Insurance, Water Damage, & Your Responsibility
You know what is a real pain in the neck? Homeowner’s insurance agents after you’ve dealt with major water damage. They want to know the answers to stupid questions like, ‘how long did you know about the problem’ and if anything was done to fix it.
We knew something was wrong but weren’t sure what, so we left the problem alone–and the next thing we knew, we had a HUGE mess on our hands.
The whole point of paying for insurance is so they cover the expense for ANY type of water damage, right? We found the answer out the hard way–that is NOT how homeowner’s insurance works!
Knowing When to Call a Professional For a Water Leak
Water leaks can be sneaky and their signs can be easy to miss. There are a few less obvious indications that will allow you to call a professional before the leak worsens and more damage occurs:
Increasingly high water bills.- Sounds of rushing water when all faucets are off.
- Musty smells throughout the home (not just in the basement).
- Visible mold (outside of the bathroom, where conditions are often damp).
- Sagging ceilings or drooping walls.
Of course, the most obvious signs of water leaks are unexplainable water stains on the ceilings or walls as well as puddles of water on the floor. If you are experiencing any of these issues, call Reeves Family Plumbing for electronic leak detection. We can quickly locate the leak and repair it before the problem worsens.
Broken Pipes: Not Just a Wintertime Problem
Most people think of broken and burst pipes in the winter when temperatures drop below freezing. While cold weather might be responsible for a number of burst pipes, it isn’t the only reason.
A broken pipe can occur when there is a major blockage somewhere in the line. As more water and waste is added, the pressure increases, eventually becoming too much for the pipe to handle.
This problem is scary because of the amount of water that gushes into your home. The first thing that needs to happen when a broken pipe occurs is for someone to turn the home’s water main off. Once the water is off, a plumber needs to be called to begin repairs and then your homeowner’s insurance agent needs to be informed.
Your insurance agent will be able to tell you the next steps they prefer you to take, whether it is calling for a water restoration company or attempting to salvage any items possible.
What Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover?
Homeowner’s insurance varies from policy to policy. However, it is just about guaranteed that the company will not pay for willful ignorance.
Basically, if you KNEW there was a problem with a pipe and did nothing to fix it, you can expect to pay for all damage restoration.
If every measure was taken to prevent plumbing problems and water damage, you will likely have no problem with the insurance company coughing up the funds to pay for repairs and restoration.
Homeowner’s Insurance: More Than a Necessary Evil
The worst part about homeowner’s insurance is that if you maintain your home and a policy with your homeowner’s insurance, there is a large chance you’ll seldom use it.
These policies are designed to help a homeowner with unforeseen expenses that occur with a house that has otherwise been maintained. Although it seems like one extra bill a month, it can save you a ton of money should you need to use it. If you are in need of leak detection or broken pipe repair, don’t wait any longer:
Call Reeves Family Plumbing! We can ensure your home sustains as little damage as possible and help teach you about prevention methods. Do you have a story about water damage and your homeowner’s insurance policy? Share it in the comments!
