In Gordon, a burst sewer pipe beneath a home led to significant water damage. Raw sewage had spilled into the property, seeping through the flooring and contaminating various parts of the structure. This Category 3 water event posed serious health risks but also left the homeowners with extensive damage to address.
The Challenge
Firstly, the property's raised design meant all plumbing was directly beneath the flooring, complicating access to the damaged areas. Glued to a yellow tongue subfloor, the bamboo timber flooring was heavily contaminated and required complete removal.
Additionally, the contamination extended to the walls in half of the home. As Category 3 water carries harmful pathogens, its penetration into porous materials such as timber and plaster which heightened the risk of long-term structural damage and health concerns.
To access and remediate these areas, it was necessary to dismantle all bathrooms, toilets, and cabinetry. Adding to the complexity, some areas were found to be mould-affected, requiring specialised remediation efforts.
Our Solution
Steamatic Ballarat took a methodical and professional approach to restoring the property while ensuring the safety and comfort of the residents throughout the process.
Preventing Cross-Contamination
Our priority was to prevent contamination from spreading to the unaffected areas of the home. To achieve this, we:
Installed containment barriers and Air Filtration Devices (AFDs) to isolate the impacted sections.
Created a safe and liveable environment for the homeowners by securing the unaffected portion of the property.
Careful Removal and Remediation
We carried out a detailed removal process, dismantling all bathrooms, toilets, and cabinetry to access the contaminated areas. The bamboo flooring and affected sections of walls were removed to expose the structural framing.
During this stage, we identified mould-affected areas, which were promptly addressed using industry-approved techniques to eliminate the risk of further spread or damage.
Thorough Sanitisation and Safety Measures
Following the removal of contaminated materials, we performed a comprehensive antimicrobial clean. All exposed surfaces, including the framing, were sanitised to ensure they were free from harmful pathogens. Temporary flooring was then laid as a safety precaution during the remediation process.
Drying and Independent Verification
Using advanced drying equipment, we thoroughly dried the affected areas to prevent future issues such as rot or mould growth. To provide an additional layer of assurance, an independent third party conducted a Post-Remedial Verification (PRV), confirming that all work met the highest industry standards.
The Outcome
The property was successfully restored to a safe, habitable condition. Our prompt response, combined with rigorous remediation protocols, ensured that all contaminated materials were effectively removed and replaced.
The PRV provided peace of mind to the homeowners, certifying that the remediation was carried out to the highest professional standard.