Crawlspace Crisis: Conquering Category Three Catastrophy in La Mesa

Water Restoration

In a quiet community of La Mesa, CA, a homeowner’s tranquility was disrupted by an unexpected and unwelcome event—a burst cast iron sewer pipe in the crawlspace of their home. This mishap didn’t just cause a mess; it led to a flood of category 3 sewage water, the most severe classification, known for containing harmful pathogens and posing significant health risks.

PuroClean of Bonita’s Technician Daniel and his team were quick to respond. Upon their arrival, the extent of the damage was evident. The crawlspace was inundated with sewage, affecting about 200 square feet of subfloor and damaging the vinyl flooring in the hallway bathroom. This was no ordinary cleanup job—it was a major health hazard remediation task.

Tackling The Damage

First, the team set up a dehumidifier and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air scrubber to stabilize the indoor environment and begin the process of odor elimination. Given the age of the home, a crucial next step was testing the damaged vinyl flooring for asbestos and lead. Unfortunately, the results confirmed the presence of asbestos, necessitating the intervention of a specialized abatement team to safely remove the flooring.

Meanwhile, in the crawlspace, our technicians undertook the grim task of extracting the standing sewage water. They then treated the soil with an anti-microbial spray to neutralize any remaining contaminants. To aid in drying and further cleanup, absorbent material was spread across the soil. The setup of a dehumidifier venting hot, clean air into the crawlspace and an air scrubber expelling air outside created a negative air pressure loop, crucial for keeping the contaminated air from entering the living spaces.

Over the next five days, our team diligently monitored the equipment and the drying process, ensuring everything was proceeding as planned. After the humidity was under control and the abatement team had addressed the bathroom’s flooring, the real deep cleaning began. The soil, concrete foundation, structural framing and subfloor were treated with a robust anti-microbial solution to eradicate any lingering bacteria. This thorough treatment extended to every nook and cranny of the structure, guaranteeing a clean and safe environment.

The final steps included treating and cleaning the newly exposed subfloor upstairs in the same meticulous fashion. To ensure a completely dry environment, seven fans were added in the crawlspace to expedite the drying process. Only when everything was confirmed dry and free of abnormal moisture levels did our team remove their equipment.

The Results

The result? A home that was not only cleaned but restored to its pre-damage condition, ready for rebuild. At PuroClean of Bonita, we understand the stresses of dealing with severe property damage. Our team is committed to providing swift, thorough, and compassionate service to help you recover from such disruptive events. If you ever find yourself facing similar challenges, remember that we are just a call away at (858) 869-1313, ready to restore your home and your peace of mind.