Making a Water Damage Claim

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a home in San Jose, CA

Dealing with Water Damage

The moment you realize that water is making its way into your home is a scary one. It doesn't matter if the flooding came from rain or burst pipes—the damage can be devastating and costly. Whether the water was caused by an accident or just bad luck, you'll need to act fast to get things under control. We've put together this guide to help you handle the situation and make sure your insurance company covers all of your losses.

Shut the Water Off

First, you'll want to shut off the water at the main. If you're not sure how, call a plumber—or look online for instructions on how to shut off your water supply.

The second thing is that you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. If possible, find a business in your area that specializes in repairing pipes and getting them back up and running again so that they don't burst again in the future (or worse).

While you wait for the repairman, call SERVPRO of Campbell and your insurance company, and follow these steps until help arrives:

Remove as much water as you can.

Use a wet-dry vacuum on any carpeted areas, and remove excess water with a mop. Never use a broom or brush, as they can damage the surface of your flooring. Never use towels to soak up water—they can leave lint behind that will attract dirt and bacteria in the future. Never leave fans running in your home after a flood event, because they may cause moisture damage to your ceiling or walls.

Remove the Items from Harm’s Way

When dealing with water damage, it's important to remember that your property can be replaced. Your home is not the only thing that needs to be protected; any valuable items in the area should be removed immediately and placed out of harm's way. This includes clothes, furniture, electronics, and anything else you may have in the vicinity.

If there is any damage done to your possessions - even if you aren't sure if there is or not - make sure to document as much as possible before removing them from the affected area. Take pictures of all areas where damage has occurred so that you have a visual record for insurance purposes later on when filing a claim. If there are any services required from companies like plumbers or electricians in order to fix those problems after taking out the damaged goods from their compromised areas (e.g., fixing water leaks), keep receipts for these purchases as well so that they can be added into your insurance claim if necessary

Living Arrangements

If your home in San Jose, CA is considered unlivable due to water damage, ask if your insurance will cover the cost to stay at a hotel while repairs are being made. This can be for up to 10 days if you live in an area that has been declared a disaster area by FEMA.

It's important because you don't want to return home only to see more damage happening because of lack of electricity from flooding or mold growth from not having proper ventilation and drying out time.

Don’t Wait to Call the Experts

Don't try to repair the damage yourself, and you don’t have to wait until the insurance company sends someone. You can call SERVPRO of Campbell the moment disaster strikes, and we will be out quickly to help clean up the mess and put your property back together. 

The most important thing to remember is that every water damage claim is different. The process can take time and may require multiple phone calls or emails to your insurance company. If you have any questions, contact us today