Top 10 Signs Your Home Has A Leaky Pipe Problem

Home insurance covers damage from sudden pipe problems. But it doesn’t cover damage caused by long-term pipe problems or ongoing leaks.

If you ignore a leaky pipe problem, then your insurer could deny your claim.

Fortunately, leaky pipe problems are easy to spot. By paying attention to the signs of burst pipe issues, you can avoid a catastrophe.

Here are some of the most common signs your home has a leaky pipe issue.

1) Musty Odors

Leaky pipes can cause strange odors in your home. There are some obvious and less obvious smells associated with leaky pipe problems.

Yes, you should pay attention to mold and mildew smells. They could indicate a mold problem or a leaky pipe behind your walls. If one part of your home smells musty, it could be the sign of a developing mold problem – or at least a leaky pipe.

2) Other Unusual Odors from your Pipes

It’s not just a musty smell. Leaky pipes can cause other unusual odors in your home.

Do you smell something funny when you turn on the pipes? A burst pipe can cause strange odors to waft up through your system.

Pay attention to smells when you flush the toilet, run the sink, or use your washing machine. As appliances fill with water, they could develop an unusual smell. A funny smell could be the early warning sign of a serious pipe problem.

3) Discoloration on Walls and Ceilings

When water hits the surfaces in your home, it causes discoloration. Look for signs of discoloration on your walls and ceilings. A small yellow dot on your ceiling might look innocent – until you notice the spot gradually getting larger over time.

Look for discolored spots that get larger over time. Watch for signs that something is wrong above your ceiling or behind your walls.

4) Bulging Walls and Ceilings

If your walls and ceilings are bulging, then it could be the first sign of a serious burst pipe issue. Your walls and ceilings are unlikely to collapse, but the surface will eventually break, causing water to pour into your home.

If your wall or ceiling is bulging, and if the bulge continues to get larger, then you may need to take immediate action to protect your property.

5) An Unusually High Water Bill

Many people don’t notice any of the above signs of a leaky pipe – until they check their water bill.

If your water bill was significantly higher than normal, and if you can’t think of a reason for that leap, then it could be the sign of a leaky pipe.

Maybe you had lots of company that month. Maybe you spent more days working from home than usual. These are normal reasons to have a higher water bill.

However, if your water bill is higher without explanation, then it’s a virtual guarantee you have a burst pipe problem.

6) Poor Water Pressure

Has your water pressure felt weak lately? It could be the sign of a leaking pipe. If your shower doesn’t spray as hard as it usually does, then you may have a problem with your plumbing.

Your house only has a certain amount of water pressure to distribute. A leaking pipe in one part of your home could lower water pressure in another. This could be especially noticeable if running multiple appliances at once.

It’s also possible your low water pressure is caused by external factors – like a broken water main in your neighborhood. Contact the city about ongoing maintenance issues. Or, ask your neighbors if they’re dealing with similar water pressure issues.

7) Other Visible Damage to Walls and Ceilings

We talked about discoloration and bulging above, but not all walls get discolored or bulge when faced with water.

Depending on the material, your wall might fight back against the water damage more effectively. It may not look like discoloration, and it may not look like a bulge: your wall or ceiling may simply look damaged.

Look for other signs of water damage to your walls and ceilings, including:

• Cracking
• Bubbling
• Stains
• Peeling paint
• Warped walls

These could be normal symptoms of sun damage or wear and tear. Or, they could be signs of a serious plumbing problem causing water damage to your home.

8) A Running Water Meter

If you shut off all your appliances, but your water meter continues to run, then you may have a leaking pipe problem.

Typically, you check this symptom after noticing one of the symptoms above. Stop using all of the things in your house that run water, then check your water meter. If your meter continues to run, then it could be the sign of a leaky pipe.

Remember that a leaking pipe is easier to check than an electrical issue. Your house always uses a small amount of electricity, even if most appliances are off. Water is different, and any noticeable movement on your water meter could be the sign of a leaking pipe (assuming no toilets or appliances are running).

