Burst Pipe Results in Property Damage and Moisture-Related Concerns

A high-pressure water pipe burst in a large building located in Southern California late last year causing significant damage to multiple floors of the building according to media reports. The pipe was from a second-floor bathroom and responding firefighters were able to shut off the water supply to the entire building so cleanup activities could start.

Cases like this happen all too regularly in commercial, institutional and even residential properties. In fact, water damage from burst pipes is a leading source of property damage in buildings of all types.

Water damage of any kind can quickly damage or destroy building materials, furnishings and people’s belongings. It’s important that any standing water and wet materials are thoroughly dried as quickly as possible since mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours. A minor delay could 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 can cause a myriad of health concerns for anyone in the building.

“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 problems,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “This includes water damage coming from sources that might not be readily evident, such as pinhole leaks. Therefore, people need to be vigilant for even minor signs of water damage. In addition, depending on the age of a building, another common indoor hazard to be aware of is the potential for there to be asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints. In those cases, disturbing these materials during water damage cleanup and repair activities could pose an immediate health hazard if the proper safety precautions are not in place.”

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) experts at LA Testing provide testing services, sampling supplies and test kits to identify for mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos and other exposure risks associated with water damage. LA Testing even offers building inspection tools and water damage detection equipment.

To learn more about mold, indoor air quality or other environmental, building science, industrial hygiene, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), 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, San Diego and Ontario.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail