Exterior view of Beech Tower Condos in Downtown San Diego, site of a full water damage restoration project following a sprinkler system burst.

Water Damage Restoration in Downtown San Diego: Sprinkler Burst at Beech Towers

We recently responded to an emergency water damage restoration project at the Beech Tower Condos on 7th Ave in Downtown San Diego. A routine sprinkler maintenance call turned into a significant water damage event when a sprinkler system burst, flooding two floors of the high-rise building. Sprinkler systems can release up to 26-30 gallons of water per minute at 50-70 PSI, and despite the repairman’s quick response, the water had already spread through two condos.

The Emergency Water Mitigation Process:

Our team arrived immediately to extract the water and stabilize the area. While many assume sprinkler water is clean, it can actually carry contaminants and residues like grease, leading to a Category 3 water loss due to the impact on walls and multiple floors​​. We handled both units, the one directly affected and the unit below, following IICRC S500 standards for water mitigation and S520 standards for mold prevention.

Our initial steps included:

  • Water extraction and moisture mapping
  • Setting up control chambers for the affected areas
  • Removing baseboards and initiating drying equipment

Once the situation was stabilized, we worked closely with the homeowners and the HOA’s insurance. Ultimately, the water damage restoration costs, including the tenant relocation, were covered by the sprinkler contractor’s insurance, which made the recovery process smoother for the landlord​.

Water Damage Restoration In Downtown San Diego

After receiving approval, our team proceeded to:

  • Remove additional baseboards, damaged drywall, and wet insulation​.
  • Tear out sections of the ceiling and kitchen cabinets, propping the countertop to preserve it for future reinstallation​.
  • Conduct mold remediation, ensuring that no potential for mold growth remained​.
  • Set up commercial drying equipment such as: air movers and dehumidifiers

We ensured compliance with IICRC standards for water mitigation and water extraction to maintain safety and avoid future damage​.

Beech Tower Hallway Restoration In Downtown San Diego

In addition to the two units, the hallway of Beech Tower was also affected by the water. Our team removed the commercial-grade carpet, set up containments, and removed sections of drywall to dry the affected areas. Using commercial air movers and dehumidifiers, we dried the hallway and surrounding areas to prevent further damage​​.

Restoring the Condos: Full Interior Water Damage Repairs

Once the water was extracted and the affected areas dried, we shifted focus to repairing the damage caused by the sprinkler burst. Our goal was to return both condos to their original state. The repair work we performed included:

  • Insulation Replacement: We installed new insulation in areas where the water had saturated the walls.
  • Drywall Installation: Water-damaged drywall was removed and replaced, ensuring all affected areas were properly restored. 
  • Texture and Paint: After the drywall installation, we applied texture and painted the walls and ceilings to seamlessly blend with the existing finishes, ensuring a flawless appearance.
  • Baseboard Installation: The waterlogged baseboards were replaced with new materials, properly sealed and finished.
  • Flooring Repairs: The damaged flooring was removed and replaced, ensuring the affected areas matched the undamaged portions of the condo.
  • Kitchen Cabinet Repair: In the kitchen, we carefully removed the lower cabinets and replaced them with new ones. We propped up the countertop to save it, avoiding costly replacements. 

Hallway Restoration and Commercial Carpet Replacement In San Diego

The sprinkler burst also caused water damage in the hallway of the Beech Tower. To restore this high-traffic area, we performed the following repairs:

  • Commercial-Grade Carpet: The soaked carpet was removed, and replacemed.
  • Drywall Removal and Repairs: Sections of the hallway drywall were removed, dried, and replaced.

Full-Service Water Damage Restoration in Downtown San Diego:

At DRC Restoration, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive water damage restoration services in San Diego. From initial water extraction and mitigation to complete repairs and rebuild, we handle every step to ensure your property is restored to pre-loss condition. In this case, the Beech Tower Condos were fully repaired, leaving the property in its original state before the water damage occurred.

Whether you need drywall, flooring, insulation, or structural repairs after water damage, we provide end-to-end restoration services to bring your property back to life.

If you’re facing a similar situation in downtown San Diego, contact us for expert water mitigation, water extraction, and complete repair services. Our team is available 24/7 to help you recover from any water damage disaster.