Water Damage Facts

by | Dec 22, 2022

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home and your wallet. It can even lead to health and safety hazards. Unattended household leaks can also increase your energy and water bills. While some water damage can be prevented through proper maintenance, some damage is unavoidable.

Homeowners can reduce the impact of water damage by addressing the problem promptly and correctly. Not doing so can cause insurance claims to be denied. DIY and temporary fixes can lead to more complex issues. Postponing repairs will only make the damage more severe and cost homeowners significantly more money.

Water Damage Is Not Always Obvious

Damage caused by water is not always as obvious as wet floors and leaky roofs. It can go unnoticed, sometimes for weeks, which creates even larger problems. Even when signs aren’t so bold, subtle hints can appear. Certain odors can indicate a water problem. If you smell something musty in your home or basement but cannot locate the source, excess moisture could be the culprit.

Other subtle indicators include peeling paint, cracks in drywall, and marks on ceilings or walls where the water has dried. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call a professional water removal company as soon as possible to identify the underlying cause before more damage occurs.

Not All Water Damage Is Covered By Homeowner’s Insurance

Water damage is one of the most common insurance claims homeowners file, accounting for approximately 29% of all homeowner’s insurance claims submitted. That makes it the second most common home insurance claim. Standard insurance covers many types of damage if it occurs suddenly.

Damage from burst or leaky pipes is usually covered. However, if left dormant for a period of time, the claim will likely be denied. Standard coverage does not cover water damage when the homeowner fails to make repairs in a timely repair, resulting in large out-of-pocket expenses.

Water Leaks Hurt The Environment

Household leaks prevent water from cycling through for human use. The amount of water wasted from common household leaks is astonishing. The EPA reports that the average home leak wastes approximately 10,000 gallons of water each year. Leaks can also impact the environment by wasting energy, which also increases water and electricity bills for homeowners. Fixing a leak can save you up to ten percent on your home’s water bills.

Impact On Health And Safety

Standing water and wet surfaces can create hazardous conditions, promoting slips and falls. Even once the water is removed, problems can persist. Bacteria thrive in stagnant water, creating an unhealthy environment and a dangerous situation if pets or children encounter it.

Mold can grow where there is excess moisture. It does not need standing water to grow or survive. The mold will continue to grow until it is taken care of. It is difficult to kill mold on your own. Using a professional mold remediation service can help save your home’s structure from further infestation and prevent its adverse health effects on your family.

Water Damage Professionals In South Florida

Restoration Maintenance can address all your water damage concerns. From water dry-outs to mold inspection and remediation, we ensure your home or business has been properly restored.

Repairing water damage is often a multi-step process. After removing the standing water, we can address any additional damage that has occurred. Because we know how essential it is to address damage as soon as possible, we are available 24/7 in case of an emergency.

We accept all insurance carriers. If you have a problem, give us a call today at 954-807-4721. Our team can assist you any time of the day or night.

Hear what others like you have to say!

Home Advisor Logo
GuildQuality Member Badge
IICRC Certified Badge