 Water is an essential part of our lives, and without it, we wouldn’t be alive. While water provides numerous benefits, sometimes too much of it can cause destruction, like in the case of flooding. What are you going to do if you experience water damage? The first step is to contact an insurance adjuster in Port St. Lucie.
Did you know that water damage ranks at the top list of potential property disasters? When water permeates in places that should be dry, it can warp your floors, discolor your walls, and can potentially result in mold growth. If water damage is not addressed immediately, it can compromise and destabilize the foundations of your home. An insurance adjuster will assess the damage and determine whether the damage needs to be repaired or replaced – whichever is more cost-effective. Aside from assessing the damage, your insurance adjuster will review your insurance policy to check if the damage is covered. Flooding isn’t the only problem you need to be aware of. Homeowners and business owners have shelled out thousands of dollars on repairs as a result of a small leak. Check out some of the common causes of water damage. What Factors Contribute to Water Damage? Bursting or Leaking Pipes One of the reasons why homes get damaged is due to a burst or leaking pipe. It may seem trivial, but if you don’t have it fixed quickly, the consequences can be very costly. It can be a result of temperature changes, deterioration of your pipes, or unregulated water pressure. In northern climates if pipes aren’t insulated, they can freeze during the winter and eventually burst. Your insurance adjuster will help to identify the root cause of the water damage. Plumbing Problems Do you know that leaking or broken plumbing pipes are the hardest problem to identify? This is because some pipes are not visible and are located under your home. We suggest that you regularly check your faucets, showers, toilets and under your sinks to make sure they are not leaking. Worn Down Appliances Did you know that there are two common household appliances that are notorious for contributing to water damage? They are none other than your washing machine and hot water heater. It’s usually the result of a crack in the pipes or hoses. You must also check other appliances in your home like your dishwasher and the water line to your refrigerator. These too can break because they are hidden from view. HVAC Systems Another thing to look out for is your air-conditioning unit. When you purchase an air conditioner, part of your responsibility is to ensure that you have your unit serviced and cleaned regularly. Without regular servicing, there is a good chance your the line can become clogged and leak. Always remember that a damp unit will create a breeding ground for mold to thrive. Water damage goes hand in hand with mold growth and these are problems that you need to address immediately. Obstructed Gutters When your gutters are not draining water well, it could mean that something is blocking them. The most common cause of a clogged gutter are branches and leaves. If an obstruction is present, water that normally flows through the gutter could run down the edges and make its way into your home. Proper maintenance and cleaning of your gutters is essential in protecting your property. Are You Looking for an Experienced Insurance Adjuster in Port St. Lucie? If you think you may have a leak and you are concerned that it will wreak havoc in your home, call an insurance adjuster as soon as you can to help assess if you have a covered insurance claim. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have your best interest at heart. We treat every property damage as if it were our own. Give us a call to know more about what we do.
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 There are several indicators, such as mold growth, that signal that water has invaded parts of your home that were designed to stay dry. From plumbing to cleaning, water is necessary for a home to function properly. However, rainwater or pipe bursts can lead to unwelcomed water intrusion, which can result in hefty financial repairs.
Do you know if your insurance policy will cover the damages? The answer can be a bit tricky because home insurance policies have different definitions of flood and water damage, even though both can require substantial repairs to your floors, walls, structural components or personal belongings. Understanding Flood Vs. Water Damage While it takes water to create a flood, it may not necessarily be considered water damage when it comes to your home or property insurance policy. If you need your insurance to help cover water damage that resulted from a natural disaster (i.e. a flood) or a pipe burst, it is imperative to understand the difference and what your insurance policy actually covers. Water Damage As previously alluded to, home and property insurance policies will typically cover water damage resulting from plumbing problems, such as a leak from your HVAC unit, a burst or broken pipe, or toilet overflow. You may notice these minimal damages immediately and not even need to file a property damage insurance claim. Sometimes if hidden, water could go unnoticed for a few days and result in substantial damage to your home or personal belongings, in which case you would need to file an insurance claim. Flood Damage In contrast to water damage, home and property insurance policies generally view flood damage entirely different, as the damage results from a flood, which could be caused by heavy rainfalls or hurricanes. Home and property insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage, which is why many homeowners and business owners choose to purchase additional flood insurance, especially if they live in areas that are prone to severe weather patterns and flooding. Get the Coverage That’s Right for You Water is necessary for any property to function properly. With so much water being used daily, water damage can happen at any time, and it is one of the many reasons why you have property insurance. However, your definition and your insurer’s definitions of flood and water damage may be different. To ensure your property and belongings are best insured for your needs, you should review your insurance policy. You can also schedule a free consultation with us to review your coverage. If you have water damage to your property or you were underpaid or denied on your insurance claim, you will need a professional public adjuster to help you. Contact Reliant Insurance Adjusters today. At Reliant, we treat every property damage claim as if it were our own.  