Navigating the Waters: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Water Damage Claim

7/17/2023 (Permalink)

Making a claim after a water loss is essential to making sure your company is protected.

Water damage can be a distressing experience for homeowners and property owners. Whether it's a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a natural disaster, the aftermath of water damage often requires significant repairs and restoration. In such situations, making a water damage claim with your insurance company can help alleviate some of the financial burdens. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a water damage claim effectively.

Step 1: Assess the damage and document the evidence

The first step is to assess the extent of the water damage and gather evidence to support your claim. Take photographs or videos of the affected areas, including any damaged belongings or property. This visual evidence will be valuable when communicating with your insurance company.

Step 2: Review your insurance policy

Thoroughly review your insurance policy to understand the coverage for water damage. Pay attention to specific details, such as deductibles, limits, and exclusions. Familiarize yourself with the procedures and requirements for making a claim, as different insurance companies may have varying guidelines.

Step 3: Contact your insurance company

Notify your insurance company about the water damage as soon as possible. Most insurance policies have a specific time frame within which you must report the incident. Provide them with essential details, such as the cause of the damage, the date it occurred, and the affected areas. Follow their instructions regarding the claim process.

Step 4: Document the communication

Maintain a record of all communication with your insurance company. Keep a log of the dates, times, and names of the representatives you speak with. Take notes during conversations, including details discussed and any instructions provided. These records will serve as valuable references throughout the claims process.

Step 5: Mitigate further damage

Take immediate steps to mitigate further damage. This may include drying out the affected areas, removing standing water, or boarding up broken windows or doors. However, only undertake actions that are safe and within your capabilities. Keep records, receipts, and invoices for any expenses incurred during the mitigation process, as these may be eligible for reimbursement.

Step 6: Provide necessary documentation

Your insurance company will likely require specific documentation to process your claim. This may include the evidence you gathered in step 1, a completed claim form, a list of damaged items, and any supporting documents such as repair estimates or invoices. Ensure that you provide all requested information promptly and accurately to avoid delays in the claim settlement.

Step 7: Cooperate with the claims adjuster

An insurance adjuster may visit your property to assess the damage and validate your claim. Cooperate fully with the adjuster, providing them access to the affected areas and any requested documentation. Answer their questions truthfully and provide any additional information they may require. The adjuster's report will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of your claim.

Step 8: Follow up on your claim

Stay in regular contact with your insurance company to inquire about the progress of your claim. Keep track of any claim numbers or reference codes provided. If there are any delays or issues, politely follow up and seek clarification. Maintaining open communication will help ensure that your claim is processed efficiently.

Making a water damage claim requires careful preparation and adherence to the insurance company's procedures. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the claim process more effectively. Remember to document the damage, review your policy, communicate promptly with your insurance company, and provide all necessary documentation. While the claims process may take time, staying organized and proactive will help you achieve a fair settlement and restore your property after water damage.

What should I do with my water damaged electronics?

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

We have the experience to restore your electronics after water damage.

You are just about to leave for work, and you realize that there is a leak in your bathroom. You rush to the kitchen sink, grab an empty glass and fill it up with water. You take two steps out of the kitchen and drop the glass on the floor. The glass shatters into pieces, but what worries you is that you can still hear water dripping from the faucet behind you. Your first thought may be: "My electronics!" If your home has experienced water damage from a flood or leaky pipe, then it's important to act quickly to salvage any important items in your home. Here are some tips on what to do if this happens.

Water Damage is quick.

Water damage can happen in an instant, but its effects are long-lasting. If you have water damage to your electronics, the longer you wait to address it, the more it will cost you. Water is one of the most destructive forces, don't wait, call the professionals quick.

If you have experienced any kind of water damage or if your device has been submerged in liquid, give SERVPRO a call quickly. We are available 24/7.

Don't wait.

The longer you wait to address water damage, the more it will cost you. As soon as possible after a spill or other exposure to water, remove the device from its source of moisture and place it somewhere dry. Then begin drying out your device immediately with a towel or paper towel (do not use an electric fan as this may cause more damage).

If your device can still power on after being exposed to water, turn off its power and leave it alone until you can get help from someone who knows what they're doing. If there is any chance that liquid has entered the interior components of your electronic device, for example if there was visible condensation inside when turned back on, you should not attempt any further repairs yourself but instead seek professional assistance immediately.

Contact a professional.

If you're not sure whether or not something needs professional attention, it's best to call a professional as soon as possible. It could cost more money in the long run to try to fix the electronics on your own. Professionals have the experience and equipment to help restore your electronics back immediately. Getting immediate help can save you money and ensure the electronics are restored properly.

