Ignorance is not bliss and in fact, it can cost you thousands of dollars in damages or repairs! Growing up, we took a family camping trip. We packed our things, loaded up the dog, and headed out for the week. Upon returning home, everyone noticed the big, wet-looking patch on the ceiling.
Dad went upstairs and quickly realized it must be a water leak. Mom called the insurance company only to be interrogated with questions like ‘how long has the leak been there’ or ‘why didn’t we take steps to fix it?’ The entire situation was a mess but could have easily been prevented by a few steps.
Professional Leak Detection
The problem with water leaks is that they can be sneaky. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know when to call a professional because you don’t really notice anything out of the ordinary. With that said, here are a few signs that you may need to call a professional for leak detection:
Unexplained wet spots- these can be anywhere, on your floor, a wall, or on the ceiling- High water bills- if you’re using the same amount of water as in previous months but your water bill is outrageously expensive, it may be a water leak
- Reduced water pressure- washing the shampoo from your hair shouldn’t take ages, especially if the soap used to come right out. Leaks can cause water pressure to decrease, sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly
- Musty smells or mold- when water leaks, mold typically forms. The mold may grow in areas that aren’t visible, but you will likely smell something musty
If you are noticing any of these signs, or even have a slight inkling your home has a water leak, call First Choice Plumbing Solutions right away to prevent further damage. Waiting to see if you do actually have a leak will cause more damage and make it less likely that your homeowner’s insurance will cover needed repairs.
What to do For a Broken Water Pipe?
Broken water pipes can mean a large amount of water can be gushed out in a very short amount of time. This can result in thousands of dollars in damage both to your home and your belongings.
The first order of business for a broken water pipe is to turn the water completely off. Once the water is turned off, it is likely that you will need to call a professional to help determine where the leak is located.
Finally, when the leak is located, the repairs to the pipe can begin.
What Water Damage is Covered
It is difficult to determine what types of water damage is covered by insurance because there are numerous types of homeowner’s policies.
Generally speaking, if the damage could have been prevented or negligence can be proven, the insurance will not cover anything.
Should a burst pipe occur, your homeowner’s insurance will likely pay for the damage because it is unexpected and unpreventable.
Why Opt For Homeowner’s Insurance?
Don’t put yourself at risk by not having homeowner’s insurance! Choosing to maintain a home insurance policy will reduce the chances of paying out of pocket for sudden water damage and it will also help cover other problems you may encounter.
Shop around to ensure you get the most bang for your buck, but never forgo insurance completely--you are definitely not saving money in the long run! If you suspect you have a water leak or are at risk for a burst pipe, do not ignore it!
Failing to repair a leaky pipe lessens the chance your insurance will cover any damage. Instead, call First Choice Plumbing Solutions to repair any potential leaks! Have you had a hard time with your homeowner’s insurance regarding water damage? Tell us about it in the comments!