In the summer of 2022, a major sewer line backed up near Old Haven Court in Cumming, GA. As a result, sewer water backed up into a home, soaking the floors and contaminating walls, flooring, cabinetry, and furniture in several rooms.



After getting the call, we dispatched a team of water damage restoration specialists to the home right away. Following a complete and thorough evaluation, we deemed the property rebuildable. Our team then formulated a plan and informed the homeowners how each step would proceed and the specific tasks involved. The most extensive damage occurred to the floors of both the ground floor and second floor, which would require complete removal and replacement.

The water damage restoration process’s first stage consisted of removing and securing the salvageable property. Sewer water is called blackwater, meaning it contains large amounts of pathogens, bacteria, and other harmful materials. Removal efforts must begin within 24 hours. Otherwise, these contaminants could cause serious illnesses for occupants or develop into other hazardous byproducts like mold and mildew.

We completed the water extraction using high-powered vacuums. Once we removed excess moisture, the drying and dehumidifying process started and lasted for almost four days. We placed industrial-grade fans, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers throughout the home's affected areas.

The fans quickened drying time and circulated the air. Dehumidifiers reduced the air’s moisture content and ventilated the home. Air scrubbers cleansed the air preventing further buildup and contamination from dust, dirt, or other particles and allergens. 

As the drying process progressed, our water restoration professionals paid close attention to existing moisture levels on the walls and flooring.

When the home dried to a satisfactory level, we got busy sanitizing. We first placed any lingering debris and unsalvageable items into the appropriate containers and discarded these items. The cleaning and sanitization process involves powerful, industrial-grade equipment and sanitizing agents.

In the final phase of water damage restoration, our focus turned toward rebuilding the home. The property incurred structural damage and required major renovation work throughout bedrooms, closets, the kitchen, hallways, the den, bathrooms, and the living room.

The rebuild’s most challenging aspect was the flooring. The sewage water had seeped into the home's floor, so we replaced floors throughout the first and second floors. This required pulling up and removing the damaged hardwood flooring, carpets, and carpet pads, removing baseboards, repairing and replacing water-logged subflooring, returning baseboards to their proper position, and installing new hardwood flooring and tiling.

Once we rebuilt the residence to its original condition, we returned salvaged furniture and belongings and placed these items where they belonged to welcome the family back to their restored home.

This project required significant manpower and commercial-grade equipment. By removing the sewer water and replacing the floors, we brought the home to its pre-flood state. The homeowners moved back in within several weeks and commended our Homestar technicians' efforts in completing the project in a timely and professional manner.

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