FAQ'S ABOUT WATER
What causes water damage?
Water damage can occur after natural disasters that cause flooding, from pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, foundation leaks, septic tank overflows, poor drainage, and more. Flash flooding, pipe bursts, and sewage backups are especially dangerous as they can produce several inches of water in less than a day.
Why is water damage dangerous?
Floodwater that comes from outside and from sewage backups contains dangerous contaminants like viruses and bacteria. If the water isn’t drained within 24-48 hours, structural damage and mold growth can ensue. Even water leaks that infiltrate your home slowly can cause damage to the building and lead to mold growth. Mold left unchecked will spread quickly through the home.
What should I do after a flood, or sewage or water leak?
Don’t wait as water can cause mold and irremediable damage to the wood, walls, and carpet in your home. Afterwards, contact your insurance company to start the claim process. If safe, shut off the utilities in your home to avoid further damage. Don’t enter your home if it has suffered structural damage. Don’t walk through floodwater if electricity hasn’t been turned off and to avoid contaminants.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover water damage?
Homeowners insurance provides coverage for damage that is sudden and accidental (such as water heater ruptures or pipe bursts). However, flood damage, no matter the source of the water, is NOT covered by standard homeowners’ policies. Note that water damage that results from lack of maintenance is not covered on a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.
How long does it take to dry my home or business?
The only answer to this question is It depends. It all depends on the size and scope of the loss. Completely drying a structure depends on the type of water damage, how bad it was, how long the water dwelled, and the type of building materials involved. For example, concrete takes much longer to dry than wood. Many times, water damage to your home or business takes 2 to 3 days to dry. However, properties exposed to water damage for a long time will take longer to dry!
Do I have to leave my home or close my business during
the restoration?
If the property damage doesn’t require a lot of reconstruction, you can stay in your home or office. However, the equipment we use during the drying process can be noisy. And it creates a lot of air movement which may be considered as unlivable or unworkable conditions. If the bathrooms in your office, or the kitchen in your home are a part of the damaged area, check with your insurance company for reimbursement of alternate living expenses or business continuity expenses until the restoration job is complete.
Is it okay to leave the equipment running all the time?
Absolutely! Our specialized equipment is made to run continuously without overheating or causing safety problems. Remember, we position the equipment in a particular way to promote the drying process. So please don’t move it.
Can I turn the equipment off at night to save money or to reduce noise?
The drying process requires running the equipment 24 hours a day for several days. Our equipment is designed for efficiency. That means, depending on the size of the loss, on average, the estimated cost to run this equipment can be as little as $1 to $2 per day. And because we know the noise might be problematic, for sleeping purposes or the quiet enjoyment of your home or office, we often suggest you call your insurance agent to see if your policy covers alternate living expenses or business continuity expenses.