PuroClean of New Port Richey 
Water damage can quickly become one of the most overwhelming and destructive forces a homeowner can face. Coming from a great night or a rejuvenating vacation to a flooded home can be stressful and daunting to handle. It can ruin cherished items, damage the structural integrity of your home, and become a breeding ground for harmful microbes. At the center of many such stories is the rapid response and expertise of professional restoration companies like PuroClean of New Port Richey. PuroClean’s technicians are professionally trained and certified through the IICRC to ensure quality work and compliance with standards of water damage restoration. One such tale revolves around a flooded home in New Port Richey, victim to an overflowing toilet, and the race against time to prevent long-term damage.
The Initial Distress
It began as an ordinary day for the homeowners until they discovered that their toilet had been overflowing leaving the flooded home wet for days. The hardwood flooring, a prideful aspect of their home’s interior, was showing the initial signs of microbial growth and water staining from a prolonged period in a flooded home. The implications were clear – the damage was more than just superficial.
Addressing Immediate Threats
Upon receiving the call, PuroClean of New Port Richey responded promptly, understanding the severity of prolonged water exposure. Microbial growth in a home is not just an aesthetic issue but a significant health concern. Certain molds produce mycotoxins, potentially harmful to humans and pets.
The first challenge was the hardwood flooring. Traditional hardwood is especially vulnerable to water. It can warp, discolor, and become the perfect breeding ground for microbes due to its porouse nature. In this case, the microbial growth had already begun, a clear sign that the floor was irrevocably damaged. It had to be removed, but the removal process was not straightforward. It was essential to ensure that there was no cross-contamination, which could exacerbate the spread of microbial agents to other areas of the home.
Beyond the Surface
The team didn’t stop at the flooring. This particular house had a large crawl space as it was an ocean front property so its main floor is elevated off the ground. The subfloor was wood so given its porous nature it allowed water to fill the crawl space. The crawl space was immediately pumped of water with a dehumidifier set in place to aid in pushing dry air into the previously wet space. Our professional technicians check daily humidity levels and the GPP.
GPP stands for “Grains Per Pound.” In the context of moisture, it refers to the amount of moisture (water vapor) in the air. Imagine you have a pound of air (yes, air has weight!). GPP tells you how many tiny grains of water are mixed into that pound of air. Drywall, a porous material, had soaked up the water like a sponge as well. Left as it was, the wall could become another hotspot for mold and other bacterial growth. To allow the walls to “breathe” and dry out thoroughly with air movers in place, sections of the drywall were strategically removed.
Once the primary sources of contamination were addressed, a meticulous cleaning process began. Using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum, the team ensured that even the smallest particles, often invisible to the naked eye, were removed from the home. This was followed by a thorough cleaning with a hydrogen peroxide-based chemical. Why hydrogen peroxide? It’s an effective agent against mold, breaking down its structure and preventing its growth. To further ensure the home’s safety and rid of any potential odor, a professional-grade disinfectant was applied.
The Drying Process of a Flooded Home
Water damage restoration is not just about removal and cleaning; it’s about ensuring that the property returns to its original dry state. To achieve this, PuroClean of New Port Richey employed a dehumidifier and 16 air movers. This aggressive approach ensured that the property was dried efficiently, creating an environment where mold and bacteria couldn’t thrive.
A Safe Return
The culmination of these efforts was a house restored to its dry, safe state. The hardwood flooring and affected drywall sections would need replacement, but thanks to the team’s swift actions, the broader structure was saved from potentially devastating microbial growth.
Water damage events and a flooded home, like the one this New Port Richey homeowner faced, underscore the importance of professional restoration services. Through rapid response, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment, PuroClean of New Port Richey turned a distressing situation into a testament of resilience and recovery. Watch the before and after on our Instagram below.
PuroClean of New Port Richey 