Case Study – ServiceMaster Restore – Loft Burst Water Pipe Leading to Property-wide Water Damage

burst-water-pipe-remediation

ServiceMaster Restore responded to extensive water damage caused by a burst pipe in the loft of a residential property. This incident led to widespread structural and content damage across every room except the conservatory, with severe damage to flooring, walls, and contents.

Key Issues and Observations

  1. Structural and Content Damage:
    • All first-floor ceilings collapsed, dispersing insulation onto the floor below, with extensive mould growth throughout the property.
    • High-value contents, including traditional Indian garments and various furnishings, were impacted. Some items were deemed beyond economic repair (BER), while others required professional cleaning and restoration.
    • The property contained asbestos-risk materials in ceiling and flooring, necessitating testing before drying could commence.
  2. Complex Cleaning and Drying Process:
    • Wood and parquet flooring in multiple rooms, including the conservatory, was uplifted for thorough drying.
    • Granite countertops in the kitchen required specialised handling to prevent damage, with kitchen panels affected but carcasses spared.
  3. Inventory and Disposal:
    • Items BER were inventoried and safely disposed of, while restorable items were cleaned, sanitised, and stored.
    • A significant laundry effort was required, including a bulk discount applied to the extensive cleaning of traditional clothing items.

Actions Taken by ServiceMaster Restore

Comprehensive Clean-up and Inventory:

    • ServiceMaster Restore’s team created an inventory for items BER and restorable items, managing extensive waste disposal and arranging storage for valuable items.
    • The company facilitated professional laundry services, implementing a per-kg bulk pricing model and ensuring items were hermetically sealed post-cleaning.

Moisture Control and Testing:

    • High-moisture areas were professionally dried using dehumidifiers and other mitigation strategies.
    • An electrician inspected sockets to ensure they were safe for use, addressing mould and moisture-induced electrical risks.

Restoration and Return of Items:

      • The team coordinated return and storage logistics, adding child jobs for extended storage as requested. Items were returned post-storage upon the client’s request.

Outcome and Client Satisfaction

Through detailed assessments, systematic content management, and targeted drying measures, ServiceMaster successfully restored the property and its contents to safe, dry conditions. The job was completed to specification, with no further work required. The client expressed satisfaction with the safe handling of sentimental items and the comprehensive care given to the home’s contents.

Lessons Learned

  • Detailed Inventory Processes: For high-damage incidents, precise inventory and segmentation of repairable and BER items are essential for client assurance and efficient processing.
  • Specialised Cleaning Coordination: ServiceMaster Restore’s collaboration with dry-cleaning services for sensitive items streamlined the restoration, especially for culturally significant clothing.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a burst water pipe in any area of the property, contact our 24/7 phone line on 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore locally owned and operated business here.