Frequently Asked Questions about Water Damage (Part 1)

To most residents of San Diego, terms like ‘’water damage’’ and ‘’water damage restoration’’ are pretty familiar. Not a small number has already experienced some kind of water damage in their homes, be it a pipe leak or a toilet overflow that flooded their bathroom, or a slab leak that may have caused more serious damage to the home’s foundation.

With nuisances such as hard water causing pipes to corrode and ultimately leak, as well as frequent rain showers, San Diego homeowners should be well prepared at all times.

That in mind, we decided to go over some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns about water damage and water damage restoration in San Diego.

Why is water damage so dangerous?

To start with smaller-scale water damage, like toilet clogs, leaks and overflows, even though they may not be extensive, they can still damage the tiling or any other type of flooring, not to mention to cause damage to the aesthetics of the place. On a larger scale, and especially if not treated properly, they can spread bacteria and other contaminants, and jeopardize the health of the whole family.

When water damage was caused by a sewage backflow, it poses a serious health threat. The main reason is that the water contains lots of contaminants, including numerous viruses and bacteria, causing mold and possibly even poria outbreak, as well as damage to the structure of the house. Immediate and thorough water damage restoration is vital. It can include mold remediation and also professional poria treatment.

What are the causes of water damage?

In San Diego, natural disasters such as storms and heavy rains are common contributors to floods and subsequent water damage. Other than floods, they can cause pipe bursts and sewage backups, causing a series of other related issues.

Other causes can include structural damage and piping system malfunctions, lack of maintenance, toilet and pipe clogs, etc.

Is water damage restoration covered by insurance?

Generally speaking, the standard Homeowners’ Insurance covers water damage restoration if water damage was caused by a sudden or accidental discharge of water from within a property. For example, if a pipe located in the bathroom suddenly burst, you can have the damage covered by insurance, provided that you have had the pipes regularly inspected and maintained.

This also means that flood damage is typically not covered by a standard insurance policy. The reason is simple: floods usually happen as a result of a natural disaster, which is, technically, an outside-of-property-located cause. Luckily, it is possible to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

What does water damage restoration involve?

The water damage restoration process is quite straightforward. The first thing a San Diego water damage restoration professional will do is remove the water-damaged items. They range from furniture, carpeting and upholstery to drywall, baseboards and insulation. Depending on the scope of the damage, the items can either be restored or safely disposed of.

After that, water is dried out from the affected areas. At the same time, the areas are disinfected. You should always hire trained technicians to do the restoration – you can’t DIY it. The main reason is that technicians have specialized equipment like dehumidifiers and air movers, which are not available to you.

If there was also a mold outbreak, the technicians will also perform mold remediation to make sure the areas are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Technicians should also perform a damage assessment to offer a price estimate. This assessment will also be useful as evidence to your insurance carrier. Technicians at KIC Restoration are certified Level 3 Xactimate professionals, fully equipped to perform a standardized damage and cost assessment.

Find out more about frequent concerns in our next blog post.