9) Cracks in your Foundation

When ignored over time, leaking pipes could impact the structural integrity of your home. Homes naturally settle over time, which could lead to cracks in the foundation. You might notice hairline cracks in your ceiling or drywall as your home settles.

However, if you notice unnatural cracks, cracks that suddenly got wider, or other signs of a serious foundation problem, then it could be a leaky pipe issue.

Foundation problems are understandably serious. When ignored, they can tear your house apart. If you suspect your house has foundation problems caused by a leaky pipe, then you need to take action immediately.

10) No Signs of Issues with your Neighbors

Your house may seem like it has a water problem – when it’s really an issue with your neighborhood or street.

Talk to your neighbors to see if they’re experiencing similar issues.

It’s possible your foundation cracks are caused by moving terrain underneath your homes, for example. If your home was built in a new community, then shoddy building standards could be causing foundation issues in multiple homes.

It’s also possible there’s a problem with a public water main, leading to low water supply issues throughout your neighborhood.

If your neighbors are experiencing none of the same issues as you, however, then it may be time to contact the professionals – or your insurer.

How to Make a Leaky Pipe Insurance Claim

Homeowners insurance covers sudden and unexpected water damage, so it could cover your leaky pipe problem.

However, if your leaky pipe problem has occurred over several months, then your insurer could deny your claim. Homeowners insurance does not cover long-term water damage or ongoing leaky pipe problems.

Or, if you don’t want to involve insurance, call a plumber or contractor to investigate the issue. Plumbers and contractors have much more experience dealing with situations like this, and they may recommend the best action to take.

Confused? That’s okay. Water damage insurance claims can get messy. We've put together tips here for handling water damage insurance claims, and if you need additional help with a claim, a licensed and experienced Public Adjuster can help.

Learn More Here: Top 10 Signs Your Home Has A Leaky Pipe Problem

Tips For Handling A Fire Damage Insurance Claim | Claimsmate

Watch on YouTube here: Tips For Handling A Fire Damage Insurance Claim | Claimsmate
Via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcZImr64sN4bR4BB_JA82vg/videos

How Insurers Pay Out Claims What To Expect | Claimsmate

Watch on YouTube here: How Insurers Pay Out Claims What To Expect | Claimsmate
Via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcZImr64sN4bR4BB_JA82vg/videos

How Homeowners Insurance Covers Plumbing and Burst Pipes

Most home insurance policies cover sudden, unexpected water damage caused by plumbing problems and broken pipes.

However, most home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by long-term plumbing issues – like a pipe that leaked over a long period of time.

Today, we’re explaining everything you need to know about how homeowners insurance covers plumbing and burst pipes.

How Insurance Covers Water Damage from Broken Pipes

Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage from your home plumbing system.

If your pipes suddenly froze and burst, for example, then flooded your house, then your homeowners insurance policy should cover your claim.

If your home is damaged by a burst pipe or plumbing issue, then you could receive compensation under three parts of your policy:

Dwelling Coverage: Your homeowners insurance policy has dwelling coverage, which protects your roof, walls, floorboards, and other parts of the structure of your home. If a plumbing problem damages your home’s walls or flooring, then dwelling insurance should cover the cost. Dwelling insurance also covers built-in home appliances like your water heater if they’re damaged by a plumbing issue or any other covered event.

Personal Property Coverage: Your homeowners insurance policy also has property coverage, which covers things inside your home – like your TV and furniture. If a burst pipe sprayed water over your possessions, then you can request a claim under your property insurance coverage. Some insurance policies might have a limit of around $1,000 to $2,000 per item, and you may need to provide extra documentation for high-value items (say, over $500). However, as long as the damage occurred due to a covered event, you should be able to make a personal property claim.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage: home insurance policies cover additional living expenses, which are expenses you must pay when temporarily moving out of your home because of the damage caused. If your burst pipe flooded your home and made it unlivable, then you might need to move into a hotel for a few weeks while your home is being repaired. Home insurance covers accommodations, meals, rental cars, and any other costs you need to pay after being temporarily forced out of your home.

