When water emergencies occur the homeowner or business owner has a ‘duty’ to prevent further damage from occurring to their property. Standard insurance language gives the property owner the authority to do what they think is necessary to stop the spread of water damage.
Most homeowners and business owners are not equipped to handle such water damage emergencies.
What Should You Do First?
At the first sign of water damage, you should try to locate the cause of loss. If the cause of loss is a plumbing leak, then shut off the water either at the source or main water line if necessary. It’s vital that homeowners and business owners become familiar with their plumbing access points to know where their water shutoff valves are located. Closing the water valve is the best way to prevent additional direct water damage from happening.
If the cause of loss cannot be seen or identified it’s wise to assume that the water is deriving from an unseen access point like plumbing within the walls, an overflow from a drain or sump, or possibly from the foundation of the house. Depending on the recent weather patterns it could also be from related storm damage.
Once Cause Of Loss Is Identified
Depending on where the water damage is occurring from, your first call should either contact a plumber or your insurance company. The second call should be a WATER RESTORATION company.
Who Plays What Role?
Plumber: depending on the cause the plumbers job is to fix the water leak which causes the direct damage to the home or business.
Restoration Tech: they are the ones who apply the air movers, dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, etc. to dry out the property of the home or business and prevent secondary water damage. They may also remove any materials (carpet, pad, drywall, etc.) that cannot be salvaged and saved.
Insurance Adjuster: the adjuster assigned to your claim (if you have one) has the ultimate authority to either cover or deny a claim (if filed). They will interpret the cause of loss and resulting damage per the insurance policy language.
What Is Your Duty As The Homeowner Or Business Owner?
You have a duty to prevent and stop further damage from occurring, that is within your power. An insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance carrier that states the carrier will provide ‘whatever coverage’ of a ‘covered cause of loss’. As the property owner or manager you have the ‘duty’ (obligation) to prevent further damage from occurring which means finding a way to prevent or stop additional water damage from occurring in the form of hiring a plumber or restoration technician as quickly as possible. Something to think about – even if you didn’t have insurance coverage for a cause of loss or damage... Wouldn’t you still want to prevent more damage from occurring as quickly as possible? Wouldn't you still want your home or business to get back to the way it was before? Don't you want to get back to normal as quickly as possible?
Don't hesitate and act fast. If there is insurance coverage your carrier will provide the necessary coverage. If it's not covered by insurance, your quick actions can reduce higher restoration and repair cost.
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