Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home can experience, costing billions of dollars annually. Safeguard your most important asset against water damage with the right insurance coverage and the following practical advice. If the water damage was caused by leaking roofs, you may need to hire commercial roofing contractors to fix your roof.

BEFORE WATER DAMAGE

Before a catastrophe occurs, remember to test your plumbing regularly for leaks. In some cases, the damage caused by leaks may be irreversible. Make sure that your water heater (if it’s gas), sinks, drains, toilets, and tubs are all properly working. Check your sprinkler system regularly, and replace any worn out parts. Keep a hose on the pre-rinse sprayer in your kitchen and hose down the area occasionally to keep it clean. Shut off your water main when leaving home to prevent exterior leaks. During severe weather, shut and board up outside windows and doors. This may prevent the entry of water into your home.

DURING A WATER EMERGENCY

If you have flooded your house or found standing water on your property, turn off the main water supply to stop flooding. This should be done only by a licensed plumber. Call a licensed plumber immediately as soon as you discover a water emergency. Do not turn on the electricity unless necessary. Use heavy-duty fans to move wet air and sopping carpets to dry them quickly. Use air movers or dehumidifiers to remove moisture from saturated carpets, wall paneling, ceilings, and floors. Let Ceilings and floors dry naturally, and do not run ac units indoors. Turn off circuit breakers to prevent electrical shock.

AFTER WATER DAMAGE

Call your insurance provider soon after discovering a flood in your home. Always report the damage to the agent who sold your coverage. Keep in mind that the claims process can be lengthy. Your claim’s settlement will be determined by the adjuster’s assessment of the damage (including the time required to complete the work), and by the insurer’s policy limits. The water damaged items in your home are nonrecoverable (except as noted in the policy), but if salvageable, the adjuster may allow you to deduct the cost of their replacement from the settlement amount, you can contact the LMR Public Adjusters – water damage public adjuster to get more information on this.

About Lauren Nemeschansky

I am a local real estate agent here in Santa Clarita, a suburb of Los Angeles. I love to write about real estate buying and selling and address some difficult issues such as divorce and real estate, short sales, probate and relocation. I use the power of the internet and my blog to educate because in real estate “knowledge is power.” I will also enjoy some guest bloggers who are experts in their fields such as mortgage lenders, attorneys, and credit repair experts. Don’t forget to follow me on google+ and connect with social media sites!