Case Study: Rosecrest Herriman Category 1 Refrigerator Ice Maker Response

Documentation of a Category 1 refrigerator ice maker supply line failure response in Rosecrest subdivision, Herriman, illustrating the distinctive scope patterns encountered when refrigerator ice maker supply lines experience gradual failure producing extended-duration water release with delayed discovery. Property is a late-2000s Rosecrest single-family two-story residential property with standard main-floor kitchen configuration including French-door refrigerator with in-door ice maker requiring supply line connection. Event occurred on an August Thursday afternoon at approximately 2:45 PM when the plastic ice maker supply line experienced a slow gradual failure producing sustained low-volume water release behind the refrigerator over an estimated 6–8 hour period. Property owner discovered event upon returning from work at approximately 6:30 PM identifying water spread across kitchen hardwood flooring and adjacent hallway with wall cavity moisture behind refrigerator location. Documented outcome: Category 1 clean water response scope covering 275 square feet across kitchen and adjacent areas with IICRC S500 protocols, elevation-adjusted equipment deployment for Rosecrest’s approximately 5,050-foot elevation (16% capacity reduction versus sea-level specification), hardwood salvage-attempted with directed drying (successful in salvage of majority of hardwood), 5-day drying phase, and reconstruction, total scope $8,400 completing over 5-day response timeline.

Property and Event Characteristics

Property Characteristics

• Subdivision: Rosecrest, Herriman, UT
• Property type: Single-family two-story residential
• Construction era: Late-2000s
• Floor plan: Standard two-story with main-floor kitchen adjacent to family room, dining area, and hallway; upstairs bedroom configuration
• Refrigerator configuration: French-door refrigerator with in-door ice maker requiring plastic supply line connection through kitchen wall to water supply
• Refrigerator age: Approximately 6 years old (mid-service life)
• Supply line configuration: Original plastic supply line installation from refrigerator delivery
• Elevation: Approximately 5,050 feet at this specific Rosecrest location (Herriman ranges 4,900–5,300+ ft)

Event Characteristics

• Date: August Thursday afternoon
• Time of failure: Estimated approximately 10:30 AM (best estimate from subsequent water usage records and refrigerator diagnostic)
• Time of discovery: Approximately 6:30 PM (property owner return from work)
• Duration of exposure: Approximately 8 hours from estimated failure to discovery
• Source: Plastic ice maker supply line gradual failure producing sustained low-volume water release behind refrigerator
• Failure mechanism: Plastic supply line age-related degradation combined with connection point stress producing gradual hairline crack development and progressive failure
• Category classification: Category 1 clean water (municipal water supply source; extended exposure but no visible contamination progression)
• Estimated water volume: Approximately 45–65 gallons total from sustained low-volume flow over 8-hour duration

Scope Extent

• Total affected area: Approximately 275 square feet
• Kitchen hardwood flooring: Approximately 145 square feet substantial saturation requiring specialty drying assessment (majority salvage successful)
• Adjacent hallway: Approximately 45 square feet including hardwood flooring extension
• Refrigerator wall cavity: Approximately 25 square feet wall assembly with substantial cavity moisture from sustained supply flow
• Adjacent lower kitchen cabinets: Approximately 60 square feet cabinet floor area with substantial saturation (cabinet floor removal versus cabinet replacement)

Response Timeline

Emergency Response (6:33 PM – 7:22 PM)

• 6:30 PM: Property owner discovery upon return from work
• 6:32 PM: Property owner isolated water at ice maker supply valve behind refrigerator
• 6:33 PM: Property owner contacted Pure Flow emergency line
• 6:38 PM: Emergency dispatch initiated with hardwood specialty equipment given hardwood scope description
• 7:22 PM: Response team arrival (49 minutes reflecting Herriman 30–60 minute response range with early evening travel from Riverton HQ to Rosecrest location)

Initial Assessment (7:22 PM – 8:15 PM)

• Assessment of kitchen and adjacent scope including hardwood extent and wall cavity moisture
• Category 1 classification confirmed based on clean water supply source with no visible contamination progression
• Hardwood salvage assessment identifying moderate saturation without substantial cupping (favorable for salvage-attempted approach)
• Wall cavity moisture assessment through thermal imaging identifying refrigerator wall cavity substantial moisture
• Cabinet floor moisture assessment identifying substantial saturation in lower kitchen cabinets adjacent to refrigerator
• Scope development including specialty hardwood drying, wall cavity drying, and cabinet floor removal

