Categories Water Damage

Sump Pumps and Basements

What a Homeowner Needs to Know about Sump Pumps and Basements

Basements are notorious for water damage and the cause of many headaches for lots of homeowners….But with a little “Know How” the average homeowner can maintain and protect their basement from substantial water damage.

Bottom Line Up Front – A Sump Pump is the most important piece of equipment in the modern day Basement.

The Sump Pump is what relieves the water pressure from the foundation walls when it rains, so they Do Not Leak. If the Sump Pump Fails, the water has no where to go except into the Basement…. Many professional plumbers recommend changing a sump pump every 3 to 5 years.

“This is the Best FREE advice you’ll get on protecting your basement.”

 

How Long Does a Sump Pump Last?

The sump pump can last longer that 3 to 5 years, but is it worth the risk?  By paying for some preventative maintenance, you can save yourself the time and hassle of a Flooded Basement and Water Damage Insurance Claim.

We spend a lot of time in flooded basements and there are many of them that could have been prevented by changing the sump pump by a professional plumber.

 

Failed Sump Pumps Cause Basements to Flood

Flooded basements are a very common type of water damage homeowners experience.  Most flooded basements are caused by sump pump back up or failure.

A sump pump will back up if it trying to run past its lifespan (3 to 5 years) or if the power is off due to extreme storms.  A lot of homeowners will have a battery back up system in case of a power outage.

In our opinion these systems aren’t the best investment because a lot times when you really need them they either are not able to pump out the volume of water or the battery is not good after a few years and cannot power the secondary pump for very long after the power goes out.

 

Categories Insurance Claims

Does Insurance Cover Water Damage Caused by a Water Heater?

Does Insurance Cover Water Damage Caused by a Water Heater?

Yes, a Homeowners Insurance Policy does cover Water Damage caused by a Water Heater… A water heater is a common way water damage is caused in residential homes.  Many times this type of water damage will be found in a mechanical room, normally found in a basement or garage.

Before placing a water damage insurance claim its important understand the true source of the water damage. The insurance company will also ask if the damage was accidental and all of sudden.  We always recommend talking with a professional water damage contractor before calling an insurance company to make sure you have your ducks in a row.

Learn More about the Water Damage Insurance Claims Process

 

How Does the Water Heater Fail?

Typically the bottom of the unit will rust and fall out. When this happens water will continue to flow out of the unit until the water supply is turned off.  A water heater will last usually about 6 years to 7 years just beyond the standard water heater warranty.

The insurance coverage is not limited, except to the total amount of the insurance policy.

 

Will the Insurance Company Pay for Remediation Services?

The Insurance Company will cover the Emergency Water Mitigation Services and Repairs.  Any qualified mitigation or remediation company will know how to write their estimates and invoices in Xactimate in order to submit them to your Insurance adjuster.  Restorex provides water damage restoration services to all customers in Central Indiana.

The only out of pocket expense for the property owner is the Insurance deductible and the cost to replace water heater.  The insurance company will not replace the source or cause of the water damage.  This is one of the unique ways homeowners insurance works.

 

Call for Help with Water Damage

If you need help with water mitigation or restoration services give us a call (317) 315-5071

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