Ruptured Water Main in Antioch Causes Property Damage and Mold Concerns

In March, the East Bay Times published a report about water damage to a shopping center in Antioch, California. The damage was caused by a 10” water main that was accidently broken by contractors digging nearby. According to the article, several businesses sustained damage as water and debris entered the shopping center.  

Water incursions, whether due to a broken water line, faulty plumbing or because of natural flooding, can damage and even destroy furnishings, belongings and building materials. In some circumstances it can result in structural damage. If the water is allowed to stand or wet materials are not quickly and thoroughly dried, mold can begin to grow in less than 48 hours.

“Water damage to homes and businesses happens every day due to a wide range of issues,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “If an event like this occurs, it is important to begin drying out the structure as soon as it is safe to do. Even a minor delay can result in widespread mold growth that can cause health concerns for anyone in the building, and its presence can dramatically increase the cost to have a property properly repaired. Another indoor hazard that may occur in older buildings with water damage is the potential presence of materials that may contain asbestos or lead-based paints. If these are disturbed during the cleanup and repair activities, they can pose an immediate hazard.”

LA Testing provides analytical services, sampling supplies and consumer test kits to help identify mold, lead, asbestos and other contaminants associated with water damage. In addition, LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about flood cleanup and indoor air quality issues that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/3Q1tnHFkPF0.

To learn more about water damage testing services or other property damage, indoor air quality (IAQ), occupational, environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access and more information about consumer test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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