Identifying water damage is not always an easy task, but as a homeowner or investor, it is important to be able to find and evaluate any potential water damage that is in the home.
Repairing water damage can be very expensive and time consuming. Depending on the amount of water damage that the home sustained by a storm or a leaky faucet will determine the cost of the water damage. Many homeowners try to take on the cleanup and repair from water damage on their own and find out the project is much larger than they can handle, which can lead into more costly repairs. A professional water damage restoration company can help minimize the damage and restore your property to its originally condition.
While fire may be a common worry among homeowners, claims data from Travelers suggests their homes could be as much as 10 times more likely to be damaged by water than by fire.
Fortunately, much of this water-related damage can be prevented, and taking a few simple home maintenance steps can help increase the chances of keeping a property safe.
After examining the most common causes of water damage for Travelers customers in North Carolina, claim and risk management professionals from Travelers have developed a number of easy steps homeowners can take to help avoid many of these non-weather-related water problems. The following list provides preventive measures to help avoid the top four common causes of non-weather related water damage:
Leaks from washing machine hoses: Washing machine hoses should be inspected annually and replaced every five years – or immediately, if there are any signs of cracking or bulging.
Leaky plumbing around water heaters: Plumbing should be inspected annually and repaired if there are any signs of leaks or corrosion. When possible, water heaters should be installed in an area with floor drains to minimize damage if leaks should occur.
Leaks from refrigerator ice machines: Ice maker connections, usually located behind the refrigerator, should be inspected annually and hoses replaced if they appear cracked or corroded.
Clogged drain lines on air conditioning units: Air conditioning drain lines should be checked yearly.”
Original Source was first seen published on http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2010/09/17/113337.htm
Going through an extensive water damage repair process it vital, following any form of water damage in your home. You must begin to fix the problem as soon as you discover the water, instead of postponing it or putting it off as unimportant. Mold will begin to grow on any wet areas within 24 – 48 hours of the dampness forming. Click here to read more on why you need to act fast.
Original video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/embed/9jgPA2fFzkY
It may be sunny outside, but water continues to cause nearly a half-billion dollars of insured damage inside California homes each year.
A continuing study by the Insurance Information Network of California (IINC) found that while the number of household water damage claims is on the decline, the average cost of water claims continues to climb.
IINC discovered that the annual cost of water claims is finally on the decline after five straight years of increases. The 81,518 claims reported by the companies in 2003 resulted in $428.5 million in insured losses, the first decline in costs since water claims data became available in 1997. Overall 2003 losses for the industry are projected at more than $500 million.
The survey tracked water claims from 1997 through 2003 for companies representing 68 percent of California’s homeowner insurance marketplace. Surveyed companies paid California homeowners more than $2.8 billion for water-related damage during the survey period.
Despite the overall decrease in claims cost, the cost of the average water claim continued to escalate, reaching $5,256 in 2003, more than double the $2,484 average water claim in 1997. The average cost per claim rose each year during the survey period. Remediation and construction costs are largely faulted for the high cost of water damage claims.”
Full Source of the release can be found by visiting http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2004/11/23/47970.htm
With water damage there are certain steps that need to be followed, but the first step is calling a local restoration company that can help you. The faster the water is removed and dried out, reduces your chances for any additional damage to your home. Acting fast is key when it comes to water damage, so find a company that works with your insurance company and have them come repair and restore your home.