Water Damage Project in Fillmore, CA: Shower Leak to Full Restoration
When a master bath shower leak in Fillmore caused water to flow through the closet and down into the living room, our IICRC-certified water-damage restoration team arrived within hours. We extracted standing water, set up containment and drying equipment, and removed all affected materials—ensuring a seamless process that the homeowner’s insurance approved every step of the way.
The Discovery
The homeowner first noticed a damp, musty smell in the master closet, followed by sagging drywall tape on the ceiling below. Moisture meters confirmed levels above 35% in the closet subfloor and living room ceiling joists. Quick investigation revealed that a worn shower pan liner had allowed water to escape under the tile, seeping through the floor system and into the space below.
Our Restoration Process
- Containment Setup: Installed plastic sheeting barriers with zipper access to isolate the work area and protect unaffected rooms.
- Water Extraction: Deployed truck-mounted vacuums and portable extractors to remove over 150 gallons of water from carpet, subfloor, and drywall cavities.
- Selective Demolition: Cut out all saturated drywall and baseboards up to two inches above the highest moisture line; removed damaged carpet and underlayment.
- Structural Drying: Positioned high-capacity dehumidifiers and air movers around the closet and living room—running equipment 24/7 until moisture levels dropped below 15%.
- Antimicrobial Treatment: Applied an EPA-registered spray to exposed studs and subfloors to inhibit mold and bacterial growth.
- Monitoring & Documentation: Logged moisture readings twice daily and provided detailed reports to both the homeowner and their insurance adjuster.
Project Highlights
- Duration: 4 days (1 day extraction & demo + 3 days drying & monitoring)
- Areas impacted: ~180 sq ft (master closet floor + living room ceiling)
- Water removed: ~150 gallons
- Moisture reduction: From 35% to under 12%
- Insurance coordination: Full approval on scope and logs, no delays to rebuild
Why Fast Response Matters
Standing water and elevated moisture can lead to mold growth within 24–48 hours and weaken structural framing. Rapid extraction and drying limit secondary damage, reduce repair costs, and protect indoor air quality. In a residential setting, acting quickly also prevents daily life disruptions and ensures a smoother insurance claim process.
Four Prevention Tips
- Inspect shower liners: Have a professional check the pan liner every two years.
- Seal grout and tile joints: Reapply caulk around wet areas to block seepage.
- Run exhaust fans: Use bathroom fans during and after showers to reduce humidity.
- Install leak alarms: Place sensors under sinks and near shower drains for early alert.
Conclusion
Don’t let a simple shower leak become a major headache. For expert Water Damage Project in Fillmore, CA, call JW Home Care—an EPA Lead-Safe Certified firm and California State-Licensed General Contractor. We handle extraction, drying, demolition, and insurance coordination so you can focus on restoring your home. Curious about another turnaround? Check out our Water Damage Project in Santa Paula, CA to see how fast action saves homes.