Give the professionals a call at SERVPRO of Cape Coral for your water damaged electronics.

Signs of a Hidden Water Leak in Your Bathroom

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water spots on the ceilings are a sign of hidden water leaks

Signs of a Hidden Water Leak in Your Bathroom

If you've got a leak in your bathroom, it's not the end of the world. It happens to everyone, and there are ways to fix it. But if you're not sure what's going on with your plumbing, it can be hard to know where to start. This article can help you better understand the signs of a hidden water leak in your bathroom. If any of these signs apply to you or your home, then there's probably some unseen damage happening below the surface:

High Water Bill

If your water bill is higher than usual, don't ignore it. You may think that since you haven't changed the way you use water and your meter isn't broken, the problem must be in your head. But that's not always the case. It could be that there's been an unexplained leak in your home and you're paying for it without even realizing it! If your water bill is unusually high, you might have a hidden water leak!

Discolored Ceiling or Flooring

Water spots on the walls and ceilings are a sign of hidden water leaks because they form when a pool of water in the tub, toilet, or sink drips down, evaporates, then leaves behind minerals and bacteria that build up over time.

When water accumulates in your wall or ceiling, it can lead to dark stains. It is also common to see yellow stains as well. If you see any discoloration on your ceiling or floors, it could be a sign of a water leak. 

If your bathroom has an overhead light fixture with exposed wires (like most do), use caution when inspecting for moisture damage here—you could be electrocuted if you come into contact with wet electrical components!

Dripping Noise or Running Water

If you hear a dripping noise or running water in the bathroom, it may be a sign that a hidden leak is occurring. This can obviously be heard at home, but if you're hearing this sound outside of your house as well, it could mean that the leaks are expanding and spreading to other areas of your property. If this is happening on multiple floors or in different rooms throughout your home, then it's definitely time for some repairs!

Musty Odor

If you notice a musty odor in your bathroom, it's likely that there is mold present. Mold can cause serious problems for you and your family, as well as damage to your home. The smell of mold can be difficult to remove from a room and even more difficult to remove from furniture or other materials.

If you think you might have a hidden water leak in your bathroom, call SERVPRO!

If you think you might have a hidden water leak in your bathroom, contact your local SERVPRO team immediately. Hidden water leaks can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated. Hidden water leaks are can be hard to find, especially if they are located behind walls or under floors! Your local SERVPRO team will use advanced technology to locate any hidden leaks that might be present in your home and then take the necessary steps to mitigate the damage.

5 Reasons Pipes May Make Noise

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Take note of any noises your plumbing may be making and contact a professional for repairs

Here are Five Common Sounds

A local water damage restoration service can help with water clean-up if your Cape Coral, FL, home suffers a pipe break. However, there are a number of sounds you may hear before large-scale issues arise. It’s important to know what these sounds mean so that you can avoid a potential pipe burst Here are five common sounds.

1. Water Pressure

If the water pressure is too high it can cause a vibration in the pipes resulting in a humming sound. The recommended pressure level is usually around 55 psi. It’s best to contact a professional for help in order to avoid a pipe burst from incorrect water pressure.

2. Air Bubbles

If there’s a problem with your water line there is a chance that air bubbles can be trapped inside. This can result in a banging sound or sputtering right when a faucet is turned on.

3. Loose Fastenings

If a pipe is incorrectly fasted to the wall it can vibrate as water moves through it resulting in a rattling sound. If left unfixed this could result in a pipe break as well.

4. Worn Components

It’s also possible for washers and other plumbing components to wear down over time. This is usually seen in older plumbing systems or areas of high use. Most often the sound that results from this is a squeal or whistle.

5. Drainage

If there is an issue with water draining you may hear a gurgling sound coming from the pipes. This could indicate that there is debris or some other sort of obstruction. A professional can help remedy this problem before a blocked drain results in water overflow.

To help avoid a pipe break take note of any noises your plumbing may be making and contact a professional for repairs. If it becomes necessary to fix broken pipe flooding, a local water damage restoration service can help.

6 Steps to Flush Your Water Heater

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Your water heater needs regular care just like any other appliance in your home.

How to Flush Your Water Heater In 6 Easy Steps

A regular part of maintenance on your home in Bokeelia, FL, is periodic flushing of your water heater. It's a simple process, but taking safety precautions and making sure the water and sediment have a place to go are important. Water remediation experts recommend the following steps to avoid flooding your home.