Extraction Phase (8:15 PM – 9:45 PM)

• Truck-mount extraction from kitchen hardwood surface removing standing water
• Detail extraction from adjacent hallway hardwood
• Cabinet floor extraction with dedicated wet vacuum access
• Specialty extraction techniques for hardwood salvage support (avoiding aggressive extraction that could damage hardwood)

Cabinet Floor and Wall Assembly Access (9:45 PM – 10:45 PM)

• Cabinet floor removal from lower kitchen cabinets adjacent to refrigerator (approximately 60 square feet) exposing substrate
• Cabinet floor removal chosen over full cabinet replacement given salvageable cabinet upper structure
• Refrigerator wall cavity access through targeted drywall openings supporting wall cavity drying
• Bottom-24-inch drywall removal in specific locations behind refrigerator with substantial saturation
• Refrigerator removal from location supporting complete access to affected area

Drying Phase Setup (10:45 PM – 12:00 AM)

• Equipment deployment (elevation-adjusted for 5,050 ft; 16% capacity reduction): 3 LGR dehumidifiers with 6 axial air movers plus Injectidry directed drying system for hardwood salvage support
• Equipment specifications: 2 Phoenix R200 LGR (approximately 168 pints/day adjusted combined at Rosecrest elevation), 1 Phoenix R150 LGR (63 pints/day adjusted); total 231 pints/day adjusted
• Specialty equipment: Injectidry directed drying system for hardwood salvage with 6 injection ports across kitchen hardwood scope
• Air movement: 6 Phoenix Air Circulator axial air movers plus Injectidry-integrated air movement
• Antimicrobial application: Benefect Decon 30 applied across affected surfaces as prevention for Category 1 scope with extended exposure

Drying Phase (Days 2–5)

• Day 2: Hardwood salvage assessment through Injectidry system confirming progressive moisture reduction; wall cavity monitoring identifying continued drying
• Day 3: Hardwood salvage confirmed successful for approximately 90% of affected hardwood; minor cupping in specific areas requiring assessment for salvage or replacement
• Day 4: Continued drying with focused equipment; hardwood salvage assessment identifying replacement warranted for approximately 15 sq ft area with irreversible dimensional instability
• Day 5: Target moisture verified across all affected areas; drying phase complete; equipment removal

Reconstruction Phase (Days 6–8 parallel to drying completion)

• Cabinet floor replacement in lower kitchen cabinets
• Bottom-24-inch drywall installation in specific refrigerator wall cavity locations
• Hardwood replacement in identified 15 sq ft area with dimensional instability; adjacent hardwood refinishing coordination for appearance consistency
• Drywall finishing including taping, mudding, texture matching, and priming
• Paint matching and painting
• Refrigerator reinstallation with new stainless steel braided supply line
• Final cleaning completing response

Equipment Deployment Detail

Dehumidification (Elevation-Adjusted for 5,050 ft)

Rosecrest’s approximately 5,050-foot elevation produces approximately 16% dehumidifier capacity reduction:

• 2 Phoenix R200 LGR: Adjusted to approximately 168 pints/day combined at Rosecrest elevation; positioned for kitchen and adjacent coverage
• 1 Phoenix R150 LGR: Adjusted to approximately 63 pints/day; positioned for supplemental coverage
• Total dehumidification capacity: Approximately 231 pints/day adjusted for 275 sq ft kitchen scope at 5,050 ft elevation

Specialty Hardwood Drying

• Injectidry directed drying system: 6 injection ports across kitchen hardwood scope providing directed drying supporting salvage
• Weighted extraction pads: Initial extraction supporting subsequent Injectidry directed drying
• Specialty hardwood monitoring: Daily hardwood dimensional assessment supporting salvage decision

Air Movement

• 6 Phoenix Air Circulator axial air movers: Positioned across kitchen, adjacent hallway, cabinet interior, and refrigerator wall cavity coverage
• Injectidry-integrated air movement: Supporting directed drying performance across hardwood scope

