Winter Water Damage Tips for Mercer and Lawrence Counties

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Protecting your pipes with insulation, especially the accessible ones in the attic or crawl spaces is a must.

Since most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding, many homeowners are left with a mess after a water loss. This scenario can be especially prevalent in the winter when there are more hazards with water. SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties is an expert water loss restoration company, and we are here to give you some valuable tips this coming season to help you prevent water damage at your home.

“Doesn’t my homeowner’s insurance pay for water loss?”

Great question. However, the answer is technically no. Firstly, your homeowner’s insurance needs to have an endorsement to have “some” coverage for water loss. If your policy has the endorsement, it can cover water damage, such as from leaks and burst pipes, or water that comes into your home through your roof and windows. These can be pricy losses too. The average water loss ranges anywhere from $5,000-$20,000. To be covered for ‘flood’---you would need to carry a separate policy altogether known as a flood policy. Check with your agent for more information.

Water supply lines should be checked annually. The main water lines to your home, as well as the washing machine lines need tended to each year. Kiplinger.com says, “Check for leaks from your hot water heater, washing machine, ice machine in your refrigerator, and any other appliances that can leak. Most water supply lines tend to last for about five years; you may want to replace rubber hoses with steel-braided hoses, which tend to last longer.”

Make sure the gutters are clean and the roof is intact. Ice dams and other major water damage are created by unattended gutters. These can leak down the side of your home and in places you do not want water. Clean the gutters free of the leaves and other debris that accumulated all fall. Also, check the roof for missing shingles that can allow water to pass through into your attic and into your home.

Insulate pipes to prevent freezing. Protecting your pipes with insulation, especially the accessible ones in the attic or crawl spaces is a must. A neat tip is to leave closet doors open in the winter to heat the pipes just a tad to prevent freezing.

For more information about protecting your home from water damage, see SERVPRO’s website and Facebook page. We’re here to help every day of the year, 24/7/365. Call 724.704.8939 to have one of our professionals come to your home today.