Tackling Water Mitigation After Dishwasher Overflow in St. Louis, MO

August 27, 2024
Dan and Tina Benton

At ABC Environmental Contracting Services, we recently completed a project for a residential homeowner and tackled water mitigation in St. Louis, MO. The job involved handling significant water damage caused by dishwasher overflow. The overflow led to standing water in the kitchen, causing the hardwood floors to warp. Unfortunately, the water didn’t just stay in the kitchen - it seeped down into the unfinished basement below, damaging the ceiling boards.


A Call From a Worried Client


We received a call from a concerned homeowner in St. Louis, MO, who had just experienced a water disaster. Their dishwasher had overflowed, leaving standing water in the kitchen and causing the hardwood floors to warp. To make matters worse, the water had seeped down into their unfinished basement, damaging the ceiling boards. They were understandably worried about the extent of the damage and needed help right away.


kitchen-during 1

Steps We Took to Tackle the Damage After Dishwasher Overflow


At ABC Environmental Contracting Services, we know how important it is to act quickly in situations like this. Here’s how we handled the situation:


Initial Assessment


Our first step was to thoroughly inspect the affected areas. We began by visually assessing the damage in both the kitchen and the basement to get a clear picture of the situation. Afterward, we used a moisture meter to measure the moisture levels in the hardwood floors and ceiling boards. This allowed us to pinpoint the areas with the highest moisture content, helping us develop a targeted plan for drying and restoration.



Water Extraction and Drying


Water extraction and drying is an important part of our process, and we approach it carefully to ensure all moisture is removed:

  1. Extracting Standing Water: We started by extracting the standing water from the kitchen using high-powered pumps and vacuums. This step was necessary to remove as much water as possible from the hardwood floors and prevent further damage.
  2. Setting Up Drying Equipment: Once the standing water was removed, we set up dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers. The dehumidifiers worked to reduce the moisture level in the air, while the air movers created strong airflow across the floors and ceiling, speeding up the drying process.
  3. Targeting the Basement: Since the water had seeped into the basement, we placed additional drying equipment downstairs. The unfinished ceiling boards required special attention, as the porous wood could easily absorb moisture and become a breeding ground for mold if not properly dried.


Monitoring and Adjustments


Throughout the drying process, we regularly monitored moisture levels using the moisture meter. This allowed us to ensure that all areas were drying properly and to adjust our equipment as needed.


Addressing the Damage


After the drying was complete, we assessed the condition of the warped hardwood floors in the kitchen and the damaged ceiling boards in the basement. We informed the homeowner that the floors would need to be replaced and that the ceiling would require repairs.


Customer Satisfaction: A Job Well Done


The homeowner was relieved and pleased with the quick and thorough service we provided. Knowing their home was in safe hands brought them peace of mind during a stressful time. They appreciated our clear communication throughout the process and were satisfied with how quickly we were able to mitigate the damage. 


Need Water Mitigation? Trust ABC Environmental Contracting Services

If you’re facing water damage in your home, don’t wait to take action. At ABC Environmental Contracting Services, we’re ready to step in and handle the situation with expertise and care. Contact us today at (314) 668-1509 or complete an online form on our website. 


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