When a plumbing-related building failure impacted a full-service Marriott Hotel in Dunwoody, Georgia, Property Medics was called in to manage the large-scale commercial water damage restoration project. Beginning May 25-26, 2024, our team responded to a Category 3 sewage and water intrusion.
We immediately mobilized emergency crews and implemented a phased mitigation strategy built around the hotel’s occupancy and event schedule. Temporary operational preservation systems, flexible scheduling, and careful coordination enabled mitigation efforts to proceed while minimizing disruptions to guests and staff. The hotel remained at or near full occupancy, with guests checking in and scheduled events continuing throughout.
The project was successfully completed on June 28, 2024, after approximately 34 days.
Location: Dunwoody, GA
Property Type: Luxury Marriott / Bonvoy Full Service 5-Star Hotel
Cause of Loss: Plumbing-related building failure
Damage Type: Category 3 water and sewage intrusion
What started as a plumbing failure quickly became a race to contain one of the most serious water losses a commercial property can experience. Category 3 water contains sewage and other harmful contaminants, requiring specialized cleanup before affected areas can be safely used again.
As the contaminated water spread, it reached guest rooms, conference spaces, hallways, and support areas, soaking into drywall, ceilings, insulation, flooring systems, and concealed structural cavities.
The hotel remained open throughout much of the mitigation process, with guests on-site and previously scheduled corporate and charity events continuing as planned. Closing large portions of the property wasn’t a realistic option, so restoration work had to be carefully coordinated around daily hotel operations.
The size of the loss alone would have made this a demanding commercial water damage restoration project. Completing the work inside an occupied luxury hotel while maintaining daily operations further elevated the complexity.
Several challenges shaped how the work was planned and carried out, including:
Sewage-contaminated water migrated into flooring, drywall, insulation, ceilings, and concealed structural cavities across multiple floors. Every affected material had to be safely removed, contained, or treated before structural drying could begin.
The hotel remained near full capacity while hosting corporate meetings and charity events. Mitigation work had to be coordinated around guests and staff, as well as event timelines, to minimize disruptions.
Every phase of the project required discreet odor containment and controlled work areas to protect guests and preserve the hotel’s reputation.
Every hotel water damage restoration project starts with stabilizing the property and creating a clear recovery plan, every step carefully planned around guest and staff safety.
Our team was on-site within hours of the May 25 call, ready to assess the damage. Using thermal imaging, moisture mapping, and detailed inspections, we identified visible and hidden moisture, allowing mitigation efforts to focus on the areas that truly needed attention. The initial phase of emergency water damage mitigation began with water removal, helping stabilize the property and keep the project moving forward.
Environmental containment systems isolated damaged areas from guest-facing spaces before Category 3 sewage and standing water were removed. HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial treatment, and controlled material removal followed, using the same proven methods our team relies on for every commercial sewage cleanup project in Georgia.
Temporary flooring, containment walls, and strategically planned isolation zones allowed key guest areas, hallways, and event spaces to remain accessible while mitigation continued behind the scenes.
Demolition and drying were completed in carefully planned phases based on occupancy levels and the hotel’s event schedule. Daily moisture monitoring tracked progress throughout the project, with Phase Two beginning on June 14 and final drying milestones achieved before completion on June 28, 2024.
Large commercial losses can disrupt operations long after the water is gone. In this case, careful planning and coordination allowed the hotel to continue serving guests while critical mitigation work progressed behind the scenes.
By the end of the project, Category 3 contamination had been safely removed, affected structural materials had been dried and stabilized, and the property was ready for the next stage of restoration. Just as important, our proven commercial water damage restoration process allowed the property to remain open without canceling scheduled events or jeopardizing guest safety.
For the hotel, the outcome meant more than restoring the building. It meant protecting guest confidence and allowing the hotel to move forward after a challenging water loss.
Every restoration project requires a plan. With proven commercial restoration services, Property Medics helps businesses across Georgia respond to large-scale water losses by implementing mitigation plans tailored to their day-to-day operations. Our approach to water damage restoration is guided by the same planning, coordination, and attention to detail we demonstrated throughout this case study.
If your property needs commercial water damage restoration, Property Medics is ready to help with 24/7 availability.
From the moment you call, our restoration specialists are ready to respond. We handle everything from initial assessment to final repairs, ensuring your home or business is restored with care, precision, and attention to detail.
Water extraction is one of the most critical phases after a loss. Our team removes standing water, damaged materials, and saturated debris, preparing your property for complete restoration. With the right tools and training, we help prevent long-term structural issues and secondary damage.
Sewage-contaminated water spreads quickly, often reaching areas beyond the initial point of loss. We utilize advanced equipment and EPA-approved treatments to clean, disinfect, and decontaminate affected surfaces, materials, and hard-to-reach cavities, preventing ongoing health risks and damage.
Moisture can linger long after visible water is gone. Our structural drying process targets the root of the problem, not just the surface. By combining thermal imaging, moisture mapping, and expert restoration, we leave your property dry, stable, and safe again.
