Burst Pipe in a California Church Results in Property Damage and Moisture-Related Concerns

Earlier this year, KGTV published a report about a church in San Marcos, California that suffered major water damage after a pipe burst. According to their account, water damage occurred throughout the entire church building forcing the congregation to hold services in another building until the moisture could be extracted and repairs completed.

Water damage from burst pipes is a leading source of property damage to buildings of all types. Water damage of any kind can quickly destroy building materials, furnishings and people’s belongings. In some circumstances, if not addressed in an appropriate manner due to the severity of the situation, water damage can even result in structural damage over time.

In this instance, authorities were able to shut off the water source so the standing water could be addressed relatively quickly. This is important because if the water is allowed to stand or wet materials are not thoroughly dried, mold will typically begin to grow in less than 48 hours. A minor delay in responding can result in widespread mold growth on moist materials and even in other areas due to elevated indoor humidity levels. Exposure to high levels of mold in the air people breathe can cause health concerns for anyone in the building.

“Recognizing and responding to water damage as quickly as it is safe to do so is one of the most critical steps in minimizing property damage and preventing mold growth,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility.  “Depending on the age of the water damaged building, another common indoor hazard to be aware of is the potential for there to be materials that contain asbestos or lead-based paints on surfaces. In those cases, if the materials or debris are disturbed during cleanup and repair activities they could pose an immediate health hazard for any building occupants.”

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) experts at LA Testing provide analytical services, sampling supplies and test kits to help identify mold, lead, asbestos and other contaminants associated with water damage. LA Testing even offers water damage detection equipment, including moisture meters, infrared cameras and other instruments.

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


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor 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, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, 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, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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LA Testing

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