What Are the Signs of Water Damage?
There are many different types of water damage. In some cases, it will be unmistakable because you will be greeted with inches of water in one or more rooms of your home. This most commonly happens when there is flooding caused by a severe storm or after a major plumbing malfunction, such as a burst water heater or a burst pipe behind the dishwasher. If you have had a house fire and the firefighters used their hoses to put it out, then of course your home will be severely flooded.
Many times, however, water damage is more subtle and occurs more gradually. It is important to be aware of the signs of water damage so you can act quickly should they occur.
- A mildew or musty odor.
One of the first signs that something is not right might be detected by your nose. Since water damage can cause mold, you might begin to smell it in one or more rooms of your home. If one of your rooms is developing a musty or mildew smell, you should have it checked out.
- Stains on the walls or ceilings.
While a small drip might not be apparent at first, it will eventually begin to cause a ring or shaded area on the affected wall or ceiling. If you gently touch the area, it might feel cool to the touch or damp. Do not press on the area, as you might make a hole in the drywall; instead, contact a plumber to find out what’s going on. They will be able to fix the leak and, at that point, you should call us to fix the damage left behind.
- A dripping or rushing sound.
Water that you don’t see might be creating noise that you can hear. If you hear water dripping or running, that is a clear indication that something is not right and should be evaluated.
- Weak water pressure.
There are a variety of reasons that your water pressure might be low, but one reason is that you are losing water somewhere in the home through a leak.
- High water bills or a dry well.
If you are using more water than anticipated, it could be due to a leak somewhere in the system. Do not ignore this sign; even if your leak is underground and not creating water damage, it could be causing structural issues now or later down the road. Get it addressed promptly.
In most cases, a plumber should be able to find the issue and make any necessary repairs to stop further water from leaking. Once that is done, contact Standard Restoration to begin the process of treating the water damage.
How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?
There is no one set price for
water damage abatement. It will depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of water involved, where the water came from (whether it was clean or contaminated), how much of the home was damaged, and so on. Your consultation appointment will allow your water damage restoration specialist to assess your damage and give you a price quote. Note that at Standard Restoration, we can also work with your insurance company to make sure that you get the services that you are entitled to.
Will My Homeowners’ Insurance Company Pay for Water Damage Restoration?
When it comes to having water damage restoration covered by your insurance, the reality is that it really depends on your policy as well as what type of damage you have.
Most insurance policies require that you have a separate flood rider to cover water damage from a flood. That would apply to flooding from a rising river or from a severe storm. If you do not have flood insurance, then it is very possible that your regular homeowners’ insurance will not cover the damage.
On the other hand, if your water damage is from a burst pipe, a home fire, or some other cause that is not weather-related, then you should be covered. The specifics will depend on your particular policy. Standard Restoration can work with you and your insurance company to find out what is covered and how we can get the claim process started.
It is important to understand that if you call your insurance company to report a water incident that is not covered, your premiums can (and probably will) go up. The company will make note of an event even though they never even see a claim or even if the claim is denied. This is why we urge Nampa-area homeowners to contact us first before calling their insurance companies. We can look at your policy to see if you have the proper riders or coverage before involving your insurance company. If you do, then we will help you submit the necessary documentation. If not, however, we might be able to save you the cost of a higher premium later.
Do I Need Water Damage Restoration After a Small Leak?
Many Idaho homeowners wonder whether they need to pay for water damage remediation after a small leak. If, for example, you have a plumbing issue that causes some minor damage to the flooring or if you have a pipe dripping behind a wall and the damage is mild, should you call?
The answer is that it really depends. Damp carpeting can often be dried with fans and time. Damage that takes place behind a wall might or might not harbor mold, so it pays to get it checked. Sopping wet flooring or walls is not considered minor and should be addressed promptly.
At Standard Restoration, we can assess the damage to let you know whether simple time and drying will be enough or if you need a more comprehensive restoration plan.
Whether your water damage is large or small, sudden or gradual, it is important to have it looked at by a reputable water damage restoration company in Nampa, ID as soon as possible. Contact Standard Restoration today to schedule your inspection. We will create a plan, work with your insurance company, and get you back into your home as efficiently as possible. We know that you are overwhelmed, but we can help you get back to your normal life. Call us any time of the day or night; we will be here waiting.