WATER DAMAGE INSURANCE

Many people might say wind or fire, but water is one of the primary causes of property damage and insurance claims in many parts of the United States. Which is why you should be aware of how flooding and other types of water entering your home can negatively affect your property, the various threats flooding and other water issues pose to your home, and how to react to them appropriately.

When you are dealing with flooding and the associated water damage in your home, time is of the essence. Moreover, depending on the type and amount of water involved, you may need to bring in professional help for the cleanup and restoration.  You also will likely want to make an insurance claim, which can be complex since water damage affects so many different aspects of your property – but there are public adjusters with the necessary expertise to assist you there as well. Read on to learn more about handling water damage and flooding with minimal stress and ensuring an ideal outcome. 

Water damage takes a variety of forms, and it can come from a variety of sources. Some of them have a clear and obvious source, such as a major storm that causes flooding or a broken pipe that causes the basement or another part of the house to fill with water.  However, other forms of water damage are more insidious or sneaky, such as rainwater or groundwater leaking into the basement, a small leak in the roof, siding, or window, or an appliance malfunction such as a broken sink, dishwasher, washing machine, bathtub, or toilet.  Water damage will likely take several days to dry out even if it is minor, so you may have to vacate the property for that time. When you return, you’ll want to scour the property for cracks, holes, leaks, stains, mold, and any other problems, and toss or disinfect everything that the floodwaters touched. Category 2 and Category 3 water damage may require the assistance of professional water damage technicians or the property itself may be unsalvageable.

When your house is flooded, the floodwaters can contain various unwanted elements, ranging from benign but damaging dirt and mud to dangerous things like bacteria and sewage. Accordingly, pretty much everything in the home that the flood water touches will likely need to be replaced, including carpet, furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances.  Replacing everything and disinfecting all surfaces is extra important if you have gray water or black water damage (Category 2 or Category 3) since those types of floodwaters contain serious health risks. Homes that have been flooded in this manner are sometimes salvageable, but significant damage may make it impossible for the home to be saved due to the many health risks involved.