How to Determine if There’s Water Damage in Your Home

July 30, 2021

What qualifies as water damageLife without water in your household would be unimaginable. Apart from drinking it and using it to prepare your food, it’s also crucial to many appliances. That said, it can also cause tremendous damage to your property. From broken pipes to leaky roofs, the harm can be so extensive that you may need to move out while seasoned Irvine water damage restoration professionals take care of it.

When such disaster strikes, you also want to file an insurance claim and cover potentially costly repairs. To do so, you’ll first need to assess whether you’re really facing water damage, and we’re about to help you do so. Read on to find out what water damage entails so that you know how to handle your situation.

What qualifies as water damage?

Before you start documenting all the consequences of water damage to increase the chances of a successful insurance claim, you’ll first need to figure out if you’re truly dealing with water damage. In most cases, this issue is defined as water that harms the inside of your house. It can be caused by various situations:

  • Rain entering through the roof and damaging the walls and ceilings
  • Burst pipes saturating your ceiling
  • An overflowing toilet soaking the bathroom floor

However, the most common culprit is plumbing issues. Whether it’s a clogged pipe or loose-fitting components under your kitchen sinks, they are often the biggest reason why people face water damage.

To avoid such problems, keep an eye on several telltale signs, including moisture, bulging, cracking, and rusting. Some problems occur within your walls, making them incredibly difficult to identify.

If your house has this form of damage, you’re most likely wondering if it’ll be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. The answer depends on the specifics of your policy, but in general, it will cover accidental events. Nevertheless, any destruction brought about by improper repairs or faulty usually won’t be covered.

What is the difference between flood damage and water damage?

Even though both problems have the same root, flood and water damage are not the same. According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), a flood should meet any of these conditions:

  • Overflowing inland or tidal waters
  • Mudflow
  • Rapid or unusual build-up of surface waters from different sources.

On top of that, water damage normally takes place before the water reaches the ground. By contrast, flood damage occurs due to excessive pooling outside the property.

Flooding also comes from natural sources and involves at least two properties. For instance, if your neighbors are having problems caused by heavy rain or rising waters, you’re most likely dealing with flood damage. Conversely, if you’re facing water in your home but your neighbors aren’t, water damage is the most likely culprit.

These generalizations hold true, but don’t take them at face value when making your insurance claim. Always review individual flood insurance and homeowner’s policies to receive proper coverage.

Rely on your trusted Irvine water damage restoration team to save the day

What is the difference between flood damage and water damageTurn to EHS for high-quality water damage remediation that is both effective and fast. Using non-invasive methods and state-of-the-art technology, we’ll find the cause of your issue and fix it once and for all.

We have vast experience examining and treating water damage. Once we’ve inspected your home, we’ll develop a customized solution to prevent further harm. We’ll perform the job quickly to get you and your family back on track, exploring the wonders of Orange County Great Park without worrying about water issues. Reach out to EHS, and we’ll take care of the rest.