Multi-Level Water Disaster in Strafford, MO: How We Helped a Homeowner Restore Safety after a Frozen Pipe Break
At ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Springfield, we’ve handled many water damage emergencies, but each one is a little different. When a homeowner called us after a frozen pipe break in their kitchen, we were on our way to provide expert water damage mitigation in Strafford, MO. The water didn’t just affect the kitchen - it traveled down into the middle floor bathroom and stairway, and even soaked the top floor living room. This was a multi-level project, and our job was to step in, stop the damage from spreading, and start the drying and mitigation process immediately.
Receiving the Call about the Frozen Pipe Break
The homeowner reached out to us after discovering water pooling in the kitchen and trickling down the stairs. After a while, they noticed that their bathroom floor was soaked, and water had started to enter their storage area as well. The frozen pipe break caused water to move downward and soak through ceilings, walls, and floors. As in any water damage project, time was critical, so we sent our team out right away to begin mitigation.
What We Did to Stop the Damage: All the Necessary Steps
When we arrived on site, we followed our standard water damage mitigation process. Every step was taken with care, using proper equipment and safety practices to ensure a thorough, effective result.
Damage Check and Containment Setup
Our first step was to inspect all affected areas. We used moisture meters to check the walls, floors, and ceilings. Once we confirmed how far the water had spread, we set up containment zones using plastic barriers to stop dust, debris, and any possible contaminants from spreading to other clean parts of the home. This also helped us control the airflow during drying.
Targeted Demolition to Remove Unsalvageable Materials
To make sure every corner of this would be dry, we carefully removed materials that couldn’t be restored. Here’s a breakdown of the demolition work we did:
- Bathroom: We removed wet drywall, insulation, and flooring from the middle floor bathroom. We also took out the toilet and sink to access and dry the area beneath them thoroughly.
- Living Room: On the top floor, we performed precise flood cuts in the walls of the living room and took out the damaged insulation behind them to stop moisture from spreading.
- Kitchen: We checked the hardwood floor in the kitchen for moisture, but thankfully, the moisture levels were much lower than in the other rooms. We were able to dry it in place without removing any materials, avoiding unnecessary demo.
Drying With Equipment
Next, we set up air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the home. This included the bathroom, stairway, storage area, and living room. We also used HEPA vacuums to safely clean dust and debris during the demolition phase. Over several days, we monitored moisture levels, adjusted and repositioned our equipment, and continued drying until all materials reached safe moisture readings.
Disinfection and Odor Control
Once everything was dry, we treated the affected areas with an EPA-registered antimicrobial spray to prevent mold and bacteria growth. This helped sanitize surfaces and eliminate odors caused by the water damage. We then removed all equipment and containment, leaving the home clean and ready for repairs.
Need Help With Water Damage in Strafford, MO? Contact Us Today!
Water damage can easily get out of hand, but with fast action and the right team, you can restore the safety of your home quickly. At ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Springfield, we specialize in water damage mitigation, getting your home back to normal fast. Whether it’s a frozen pipe, a leaking appliance, or storm water, we’re ready to respond with expert care and top-quality service.
If you’ve had a water emergency, call us now at (417) 302-3010, or
fill out this online form for a free quote!