Did you recently experience property damage to your home? What are you going to do about it? Most homeowners review their insurance policy to check and to see if the damage is covered. Instead, consider seeking assistance from public adjusters in Palm Beach County. Public insurance adjusters can help you get the best settlement for your insurance claim. Dealing with property damage can be very stressful, especially if you don’t have the time, energy, and knowledge to handle the complexities of filing an insurance claim. The good news is you don’t have to go through it alone. What are the Benefits of Hiring a Public Insurance Adjuster? Explains Your Policy to You in Terms You Can Understand When was the last time someone explained your insurance policy to you? Several years ago? If it was that long, I am sure you don’t remember much of what’s written in the policy and even if you read it now, you will probably have questions about your coverage. Truth be told, reviewing insurance claims can be daunting, and some terms may be hard for you to understand. When you hire public adjusters, they can explain your policy in simple terms, so you will know your options. Knowing your options will help you better understand your insurance claim and coverages. Public Adjusters Save You Time Reading your policy and deciding what to do next can be time-consuming. In fact, processing everything is going to take much of your time, whether the source is wind, smoke, fire, or water damage. You’ll need to set aside an ample amount of time to organize your claim. When you partner with public insurance adjusters, you can get your mind off the problem and focus on more important matters. You can resume your usual activities and leave it to the professionals do their job. Claims Are Resolved Quicker One of the major advantages of having a public insurance adjuster on your side is you get to resolve claims quicker. Most, if not all, homeowners who attempted to handle insurance claims themselves say the process was time-consuming and they did not recover enough to repair their damaged property. Public adjusters have the knowledge, skills, and experience to expedite the process. We have seen similar obstacles, and we know how to overcome them. A public adjuster will use their knowledge to communicate with your insurance company and prepare the required documentation. Works On Your Behalf The wonderful thing about public adjusters is you can feel confident that we have your best interest at heart. We don’t work for the insurance company, we work for you, and want to make sure are fairly compensated for the property damage you sustained. Basically, public adjusters will handle everything involved in your claims, including scheduling of inspections, making phone calls, assisting with the preparation of the requested documents, and submitting them on your behalf to make sure all deadlines are timely met. Do You Want to Learn More About Public Insurance Adjusters in Palm Beach County?
Do you need a public insurance adjuster? At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have helped thousands of homeowners who have suffered property damage to obtain a fair settlement. We treat every property damage claim as if it were our own. We strive to give you nothing but the best service by offering our knowledge, resources, and experience so that you can get the highest possible settlement for your claim. Give us a call to know more about what we do.  It is not ideal for water in your home to pool up anywhere outside of your showers, toilets, sinks, dishwasher, and washing machine. If so, it could result in mold growth or wood rot, and it could compromise your indoor air quality.
However, there may come a time when you have to deal with a broken or leaking plumbing pipe. Understanding the common causes, the warning signs, and how best to handle these types of plumbing issues, can help prevent them and even save you money in the event you have to file an insurance claim. Common Causes & Signs of Pipe Bursts or Leaks Being aware of the common causes of broken, leaking or a burst pipe can help you better maintain them and help you potentially avoid these issues altogether. Below are a few common causes. Clogged Pipe If there is a clog and a substantial amount of water pressure is increasing around the clog, it could result in a burst pipe. This usually happens when the clog is deep down in the pipe and it will symptomatically leak at first. There may be plumbing trouble ahead if you notice any of the following signs: ● Puddling under the pipes when you turn on the water ● Low water pressure ● Stains on the walls or flooring ● Water discoloration or foul odors ● Significant increase in your water bill Corroding Pipes This is typically a result of an imbalance in your water’s pH or rust compromising the pipe’s durability over a significant amount of time. Freezing Pipes Though freezing is not common in Florida, your water pipes are sometimes an exception. Water in the pipes can freeze if temperatures fall below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) weakening the bonds in the pipe, resulting in cracks. Conversely, if the water is too hot when the pipes are frozen, it could cause the pipe to burst. Important Steps to Take If Your Pipe Bursts If you notice the warning signs mentioned above or that a pipe has burst or is leaking, the first step to take is to shut off the water. This will stop any additional water from infiltrating your space and will lessen the damage to your property and belongings. It is extremely important to document the condition of the damage with photos and videos before you take the next steps. Be sure to call your public adjuster, as they can help document your damage with photos, review your insurance policy and explain all of your coverages. Next, you should work to remove any standing water by mopping or using a shop vac so it does not cause further damage. Depending on the amount of water, you may need to call a professional mitigation company to remove the water from your property and begin to dry your property. This will also prevent further damage and the potential for mold growth. Call your plumber to fix the broken pipe. It is important that you do not discard the broken parts and preserve the evidence. In many instances, your insurance company will require you to prove your damage, and that includes what caused the damage. In the event you do have an insurance claim, your public adjuster will prepare an estimate of the damage and the required proof of the loss and will help ensure that your claim is properly documented and hold the insurance company accountable to pay for all the resulting damages. Other companies may offer similar services, but Reliant is dedicated to providing the professionalism, experience, knowledge and resources to get you the highest possible settlement of your insurance claim. Contact us today to help you get started with yours. |
