Although we are at the end of the rain season and El Nino’s fury was less than furious, there are still a  number of ways that your home can suffer from water damage.  Soil types that are acidic slowly corrode metal pipes eventually leading to pipe bursts and cracking.  Also, drain backups, foundation shifts, and miscellaneous plumbing stressors can result in water damage.

Water damage can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re unsure of the extent of the damage. When in doubt, call a professional.  ACR Services assess and repairs water, mold, wind and fire damage.  Take a look at a few of our projects to see how we can help you.

Even if you haven’t received water damage, these five must know tips will help prepare you in the event that you receive water damage.

Flood Damage and Water Damage Have Different Insurance Policies

According to Mary Simms, a spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the number of Californian flood insurance policies rose by 30 percent between August 2015 and January 2016.  However, water from a flood and water from a burst pipe are two different types of damage. If you live in an area that has a high chance of experiencing a flood, then you more than likely already have a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Policy. When you report a claim to your insurance company, make sure you tell them whether the water damage is from a flood or water damage so that they can adjust your claim accordingly.

Your Insurance May Not Cover All Types of Water Damage

It may be a good idea to look over your insurance policy and find out exactly what it covers. Not all water damage is covered by all companies. In fact, most policies cover sudden damage, but they don’t cover damage that occurs from poor maintenance, such as a slow leak that causes damage over time.

It’s Better to Fix Water Damage Sooner Rather Than Later

When your property has suffered water damage, you have a very short window to fix it. Water damage can lead to mold growth, which creates several health risks. It can take as little as 24 to 48 hours for mold to start growing on a wet carpet or drywall. Once mold begins growing on your property, you may have to hire a professional mold remediation service to treat and remove it safely.

Inform Your Insurance Company As Soon As You Spot the Damage

When you discover water damage, contact your insurance company immediately. They will guide you through the early steps of the process and help make sure you do what you need to prevent the damage from spreading.

Don’t Ignore the Pollution Level of the Water

Water damage is categorized by the level of pollution in the water.

• Category 1 – The water comes from a clean source, such as a dishwasher.
• Category 2 – The water can make some sick through touching it. This water may contain bacteria.
• Category 3 – The water is contaminated and contact with it can cause illness or death. This water usually comes from sewage backup or an overflowing toilet.

Be mindful of the fact that even if the source of the water is category 1, it can still come into contact with pollutants that will elevate it to category 2 or 3.

ACR Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call us at (866) 789-4379 for assistance.