Assessment Equipment

• Moisture meter: Delmhorst BD-2100 for hardwood and framing moisture measurement
• Non-invasive moisture meter: Wagner MMC220 for hardwood non-invasive assessment
• Thermal imaging: FLIR C5 for refrigerator wall cavity and adjacent area non-invasive assessment
• Hardwood dimensional assessment: Daily hardwood dimensional monitoring supporting salvage versus replacement decisions

Antimicrobial Application

• Benefect Decon 30 (EPA List N registered) applied across affected surfaces as prevention for Category 1 scope with 8-hour extended exposure

Technical Decisions

Category 1 Classification Despite Extended Exposure

• Category 1 classification maintained despite 8-hour exposure given clean municipal water source and no visible contamination progression
• 8-hour exposure well within Category 1 timeframe (typically 24-48+ hours before Category 2 reclassification consideration)
• Antimicrobial application applied as prevention rather than remediation given Category 1 classification
• Extended exposure warranted comprehensive scope response with hardwood salvage assessment and wall cavity moisture assessment

Hardwood Salvage Attempt Versus Replacement

• Initial hardwood assessment identified moderate saturation without substantial cupping (favorable for salvage-attempted approach)
• Injectidry directed drying system deployed for hardwood salvage support
• Salvage successful for approximately 90% of affected hardwood (approximately 130 sq ft)
• Replacement warranted for approximately 15 sq ft area with irreversible dimensional instability from concentrated water contact
• Hardwood salvage substantially reduced scope value versus complete replacement (approximately $8-$20+ per sq ft hardwood replacement cost)
• Comparison to extended-exposure hardwood scope: prompt-response 8-hour exposure supported salvage; 72+ hour extended-exposure typically requires complete replacement

Cabinet Floor Removal Versus Cabinet Replacement

• Cabinet floor removal chosen over full cabinet replacement given salvageable cabinet upper structure
• Cabinet floor removal typical cost under $200 versus full cabinet replacement $1,000+ per cabinet
• Cabinet upper structure and doors remained functional and appearance-appropriate
• Cabinet floor replacement with matching material completing appearance restoration

Elevation Adjustment for Rosecrest

• Rosecrest subdivision within Herriman ranges approximately 4,900–5,150 ft elevation
• This specific property location approximately 5,050 ft warrants 16% dehumidifier capacity adjustment
• Equipment specifications reflecting actual elevation adjustment supported effective drying phase performance

Refrigerator Ice Maker Supply Line Replacement

• Original plastic supply line replaced with stainless steel braided supply line during refrigerator reinstallation
• Stainless steel braided supply line substantially more reliable than plastic given resistance to age-related degradation
• Supply line replacement typical cost $15–$30 for stainless steel braided line
• Standard prevention approach for refrigerator ice maker installations

Insurance Coordination

• Sudden and accidental supply line failure covered under property owner standard homeowners insurance policy
• Category 1 scope with 8-hour extended exposure typically fully covered
• Hardwood salvage-attempted approach documented supporting appropriate coverage
• Cabinet floor removal versus cabinet replacement documented
• Response scope including emergency response, extraction, drying phase, and reconstruction covered

Outcome Summary

Timeline

• Emergency response to arrival: 49 minutes (from initial contact)
• Arrival to drying phase active: Approximately 4.75 hours (extraction, cabinet access, wall assembly access, equipment setup)
• Drying phase: 4 days (Days 2–5)
• Reconstruction phase: 3 days parallel to drying completion
• Total scope timeline: Approximately 5 days from event to pre-loss condition restoration

Scope Value

• Total scope: $8,400
• Categories included: Emergency dispatch, extraction, cabinet access, wall assembly access, drying phase equipment and monitoring (elevation-adjusted for 5,050 ft), specialty Injectidry hardwood drying system, antimicrobial application, reconstruction (cabinet floor replacement, drywall repair, hardwood replacement for 15 sq ft area, painting, refrigerator reinstallation with new supply line)
• Insurance coverage: Complete response scope covered under standard homeowners policy with applicable deductible
• Scope value per square foot: Approximately $31 per sq ft reflecting hardwood salvage-attempted approach and cabinet floor replacement versus cabinet replacement