Thanks to dwelling coverage, property coverage, and ALE coverage, your home insurance policy should cover most of the costliest parts of a burst pipe insurance claim.

However, there are plenty of plumbing-related issues that home insurance will not cover.

What Insurance Does Not Cover

Home insurance does not cover certain plumbing problems and water-related disasters. Even if you have a good home insurance policy, it may not cover many types of plumbing problems.

Here are some of the things that are not covered by a typical home insurance plan:

Damage Related to Wear and Tear

Insurance is designed to cover unexpected costs – like a sudden winter storm that causes your pipes to freeze. Insurance is not designed to cover expected costs – like regular home maintenance and damage related to wear and tear.

All homes need regular maintenance over time. If you ignore maintenance, it leads to serious issues,  you likely won’t be able to make a successful home insurance claim for covering any damage.

If water enters your roof during a rainstorm, for example, and floods your attic, then you may not be able to make a home insurance claim if maintenance and repairs were neglected. If your roof was 30 years old, had weathered shingles, and was filled with holes, then you cannot make a home insurance claim and expect your insurer to cover all damage.

Gradual Plumbing Damage or Long-term Leaks

Many homeowners are surprised to find their claim was denied because of long-term leaks or plumbing damage.

If you ignored a plumbing problem over a long period of time, or if the damage occurred because of a long-term leak, then your insurer will likely deny your claim.

Let’s say your home has had a funny smell in the basement for months. You notice some discoloration on the walls, but you decide to ignore it. Finally, you walk into your basement and notice the walls are bulging. A long-term leak has turned into a serious issue. Your home insurance may deny your claim because you ignored the problem over a long period of time.

Damage Caused by Lack of Maintenance

You can’t simply ignore plumbing issues, wait for them to turn into bigger problems, then file an insurance claim when pipes erupt and expect and easy claim settlement to fix the problems.

If an insurer determines your water damage occurred due to lack of maintenance, then the insurer will deny your claim.

If you notice a minor leak or any signs of water damage, then don’t wait for it to go away on its own. Take action immediately. Contact your insurer or call a plumber.

Burst Pipes in the Winter Caused by Lack of Home Heating

Insurers often deny certain burst pipe insurance claims. If your insurer finds your pipes burst because you failed to turn on the heat in your home, then your claim could be denied.

Let’s say you leave town for a winter vacation. You turn off the heat in your home. While away, temperatures plummet, and the pipes burst in your home. Nobody checked on your place, leaving a mess when you return to your property.
In this case, the insurer may determine the loss was preventable (all you needed to do was leave your thermostat on at a low level), then deny your claim.

Many of these situations can get complicated quickly and each insurance policy can be different. If you need help determining coverage for your specific situation and policy, a state licensed Public Insurance Adjuster can help with a free consultation.

[big_contactus]

Flood Damage

No ordinary home insurance plan covers flood damage. Insurers will not cover damage to your home that occurs because of flooding.

If a river, lake, or ocean nearby floods your property, then you might have severe damage. Unfortunately, you cannot make a claim through an ordinary home insurance policy.

The only time flood damage is covered by insurance is if you buy additional flood coverage insurance, which is almost always through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you live in a flood-prone region, then consider buying flood insurance through the NFIP. Otherwise, you receive no compensation for damage resulting from a flood.

Mold Damage

Homeowners insurance policies rarely cover mold damage and most specifically list it as an excluded cause of loss.

However, most home insurance policies do cover mold damage if it’s caused as a result of a something that is covered by the policy, such as a pipe that burst. If your pipes suddenly burst and quickly caused mold damage, for example, then you may be covered.

If you ignored a plumbing problem for months, let mold build up behind your walls, and then tried to file a claim, then your insurer may deny your claim.

If you’re concerned about mold and want added protection, consider adding mold protection to your policy.

