A leaking angle stop connected to a washing machine caused a Category 2 water loss in a Chula Vista home, affecting both the first and second floors. After the water supply was shut off to stop further intrusion, PuroClean of Clairemont dispatched a crew led by Supervisor Sean to assess the damage and begin mitigation efforts.
Initial Inspection and Emergency Drying
Upon arrival, our team discovered water damage throughout several areas of the home, including the dining room on the main level as well as the upstairs hallway, bathroom, and laundry room. The leak impacted multiple building materials, including drywall, ceiling drywall, insulation, cabinetry, countertops, and flooring.
After documenting the affected areas and creating a detailed scope of work, we immediately began the dry-out process. Industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers were strategically placed throughout the home to stabilize the environment and begin removing excess moisture from the structure and materials.
Our drying equipment remained in place for three days, with daily monitoring visits performed to track drying progress and make necessary adjustments. During this phase, our team also prepared for demolition by moving contents and appliances out of the affected areas. To further control the environment and prevent cross-contamination, we constructed plastic containments and drying chambers around the impacted spaces.
Controlled Demolition and Material Removal
Once moisture readings confirmed which materials could not be salvaged, we proceeded with selective demolition. HEPA air scrubbers were set up throughout the affected areas to help maintain air quality and minimize airborne dust during the process.
In the downstairs dining room, we first removed the affected flooring and underlayment before laying protective plastic across the work area for easier cleanup. Using a KettSaw and oscillating tools, our technicians made clean, precise cuts in the drywall to remove damaged wall and ceiling materials efficiently. Saturated insulation was then removed from inside the wall and ceiling cavities.
Upstairs, the process was repeated throughout the hallway and laundry room. In the bathroom, however, we were successfully able to dry the tile flooring in place. Because the subfloor could be accessed and dried from below through the dining room ceiling, demolition of the bathroom tile was avoided entirely—saving time, materials, and unnecessary reconstruction costs.
Detailed Structural Cleaning and Antimicrobial Treatment
After demolition was complete, our team performed a detailed structural cleaning of all exposed framing and surfaces. Every nail and screw was removed from the wood framing to prepare the structure for repairs and reconstruction.
We HEPA vacuumed every accessible surface, corner, and cavity to remove dust and debris left behind during demolition. Once cleaning was complete, all affected areas on both levels of the home were treated with an EPA registered anti-microbial spray to help prevent future microbial growth. The treatment was followed by a full wipe-down of the structure, leaving the work zones clean and ready for the final drying phase.
Final Drying and Project Completion
With the work zones cleaned and exposed materials accessible, we repositioned our drying equipment to focus on the newly opened areas and complete the drying process thoroughly. Over the following days, all materials successfully reached industry drying standards, making the home ready for repairs and reconstruction.
At PuroClean of Clairemont, 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.
