The Perils of Water Damage

Water damage starts slowly, mostly unnoticed by homeowners. Some things are just too troublesome and cause a great deal of distress and discomfort to us. One of them is water damage. Even a small amount of water can cause great damage if it is consistently present in an area that needs to be dry.

The causes of water damage range from negligence to natural disasters. A running tap, a faulty washing machine hose, a leak in the pipes, floods, storms etc. are the usual culprits of water damage. In most cases it might occur right in front of your eyes, but you may fail to notice them. The water that accumulates under the fridge or the frozen ice on the roof are among the many signs that you may miss. Even an accidental spill on the carpet that is left unattended or a tap that is left open are possible causes for water damage. It can gradually and stealthily creep into your lives, and one fine morning you wake up to realize the extent of damage in your house or property. At the same time, water damage can also be sudden, such as those due to floods, storms and a pipe that burst in the basement for no apparent reason.

If you are wondering what a few drops of water can do to your home, think again. A tiny crack in the wall or the chimney can absorb water right into the structure of the house. And if the leak persists we will come to know of it, but more often that not we notice the signs only when it is too late, possibly when the walls are about to collapse. The appearance of mold is an unmistakable sign of water damage. When you see mold, take care of it immediately.

Natural calamities such as storm or a flood may happen without warning and cause water damage. Needless to say, water damage can be a huge drain on your pockets. Being insured may also not provide much safety in most cases. When you file a claim with the insurance company for water damages, the next thing you can expect is a claims adjuster examining your home in great detail, trying to ascertain the cause of damage. If the damage is caused by the homeowner’s negligence, insurance companies will not pay. You must always take adequate precautions to prevent water damage, and if it happens minimize the damage.

If you notice that your basement is flooded, cut off the electricity and gas from the main source. Do not handle electrical appliances unless you are properly insulated. The last thing you need is an electric shock to compound the damage.

Assess the damage and take ample photos to show the insurance company. If the source of damage can be detected turn it off immediately, if possible. But the best option is to call the experts.

Water damage left unattended can cause stagnation, bacterial growth and mold leading to health problem. Take control of the situation quickly before the life saving water ends up threatening your life.