Utah Water Damage

Chances are you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about water damage especially if you live in Utah or other areas of the country that tend to be dry and not prone to flooding. But floods are not the only cause of water damage; in fact, water damage repair is more necessary than you might imagine. Below are the most common causes of water related damage encountered by home owners throughout the area.

1.      Freezing temperatures. Any time the temperature drops below freezing pipes can burst creating a flood and cause water damage. Always protect pipes with proper insulation to reduce the chance of water related damage due to freezing temperatures.

2.      Leaks. Water leaks can happen any time of the year either due to a burst pipe, damage to a pipe or plain age related erosion. Never procrastinate repairing a pipe or leak; small problems can lead to much larger problems later.

3.      Washing Machine or Water Heater Failures. Washing machines are prone to overflow and water heaters might spring a leak.  Perform a regular annual inspection to avoid appliance failure.

4.      Sewer or drain problems. One of the worst types of water related damage involves sewage or drain problems. The bacteria and resulting contamination make this a health emergency that requires immediate professional assistance.

5.      Leaking roof. Sometimes water related damage is slow and persistent but that doesn’t mean the damage isn’t just as serious. Roof problems can create water damage that results in rotted wood, mold and mildew plus much more.

6.      Overflowing bathtub. Accidents happen including those small scenarios like an overflowing tub. Don’t minimize the amount of damage done to carpet or flooring as well as drywall.

7.      Flash flooding. Rivers and even storm waters can temporarily create flooding situations that result in a large amount of damage within minutes. Worse, the pollutants and bacteria brought in can result in contamination of carpets, drywall, upholstery and other potential health hazards.

Whatever the cause of water related damage, be sure to act immediately. The faster excess water is removed the less damage will take place. Elimination of humidity is essential since mold and mildew can begin growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours posing serious health concerns. Always use a reputable , provider like that works with your insurance company. Be sure to contact us before your agent, save all receipts and most important of all — don’t delay!

As winter temperatures slide across the nation, flood cleanup situations caused by frozen and burst pipes absolutely are a prevalent complaint, judging from phones ringing at insurance and flood cleanup repair companies. Every year, more than two hundred and fifty thousand homeowners along with other building structures complain of burst and frozen pipes and the damages incurred by them. Five times more people file insurance claims relating to damages as a result of burst pipes than those who file claims for fire damages. Keep in mind that homeowners’ insurance policies usually cover water damages because of unexpected or sudden emergencies, but not ones that are due to insufficient reasonable maintenance. Consequently, homeowners are expected to adopt correct and diligent upkeep actions. Flood cleanup can be very costly so it is advisable to get advice.

Several households and businesses in the northern Utah tackle water damage brought on by frozen, burst pipes in the wintertime. As a pipe freezes and then cracks or breaks, the ensuing water damage can impact not only personal belongings but also the structural integrity of the property, allowing the deterioration of walls, floors, foundations, basements and crawlspace. If not attended to water damages in time, molds may become a headache. Costs arising out of water damage are measured both in time and in dollars; hence property holders must plan ahead if any cold weather is in the forecasts.

How do water pipes burst? At room temperature, water is a liquid; however, when temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius on the mercury, it freezes to become ice. Water expands volume-wise when it turns to solid ice. During extreme cold temperatures, the frozen water in the pipes in our homes expands and cracks or breaks the pipe. In essence, the frozen water molecules don’t fit in the pipe space they are in as a result of their expansion. As temperatures rise and ice thaws and starts melting, water leaks out from the cracks in the pipes. It’s smart to repair the water pipes the instant they burst. Repairing burst pipes can be a little expensive. But, ignoring burst pipes can eventually lead to mold, structural faults and content damage, repairing which can be drastically higher in cost when compared to the cost of repairing burst pipes.

Can pipes in attics, cellars and garages and crawlspace burst more quickly? Some pipes have a higher possibility of bursting than others. Pipes placed outdoors, such as the main pipe that carries water to your property, can readily burst and build up cracks. Exterior wall pipes as well as attic pipes, basement or crawlspace pipes and garage pipes are more liable to freeze and burst. You should check your water supply system and insulate pipes to attenuate the possibilities of water damages in the house.

Should a frozen pipe bursts. When you have a frozen, burst pipe in the house, ensure that you switch off the main power supply. You may also call a plumber to do this; however, if leaking water has already caused damages, its advisable to make use of the services of a professional. Professionals involved in water damage restoration can even help you file the insurance claims. Almost all insurance policies insure damages stemming from burst pipes.