Sewage Backup

Homeowners insurance usually does not cover a backed up or flooded sewage system without adding specific coverage.

If your region has flooded, then it could cause sewage systems to back up, overloading your home plumbing system. Although this is a serious issue, it’s often not covered by an ordinary home insurance policy.

Most insurers allow you to add sewage backup coverage to your policy for an extra cost. For a few extra dollars per month, you can cover damage related to sewage backups, which can easily cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home.

Questions Insurers Ask When Approving or Denying a Burst Pipe Insurance Claim

Insurance claims for water damage can be messy. Sometimes, damage from old and new leaks can combine, creating a mess for insurers to unravel.

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to your home to assess the damage. The adjuster will analyze the damage, then determine whether to approve or deny your claim.

Some of the common questions an insurer will ask include:

Did the damage occur because of a new leak or an old one?
Where are the pipes located? Where did the damage occur? Where did the damage originate?
Were there any warning signs of a leak – like rust, discoloration, or strange odors?
Was the leak related to maintenance issues or wear and tear?
Was the water damage caused by a flood or sewage backup?
Did the water damage create mold damage?

After answering these questions, the insurer can decide whether to approve or deny your insurance claim. If your claim was denied, see tips here for how to dispute a denied insurance claim.

Signs of a Water Leak in your Home

You may have a water leak in your home. If you have noticed funny smells, discoloration on your walls, and other issues, then a serious plumbing problem could lurk behind your walls.

Some of the signs of a water leak include:

Sagging or Bulging Areas of your Home: If areas of your home are sagging or bulging, then it could be the sign of a serious plumbing problem. If the sagging gets larger, then you could have an active and serious leak in your home.

Discoloration: Plumbing issues could discolor your walls. It could start as a small, yellowish spot on your wall or ceiling, and then turn into a more serious issue. Watch for discoloration and pay attention to any suspicious areas to see if they get larger.

Dripping or Trickling Sounds: If you’re concerned about a leak, turn off all noises in your home (like your furnace, TV, and stereo) and walk around your home listening for dripping or trickling sounds. A faint trickling or dripping sound behind your walls could indicate a leak.

Musty Smell: A musty or mildewy smell could be the sign of a serious plumbing problem. You could have a slow leak behind your walls. Or, you could have a serious mold problem.

So You Have a Leak: The Next Steps to Take
If you have a leak, then don’t panic.

Take steps to prevent further damage. Disconnect the leaking appliance from the water supply, if possible. Or, turn off your home’s water supply entirely. Try to identify the source of the leak.

Protect your personal property. Remove any damaged items from the area. Elevate other items off the ground to avoid further damage.

Let air flow into the room if safe to do so. Run an air conditioner or dehumidifier to dry out the area as much as possible. Use a shop vac or sump pump to remove water.
Consider contacting the professionals. Call a water damage restoration company for professional assistance. Even if you can’t file an insurance claim, a water damage restoration company can help you avoid thousands of dollars of further damage to your property.

If the damage to your property is significant then you might decide to file an insurance claim for water damage. Read the following water damage claim tips.

If you need help dealing with an insurance claim and getting a fair settlement contact a reputable Public Adjuster for assistance.

 

See Full Article Here: How Homeowners Insurance Covers Plumbing and Burst Pipes

Tips for Maximizing a Burst Pipe Insurance Claim

Watch on YouTube here: Tips for Maximizing a Burst Pipe Insurance Claim
Via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcZImr64sN4bR4BB_JA82vg/videos

Our Best Burst Pipe Insurance Claim Tips For Water Damage Claims

Watch on YouTube here: Our Best Burst Pipe Insurance Claim Tips For Water Damage Claims
Via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcZImr64sN4bR4BB_JA82vg/videos

Hiring Contractors for Insurance Claims: How an Insurance Claim Contractor Works

Even if the contractor means well, the contractor is unlikely to have the experience needed to competently handle an insurance claim – especially claims involving complicated damage or large payouts. Insurance is regulated at the state level, so the role and level of involvement of contractors for insurance claims that is legally allowed will depend on your state.

