We have come across many insureds with water damage caused by a pipe breaking under the slab. Unlike a general leak, a slab leak can be very expensive to fix especially if not identified immediately. There really is not much you can do to prevent them in terms of maintenance.
Slab leaks can be caused by both incoming or discharge water. If you check your water pressure, and your water pressure is less than normal, you could have flooding under the slab. The pressure in the pipe will remain the same and gets released before it gets to your fixtures. If the flooding is caused by an outgoing pipe, then it can cause problems under the slab and eventually be detected by the ground shifting, unusual flooding or foul odor.
In the event that you think you may have a slab leak here are some basic things you need to know:
First, find where the leak is coming from (Look for wet floors, walls, or outdoor area). If it is not visible, contact a plumber. A plumber can bring a camera and do what is known as a “leak detection”. Photograph the area and all the damages that are visible. If you sustain damage to your walls, floors, etc. contact a public adjuster. It is important that every item that gets damaged is documented and photographed. Also, it is important to remember that water damage causes mold and mildew and can cause further damage to your property. You might want to contact a water restoration company to make sure that all of your items are properly dried out and that they are not contaminated with mold. Also, if you are unable to live on the premises, then a public adjuster can get you money for additional living expenses.
Get the Professionals Involved
Water damage to a property can become very severe if not treated properly. Contact an insurance claims profession who has experience in helping homeowners handle water claims. At All American Public Adjusters, you will find insurance experts who can help through the insurance claim process. Also, if you feel that your insurance company has not reimbursed you properly, contact us and we will help negotiate your claim for you.
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