When water damage strikes, the stress can feel overwhelming. That’s where trusted expert Oscar Sanchez steps in, bringing technical expertise and a genuine desire to help homeowners. He has built a career around turning chaos into calm and shares what homeowners need to know about coastal risks, certified restoration, and protecting the place they call home.
REDONDO BEACH CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO WATER RESTORATION AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?
OSCAR SANCHEZ: I was introduced to this line of work while expecting my first child, and I love the feeling of helping people when they are stressed out due to their home having water, mold, or fire damage. We come to the rescue and help people feel at ease.
RBCL: WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A WATER RESTORATION COMPANY?
OSCAR: Make sure the technician is certified by the IICRC institute. A red flag would be if they say, “We won't know until we open up the walls.” They should have a better sense of the extent of the damage when using a proper water damage moisture meter device or a thermal image camera to identify the areas of concern.
RBCL: WHY IS AN IICRC CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT?
OSCAR: The certification verifies that the individual is qualified through experience and examination, having achieved a satisfactory score that demonstrates competency in the field.
RBCL: WHAT WATER DAMAGE RISKS ARE UNIQUE TO COASTAL HOMES?
OSCAR: Homes near the beach often experience additional issues from ocean moisture, which can affect older windows and lead to water seepage and mildew growth around aging metal frames. Salt-laden air accelerates corrosion in metal pipes and roof flashing, which can lead to pin-hole leaks or sudden pipe bursts. Wind-driven rain can penetrate window frames, stucco cracks, roof vents, increasing the risk for damp insulation, mildew or mold growth, and wood rot.
RBCL: DURING HEAVY RAIN, WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS DO FIRST IF THEY SUSPECT WATER DAMAGE?
OSCAR: First, focus on minimizing the damage, such as placing a container under a ceiling leak, until a certified technician can inspect the issue and set up drying equipment. If the leak may be hidden behind a wall or above the ceiling, it’s important to know where your main shut-off valve is and turn off the water to limit further damage. Then call us so you can wave goodbye to water damage.
RBCL: HOW DOES A DELAYED RESPONSE IMPACT REPAIR COSTS AND LONG-TERM DAMAGE?
OSCAR: The longer you wait, the worse the damage can become. If you file an insurance claim after delaying action, the insurer may view the situation as negligence, which could result in a denied claim.
RBCL: WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS KNOW ABOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE WHEN IT COMES TO WATER DAMAGE?
OSCAR: Homeowners have the right to use the water mitigation company they prefer, rather than just going with the insurance-preferred provider, especially if they’re uncomfortable with the recommendation or want a second opinion.
RBCL: HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS DETECT HIDDEN ISSUES?
OSCAR: If you see mold growth developing on the surface, you may have a leak behind the wall that you can't see until it bursts and becomes obvious.
RBCL: WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB?
OSCAR: Our work makes a meaningful difference during one of the most stressful times in homeowners' lives. Whether the damage involves water, mold, or fire, we’re certified and experienced to remediate the situation.
RBCL: WHAT IS ONE TIP FOR PROTECTING A HOME FROM WATER DAMAGE?
OSCAR: Inspect your home for any shutoff valves near sinks, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, etc. that look old. Check hoses that look worn. Replacing them can save you from headaches if they burst and cause water damage.
RBCL: WHAT IS A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE HELPING A HOMEOWNER?
OSCAR: One particularly memorable job involved a homeowner who returned from vacation to find their hardwood floors bowed nearly four feet high throughout the house. You could stomp on the highest point and the flooring wouldn’t move. During our inspection of the crawlspace, we discovered a pinhole leak in a hot water line. The excessive steam caused the severe bowing, with mold extending up to two feet inside the walls throughout the home.
Because the home was deemed uninhabitable, we coordinated with the insurance company to relocate the family. We then packed out the home’s contents, fully contained the structure, and removed all impacted materials. After cleanup, we installed drying equipment and ensured the structure was completely dry so repairs could safely begin.
RBCL: WHAT DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN REDONDO BEACH?
OSCAR: We love the relaxed beach lifestyle, the close proximity to the ocean, and the great weather year-round. In addition to the family-oriented community, there are great schools for our kids. We love walking to the pier and watching the sunset.
"I love the feeling of helping people... We come to the rescue and help people feel at ease."
"Salt-laden air accelerates corrosion in metal pipes and roof flashing, which can lead to pin-hole leaks or sudden pipe bursts."