Having a pipe break in the home from plumbing problem can be one of the most frustrating experiences for a homeowner to have. If a pipe break and water damage occurs in your home, it is important to take the necessary steps in ensuring that you do can recover the damage that has occurred.
- Prevention is Key: Proper maintenance and insulation are essential. The reason why most pipes break and water damage is due to cold weather. Regularly check your pipes and make sure that they stay warm during the cold months.
- File a Insurance Claim Immediately: Contact your insurance agent or your insurance claims department as soon as you notice water leaking from a pipe break. They will set up a time when an adjuster can come and take a look at your property to assess the home damage.
- Get Rid of the Wet Materials and Dry Out the Floors and Walls: In order to prevent any additional damage from occurring, you need to get rid of any wet materials, including carpet or flooring that is damaged. Calling a water mitigation company will assist you in making sure that the water is removed effectively and the property is dried out. NOTE: some insurance companies may deny some portions of the claim under NEGLECT if proper attention is not made in water mitigation and also take lots of pictures.
- Document All Damaged Items: Make sure you take inventory of any and all items that suffered damage during the pipe break.
- Contact Your Plumber: Your insurance company is going to need a plumbers invoice in order for you to have your plumbing put back to how it was.
- Contact an Insurance Professional – Public Adjuster: Using a Public Adjuster, an insurance consultant who works for the homeowner and not the insurance company, will help you maximize your insurance claim. A Public Adjuster is an expert in insurance policy and claim handling. Water claims can be complicated, and hiring a public adjuster will help you get reimbursed fully for the property damage.
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