Today, we’re explaining the pros and cons of insurance claim contractors, including when to hire a contractor for an insurance claim – and when to hire a public adjuster instead.

Hire Reputable Contractors for Small Insurance Claims

For larger insurance claims, using an insurance claim contractor can be risky.

For smaller claims, however, it may be a good idea to use an insurance claim contractor – assuming the contractor is a good and reputable individual.

Keep in mind that in some states, like Texas for example, it is illegal for a contractor to fully handle an insurance claim on behalf of a policyholder. This is because a conflict of interest can arise when the person in charge of performing the repair work, is also given the authority to negotiate a claim settlement or try to interpret what is covered under a policy. It’s important to be aware of this, even if it is legal in your state.

Unfortunately, many contractors make similar promises about their work, making it difficult to separate reputable contractors from disreputable ones.

All contractors claim to be good, honest, and fair. This makes it hard for homeowners and commercial property owners to distinguish good and bad contractors – especially if you have limited experience with insurance claims or home repairs.

Things to Ask Your Insurance Claim Contractor

How can you separate good and bad insurance claim contractors? Here are some of the things any reputable contractor will be happy to provide before handling your claim:

Written Estimates: All reputable insurance claim contractors will provide detailed, written estimates outlining the exact costs of supplies, labor, and other expenses. If a contractor is unable to provide this information, or if the information seems unusually expensive, then it could be a red flag.

Schedule and Time Frame: Does the contractor have a specific estimated date of completion? Does the contractor have a timeframe for work to be completed? Contractors with vague timeframes may be unable to complete the work in a timely manner. Or, they might hastily do a half-quality repair job, completing your job weeks before any reputable contractor would complete it.

License Number: All licensed contractors are able to provide license numbers proving they are legally able to work in your jurisdiction.

Insurance Information: All reputable contractors will also be able to provide their insurance information, including the amount of liability insurance they carry and the number of their general liability policy. Don’t let any contractor work on your property without insurance.

Experience & Qualifications: Has the contractor handled similar repairs from similar claims in the past? Does the contractor have firsthand experience dealing with these types of property damage issues? The more experience and qualifications the contractor has, the better they will be able to handle the repairs for your insurance claim.

Guaranteed Work or Satisfaction: Not all contractors guarantee their work – even reputable contractors leave wiggle room if something goes wrong. However, all reputable contractors have some type of satisfaction promise or guarantee. Ask the contractor what happens if you’re unsatisfied with the work – or what happens if the repairs fall apart within months of the job.

All reputable contractors provide the information above for free. You should not have to pay to obtain any information.

How Insurance Claim Contractor Scams Work

Every year, thousands of Americans are victimized by insurance claim contractor scams.
Some of these scams are relatively minor: the contractor overcharges the insurance company for work while performing average-quality repairs to the property.

Other scams are more serious, with insurance claim contractors disappearing with millions of dollars in claim payouts while performing zero repairs.

Most insurance claim contractor scams fall into one of the following examples:

Poor Craftsmanship and Bad Repairs: Some insurance claim contractors promise the highest level of work. They claim to perform repairs to the best possible specifications, restoring your home perfectly to pre-loss condition. In reality, they charge your insurance companies a premium rate while performing lower-quality repairs, then pocket the difference. They might use poor building materials or shoddy craftsmanship, for example.

The Disappearing Contractor: Some contractors take this scam to the next level. They contact policyholders, get policyholders to sign their rights to the contractor, accept the insurance claim payout, and then simply disappear. One unlicensed contractor in Florida recently scammed an elderly man out of $60,000, accepting the insurance money and then never completing repairs.

Warning Signs You’re Dealing with a Bad Insurance Claim Contractor

To avoid being victimized, be aware of the following warning signs of bad insurance claim contractors:

The Contractor Offers to Pay You: If a contractor offers to pay you to handle your insurance claim, it’s a sign you’re dealing with a bad insurance claim contractor. The contractor might claim to charge your insurance company $100,000 for the job, for example, when they can really do it for just $80,000. This is insurance fraud, and it could leave you with low-quality repairs on your home.

