You hear the sound of water and you rush down to the basement. To your horror, a pipe has burst and the bamboo flooring you put down last fall is disappearing under two feet of water. It's the middle of the night and you're about to panic. What do you do?
1) Stop the water
Your first priority should be stopping the flow of water if that is available to you. Try to identify the origin point of the water and turn off whatever appliance is responsible for the water escape. If you can't figure it out, shut off the water in your home to prevent further damage to your home.
2) Turn off the power
You're going to want to shut down the power so you can safely remove any electrical items and minimize additional hazards. Do not touch any electronics if the power is still on!
3) Document the damage
In the event of water damage, it is likely we will send an adjuster to observe the damages. In the meantime, documenting the damage will make a big difference when it comes time to file your home insurance claim. Smartphone photos are all you need. In fact, having them readily accessible in digital format can make the process easier.
Ideally, you want to be able to show where the water damage originated to assist in assessing available coverage. Take photos throughout the cleaning process (including before, during and after) to fully document the damage.
4) Remove the water
Now you can begin the process of removing the water from your home. Minor water damage can often be mopped or wiped up, but if you've got a swimming pool down there, you're going to have to work a bit harder. Portable sump pumps and wet vacuums can be used to extract the water. If you don't have one, they are typically available for rent or purchase at your local hardware store.
If this isn’t the first time you've experienced water damage, you may want to look into having a permanent sump-pump, or back up valve installed to reduce the chance of future loss. Depending on your situation, this might even be recommended in order for your policy to remain valid.
5) Thoroughly dry the flooded area out
The unfortunate part about water damage is that even when the surface water is gone, you may have water damage that has seeped into the floors, the walls and your possessions. This can cause mold, rust, bacteria and toxins to build up, leading to a plethora of additional problems and potential insurance nightmares down the line. It is important to act fast in order to mitigate future harm.
If at this point power is available, fans and dehumidifiers can be used to assist in the process of removing moisture. Dehumidifiers are especially helpful. If there is extensive damage to your home, you may require the assistance of a professional. It is not until everything is entirely dry that repairs can begin.
Types of Water Damage
Types of water damage typically covered by your home insurance policy:
- Broken pipes and waterlines
- Escape of water from appliances (water coolers, refrigerators and water beds)
Types of floods that are not typically covered by your home insurance policy:
- Sewer back-up – This is an optional coverage that can be added to an insurance policy. Like all insurance policies, it must already be in place in order to be covered.
- Overland flooding – This is flooding that stems from water that comes from the ground. For example, if a river overflows and damages nearby houses, this natural act is not typically covered in Canada. In fact, it was only recently that some Canadian insurers began testing and offering this optional coverage.
It's important to talk to us about your intentions for water removal so we can help determine the right course of action and assist you along the way. Our 24 hour emergency claims service is here for you to provide guidance. Call us at 1-866-952-2876.
What happens if you're not home when the water damage occurs?
If you are going to be away from home for more than 24 hours, it's wise to have someone you trust checking in on your home regularly in order to ensure your home insurance policy remains valid. Review your policy to find out what your exact requirements are.