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Post by Mac78 on Dec 18, 2013 4:33:12 GMT -8
So last night I discovered that a small pin hole blew thru a copper pipe in the utility closet. It was the main water line to the house/water heater. The walls are soaked, the floors are soaked, the carpet is soaked, the floor is upheaved (if that is a word). So, I am going to have to learn how to cut out drywall and replace, cut out the floor and replace, and pry replace the carpet.
The pin hole pressure put a hole in the wall in one side and a hole out the other side which was a closet. The water ran down outside and inside the walls. Closet floor and 1/3 of the rooms floors are soaked. I am guessing this leaked for literally hours as I heard a noise, checked it out a couple times, but didn't see anything......I am guessing at that point the hole from the pressure had not gone all the way thru yet.
So, do you all think this is something 2 people who have no clue can do? Merry Christmas to me.
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Post by shabbychick on Dec 18, 2013 5:38:46 GMT -8
Yikes! That sounds like a really big job. Do you have insurance to cover water damage for a problem like this? I don't know enough about replacing drywall, flooring, and carpet to know if it's doable for you. They say drywall isn't that hard to replace, but I've never done it. I'd worry about having to cut up and replace your subfloor (is that what it's called?) along with the carpet, which could be a much bigger deal. Were you guys able to fix the hole in the pipe? If it were me, I'd call the pros if I could afford it, or at least a DIYer who has done this before, since the damage is so extensive. I'm so sorry this happened to you.
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Post by Mac78 on Dec 18, 2013 7:31:50 GMT -8
The plumber is here and gone. $85 and it is fixed. He gave me a name and number for someone to call for the wall and floor and I am now waiting on the return call.
The drywall, it would be about 3 x 5 ft section on 2 walls, both in closets.
The floor.....the more it dries the worse it is getting. The subfloor is that masonite stuff that swells and warps when gets wet. That I am not sure about.
Hopefully the guy will call today.
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Post by Mac78 on Dec 18, 2013 7:37:34 GMT -8
Here is the damage to the utility closet......see that hole from the water pressure. Attachments:
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Post by Mac78 on Dec 18, 2013 8:08:18 GMT -8
There is a closet on the other side of the damage.....the water pressure from the pin hole put a hole right thru the wall. Water ran down and damaged floor in closet and spare bedroom. Attachments:
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Post by allen820 on Dec 19, 2013 6:39:20 GMT -8
The joy of home ownership  Two solutions: Sarah, my daughter, had a similar thing happen to her (actually, it was an ice maker line that broke in her house). Anyway, her homeowner's insurance covered the bill -- over $4000 when all repairs were considered. The other suggestion, failing #1 -- just forget it; let it dry and close the door! The hole in the spare bedroom would be a simple fix. Once that wall is completely dry (on both sides), slap a little drywall patch on the hole, sand it smooth, spray it with a couple coats of Kilz, and paint. Then, let the utility closet get really dry (might even want to stick a dehumidifier in there for a few days), and just set a box of junk over the damaged area and forget it. I seriously doubt that any structural damage occurred. Option #1 (certainly your best option) would cost you your deductible less the $85 you have already paid. Option #2 would cost you about $50, or maybe a $hundred if you rented a dehumidifier. Closed circuit to Dave: My wife could not stand option#2, but hey, it's worth a try!  Allen |
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Post by Mac78 on Dec 19, 2013 16:38:09 GMT -8
Thanks Allen. Our deductible got pushed up to $1000, thanks to State Farm, it was across the board increase of about $70 and they upped the deductibles to $1000, they told me they did this state wide.
1 guy came today. He suggested for the drywall, to do the very thing you said to do....let it dry, peel off the top layer, skim coat it, primer and paint. For the closet hole....same thing.......patch it.
The floors. I ripped up carpet and pad tonight. (1/2 the room and the room is 9 x 10. There is definately a couple sections of the floor that needs replaced because the masonite type floor raised up several inches. I currently have fans on it to dry out. Another guy coming tomorrow for floor estimate. For now I am drying it out and will just pull the carpet back over the floor when dry. I am sure it will be end of January before anything gets done. Tomorrow night everything is going back in the room until it can be fixed....kids coming home for Christmas with friends.
Thanks for the help Allen. Appreciate it.
My biggest concern is getting the floor fixed, the walls I can handle myself...I think.
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Post by Vintage Girl on Dec 20, 2013 9:17:56 GMT -8
Oh no!!! So sorry this happened to you Marie The walls are an easy fix, the floor may be a bit more work. I would make sure that the carpet, pad and floor are completely dry before you put anything back in the room. Otherwise you will end up with a horrendous moldy smell from the wet carpet and pad. I had a similar experience years ago and I took out the wet carpet and pad and covered the subfloor with throw rugs until I had the funds to replace the carpet/flooring. But I made the mistake of leaving the carpet down at first and boy did it start to smell. I think that you will be able to six the wall damage. Look up on the internet how to scrape and skim coat drywall, and the patching of the hole is very easy. Thinking of you and hope the rest of your holidays are uneventful! |
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