The answer: yep. Every single time.
It’s a bit cliché to answer a question with a dictionary definition, but in this case, it’s the right thing to do. Merriam-Webster calls an emergency, “an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action.” By that definition, water damage is clearly an emergency. Flooding is almost never foreseen and always requires immediate attention. Water damage can happen anytime, day or night, without warning and quick action is always warranted. Allowed to sit, water damage just gets worse.
Here are answers to other common questions relating to water damage:
What do you really mean by an emergency?
If you have active flooding and water rushing into your home in quantities that creates standing water, it’s time to drop everything and address the problem. Don’t let water spew from your pipes while you take a moment to look up a number or read this blog to figure out what to do; stop the water right away. Don’t hesitate to call for 24-hour water removal in Lawrence, KS, for significant events. If you’ve got visible standing water anywhere in your home, remove it quickly. Don’t wait for it to soak in or flow to other locations where it won’t be as easy to find. Once you see it, stop it. Never wait.
Okay, but if the water damage has been there for a while, is it still an emergency?
Many times homeowners find evidence of water damage that’s been happening over time. For example, you might notice a dark stain appear on your ceiling one day, which is actually evidence of a slow leak in an upstairs pipe. Do you need to call out the armies of repair people as soon as you see it, even if it’s in the middle of the night? Probably not, but it is a good idea to take action, if possible, to stop the problem from getting worse. This might mean turning off the water valve to stop the leak. Then, in the morning, assess the situation and call for help. The longer the water sits, the more damage it will do, even it’s been there for a while. Things are only going to get worse, so don’t procrastinate.
How much is cleaning up the damage going to cost?
We knew you were going to add this question to the list, but it’s impossible to answer without the details of your situation. That said, it will cost less if you call right away. That’s because the damage gets more extensive the longer the water sits. The longer you wait, the more the water soaks into drywall, subfloors, beams, cabinets, and crawl spaces. Once the water soaks in, drywall expands, paint cracks, wood rots, and mold grows, necessitating more extensive repairs. If you can get water damage removal in Lawrence, KS, started within 24-48 hours of the event, many materials can be saved, and secondary damages can be avoided.
Will homeowner’s insurance cover the damages?
Water damage is generally covered by insurance, but flood damage is not. Aren’t they the same thing, you ask? Not to an insurance company. Generally speaking, water damage comes from plumbing or directly from the sky. Examples include broken pipes, overflowing toilets, or rainwater coming in through a storm-damaged roof. Most insurance policies cover water damage. Flooding, on the other, is the result of a flood event. When inclement water cause creeks to overflow or storm drains to back up and the water streams into your home, that’s a “flood.” Standard insurance policies don’t normally cover flood damage. Check your policy carefully and talk to your agent for clarification of your coverage.
Who can you call for help?
Emergency Mitigation Services is here for all your water emergencies. We have crews available around the clock to handle big and small floods. Don’t wait; if you know you’ve got water damage, call today.