Water Damage

05/22/07

Water Damage: Speed is Key

Whenever water damage has occurred in a building, insurance and remediation companies define it with the term “water-loss.” The water-loss could have been caused by a broken water pipe; leakage through roofing, siding or foundations; flood damage; extinguishing a fire; or a sewage backup.

There are different terms used to describe the type of water that caused the damage. Water coming from the supply (pressurized) side of your plumbing system is considered clear “potable” water. Though the water is clean, it still has the potential to cause property damage and microbial contamination if not addressed promptly. Water incursion from rain, flooding or a broken drain line is commonly called “gray” water. Water that comes from a sewer backup or overflowing toilet is “black” water. Both gray and black water pose imminent microbial contamination concerns and must be dealt with strategically by an experienced professional.

If you experience a water loss:

  • Be aware of potential safety concerns, such as slipping, electrocution, or biohazards from sewage backups.
  • Remove any valuable records or photos that could become permanently damaged. If already wet, these documents can be frozen to preserve them until later.
  • Discover and correct the source of the water-loss immediately. Due to the urgency of water-loss situations, most professionals will have 24-hour emergency phone numbers available.
  • Thoroughly dry any affected materials within 48 hours of occurrence. If this is not done mold and bacterial contamination can result. This can also create new expenses that may or may not be covered by your insurance company.
  • Use specific sanitary remediation strategies if the water source is gray water, or especially black water, for the protection and safety of those working on the cleanup, as well as those who occupy the building. There are also biocidal finish treatments used by professionals for decontamination of affected areas following a sewage cleanup project.
  • Consider hiring a professional water-loss company if finish building materials are wet, such as board, wood materials or carpet. A professional will know the best procedures to assure all affected building materials have been thoroughly dried and decontaminated, even in unseen areas such as closed wall cavities.
  • Consider the consequences of submitting aclaim before you call your insurance company. Simply because you are entitled to a claim does not mean it is in your best interest. Some insurance companies will use a water-loss occurrence to increase premiums or deny future coverage. Your building may also become black-marked within a national database used by insurance companies. This database can cause difficulties in obtaining insurance coverage or selling your home in the future. The significance of damage and expense should be considered before making a claim.
  • Verify any independent training certification that your remediator may have, because water-loss is not currently a regulated profession. This should be done whether you hired the remediator directly or an insurance company brought the remediator to you. There are also various methods-some better than others-used by remediators. Inquire as to the methods and equipment that will be used and their benefits and potential drawbacks.