Client Outcome

• Complete restoration to pre-loss condition
• Successful hardwood salvage for majority of affected hardwood (approximately 130 sq ft salvage; 15 sq ft replacement)
• Cabinet floor replacement preserving cabinet upper structure appearance
• Refrigerator supply line upgrade to stainless steel braided line
• Property owner satisfaction with Herriman elevated-terrain response and specialty hardwood drying success

Prevention Learning Applied

• Refrigerator ice maker supply lines with plastic construction have elevated failure risk from age-related degradation warranting proactive replacement
• Stainless steel braided supply lines substantially more reliable than plastic supply lines
• Supply line replacement recommended during refrigerator installation or as periodic maintenance
• Leak detection sensor placed behind refrigerator provides early notification for supply line failures
• Gradual failure supply line scenarios can produce substantial extended-exposure scope requiring proactive prevention consideration

Related Content

• All Case Studies — complete case study documentation.
• Herriman Location Overview — complete Herriman coverage.
• Water Damage Restoration Herriman — complete restoration scope.
• Structural Drying Herriman — specialty drying scope.
• Structural Drying Methodology — comprehensive methodology.
• Hidden Leaks — supply line failure scope.
• Contact Us — complete contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do plastic ice maker supply lines fail?

Plastic ice maker supply lines have inherent limitations that produce failure risk from age-related degradation, connection point stress, and material characteristics compared to metal supply line alternatives. Plastic supply line failure factors: material degradation from age combined with temperature cycling (cold refrigerator conditions plus warmer ambient conditions produce material stress); UV exposure if supply line exposed to light (typically limited given behind-refrigerator location); connection point stress at refrigerator supply valve and wall-mount valve producing hairline crack development; material brittleness increasing with age producing sudden failure potential; original manufacturer plastic supply line quality varies substantially between brands. Typical failure timeline: plastic supply lines typically have 5–10 year reliable service life; failure risk elevated substantially beyond 10 years; some plastic lines fail earlier due to installation stress or manufacturing defects; gradual failure common (hairline crack developing over weeks or months) producing sustained low-volume release rather than catastrophic failure. Failure mechanism variations: gradual hairline crack producing sustained low-volume release with delayed discovery potential; sudden crack or connection failure producing rapid water release with typically prompt discovery; connection point failure at supply valve or refrigerator producing intermediate release patterns. Stainless steel braided alternative: stainless steel braided supply lines substantially more reliable than plastic; typical 15+ year service life; resistance to age-related degradation, temperature cycling, and installation stress; typical cost $15–$30 versus $5–$15 for plastic supply lines; substantially favorable cost/benefit for reliability improvement. Copper supply line alternative: copper supply lines also more reliable than plastic; typical 20+ year service life; higher cost than braided stainless steel; installation more complex requiring fitting connections; less commonly used than stainless steel braided for ice maker applications. Prevention approach: replace plastic supply lines with stainless steel braided during refrigerator installation or periodic maintenance; leak detection sensor placed behind refrigerator provides early notification; annual visible inspection of supply line condition supports early identification of warning signs; supply line replacement typical DIY task for many property owners.

How was hardwood salvage successful given 8-hour extended exposure?

Hardwood salvage success in this scope reflected combination of favorable factors including moderate saturation depth, prompt Injectidry deployment, hardwood construction characteristics, and specialty equipment capabilities. Salvage-favorable factors: Category 1 clean water source with no contamination; sustained low-volume water release rather than catastrophic flooding limited water penetration depth; 8-hour exposure moderate rather than extended (72+ hour); solid hardwood construction with resistance to moisture penetration; prompt Injectidry directed drying deployment supporting rapid moisture reduction; specialty extraction techniques avoiding aggressive equipment that could damage hardwood; daily hardwood dimensional monitoring supporting salvage assessment. Injectidry directed drying system: directed drying system uses injection ports drilled into hardwood surface (small holes patched during reconstruction) providing dry air injection under hardwood boards; system targets subsurface moisture directly rather than relying on surface drying; substantially more effective than surface drying alone for hardwood salvage; 6 injection ports typical for 145 sq ft scope providing comprehensive coverage. Comparison to extended-exposure scenarios: prompt-response 8-hour exposure supports salvage-favorable conditions when equipment deployment is prompt; 24-48 hour exposure has variable salvage success depending on specific conditions; 72+ hour extended-exposure typically requires complete replacement given substantial cupping, warping, and dimensional instability; extended-exposure scenarios (previous Bluffdale freeze/burst case study example) typically produce hardwood damage exceeding salvage-favorable conditions. Salvage assessment during response: initial specialty equipment deployment attempted for hardwood salvage assessment; daily hardwood dimensional monitoring supporting salvage decision; specific areas with substantial dimensional instability identified for replacement rather than continued salvage attempt; approximately 90% of affected hardwood salvaged (130 sq ft) with 15 sq ft replacement in specific concentrated water contact area. Cost implications: hardwood replacement typical $8–$20+ per square foot; 130 sq ft salvage avoided approximately $1,000–$2,500+ replacement cost; salvage-attempted approach substantially reduced total scope value; unsuccessful salvage attempts produce delayed replacement adding scope without benefit, but salvage-favorable conditions in this scope supported successful salvage attempt. Salvage decisions should be based on objective assessment rather than automatic salvage or replacement; specialty equipment and monitoring support informed salvage decisions.

