Insurance Claims
Interior flooding doesn’t always happen as a result of catastrophic weather, such as a hurricane. In fact, the majority of interior flooding claims submitted to insurance companies come from other causes, commonly including leaky pipes in your walls. Leaks come from a variety of causes but are usually related to water pressure buildup eventually wearing through the metal in a pipe and causing it to leak. If you want to avoid serious flooding damage, there are a few ways you can detect a possible leak in your walls before it can do some serious damage or burst and become a true catastrophe. Here are five of the tell-tale signs of a leak that you should act on quickly.
Outrageously High Water Bills
If your water bills seem outrageously high, it could be because the leak in your pipes is causing you to waste dozens or even hundreds of gallons of water per month. Even a dripping faucet can waste five gallons of water per day, leading to over 2,000 gallons lost per year, and a substantial increase in your water bills. If your water usage seems way too high compared to your normal usage amount, start checking your home for some of these other signs.
Stained, Damaged, or Sagging Walls
Water usually leaves its mark pretty clearly when it gets loose inside your walls. The visible outside will start to show signs of staining or even begin to sag and deform because of the water damage. Walls that are stained and also showing signs of cracking are usually a dead giveaway that there is a leak behind them causing substantial damage. When you spot one of these issues in your walls, call a plumber right away.
Mold or Mildew Growth
Slow leaks can be extremely difficult to detect, but they can cause the drywall in your walls to become damp and moist, which creates ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold and mildew frequently grow near pipe leaks, even going all the way through your walls to the point where it could be visible in your home itself. If you smell mold or mildew in a particular spot in your house, look for the cause: it just might be a sign of a leaking pipe.
Musty Smell
If you can’t seem to find visible signs of mold growth, but can still smell the distinct musty odor associated with it, odds are the mold is still growing but not in a place you can easily spot. This is not ideal, since finding where the smell is coming from can be tricky without another sign that can clue you in to start your search. Nonetheless, you should consult with a professional plumber who can help you track down the source of your leak and get it fixed before the leak suddenly becomes an emergency.
Call a Miami Insurance Attorney
Flood damage claims can be difficult to navigate, and insurance companies often look for any possible excuse they can use to invalidate your claim and absolve themselves from the need to pay. If you feel as though your claim is being handled irresponsibly or you are being treated unfairly by your adjuster, it’s strongly advised you contact The Morgan Law Group and let an experienced attorney stand up for your rights as an insured.
Call The Morgan Law Group today at (844) 818-0774 to request a free consultation!
