It was a busy morning when we got the call from a homeowner in Newport Beach. They were practically in panic on the phone. “There’s water everywhere in my kitchen,” they said. “And there’s this smell… I think it might be mold.”
What started as a simple dishwasher leak had turned into every homeowner’s worst nightmare. We’ve been in the water damage restoration business for over 38 years here at Orange County Restoration Services, Inc., and we know that when someone calls with that kind of panic in their voice, time is everything. We told them we’d be there within the hour to perform mold and water damage restoration in their Newport Beach home.
What We Found: When a Dishwasher Leak Becomes a Disaster
When we arrived at the home, we could see why they were so upset. What started as a small dishwasher leak had turned into a major disaster. The leak had been going on for weeks without anyone noticing; water was seeping behind the dishwasher, under the kitchen cabinets, and into the subflooring.
But here’s what made this case really challenging: the insurance company had already told the homeowner they weren’t going to cover the damage. They claimed it was “gradual damage” and not covered under their policy. The homeowner was looking at thousands of dollars in repairs with no help from insurance.
We found water damage spread across about 200 square feet of kitchen flooring, and the moisture had created perfect conditions for mold growth. There was visible mold starting to appear on the baseboards and behind the lower cabinets. The musty smell was getting stronger every day.
Dishwasher Leak Water Damage: Our Step-by-Step Water Damage and Mold Remediation Process
Here’s exactly how we tackled this dishwasher leak disaster and got this family’s kitchen back to perfect condition.
Step 1: Emergency Assessment and Water Extraction
First, we shut off the water supply to the dishwasher and started extracting standing water with our industrial-grade pumps. We used moisture meters to check the extent of damage in walls, subflooring, and surrounding areas. We documented everything with photos, knowing we’d need this evidence for the insurance claim.
Step 2: Containment and Safety Setup
Before starting mold remediation, we had to protect the rest of the house. Our containment process included:
- Plastic sheeting installation: We isolated the work area to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the house.
- Negative air pressure systems: We installed specialized equipment to create controlled airflow that keeps contaminants contained.
- Protective equipment distribution: We provided masks and safety gear for everyone in the house during the remediation process.
- Safe entry and exit points: We created designated pathways for our team to move in and out without cross-contaminating clean areas.
Step 3: Complete Drying Process
We brought in commercial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to completely dry all affected areas. This took four days. We monitored moisture levels constantly; you can’t just dry the surface. You have to get moisture out of the wood subflooring, drywall, and any materials that absorbed water.
Step 4: Mold Testing and Removal
We took air samples to identify exactly what type of mold we were dealing with. The results showed elevated levels of Aspergillus and Penicillium, common molds that grow in wet conditions but can cause health problems if not properly removed.
We removed all affected materials, including baseboards, parts of the subflooring, and the lower sections of two kitchen cabinets that couldn’t be saved. For surfaces that could be cleaned, we used specialized antimicrobial treatments designed specifically for mold removal.
Step 5: Air Filtration
Throughout the entire process, we ran HEPA air filtration systems to capture any mold spores. After all mold was removed, we did final cleaning and ran air filtration for another 24 hours.
Fighting the Insurance Company: How We Got the Claim Covered
Here’s where our experience really made a difference. We put together a comprehensive report that included photos showing the dishwasher connection had failed suddenly, moisture readings proving the damage was recent and extensive, and documentation of our professional remediation process.
We explained to the insurance company that even if the initial leak was gradual, the water damage and mold growth created an immediate health hazard requiring professional remediation. It took some back-and-forth, but eventually the insurance company agreed to cover the full cost. The homeowner didn’t pay a penny out of pocket.
The Results: A Kitchen Better Than Before
The whole project took about two weeks from start to finish. When we were done, the kitchen was completely mold-free and dry with no risk of future problems.
Why Choose Orange County Restoration Services, Inc.
This project in Newport Beach shows exactly why homeowners trust us for water damage and mold problems. We provided fast response, thorough assessment, professional-grade equipment, insurance advocacy, and complete restoration.
If you’re dealing with water damage or mold in your Orange County home, don’t try to handle it yourself. Call us at (949) 828-2399 or fill out an online form on our website. We’ll be there fast, do the job right, and work with your insurance company to make sure you get the coverage you deserve.
