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What To Do When Water Damage Happens?

Water damage is a high-stress situation, especially when it's an emergency and water is streaming into your home. Here's what to do in such an event:

 

1. Locate The Source & Turn Off Your Water: If your house is flooding, turn off the main water line to prevent further flooding—but only if it's safe to do so.

2. Turn Off Your Power: This safety measure helps avoid the danger of water becoming electrified.

3. Call A Reputable Water Damage Company: Call Best Option Restoration. We respond 24/7 to all water damage cleanup emergencies. We'll identify and stop the source, extract water, remove contents, and start the drying process. We'll work with your insurance company on your claim.

4. Remove Any Valuables (If Possible): If it's safe, try to rescue any valuables you can carry. If sewage is present or electricity might contact water, don't try to retrieve items.

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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

The extent of water damage coverage offered by homeowners insurance is often contingent on the source of the damage. 

 

Here are a few circumstances where your insurance may likely cover water damage:

 

• Unexpected and Accidental damage: Instances of sudden and unplanned water damage, such as those arising from a burst pipe or a failing appliance, are typically covered.

• Damage from Storms: Insurance generally covers water damage resulting from uncontrollable factors like wind, hail, lightning, or frozen plumbing.

• Vandalism: If your property suffers water damage due to an intentional act of flooding by an outsider, it's typically covered.

• Firefighting Measures: Water damage that occurs as a result of firefighting activities is usually included in the coverage.

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On the flip side, homeowners insurance does not extend coverage to all water damage situations. Here are some cases where coverage is typically refused.

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• Neglect of Property or Inadequate Maintenance: If the water damage stems from negligence or poor maintenance, like ignoring a known leak, it's unlikely you'll be covered.

• Floods: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover natural floods resulting from overflow of rivers, heavy rainfall, or storm surges. You would require a separate flood insurance policy for such occurrences.

• Sewer Backups: If water or sewage backs up through sewers or drains, it's not covered under typical homeowners insurance unless you have a specific endorsement or additional policy.

• Groundwater Seepage: Water that infiltrates your home from the ground is generally not covered by insurance.



Understanding your insurance policy can be complicated. At Accountable Home Services, we have the experience to navigate the claims process, and we'll work with you every step of the way to ensure you get the maximum coverage for your water damage claim.​​

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Our Water Damage Cleanup & Remediation Process

Choosing an experienced water damage restoration company with a proven cleanup process is essential. Here's an overview of how Accountable Home Services tackles water damage restoration:



1. Assessment and Inspection: Our 24/7 emergency response team will assess the water damage to determine the necessary actions.

2. Water Extraction: We swiftly remove standing water with specialized equipment.

3. Drying and Dehumidification: High-capacity fans and dehumidifiers are deployed to thoroughly dry the area.

4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: We sanitize surfaces to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.

5. Repairs and Restoration: Our skilled technicians will repair structural damage and restore your property to pre-damage condition.

6. Final Inspection: We conduct a final inspection to verify all damage is addressed.

7. Documentation and Communication: We provide detailed documentation for insurance purposes and maintain transparent communication throughout.

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What Are The Different Types of Water Damage?

Water damage is destructive, dangerous, and potentially hazardous, with different types posing varying degrees of risk. The IICRC - a globally recognized organization that sets standards for inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries - has categorized water damage into three types:

 

1. Category 1: Clean or "Sanitary" Water Damage - Originating from a clean and sanitary source, this water poses minimal risk if consumed or touched. Typical sources are broken water supply lines, overflowing sinks, bathtubs, or rainwater. However, if untreated, Category 1 water can escalate to Category 2 or 3 when coming into contact with contaminants.
    

2. Category 2: Grey Water - Grey water contains moderate contamination that may cause discomfort or illness upon ingestion or skin contact. Sources include discharge from appliances like washing machines or dishwashers, sump pump failures, or minor toilet overflows (sans fecal matter). Proper handling and cleanup are integral to averting health risks.
    

3. Category 3: Black Water - Positively hazardous, black water is highly contaminated and poses significant health risks. It contains pathogenic, toxic, or other harmful agents and can cause severe illnesses or death if ingested or exposed to the skin. Typical sources are sewage backups, rivers or stream flooding, toilet overflows with fecal matter, or stagnant water fostering bacteria and mold. Cleanup and restoration of Category 3 water damage necessitate specialized training and equipment.

 

Regardless of the category of water damage, it is crucial to avoid contact and choose a company like Best Option Restoration, skilled in handling all types of water damage.​

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Our Water Damage Services

At Accountable Home Services, we're experts in water damage restoration and offer a full suite of water damage services. We can help you with the following:

 

• Water Damage Restoration

• Water Extraction

• Water Mitigation

• Sewage Cleanup

• Thermal Inspection

• Structural Drying & Dehumidification

• Flood Damage Cleanup

• 24/7 Emergency Water Wamage Restoration