When Plumbing Leaks in Lafayette Cause Water Loss Events

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

A plumbing leak under the sink cause water damage to this kitchen. SERVPRO removed the water and dried the kitchen.

New Installations Can Cause Water Losses in Lafayette Homes

Newly installed plumbing fixtures, especially those done without the supervision or oversight of professional contractors, can be an origin for water loss incidents in Lafayette homes. Without a working knowledge of the appropriate techniques to ensure a watertight seal on new fixtures and portions of pipe connecting sinks or toilets to their water supply, these connections could separate or extensively leak. This occurrence is not always instantaneous but can lead to considerable water loss.

Whether the culprit is a gasket that was left out of a fitting or not tightening the connectors enough, breaches to supply lines in plumbing fixtures often require water removal for Lafayette homes. An unrecognized problem can create several inches of standing water over a short period, which can continue to worsen until the shutoff valve gets turned. This loss incident requires not only immediate extraction efforts, but also effective drying strategies to preserve sensitive materials exposed like the wooden vanity, cabinets, and areas outside of the bathroom or kitchen.

Extraction often hinges on a wide array of practical water removal tools, beginning with our submersible pump. This electric machine can offer continuous, quiet removal of standing water until the surface water drops beneath two inches. Because flooring materials in both the bathroom and kitchen are often water-resistant, a prompt response can often prevent a need for demolition and reconstruction.

Surface moisture meters and penetrating detection tools can indicate surface damage on wooden or other porous exposed materials. With direct drying strategies, including electric heating and centrifugal air movers, evaporative drying can take hold and reduce the possibility of controlled demolition for these fixtures as well. We can check the progress of this moisture removal with thermal imagery.

New fixtures and repair work can often be the source of even more significant loss incidents when improperly installed. No matter where a water loss originates, our SERVPRO of Lafayette team can help with effective water removal techniques and premier drying tools to protect exposed structural elements. Contact us at (765) 420-0077.

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