When a local childcare center in Copperas Cove, TX called us about water pooling in their classroom, we knew time was critical. Young children, teachers, and anxious parents were counting on a quick response. At Texas Certified Restoration, our team specializes in commercial water damage restoration , and this job reminded us exactly why we do what we do.

The source? A leaking AC unit in a maintenance closet. What started as a small drip had turned into a significant problem, soaking carpet throughout the main classroom and seeping into wall materials. The center needed to reopen safely, and fast.

What We Found When We Arrived

Our technicians arrived within hours of the initial call. The AC closet was the epicenter, with visible water damage on the wood framing and flooring around the HVAC unit. But the real concern was the classroom next door. Moisture had traveled under the wall and saturated a large section of carpet where children play and learn every day.

Our moisture meters confirmed what we suspected: the damage extended well beyond what was visible. Initial readings showed:

• Carpet moisture at 99% saturation in the classroom
• Elevated humidity levels throughout the affected space
• Water intrusion around the AC unit's wood sill plate
• Category 2 water classification due to the AC condensate source

According to IICRC S500 standards , Category 2 water contains some level of contamination and requires proper handling to prevent health risks. In a space serving young children, we took extra precautions.

Our Water Mitigation Approach

We developed a drying plan that would get this childcare center back in operation as quickly as possible while ensuring the space was completely safe. Here's how we tackled it:

Step 1: Water Extraction and Initial Setup

First, we extracted standing water from both the AC closet and classroom areas. We then positioned industrial air movers strategically across the carpet and directed airflow toward the wet walls. Our commercial dehumidifiers went to work pulling moisture from the air, creating an environment where evaporation could happen efficiently.

Step 2: Containment and Treatment

We applied antimicrobial treatment to prevent any bacterial growth, which is especially important in a facility serving children. The affected areas were contained to prevent cross-contamination with the rest of the building.

Step 3: Daily Monitoring and Adjustments

Over the next several days, our team returned to document drying progress. We took moisture readings at multiple checkpoints, tracked humidity levels on our dehumidifiers, and adjusted equipment placement as needed. The carpet went from 99% moisture content down to 36% by day two, and eventually reached 8% by the final reading.

Why Speed Matters for Commercial Properties

This project reinforced something we see time and again: commercial water damage requires a different approach than residential jobs. The childcare center had families depending on them. Every day of closure meant parents scrambling for alternative care and staff losing income.

We've handled similar situations at pediatric offices in Georgetown and other businesses throughout the Greater Austin area. The common thread? Quick response and clear communication make all the difference.

If you're curious about what realistic timelines look like for water damage restoration, we've put together a helpful guide on water damage restoration timeframes that breaks down what to expect.

The Results

By the end of the drying period, all moisture readings had returned to normal levels. The carpet was saved, the AC closet framing was dry, and most importantly, the childcare center was able to safely welcome children back.

This is what we love about this work. It's not just about drying out buildings. It's about helping businesses get back to serving their communities. For more insights on handling water emergencies, check out our guide on what to do when you discover water damage.