Sewer Backup from a Drain Next to a Water Heater

This image is from a sewer back up from a drain next to a water heater. The vinyl floor was removed and the drywall around the edges 1 foot high.  Trim and insulation was removed as well. Stud work and concrete were power washed then disinfected and sealed for bacteria and odor control.  Total turnaround on job start to move in was 9 days.  

This job called in on a Saturday afternoon at 2 pm.  The family is multi-generational, a disabled family member lives in a detached garage apartment.  The sewer line had clogged with tree roots and backed up into the apartment.  Family had tried to clean up some of the mess on their own and discovered it was overwhelming.  Lighthouse gave a free estimate and contacted the insurance carrier on after hours lines.  We were able to establish that the customer had coverage and send some pictures from the sight via email to satisfy  insurance carrier of cause of loss.  Abbreviated emergency services could be done before Monday.  The remediation occurred during business hours on a schedule that fit the needs of the family and the caretakers of the individual that lived in the apartment. 

The customer saw the initial damage that was visible in the middle of the floor.  The unapparent damage in the walls and behind the kitchen cabinets and under a raised floor platform was detected  by our electronic moisture meters and thorough inspection.  This trapped sewage and black water would have created devastating damage over time had it not been detected and addressed.  The individual in the apartment is on medications and breathing assistance.  The proper cleanup was imperative.

Our crews and office worked together to have an estimate to the insurance carrier Monday morning and had contact for approval before noon.  This meant less down time for the customer and quicker settlement of loss.  By end of day on Monday cleanup and disinfection of apartment was completed.  A 3 day period was required for drying and hepa equipment to return stud work and concrete to a clean ,safe ,dry, condition that was ready for new drywall and cabinets.  Wed the flooring was selected by the customer and ordered by Lighthouse.  The apartment had some areas without any flooring previously.  As an effort to improve the ability of the customer to use and navigate the rough concrete floor better, Lighthouse provided some additional labor to level and fill cracks in the concrete floor and provide new vinyl in a larger area of the apartment.  This additional flooring was at no cost to customer or insurance carrier.

 The tight quarters of the apartment meant that a storage pod needed to be delivered to store the residents furniture during construction.  This helped the family to manage construction process more easily than filling the main house with additional furniture.  Caretakers were more easily able to provide attention the family member moving her to the main house and not being cumbersome with additional contents in an already cozy home.  Lighthouse was able to quickly move in and help customer reorganize their apartment with contents being hand carried from storage pod on driveway to the apartment.

Susan and her caretakers were " impressed at how quick and efficient the whole process went."  Susan’s sister was also thankful for a " new complete floor.  We don't have to worry how Susan can get around anymore.  The cracks on the original floor were not save for her to walk around easily.  I don’t worry as much about her falling in her house by herself. Our whole family is so happy."

Lighthouse tries to exceed our customer's expectations and go the extra mile where situations are in our power to improve our customers lives. We bill directly to our customer's insurance carrier and don't except payments for work that isn't complete.   We offer up to $500.00 off our customers deductible. No deductible is collected up front.