.
Table of Contents
The Beginning: A Small Leak That Turned Into a Big Problem
It all started with a damp smell. I thought maybe a spill had gone unnoticed, or perhaps the dishwasher had overflowed slightly. But when I peeled back a corner of the cabinet under the sink, I found mold spots and warped wood. That’s when I knew it was more serious than I thought.
I cleaned it up, replaced the wood panel, and resealed the pipe connections. I assumed I’d managed to fix the water damage before it became a major issue. But within weeks, the musty odor returned, and new patches of damage were showing up, not just under the sink, but on the baseboards nearby. Clearly, I was dealing with something deeper.
According to FEMA, it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to begin growing after water exposure. That statistic became all too real in my home.
The DIY Phase: What I Tried to Fix Water Damage
I did what most homeowners do when faced with water damage: I Googled.
I tried:
- Using baking soda and vinegar to remove odors
- Renting a dehumidifier
- Repainting stained drywall
- Patching baseboards and caulking cracks
- Applying mold-resistant paint
While some of these solutions worked temporarily, none addressed the underlying issue. Each time it rained or we used a large amount of water in the kitchen, the damp smell came back. At that point, I realized I wasn’t just trying to fix water damage on the surface, I needed to find the root cause.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that water-damaged materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried should be removed and replaced. Unfortunately, I had been trying to salvage things that really needed professional evaluation.
Why Water Damage Keeps Coming Back
Water damage is more complicated than it looks. Unless you address the source, whether it’s plumbing, drainage, roofing, or poor ventilation, your repairs will be temporary at best.
In Salt Lake City, common culprits include:
- Leaky pipes or appliances
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
- Poor exterior grading or drainage
- Roof damage from snow or ice dams
- Basement moisture due to spring runoff
According to The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), improper handling of water damage can lead to structural issues and serious health hazards from mold and mildew.
The Breaking Point: When I Knew I Needed Help
After yet another round of DIY patchwork and a couple of sleepless nights worrying about what was going on behind my walls, I realized I couldn’t do it alone. The damage was no longer just inconvenient, it was starting to affect the health of my family.
We noticed:
- Allergy-like symptoms that wouldn’t go away
- Increased humidity in certain rooms
- Persistent moldy odors despite cleaning
I needed to find professionals who knew how to fix water damage thoroughly and permanently. That’s when I came across PuroClean of Layton.
Why I Chose PuroClean of Layton
From the first call, I knew I had found the right team. The technician I spoke with was empathetic, knowledgeable, and didn’t try to upsell me. They offered a free inspection and came out the next day.
Here’s what stood out:
- Thorough moisture mapping using advanced tools
- Infrared thermal imaging to find hidden water
- Comprehensive restoration plan that included both drying and repairs
- Help with insurance claims and documentation
The CDC recommends removing and professionally drying all porous materials that have been exposed to water for more than 48 hours. That’s exactly what PuroClean did, and more.
The Restoration Process: How They Fixed My Water Damage for Good
Step 1: Source Identification
They discovered the real issue wasn’t the sink at all, but a slow leak in the wall from an upstairs bathroom. Their moisture detection tools helped trace it directly.
Step 2: Water Extraction and Drying
They used industrial fans and dehumidifiers to completely dry the affected areas, following IICRC standards.
Step 3: Mold Remediation
Where mold was found, they sealed off rooms, used HEPA filters, and removed compromised materials.
Step 4: Repairs and Reconstruction
Once the area was dry and clean, their team repaired drywall, replaced flooring, and repainted everything.
Step 5: Prevention Guidance
They walked me through steps to avoid future issues, including:
- Regular plumbing checks
- Installing a water alarm
- Monitoring humidity levels
It wasn’t just about getting the water out—they truly knew how to fix water damage and stop it from coming back.
The Aftermath: A Dry, Healthy Home
It’s been a year since PuroClean of Layton completed the work, and I haven’t had a single issue since. No smells. No stains. No mold. Just peace of mind.
More importantly, I finally understood the value of professional restoration. Had I continued my DIY approach, I might have spent even more over time on repeated, ineffective fixes.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to professionally fix water damage ranges from $1,300 to $5,600. While that may seem steep, it pales in comparison to structural repairs and mold remediation caused by ongoing water problems.
Lessons Learned: What Every Homeowner Should Know
If you’re trying to fix water damage yourself, here are a few things I learned:
- Surface fixes aren’t enough
- If you can smell moisture, there’s more going on behind the scenes.
- Time is critical
- Waiting even a few days can make things worse and increase health risks.
- Professional equipment matters
- You can’t dry behind walls or under flooring with a box fan.
- Documentation helps with insurance
- PuroClean gave me a full report, photos, and moisture readings that helped get my claim approved.
- Expertise pays off
- Doing it right the first time prevents future costs, stress, and uncertainty.
Why I Recommend PuroClean of Layton
There are plenty of restoration companies out there, but PuroClean of Layton stands out because of their:
- Local expertise with Utah homes and weather conditions
- Rapid response times
- Certified, trained technicians
- Full-service restoration, from cleanup to reconstruction
- Compassionate customer care
When you’re dealing with the stress of water damage, you need more than a contractor. You need a partner who can guide you through every step. That’s what they did for me.
Don’t Wait to Fix Water Damage
If there’s one thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: don’t wait. If you suspect or see water damage, even something small, call in professionals right away. It’s not just about the walls or floors, it’s about the health and safety of your family.
Thanks to PuroClean of Layton, my home is back to normal. I sleep better knowing the issue was handled completely and correctly. So, if you’re in Salt Lake City or nearby, and you’re trying to fix water damage once and for all, take it from me: Call PuroClean.
Ready to stop water damage at its source? Contact PuroClean of Layton at (801) 513-2232 for expert restoration services you can trust.
PuroClean of Layton 