The Contractor is Going Door to Door After a Disaster: After major disasters hit a region, insurance contractors from across the country flock to the area to make money. Some contractors are reputable, while others are not. Reputable contractors don’t typically go door to door after a disaster asking to handle your claim. Instead, they let customers reach out to them.

How to Avoid Insurance Claim Contractor Scams

With basic precaution, you can avoid common insurance claim contractor scams.

Read the Fine Print: When you authorize your contractor on your insurance claim, you’re taking an important legal step. It’s crucial to read the fine print on this agreement. Some contractors seem legitimate, then hide malicious terms and conditions in the fine print.

Check References: Take a few minutes to call references provided by the insurance claim contractor. A reputable contractor will be happy to provide multiple references. A lower-quality contractor may be unable to provide any references.

Ask for a Second Opinion: Are you concerned about a contractor’s estimates? Are you worried about the real cost of repairs? Ask for a second opinion. Any contractor can provide a free estimate, making it easy to see exactly how much repairs cost in your area.

Don’t Pay Contractors Upfront: Do not pay a contractor before speaking to your insurance company. If the contractor asks you to pay 50% upfront, for example, politely decline. Insurance companies will typically pay the contractor directly. Or, the insurance company will send a check payable to you and the contractor, and both parties sign off on the check. It’s rare for you to pay the contractor out of pocket unless it’s for temporary or emergency repairs – and even then, you should request an estimate and detailed invoice upfront.

Keep Track of All Receipts, Payments, and Other Information: The days following an insurance claim can be overwhelming. You’re bombarded with information while picking up the pieces of your life. Despite the confusion, it’s crucial to keep track of your receipts, payments, and other information. The better organized you are, the easier your claim will be.

Leave Larger, Costlier Insurance Claims to the Professionals

Contractors are not insurance claim professionals.

Some contractors might have experience dealing with claims, but contractors are not certified experts. They don’t have the skills, expertise, or education to navigate complicated insurance claims.

In some cases that can be okay for smaller claims, where minor errors are unlikely to impact your financial future.

For larger claims, however, a single error could change your life.

One mistake on your fire damage insurance claim could cause your insurer to deny a $100,000 payout, for example. It could literally change your financial future – all because an inexperienced contractor made a simple mistake.

This assumes the contractor is acting in your best interest – which isn’t always the case.

If the contractor acts maliciously, then you might suffer in other ways. Your insurance company might pay $100,000 in home repairs, but your contractor cuts corners and uses poor-quality materials to give you a $25,000 repair job, pocketing the extra $75,000 in profit. You and your insurer paid the same amount for your claim – but your home may fall apart quickly due to the low-quality repair job.

For all of these reasons, most experts do not recommend using an insurance claim contractor for larger or more complicated claims.

Generally, if your home or commercial property insurance claim is more than $10,000, it’s best to hire a Public Adjuster or Insurance Attorney for assistance with any claim disputes, denials or other issues.

Hire a Public Adjuster to Work With Your Contractor for Larger, Costlier Claims

Public adjusters are certified, licensed insurance industry professionals. A good public adjuster has decades of claims experience.

Public adjusters can manage your claim from beginning to end. They negotiate with your insurance company, manage contractors, and ensure your claim gets completed and paid in a timely manner.

[big_contactus]

Public adjusters charge a fee after you accept the insurer’s final settlement. They charge a small percentage of the total claim payout. However, they’re often able to double or even triple insurance claim payouts, to ensure you are fully indemnified for your loss.

ClaimsMate’s public adjusters have firsthand experience with fire damage insurance claims, water damage insurance claims, flooding, mold, and all other types of claims. Contact us for a free assessment – don’t risk your financial future on an unproven insurance claim contractor.

Original Post Here: Hiring Contractors for Insurance Claims: How an Insurance Claim Contractor Works