At Pride Restoration of NC, Inc., we get called frequently to respond to water emergencies.
When water is leaking in your home or business, it’s vital to act quickly – otherwise the consequences can be widespread.
This was the case at a residential property we were recently called to in Sneads Ferry, NC. By the time our team of professionals arrived at the home, water had already spread throughout the home, from the bathroom into multiple rooms, including the entrance/foyer, living room, kitchen and both bedrooms.
The source of the leak: a burst toilet pipe
As with all floods, the first step is always to identify the water source. In this case, it was very straightforward: the pipe running into the toilet in the bathroom adjoining the kids’ bedroom burst and was leaking water throughout the home for several hours while everyone was sleeping.
There are several potential causes for a toilet pipe to burst. Here are a few common reasons:
- Freezing temperatures. If the temperature drops significantly, particularly in unheated or poorly insulated areas, the water inside a toilet pipe can freeze. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls and potentially causing them to burst.
- Corrosion. Over time, pipes can corrode due to various factors such as age, water chemistry or the presence of corrosive substances. Corrosion weakens the pipe, making it more susceptible to bursting under pressure.
- Excessive water pressure. If the water pressure in your plumbing system is consistently too high, it can strain the toilet pipe, leading to weakening and potential bursting. Water pressure regulators are typically installed to prevent excessive pressure, but they may fail or be absent in some cases.
- Age and wear. Over time, the materials used in the construction of the toilet pipe can deteriorate and weaken. As pipes age, they become more vulnerable to bursting, especially if they have not been properly maintained or if they have experienced significant stress or damage.
This is why it’s important if you suspect a problem with your toilet pipe, or experience any signs of leakage, that you contact a professional plumber to assess and resolve the issue promptly.
Otherwise, pipes can burst and leak enormous quantities of water in a very short period of time, as happened here.
Our tried-and-tested cleanup process
Once our trained and experienced pros ensured that the leak had stopped, they quickly got to work implementing industry-approved flood cleanup techniques to protect the property and belongings, and start the process of safely and carefully returning everything to normal.
The first step was to remove the standing water. As, in this case, the water was both clean and shallow, this could be achieved using buckets, mops and sponges.
Removing standing water as soon as possible is vital in preventing potential structural damage, including warping. In fact, all moisture must be removed within 48 hours. Otherwise, this creates optimal conditions for mold growth.
Removal of carpets, flooring and drywall
Unfortunately, in most cases, after a flooding incident, many materials have to be removed and disposed of because they cannot be salvaged or it’s not cost-effective to restore them.
This typically includes highly porous materials such as drywall, carpets and certain types of furniture.
In this Sneads Ferry home, the damage was, unfortunately, extensive. In the bathroom, we had to remove the vanity and the laminate flooring.
Then, throughout the home, we had to remove all affected carpets and floor paneling. This is because they’re made from materials that retain moisture very well and it’s near impossible to dry them out before mold colonies start to form. And once that happens, mold removal can be very complex and costly.
Additionally, the rooms directly below the leak, namely the living room and kitchen, bore the brunt of the water infiltration. The ceiling panels in those rooms, therefore, had to be removed, too.
Thorough drying and dehumidification
Once standing water and damaged materials had been cleared, our flood cleanup experts initiated a meticulous drying and dehumidification process.
We brought in industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to create optimal ventilation, facilitate faster evaporation and extract moisture from the air.
Then, once everything was dry, our pros took preventive measures against mold growth by thoroughly disinfecting all surfaces and using air scrubbers to eliminate potentially harmful airborne particles.
We also employed deodorizing techniques to ensure a fresh and odor-free environment.
A comprehensive restoration
Once the property was fully dry, we worked in conjunction with the owners to decide how to carry out the restoration.
Our dedicated technicians diligently restored this home to its pre-loss condition by repairing or replacing any damaged elements with like-for-like replacements, as though the flood never happened.
Your water damage restoration experts in Sneads Ferry, NC
If you have a water emergency in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender or Onslow Counties, Pride Restoration of NC, Inc. can handle the project from start to finish.
We have the resources, expertise and experience to restore your home or business to normality as soon as possible.
Time is always of the essence with water, so don’t delay! Call us now at (910) 302-3155 contact us through our online form.
