Andover Elementary/Middle School had two unplanned days off from school on February 15 and 16. The propane water heater malfunctioned, and the lower level of the school building ended up with over two inches of hot water on the tile floors. It was like a sauna!

The water heater has since been replaced, and ServePro did an amazingly thorough job cleaning up the water-damaged areas. Most of the damage was limited to the kindergarten classrooms, the hall, the teacher workroom, the library, and the two supply closets. Many tiles lifted due to the hot water, and new flooring will be installed.

The underwater classrooms were discovered on Sunday afternoon when Principal Jane Slayton was working in the building. Within hours, ServePro had taken out the water and set up dozens of powerful fans and huge dehumidifiers. Testing has been conducted to be sure the building is safe for students and staff members to return.

Although outside temperatures were below zero at the time, this unfortunate event was not related to the cold weather. The 2006 propane water heater malfunctioned, and Head Custodian Vic Stewart and Principal Slayton were told that it was pretty incredible to get the number of years from it that they did.