Servicing all over Australia for over 3 decades
Servicing all over Australia for over 3 decades
Water damage is a common issue in homes and buildings, stemming from various sources such as leaks, pipe bursts, flooding, plumbing problems, overflows, and sewage backups. Whether minor or severe, water damage can inflict significant harm to property, as it seeps into porous building materials and furnishings, rendering them susceptible to damage and mould growth. Taking swift action when confronted with water damage is crucial to mitigate the harm and prevent more severe consequences like structural damage and mould infestations.
Encountering water damage, be it from a leak or a flood, can be an exasperating ordeal. Many homeowners grapple with uncertainty when faced with such a predicament, often unsure of the appropriate steps to take. This hesitation can exacerbate the damage. Consequently, individuals affected by water damage often find themselves laden with a multitude of questions, including inquiries about addressing the damage and understanding the extent of insurance coverage. Below, we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to water damage, empowering you to tackle the issue effectively and find optimal solutions for its restoration.
Our experienced professionals ensure that your carpets are treated with the utmost care, preventing any future damage that might otherwise render them irreparable.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) classifies water damage into three categories, each determined by the level of contamination and associated risks:
Residences and businesses can suffer from all three categories of water damage. Category 2 and 3 are especially concerning due to their potential health hazards. Category 2 includes water from appliances or overflowing toilets, while category 3 encompasses natural floodwater and sewage backups. All categories necessitate professional water damage restoration for safe remediation.
The duration of the water damage restoration process hinges on the extent of the damage. Typically, the restoration process spans 3-5 days, but in cases of indoor flooding, it may extend to several weeks for complete drying and restoration.
Engaging a professional water damage restoration service promptly to extract water and initiate drying procedures can expedite the restoration timeline. Delaying this crucial step heightens the risk of mould growth or structural deterioration, prolonging and complicating the restoration process.
Determining whether water-damaged materials should be replaced or restored depends on the severity of the damage and the category of water damage. Porous materials are particularly susceptible to water absorption and are prone to mould growth and damage from harmful substances. A qualified water damage restoration professional can assess the extent of damage and guide you on whether affected materials can be salvaged or necessitate replacement.
While a home warranty doesn’t directly cover water damage expenses, it may encompass various causes of water damage. Identifying the specific origins of the water damage and communicating them to your warranty provider is essential to ascertain coverage.
Typically, a home warranty covers wear and tear on your home’s structural components, systems, and appliances that result in water damage. Examples include aging home appliances, plumbing issues such as leaks and burst pipes, roof leaks, and toilet malfunctions.
Notably, common water damage culprits like flooding, sewage backups, and accidental water damage usually fall outside the purview of a standard home warranty.
When water damage occurs in your home, it’s imperative to notify your insurance provider to assess potential coverage. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover sudden or accidental water damage stemming from sources within your home, such as burst pipes. Conversely, damage caused by external factors like rain or flooding is typically not covered.
Homeowner’s insurance does not cover:
When water damage occurs in your home, you must first identify the source of the water intrusion. Subsequently, document the affected areas and belongings with photographs and contact your insurance agent to initiate the claims process. Following your claim submission, an adjuster may be dispatched to assess the damage. Thorough documentation with pictures and video can expedite your claim’s processing.
Simultaneously, it’s crucial to engage a reputable water damage restoration professional.
Renters insurance primarily covers damage to your personal belongings resulting from water damage, contingent upon the water’s source, rather than damage to the rental property itself. Renters can generally expect coverage for:
However, renters insurance does not typically cover damage caused by sewage backups or flooding, unless additional coverage for flooding and sewage is purchased.
Tenants are typically responsible for damage to their personal belongings, a facet generally covered by renters insurance. Damage to the rental property itself, including any consequential issues like mould formation, typically falls under the purview of the landlord’s insurance. For instance, if water damage within a rental unit leads to mould growth, it is typically the landlord’s responsibility, and their insurance should cover the ensuing damage.
The cost of water damage restoration hinges on factors such as the extent of the damage, the category of water damage, and the materials affected. Clean water damage restoration might cost approximately $3-4 per square foot, while grey water damage restoration can range from $4-7 per square foot. Restoration for black water damage may cost between $7-7.50 per square foot. Specific materials, such as roofing, hardwood flooring, and ceilings, may incur costs in the hundreds or even over a thousand dollars for repair. Drywall restoration typically costs between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot.
Overall, the total cost of water damage restoration can span from a minimum of $450 to over $13,000, with an average cost hovering around $3,300.
Professional Water Damage Restoration
Water Extraction Team offers comprehensive water damage services, encompassing standard residential and commercial water damage restoration, sewage backup cleanup, flash flood remediation, and emergency water cleanup. Recognised as a leading and reliable service provider in the industry, Water Extraction Team operates around the clock, 365 days a year, to restore properties.
Our professional team is committed to swift responses during emergencies to safeguard your property and reinstate your home or business to its initial state of cleanliness and safety. Equipped with advanced water extraction equipment, humidifiers, state-of-the-art drying machinery, and proficient cleaning methods, our technicians are
