Tackling Another Basement Flooding in Ash Grove: Expert Mitigation After a Sewer Backup

A Call from the Homeowner Who Discovered the Damage

After a night of heavy rain, a homeowner in Ash Grove, MO, woke up to find their basement flooded with contaminated water from a sewer backup. The water had spread to the bedroom, utility room, and closet, soaking floors, paneling, and drywall. The homeowner was understandably upset and worried about the health risks of contaminated water, as they were dealing with the most dangerous category of water damage.

The Steps We Took in the Process

To save this home from further contamination, we needed an urgent and efficient plan. Here’s how we did it:

Step 1: Checking the Extent of Moisture

Before beginning the cleanup process, we needed to assess the full scope of the water damage. Water can seep into walls, floors, and hidden structural components, making it necessary to detect all affected areas to prevent lingering moisture issues like mold growth and structural weakening. Using moisture meters, we confirmed which materials got soaked with water, and we could set our priorities straight.

Step 2: Preventing the Spread of Contamination

To keep the contamination from spreading, we put up a containment barrier in the basement. By doing this, we managed to contain the airborne particles to the affected areas and mold spores would not move into the rest of the home during the cleanup process.

Step 3: Removing Non-Salvageable Materials

After a thorough assessment, our next priority was removing water-damaged materials to prevent bacteria and mold from spreading. Wearing protective gear, we removed and bagged all materials for proper disposal, making sure no contaminated materials remained in the home. We tackled damage in each room carefully:

• Basement: We tore out wet paneling, baseboards, and floating floors.
• Closet: Our team removed wet paneling.
• Utility Room: We needed to remove sections of drywall as it was soaked.
• Bedroom: We pulled up vinyl tile, baseboards, and wet paneling, as well.

Step 4: Applying Antimicrobial Agents

Since this was sewer water, bacteria and mold growth were a serious concern. After removing damaged materials, we applied an antimicrobial agent throughout the affected areas to sanitize surfaces and prevent future mold growth.

Step 5: Drying Out the Space

Using air movers and dehumidifiers, we started the drying process. This step was crucial in removing excess moisture and preventing long-term structural damage. We placed air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the rooms to start the drying process. We made sure to keep track of how much moisture the equipment was extracting each day until this home was fully dry.

Step 6: Final Cleanup and HEPA Vacuuming

Once drying was complete, we did a final cleanup of the space. We started with HEPA vacuums to remove dust and particles from all flooded rooms. We wiped down all surfaces with disinfectants and double-checked moisture levels to confirm that everything was dry. After this step, the homeowner could move forward with rebuilding and restoring their home.

Call ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Springfield for Professional Water Damage Mitigation in Ash Grove

If you’re dealing with water damage from flooding, sewer backups, or leaks, don’t wait to take action! The longer water sits, the worse the damage to your property. At ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Springfield, we provide fast, professional water damage mitigation in Ash Grove, MO, and surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (417) 302-3010 for 24/7 emergency water damage services, or send us a message through this online form. We’re here to help restore your home and peace of mind!