When a Category 3 water loss stemming from an upstairs toilet overflow wreaked havoc in Santee, PuroClean of Clairemont was called upon to manage a challenging and extensive restoration. A seasoned crew led by Ryan, one of our lead technicians, was quick to respond, navigating through a significant residential flood scenario with expertise and precision. Here’s how we restored calm and safety to a dire situation.

Immediate Inspection and Rapid Containment

Upon arrival, our crew conducted a thorough inspection, identifying extensive water damage in multiple areas including the hallway, laundry room, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Immediate measures were taken to control the situation—plastic barriers were erected to isolate the affected areas and prevent further spread of contaminants throughout the unit.

Damage caused by the upstairs neighboring unit's toilet.

Extracting standing dirty water from carpet.

Water Extraction and Strategic Drying

Given the severity of the Category 3 water loss, characterized by significantly contaminated water that poses a serious health risk, our first task was to extract standing water using specialized extraction machines. After clearing the water, we strategically placed a large dehumidifier and a HEPA air scrubber in the bathroom to commence the drying process without using air movers to avoid spreading contaminants.

Detailed Demolition and Material Removal

With the moisture mostly managed, we initiated a thorough demolition of unsalvageable materials. This included removing entire walls and ceilings affected by the overhead leak, especially challenging due to the presence of blow-in insulation which required meticulous removal. In the bathrooms, we took out damaged tiles, bathtubs, toilets, and vanities, and we stripped out the compromised carpet from the bedrooms.

Meticulous Cleaning and Final Drying

Post-demolition, every inch of the exposed structure was HEPA vacuumed to eliminate all dust, debris, and particles. We removed every last nail and screw from the framing to prepare for a seamless rebuild. The entire area was then treated with an anti-microbial spray to cleanse and protect against future mold growth, followed by a thorough wipe down to ensure a pristine environment.

With the area meticulously cleaned, we placed drying equipment overnight to ensure all newly exposed areas were completely dry. By the following day, the job was done: the property was moisture-free and structurally ready for the rebuilding process.