A leak can quickly ruin your property, but there are steps you can take to prevent the damage from continuing. If you see a leak, your priority should be to find that leak. Being able to identify it is the first step in stopping the leak and getting the area ready for cleanup.
Beyond that, there are a few different steps you’ll want to take. Here’s what you should remember about handling leak damage.
- Identify the leak and stop it
To start with, you need to find the leak. This might be easy if the pipe is somewhere obvious, like in an exposed area in a basement, but it could be more difficult if it’s within a wall. The easiest thing to do is to turn off the water so that the leak stops damaging your property.
A plumber may be able to run a camera or other special tool down into the pipes in your home to identify the leak’s location.
- Look for damage
Your next step is to look for water damage. Is your flooring ruined? Perhaps drywall now has mold or mildew. Those items may need to be cut away or cleaned up before being replaced or repainted. Take photos of the damage, so that you can turn in this information to your insurance company.
- Look into the cost of cleanup
It’s smart to look into the cost of cleaning up the damage, now. Restoration companies and contractors understand this kind of damage and how it can be more extensive than it appears on the outside. You should get several quotes so that you know what to expect when you file an insurance claim. If your adjuster doesn’t want to cover the amount that you’ve been quoted, then you may be in a position to argue against the agency’s decision.
Your homeowner’s insurance may cover this damage if water damage or flooding is included on the policy. If it’s not, it may be harder to get the policy to cover the damage to your home. If you are denied the compensation and benefits you believe you’ve paid for, it’s worth looking into finding support for an appeal.