What refrigerator prevention approaches reduce ice maker supply line failure risk?

Multiple prevention approaches substantially reduce refrigerator ice maker supply line failure risk including supply line replacement, leak detection, and appropriate installation practices. Supply line replacement: replace plastic supply lines with stainless steel braided supply lines during refrigerator installation or as periodic maintenance; typical replacement cost $15–$30 for stainless steel braided supply line; replacement is straightforward DIY task for many property owners; recommended replacement approach for all new refrigerator installations. Leak detection: leak detection sensor placed behind refrigerator provides early notification of supply line failures; sensor detects water presence typically within seconds of water contact; alarm through audible alarm, smart home integration, or mobile notification; typical sensor cost $20–$100 depending on capabilities; combined with prompt property owner response can substantially reduce scope value for supply line failures. Installation practices: proper supply line routing avoiding sharp bends or connection stress; secure connection at both refrigerator supply valve and wall-mount valve; supply line accessible for periodic inspection without refrigerator removal; supply line length appropriate for refrigerator placement without excess or stress. Annual inspection: visible inspection of supply line condition identifying age-related degradation, connection stress, or visible damage; assessment of connection tightness at both ends; identification of any visible moisture at connections or along supply line length; typical inspection during refrigerator maintenance or seasonal appliance service. Automatic shutoff considerations: automatic water shutoff valve with leak detection integration provides comprehensive protection ($300–$800 installed for whole-property system); refrigerator-specific shutoff valve with leak sensor provides targeted protection ($150–$400 installed); shutoff approach appropriate for property owners with elevated concern or extended vacancy patterns. Replacement schedule: proactive supply line replacement every 5–10 years for plastic supply lines; braided stainless steel supply lines typically don’t require replacement schedule but visible inspection recommended; replacement during refrigerator replacement provides opportunity for supply line upgrade if not already stainless steel braided. Combined prevention approach: supply line upgrade, leak detection sensor, and proper installation practices provide substantial protection against supply line failure scope; typical combined prevention cost $50–$150 provides substantial protection against typical $5,000–$15,000+ ice maker supply line failure scope. For this Rosecrest property: original plastic supply line replaced with stainless steel braided during response; leak detection sensor recommended for future protection.

Why remove cabinet floor rather than replace entire cabinet?

