When disaster struck in the University City area with a burst water heater causing significant water damage, PuroClean of Del Cerro was quick to respond. A crew led by one of our experienced Technicians, Ryan, into action to mitigate the effects of this Category 2 water loss, ensuring a swift and effective restoration process. Here’s a detailed look at how we managed this challenging situation.
Initial Assessment and Containment
Upon arrival, our team performed a thorough inspection, identifying the garage and the upstairs water heater closet as the primary areas affected by the water damage. Immediate action was taken to erect plastic barriers around these areas, isolating them to contain the spread of moisture and prevent further damage.
Drying and Dehumidification
To tackle the moisture effectively, we installed industrial-grade drying equipment, including a large dehumidifier and four fans in the garage and a smaller dehumidifier with two fans upstairs. This setup ran continuously over a three-day period, during which our team diligently returned daily to monitor the drying phase, making adjustments as necessary to optimize the process.


Demolition and Cleanup
With the majority of the moisture removed, our focus shifted to the demolition of unsalvageable materials. A HEPA air scrubber was set up to minimize dust and maintain a safe environment for our technicians. We started the demolition upstairs in the water heater closet by marking the walls for a two-foot flood cut. After marking, we carefully removed damaged drywall squares and insulation. Downstairs, we continued by removing affected drywall from the ceiling and walls, ensuring that each nail was meticulously extracted from the metal framing to facilitate the upcoming repair process.



Detailed Cleaning and Final Drying
Once the demolition was complete, our team conducted a detailed cleaning of the entire area. We used a HEPA vacuum to thoroughly remove all dust and particles from every nook and cranny. The area was then treated with an anti-microbial spray to prevent future mold growth, followed by a comprehensive wipe down of the structure.
To ensure complete dryness, we repositioned our drying equipment overnight, further drying out the newly exposed areas. By the next morning, the property was free of moisture and ready for the rebuilding process.



We’re Here to Help
At PuroClean of Del Cerro, we understand the immense stress caused by property damage. Our team is committed to providing professional restoration and mitigation services promptly and effectively. If you find yourself in a similar unfortunate situation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (858)-869-1313. We are one team, united in leading the PuroClean way.