Tests confirmed that a leaking water pipe caused mold underneath flooring at a Franklin daycare, and repairs may take longer than expected.
Discovery Center, a daycare run by Johnson Memorial Health, closed for repairs last week after a water leak was found underneath the floor around the bathroom and kitchen. The daycare’s 65 kids were sent home early Aug. 16, while testing was done to determine the extent of the damage.
While the daycare had initial concerns that the leak may have sprung from a toilet, which potentially meant a sewage leak, once the floor was torn up, it was determined that the leaking water pipe was connected to a sink and dishwasher near the bathroom, Johnson County REMC President Chet Aubin said. The hospital leases the building at 752 International Drive from Johnson County REMC, which is overseeing the repairs.
Workers have torn up the flooring in the area of the leak, they’ve sprayed chemicals to kill the mold and have a dehumidifier running to dry out the building, Aubin said.
A new floor will be put in later this week, and may take until the middle of next week to be complete, Aubin said. Johnson Memorial Health said last week that its initial plan was to re-open on Monday. Until then, parents are being partially reimbursed for the lost daycare services.
The hospital contacted the Johnson County Health Department for advice about the mold, and received assurances that due to the location of the mold and the setup of the daycare’s air conditioning system there was no direct exposure to the children, Johnson Memorial Health President Larry Heydon said in a letter to parents.
Before the facility re-opens, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration will conduct an inspection to make sure the facility is in compliance with all of the agencies rules and regulations, which will include checking to make sure the mold issues have been fixed, spokesperson Marni Lemons said.
The daycare followed the proper procedures in notifying the state and immediately shutting down for repairs after finding the leak, and had successfully passed an inspection before opening, she said.
The previous tenant, Kid City, moved out about a year ago. Johnson County REMC spent two months renovating the building prior to Discovery Center moving in at the end of June. Kid City hadn’t experienced water leaks or mold, Aubin said.
Johnson Memorial Health moved its daycare about two months ago because of the hospital’s ongoing remodel and expansion.
