At Hannah Restoration, we understand how stressful water damage can be – especially when it happens in the heart of your home. We recently completed a water damage mitigation project for a homeowner in Franklin, Tennessee, after a kitchen plumbing leak flooded the kitchen area. The leak had gone unnoticed for several hours and had caused damage to her hardwood flooring. Our job was to act fast, remove all moisture, and prevent further damage like mold or rot. Here’s a breakdown of how we handled this water damage mitigation in Franklin step-by-step.
Cause of the Problem: A Steady Kitchen Plumbing Leak
The homeowner reached out to us after finding standing water in her kitchen. She had left home for part of the day, and while she was gone, a pipe under the kitchen sink started leaking. Water slowly spread across the hardwood floor and soaked into the subfloor. By the time she noticed it, the damage was already extensive.
Our Thorough Approach to Kitchen Water Mitigation
Our team arrived shortly after our client called and got to work immediately:
Initial Inspection and Moisture Detection
Before we could start any cleanup, we had to understand the full extent of the damage. Here’s what we did and discovered during our initial assessment:
- Moisture Detection: We used specialized moisture meters to see how far the water had spread and how deep it had soaked into the flooring. These tools helped us detect hidden moisture that wasn’t visible to the eye.
- Surface & Subfloor Impact: It wasn’t just the surface that was wet. We found that water had made its way into the layers beneath the hardwood, including the subfloor.
- Hardwood Holds Moisture: Since hardwood flooring can trap water underneath, we determined that removal would be the safest option. By doing so, we would be able to prevent future problems like mold growth and structural damage.
Containment Setup
Once we identified the affected area, we set up containment barriers around the kitchen. The reason we do this is to keep the drying area closed off and to control airflow and humidity during the drying process. Containment also protects unaffected parts of the home from any dust or debris during mitigation.
Flooring Removal
Because the water had soaked into the hardwood and subfloor, we carefully removed the damaged flooring. This allowed us to access wet areas underneath and dry them properly. In this case, trying to dry the hardwood in place would not have been effective because it would have trapped moisture and possibly led to mold growth.
Drying the Area
Next, we installed air movers and dehumidifiers in the kitchen. These machines work together to pull moisture out of the air and out of materials like wood and drywall. We adjusted the equipment each day based on readings from our moisture meters to make sure everything was drying evenly.
HEPA Vacuuming and Cleaning
As part of our process, we also used HEPA vacuums to clean dust and debris from the area. These vacuums trap small particles and help improve air quality, especially in homes where allergens or mold might be a concern. Once the area was dry, we cleaned and sanitized all affected surfaces to prepare for any necessary repairs.
Final Moisture Check
After several days of drying and monitoring, our team checked for moisture one last time. All readings showed that the kitchen was dry and ready for repairs. No moisture remained in the subfloor, and there were also no signs of mold. At that point, we cleared the equipment and wrapped up the job.
Contact Hannah Restoration for Expert Water Damage Mitigation in Franklin!
Water damage can happen fast and if not handled correctly, it can lead to serious problems. At Hannah Restoration, we have the experience, tools, and team to handle water damage the right way. If you’re facing a plumbing leak, kitchen flood, or any kind of water emergency, we’re here to help.
Call us today to schedule an inspection at (615) 751-0410, or fill out this online form for a free estimate. Let us restore your peace of mind – one room at a time.
