Downtown Dry-Out: Saving a San Diego Condo from a Hidden Leak

PuroClean of Bonita recently responded to a Category 2 water loss in a downtown San Diego condominium. The source of the damage was traced to a leaking angle stop under the bathroom faucet, which resulted in water spreading into the bathroom, laundry room, and foyer.

A team, led by Lead Technician Danny, was dispatched and arrived promptly to assess the situation. After thoroughly inspecting the affected areas, we documented the damage, developed a detailed scope of work, and began the dry-out phase of the restoration process.

Drying and Initial Containment

To prevent further damage and salvage as much material as possible, we installed industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers throughout the affected zones. Over the course of three days, our team returned daily to monitor drying progress. During this time, we also prepped for demolition, which included moving out contents and popping off baseboards in the foyer to dry behind the walls more effectively.

Demolition and Environmental Safety

Once moisture levels improved, we began selective demolition of unsalvageable materials. To minimize airborne particles and ensure a safe work environment, HEPA air scrubbers were placed in the affected rooms for the duration of the demo. We started by laying protective plastic on the floor, then used a KettSaw and oscillating tool to cleanly remove sections of drywall and wet insulation. In the bathroom, we also removed the sink vanity and supported the countertop with 2x4s to stabilize the structure.

Detail Cleaning and Antimicrobial Treatment

With demolition complete, we moved into the detail-cleaning phase. Our technicians meticulously removed every nail and screw from the aluminum framing, followed by thorough HEPA vacuuming to eliminate any remaining dust and debris. To ensure a hygienic and safe space, we treated all exposed areas with an EPA-registered anti-microbial spray and completed a comprehensive wipe-down of the entire structure.

Final Dry-Out and Project Completion

After cleaning, we repositioned our drying equipment to focus on the newly exposed areas. By the following day, all drying goals had been met to industry standards, and the unit was officially ready for reconstruction.

At PuroClean of Bonita, we understand the stress and nightmares that are property damage. If you find yourself in such an unfortunate event, please don’t hesitate to give our team a call for professional restoration and mitigation services at (858)-869-1313. We are one team leading the PuroClean way.