Water Damage Services
Call, text or email for a free quote. Services are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
24/7 Emergency Service Number: 1-323-702-7125
Call for a free quote: 1-833-756-7987
Email: [email protected]
Read More Information Below.
We offer Water Damage Services.
Water damage describes various possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, mold growth, bacteria growth, rusting of steel, swelling of composite woods, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, etc.
The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as burst pipes and flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property.
An insurance policy may or may not cover the costs associated with water damage services and the process of water damage restoration. While a common cause of residential water damage is often the failure of a sump pump, many homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the associated costs without an addendum which adds to the monthly premium of the policy. Often the verbiage of this addendum is similar to “Sewer and Drain Coverage”.
Water Damage Causes
Water damage can originate by different sources such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher leakage, broken/leaking pipes, flood waters, groundwater seepage, building envelope failures (leaking roof, windows, doors, siding, etc.) and clogged toilets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 13.7% of all water used in the home today can be attributed to plumbing leaks.[2] On average that is approximately 10,000 gallons of water per year wasted by leaks for each US home. A tiny, 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day.[3] According to Claims Magazine in August 2000, broken water pipes ranked second to hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of claims (on average $50,000 per insurance claim[citation needed]) costs in the US.[4] Experts suggest that homeowners inspect and replace worn pipe fittings and hose connections to all household appliances that use water at least once a year. This includes washing machines, dishwashers, kitchen sinks, and bathroom lavatories, refrigerator icemakers, water softeners, and humidifiers. A few US companies offer whole-house leak protection systems utilizing flow-based technologies. A number of insurance companies offer policyholders reduced rates for installing a whole-house leak protection system.
As far as insurance coverage is concerned, damage caused by surface water intrusion to the dwelling is considered flood damage and is normally excluded from coverage under traditional homeowners’ insurance. Surface water is water that enters the dwelling from the surface of the ground because of inundation or insufficient drainage and causes loss to the dwelling. Coverage for surface water intrusion to the dwelling would usually require a separate flood insurance policy.
Water Damage Levels
There are three basic categories of water damage, based on the level of contamination.
Category 1 Water Damage
Refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as “clean water”. Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines.
Category 2 Water Damage
Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to. Known as “grey water”. This type carries microorganisms and nutrients of micro-organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.
Category 3 Water Damage
Known as “black water” and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, storm surge, ground surface water or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originates from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination regardless of visible content or color.[5]
Prevention
Water damage services are recommended to beware of what is one of the common causes of property related loss, though it isn’t strictly a seasonal threat. Whilst preparing your home for winter is important, homes left unattended during summer months often mean unidentified leaks cause extensive damage. Use these simple steps to ensure your home is protected against water damage year round.
1. Know where the stopcock is. Ensure that not only you know where it is, but that your family members know too. A severe leak or rupture can take only minutes to cause severe damage. Knowing where and how to shut off the water supply is crucial.
2. Proactively check for leaks. Minor leaks can pass undetected with relative ease yet do significant damage if left over time. Consider that a leaky tap can displace up to 57 gallons (260 liters) of water a week. Check underneath sinks and around appliances like dishwashers and washing machines for signs of stray water.
3. Check your sump pump works. Common in homes with basements, the sump pump plays a critical role in ensuring your basement won’t flood after prolonged spells of rain. If you have one, ensure it’s properly maintained and serviced once a year.
4. Keep your gutters clear of debris. Whilst leaves are the most common culprit of blocked gutters, don’t assume this is only an autumnal issue. Moss and weeds are routinely found to be a major cause. Blocked gutters contribute significantly to instances of damp. If water is running down the side of your house, or if a gutter appears to be sagging, then they’re likely blocked and need to be cleaned.
5. Inspect your roof, inside and out. Check inside your attic for any signs of water leaking through the roof. Look for damp spots on joists or tea colored stains on plaster. Outside, inspect the roof itself for signs of visible damage, and ensure the flashing surrounding any chimneys is intact.
6. Prevent pipes from freezing. Use a smart thermostat to maintain a minimum temperature of at least 10 degrees Celsius in your home, even if you plan on being away. Warm water must be able to circulate through pipes to prevent freezing damage from occurring. If a property is going to be unoccupied for long periods, turn off the water supply at the stopcock and consider draining the system so no water is left in the pipes.
7. Exposed pipes should be properly insulated. Snap-on pipe insulation is cheap and effective, also working outdoors.
8. Install a water leak detection device. Relatively inexpensive, detection devices shut off the water supply in the event of a leak, which is essential if you leave your property vacant for extended periods.
9. Look for areas of moisture or mold. Flaking paint or wallpaper can be a sign of damp, as can black, speckled marks on skirting and sills. If your walls feel cold to the touch, or you notice a musty smell, then consider adding additional insulation. Also, check windows and skylights for condensation in the mornings. Its presence can indicate higher than average moisture levels in your home.
Have you had Water damage services provided by us?