1. Turn off Power

Before you begin the water heater flush, make sure all power is off. The pilot light on gas models should go out, and the circuit that supplies an electric model should be switched off.

2. Put on Gloves

As you may expect, water from the heater will be hot, so it's important to wear protective gear over your hands. Heavy duty work gloves protect you from getting burned.

3. Set up Drain Hose

Connect the hose you are using to the drain valve on your water heater. Place the other end of the hose in the area where you want the water and sediment to deposit.

4. Drain the Heater

Opening the drain valve allows water to flow through. You can turn on the hot water faucet in your kitchen to speed up the process. Flush it a couple of times to make sure all the sludge is gone and then close the valves to prepare to refill the heater.

5. Fill the Tank

Turn the water back on to fill the tank. You know it is filled when an open faucet goes from a weak to steady stream of water and no more air is coming out of the line.

6. Turn on Power

After confirming the tank is full, you can turn the power on without damaging the heater. Turning the power on lets the water inside it begin to heat up.

Your water heater needs regular care just like any other appliance in your home. Flushing the sediment out allows it to continue working efficiently.

Factors Affecting Flood Coverage

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

After water damage, sometime flood cuts like seen in this picture are necessary during the restoration process. Call SERVPRO when you need it.

Flood Insurance: Factors to Consider

Deciphering your homeowner's policy can be tricky. If you have a flood in your home in Pine Island, FL, due to a leaking or broken pipe, your insurance company may pay for the remediation of the damage. There are two main factors that determine whether or not your claim will be accepted.

Timing

The damage caused by a sudden pipe burst is a classic example of an issue that is covered by insurance. Pipe repair is generally considered part of regular home maintenance, not part of accident recovery. While your insurance may not pay to fix a broken pipe, it will likely cover the following water restoration services:

• Carpet cleaning
  
• Flooring replacement
  
• Drywall and insulation replacement
  
• Anti-mold precautions

Addressing the problem quickly is vital. If you let a problem go unresolved, causing the damage to get worse, the insurance company is likely to see this as neglect, and your flood claim could be denied.

Cause

Your commitment to regular maintenance is a factor in insurance coverage. If you can demonstrate that you keep your plumbing on a reliable maintenance schedule, the damage resulting from a broken pipe is usually covered. Your insurance will probably even cover secondary damage that occurs later if it is related to an issue that was initially paid for by your policy. If, however, you neglect to fix known problems or allow pipes to freeze and burst because you didn't take the necessary precautions to protect them, your claim may be denied. Most policies require that the problem causing the damage is accidental or sudden in order for the cost of remediation to be covered.

If the flood in your home was caused by a leak or broken pipe, your homeowner's policy likely covers the cost of fixing the damage. As long as you have done your due diligence regarding proper maintenance and prevention, your claim will probably be accepted by your insurance company.

Some Simple Toilet Fixes

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

If significant water damage occurs, consider contacting a service specializing in water damage restoration. SERVPRO is your best option!

Simple Toilet Repairs

If you find water pooling around the floor of your bathroom, there’s a good chance you have a leaking toilet. Fortunately, most issues of this type don’t require replacing the entire bowl, and can instead be solved at low cost with a few replacement components.

1. Inspection

The first step is to gain a proper understanding of where problems are likely to occur. While an old toilet will not usually fail in the basin itself, it is possible for the wax seal beneath the toilet to disintegrate over time. To check the status of the seal, simply remove the plastic-capped bolts holding the toilet to the floor. Be sure to cut off the water supply line beforehand and empty the tank of the leaking toilet.

2. Replacement

If you have ascertained that the seal has failed, the next step in the toilet repair process is to purchase a replacement seal that fits your specific drain. Scrape the remaining pieces of the seal away from the outlet with a putty knife or other flat-bladed tool and place the new one over the drain. When reinstalling the toilet, it may be necessary to exchange or cut the bolts affixing the unit before replacing the caps.

3. Future Maintenance

Afterwards, it may be advantageous to place a caulk seal at the point where the toilet contacts the floor. This can help keep incidental moisture, such as condensation from shower steam, from seeping under the toilet and causing unwanted mold or bacterial growth. Be sure to also inspect pipes, supply lines, and the inner tank mechanisms for wear and tear that can cause other kinds of leaks. If significant water damage occurs, consider contacting a service specializing in water damage restoration.

While a leaking toilet can be a hassle, don’t hesitate to perform some simple repairs to keep your bathroom in good shape. Manage your home’s plumbing in Burnt Store, FL, properly to prevent lasting damage.