Cabinet floor removal preserves cabinet upper structure and doors while enabling drying access and floor replacement, substantially reducing scope value versus complete cabinet replacement. Cabinet floor removal advantages: preserves cabinet upper structure including uprights, doors, and adjacent components; substantially reduces scope value versus complete cabinet replacement; enables drying access to cabinet interior and adjacent framing; typical removal cost under $200 versus $1,000+ per cabinet replacement; preserves cabinet appearance consistency without replacement matching challenges. Cabinet floor removal approach: cabinet floor typically constructed of MDF, plywood, or similar material vulnerable to water damage; cabinet floor removal exposes substrate and cabinet interior for drying; cabinet floor replacement with matching material during reconstruction; upper structure and doors remain functional and appearance-consistent. Full cabinet replacement warranted when: cabinet upper structure has substantial water damage extending beyond cabinet floor; cabinet doors have swelling or dimensional damage; cabinet finish has substantial water damage; cabinet configuration or age prevents floor replacement matching; property owner preference for complete cabinet replacement. Cost comparison: cabinet floor removal and replacement typical $150–$400 per cabinet depending on cabinet size and matching complexity; full cabinet replacement typical $500–$3,000+ per cabinet depending on cabinet style and installation complexity; cabinet floor approach can save $500–$2,500+ per cabinet when appropriate. Approach appropriate for: kitchen lower cabinets with water damage limited to floor area; cabinets with intact upper structure and doors; cabinets where matching floor material is available; standard cabinet construction supporting floor replacement. Appearance considerations: matching floor material typically available for standard cabinet construction; visible floor area in lower cabinets typically limited making perfect matching less critical; property owner satisfaction typically comparable to full cabinet replacement for salvage-appropriate scope. This Rosecrest response: approximately 60 sq ft cabinet floor removal across multiple lower cabinets adjacent to refrigerator; cabinet upper structure preserved; total cabinet scope value substantially reduced versus complete replacement approach; property owner satisfaction with preserved cabinet appearance and reduced disruption.

What signs warn of a slow refrigerator ice maker leak?

Slow refrigerator ice maker leaks often have subtle warning signs that property owners can identify before substantial scope develops, supporting early intervention and reduced total scope value. Warning signs for slow ice maker leaks: unusual water bill increase without corresponding water use changes; ice maker cycle changes including reduced ice production or unusual sounds; visible moisture around refrigerator base or behind refrigerator; kitchen flooring changes including cupping, discoloration, or unusual expansion around refrigerator location; musty odors near refrigerator location; adjacent cabinet moisture or unusual expansion; wall cavity moisture indicators including paint blistering, wallpaper peeling, or texture changes on walls behind refrigerator; refrigerator movement or leveling changes indicating floor damage; increased humidity in kitchen area beyond typical seasonal variation. Detection approach: periodic visible inspection behind refrigerator (typically once or twice yearly during refrigerator maintenance) identifying supply line condition and moisture indicators; kitchen flooring inspection identifying unusual conditions near refrigerator; adjacent cabinet inspection identifying moisture or expansion; ice maker performance monitoring identifying cycle changes; water bill review identifying unexplained increases. Detection challenges: refrigerator location typically limits visibility behind refrigerator; slow leaks may produce gradual damage that appears normal over time; adjacent cabinets and flooring may hide progressive damage; wall cavity moisture may not produce visible indicators until substantial development; ice maker cycles vary normally making subtle changes difficult to identify. Prevention combined with detection: leak detection sensor behind refrigerator provides early notification (sensor detects water within seconds); supply line replacement with stainless steel braided reduces failure risk; annual refrigerator maintenance including supply line inspection; periodic behind-refrigerator inspection during cleaning or maintenance. Response approach for detected leaks: isolate water at ice maker supply valve immediately upon detection; assess scope extent through visible inspection; contact professional response for substantial scope; property owner DIY response appropriate for minor scope with prompt discovery; document scope for insurance coordination if warranted. For this Rosecrest property: sustained 8-hour leak duration reflected typical slow supply line failure pattern; discovery upon property owner return supported prompt response; earlier detection through leak sensor could have substantially reduced scope value. Property owner discussion regarding leak detection sensor installation for future protection.

---

Contact Pure Flow Water Damage & Restoration — Rosecrest Case Study Reference

Comprehensive water damage restoration for Herriman including Rosecrest subdivision with 24/7 emergency response and typical 30 to 60 minute response reflecting Herriman travel from Pure Flow HQ. Elevation-adjusted equipment deployment reflecting Rosecrest’s approximately 5,050-foot elevation (16% dehumidifier capacity reduction). Specialty hardwood salvage-attempted approach with Injectidry directed drying system capability. IICRC S500 water damage restoration and S520 mold remediation certification.

• Emergency Line (24/7): (385) 289-3753
• Address: 5069 13400 S #400, Riverton, UT 84096
• Email: info@pureflowwaterdamagerestoration.xyz
• Utah DOPL Contractor License: #13845621-5501 (S220 Small Commercial & Residential)
• IICRC Certifications: WRT, ASD, AMRT, FSRT

Contact Us →

Office Hours

• Emergency Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Office Staff: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed: Sundays and State/Federal Holidays (emergency line always active)