08Jan
2021

Water Damage: How to Spot the Signs

Water Damage Attorney

Water Damage: How to Spot the Signs

Water damage in the home is one of the most common claims made on home insurance policies for residential and commercial properties. Whether due to burst pipes, heavy rains, or leaking appliances, water damage can be absolutely devastating to your home and business. Until you’ve been there, ankle-deep in a puddle of floodwater, surveying the damage, you can’t underestimate the stress and hazard that water damage can cause. You may want to seek help from a water damage attorney to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve.

The leading culprits

So, what can cause this common problem? Most often, water damage springs from a leaky roof, flood damage, leaks from appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, sewer pipes, mains leaks, burst pipes, failed plumbing, water tank leaks, boiler leaks, or underground pipe breakage. A plumber will help you identify the source of the water leakage if it’s not obvious to you.

Signs of water damage

Sometimes, the damage that you can see is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to water damage. Watch out for:

• Discoloration: dark or wet spots on ceilings and walls
• Drywall that flakes or cracks
• Wet areas such as drips or puddles around sinks, taps, and toilets
• A damp, musty smell or a sewage smell from plumbing fixtures
• Furniture swelling or cracking, metal surfaces tarnishing
• Hearing water running, even when the fixtures are turned off
• A sudden spike in a utility bill can indicate a hidden leak
• A sudden feel of dampness or humidity

Damage control

The drying process is essential in the recovery plan for your home. Ask a professional about drying options such as dehumidification and water extraction, so that the damage is dealt with efficiently and correctly. Act quickly so that you can minimize the risk of water damage, as well as the disruption, to your home or business. You also want to avoid the growth of mold and the health hazards this can cause.

Damage from water leakage can include:

• mold and mildew, rot and rust
• collapsed plaster ceiling
• leaking windows
• foundation cracks
• structural faults such as unsound walls, if left untreated
• damaged floors, walls, and built-in furniture

The damage in your home or business can be expensive to repair and can also lead to fire hazard if electrical wiring is compromised.

Prevention is key. Sure, there are some water hazards that you simply cannot avoid, however, you can ensure a regular maintenance schedule of the water system in the home or business, such as pipes, taps, and radiators. In preparation for freezing temperatures, boilers should have a thermostatic sensor that will activate when the temperature drops, and you can ensure that pipes are lagged.

Keeping you afloat during the claims process

If your home has suffered water damage, often dealing with the insurance company can be the most stressful, inconvenient part. That’s because claims are often delayed, denied, underpaid.

At Jenkins Law PL, we promise to make sure that your insurance claim doesn’t get flushed away. Our water damage attorney in Florida knows how to deal with insurance companies, and how to maximize your claim.

So, get in touch today to see how we can help. You have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain.