How to Manage A Water Damage Loss

One of the most severe risks to your home is having water where it isn't supposed to be. Many factors can cause water damage, such as defective plumbing, leaking appliances, or just bad weather. A wise homeowner knows how to monitor for water leaks and other problems, as well as what to do if one occurs.

Problems with Water:
If you have a leak or a pipe problem in your house, it may not always be obvious. That's why it's a good idea to evaluate places prone to water damage on a frequent basis. Here are some places where you should conduct regular surveys:

Water can get in via openings like windows and doors if there's an issue with the seal or the aperture itself.

• Hoses and places for washing machines and dishwashers
• All piping and plumbing systems
• Ice makers
• Frozen pipes
• Ice dams in gutters
• Flooring and carpeting underfoot
• Attics, crawl spaces, basements, and any other regions that aren't frequently used
• Toilets, bathrooms, and shower/bathroom areas
• Siding and roofing
• Thermostat for hot water

At least a few times a year or more, take your time and look for leaks or water stains all over your house. In addition, after a severe storm or another weather event, you should always do a comprehensive inspection of your home.

Water Damage Prevention: Checking your home for water damage on a regular basis is a good place to start, but there are other things you can do to prevent serious damage from occurring in the first place. These are some of them:

To uncover potential problems, have your plumbing, appliances, roof, and other important areas professionally assessed. To keep your homes pipes from freezing in the cold, use insulation and other methods.
Investigate straight away if you find a leak or if your water bill is unusually high one month.

Water Damage and Insurance:
If your pipes break or something else goes wrong unexpectedly, your homeowner's insurance may cover the damage to your home and belongings. Your insurance coverage may not apply if you haven't taken the time to maintain your water systems, appliances, and other areas where harm could occur. Furthermore, flood damage is usually not covered by a standard homeowner's insurance policy. If you reside in a flood-prone location, speak with your insurance agent about getting a separate flood coverage.
 
Make sure you know and understand what types of damage and property are covered by your insurance, what your responsibilities as a homeowner are, and that you submit any potential claims as soon as possible.
 
Don't disregard water damage no matter what you do. What appears to be a minor issue may be concealing a more serious one. Even if it isn't, leaving water damage unattended might result in a dangerous condition that will be much more difficult and costly to restore later.
 
Call or email our team immediately if you have any questions about home insurance.