Understanding Water Damage: The Causes & How to React

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will help make your water damage loss "like it never even happened!"

Flooding and the subsequent water damage it causes can be a major pain for business and home owners. While you may hope to never have to deal with water damage, the fact is you may want to know a bit about the process surrounding floods. You can work with one of our residential water damage specialists to learn more about the damage and cleanup, or you can turn to this quick guide.

Why It Happens

Water damage can be caused by a myriad of situations, including the following:

- A burst pipe  or other plumbing issues
- Water collection in basements, crawlspaces or attics
- Natural disasters
- Problems with a dishwasher, washing machine or other appliances
- Sewer backups

Understanding a bit about why water damage takes place may help you prepare for the problems.

How To Clean Up

The cleanup process after a residential flood may vary based on the source of the water damage. If it was a pipe bursting, for example, you may have to remove your belongings from the house to allow them to dry out. Carpets and other flooring may also have to be torn out to better clean up the damage done by the water. If the damage was done by a sewer backup, the cleaning process may require a few more steps. Because your needs may vary so much, it is important for you to work with a team that knows what to do no matter the situation.

What To Know About Restoration

After you have cleaned up the initial mess of the flooding, the work may not be over. Depending on the extent of the water damage, your home may need to be restored. For example, if some of the drywall had to be taken out to avoid mold growth, the restoration will include replacing the drywall. The size of the restoration can vary based on the source of the water. A water line problem, for example, could encompass a larger portion of your home than a leaky shower.

Learning more about water damage can help you better prepare for floods, a burst pipe, or other sources of excessive water. It's better to learn about the issues before you have to deal with them.

Making a Claim

The process for making a claim for water damage is pretty much the same for flood or non-flood damage.

1. Stop the water flow or leaks if possible.
   • Of course, if your home is flooded by a raging river, that is likely impossible until the water recedes. However, if you have a burst water pipe, you need to take steps to stop the leak. Turn off the water main or get the pipe repaired quickly.
2. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
   • Most insurance companies offer a 24/7 claims number. The customer service representative can help you get the claim started and tell you the exact next steps the insurance company will need you to do.
3. Take pictures and/or video of the damage.
   • You need to have a visual record of the damage to the building and its contents. This is critical for your claim.
4. Make reasonable repairs to the property to secure it from further damage.
   • This includes covering holes in the roof, securing windows with plywood, etc.
5. Start getting the water out.
   • If you have water remaining inside the building, you can start removing it. You can do this yourself or have a water extraction company do it. Keep all receipts since insurance may cover those costs.
6. Don't throw anything away.
   • The adjuster will need to see all damaged property.
7. Write down all your interactions with the insurance company.
   • This includes time, date, who you spoke with, and the details discussed. Always follow up in writing on important discussions.
8. Keep a central file that includes your interaction log, documents receivedfrom the insurance company, copies of the photos taken, and copies any correspondence you send.

As a 24/7 business SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is committed to responding to home and business owners' needs, in the case of emergency. Whether it is water damage from a broken pipe, flooding from a downpour, or any other type of damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is ready to respond “faster to any size disaster.”

Why is speed so important when it comes to flooding?

Because, the sooner restoration begins, the less damage occurs. Given time, water damages become more complex as water flows in your structure and contents. Also, with time, water infiltrating your home or business can give mold the moisture it needs to grow.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County 24/7 to handle your water damage emergencies making them, “like it never even happened.”

419-207-8449