Austin-Area Water Damage Specialists Handle HVAC Leaks

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

Summary: SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin provides emergency water damage restoration when the HVAC system leaks.

At 63.75 miles long and having over 271 miles of shoreline, Lake Travis is the most commercially active reservoir in Texas. Its status as a non-Corps of Engineers lake allows for private lakeside property. Crystal clear blue waters and proximity to Austin make Lake Travis one of the most desirable places in Texas to work, live, or visit. Lake-related businesses and recreational activities abound.

Of the many activities available at Lake Travis, the retired couple enjoyed watching the sunset at their favorite restaurant, which overlooked the lake. Today was very special because their grandkids were with them. Boating, skiing, kayaking, and swimming at the waterpark were topped off with a delicious meal and an awe-inspiring sunset. Bob and Linda were so glad they had retired to the Austin area. The children and grandchildren only lived a few hours away, and when they came to visit, there was always something to do at the lake.

All week long, the HVAC system had been working overtime to keep the lakehouse cool for the guests. Bob noticed that the system never seemed to take a rest.

That week, there were unusual occurrences around the house. The grandchild with allergies had mentioned a musty smell in the guest bedroom. The carpet outside the bathroom door was constantly wet, but everyone thought it was because of the traffic to and from the bathroom for showers and baths. While gathered around the kitchen table for a hearty breakfast before the grandkids headed home, one of the grandchildren mentioned that her sleeping bag was wet when she awoke that morning. It looked like water had been dripping from the light fixture in the bedroom.

Bob immediately went upstairs to investigate. When he saw the evidence, he knew it had to be the HVAC unit in the attic. An HVAC technician confirmed Bob’s suspicions. The drain pan was clogged with mold and algae, the coils needed cleaning, and the filter urgently needed to be changed. The excessive summer heat and the extra houseguests had overwhelmed the system's compromised ability to remove the water in the drain pan. Water had been leaking out of the pan for almost a week. According to the HVAC technician, twenty or more gallons per day may have leaked from the system.

The cleanup job was too big for Bob and Linda to handle alone. They needed water damage specialists who would respond on a weekend and stay until the situation was stabilized. What they needed was emergency 24/7 service and a disaster response team with the training and equipment to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Fortunately for Bob and Linda, it took only one phone call.

The Water Damage Restoration Process

When a home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin has the expertise and equipment to properly restore the property. Experienced technicians and a scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable proper drying and restoration of a property with water damage. Every water damage event is different and requires a unique solution, but the general process remains the same.

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when a call is placed to SERVPRO of Travis Lake/NW Austin. The representative guides the home or commercial property owner through the crisis and may ask several questions to help the SERVPRO team better understand the equipment and resources needed for the job.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

The scope of the water damage is determined at this stage. To ensure complete restoration, the water damage specialist inspects and tests to understand the extent of the damage and how far the moisture has traveled.

Step 3 - Water Removal and Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. Powerful pumps and vacuum units are used to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from the home or commercial building, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

Specialized equipment removes the remaining water that is harder to access. The SERVPRO professionals use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry a home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

All of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water are cleaned. The technicians are adept at cleaning contents using several proven techniques. The SERVPRO team is trained to provide sanitizing treatments, remove odors, and deodorize the property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring the home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. SERVPRO can handle the rebuild process and coordinate the entire project with the insurance company, eliminating confusion and stress while bringing peace of mind.

SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage incident and the disruption it causes to the home or business. The goal is to minimize the interruption and quickly make the damaged area look "Like it never even happened." The team specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after water, fire, or smoke damage but can also mitigate mold and mildew from a home or business. No damage is too large or too small. SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin can handle the reconstruction from the loss, making them the local one-stop-shop.

For more information about water damage restoration, visit the SERVPRO of Travis Lake/NW Austin website at https://www.SERVPROlaketravisnwaustin.com. To speak with a SERVPRO representative, call (512) 318-2202.