Mold & Moisture
Among the most feared domestic breakdowns are those related to the breakage of pipes in kitchens and bathrooms, and fear is normal because the vast majority of people do not know what to do if a water pipe breaks at home.
Overview
This, in addition to the fact that it often happens unexpectedly and inevitably, does not help! On the contrary, it is practically impossible to know the severity and extent of the breakage, which generates more confusion and nerves at first.
To be honest, there’s no damage related to the pipes that don’t involve a disturbance that costs a little to resolve. If the rupture is small, the repair will be quicker and easier, but it will be much more difficult to find it. If, on the other hand, the break is large, it will be located earlier, but the damage it generates will probably be much greater.
The factors that can cause a pipe rupture can vary, the most common are the following:
- Lack of proper pipe maintenance
- Old installations or previous repairs
- Variations in water pressure
- Temperature changes
- Wear or corrosion of materials
What to do if a water pipe breaks?
A broken water pipe will always cause leaks, no matter how small they may be, there are a series of considerations you will have to take before you call a professional plumbing company to take care of the repair. This is the only way to avoid major damage, such as damp walls, ceilings, or flooding other neighbors, making the situation even worse or even putting your life at risk.
If the leak from the broken pipe is small, you will be able to locate it without any problem, and you will access it to put some insulating tape that covers the area. This won’t be a very useful remedy, but it will prevent water from escaping momentarily.
If the water leak is large and floods a room or more than one room, you should start reducing as much water as you can, to avoid leaks to other floors or stories.
Depending on the above, if the leak is large, it is very important that you turn off the electricity to avoid possible shortcircuits, and that you close the general stopcock that supplies the water to your home or local. Another recommendation is to empty all water pipes to clean the pipe circuit.
Once the most urgent measures have been taken, there are 3 more steps you will need to take:
- Assess and analyze the damage: Take photos or record a video to document the incident.
- Call your home, local or office insurance company to inform them of the incident and have them send you an expert to evaluate the extent of the damage and its possible causes
- Contact a professional plumbing company that will repair all damage immediately.
When the leak is small and easy to detect, you don’t have to urgently contact a plumbing company. At this point we will focus more on the different types of breakage that can occur and explain how the arrangements are made from a professional point of view:
Breakage by cracks or crevices: When there are cracks it is necessary to assess whether they can evolve and go further, or on the contrary, they seem stable. In the first case, it is advisable to replace the whole piece of a damaged pipe or even replace it completely, and in the second, cover the area with a clamp.
Rupture in round or truncated: It occurs when the pipe is fractionated or shatters in its perpendicular part. The repair would consist of placing a ring or clamp on the broken part that covers it completely and covers up to 5 cm on each side.
Breakage by small holes: This type of breakage occurs in most cases by corrosion and can affect any pipe, no matter the type of material (metal, copper, stainless steel). In this case, as in the previous case, it could be fixed with a clamp that must be placed as indicated above, or also with sleeves that would be welded.
Breakage due to bursting: Depending on its range, either only the section of the damaged part will be replaced or the complete replacement of the pipe will be carried out.
Once the possibilities have been analyzed and you know what you may be facing, we recommend that you have a periodic maintenance contract with a professional plumbing company. You can be sure that prevention will be your great ally, it will save you from suffering setbacks and you will avoid worries.
In the end, keep in mind that acting quickly when detecting the slightest leak of water, is key to solving the problem successfully and with the least disruption.
Breaking a water pipe in the kitchen or bathroom is one of the most dangerous and common domestic accidents. Many times, it happens because of the lack of maintenance of these, especially if the house was built many years ago, and sometimes, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which water main broke down.
because they can be found hidden between the walls. It may also happen that we realize by a simple drip that we can quickly attack before it gets worse, but other times the amount of water is so important and sudden that it does not give much time to act quickly.
In any case, in order to know what must be done in the face of a fact like this, we prepared this article, because no doubt being informed helps to overcome and better face any problem.
- Switch off the lighting switches and the main water inlet.
The first thing to do in such a case is to turn off the electrical switches and then immediately turn off the main faucet that supplies water to your entire home.
You must know exactly where it’s located (usually outside the home) so if you live in a building, catch up with the people in charge of the condominium. Also, keep their phone numbers handy, in case you need their help with this. The risk of a shortcircuit will increase as the water concentration increases. For this reason, using a light bulb must be avoided in any case, ringing a bell, or any other action that generates electricity.
- Assess the damage
Sense the area and take a look at the whole place, that way you will realize what was the extent of the breakage of the pipe and each of the damages suffered, if you had partial losses or total loss, and so on. The important thing is to keep calm, make yourself aware of what occurred and be able to identify, as far as possible, the possible causes of the event.
- Take photographs as proof of the damage.
Check it out! With any phone that has a camera, you can take pictures of what happened and even record a short video. All this to record what happened and allow the authorities in charge to make it easier to detect the possible causes, assess the damage and establish the necessary recommendations.
- Contact the insurance company
If you have an insurance policy for your home or the place where the pipe broke, you should contact them immediately. That way they will speed up the whole process involving the compensation of both material and human damages.
Who pays for the repair? Landlord or tenant?
No law requires the tenant of a flat to take out home insurance since it must be the owner of the property who insures it against damages such as fire, water leakage, etc., so it should be the landlord who pays for the repair in case a pipe breaks.
However, there are some exceptions where it will be the tenant who is responsible for paying for the repairs:
- When there is a need to make small repairs due to wear and tear of the pipes due to use.
- When there is damage due to negligence, for example, flooding due to leaving the faucet open.
What does homeowners insurance cover? Claiming damages. Most homeowners insurance covers accidental plumbing rupture, but it’s important to know exactly what your policy covers.
If you have continental coverage, you will have the structure of your home insured, that is, the walls, floor, ceiling, windows, etc. But if you have a content coverage, the insurance will be responsible for objects, furniture, and other elements that can be damaged by a water leak. If the pipes become clogged or if there is a problem that causes damage to your home, your insurance company will be responsible for this as long as you have the contracted coverage.
To make a claim for water damage, you must call your insurer to comment on the incident. Some insurance companies are working on the digital transformation of customer service and attention processes, such as the new Tele-expertise system, to reduce the procedures in these cases by 50% of the average time.
- Begin the repair of damages
Such a contingency can be of great importance, one can be faced with the case of a completely flooded house and this affects not only physically but also psychologically, because all concerns are increased. However, to begin little by little the repair of the damages of the home will be a way of solving the caused problems. After a major water spill in homes, many items can be recuperated, giving them specific handling so do not panic giving everything for lost. At the very same time, do not be afraid to contact the professionals of each matter according to the affected areas.
6) Prevent mold in any way possible
Once the damage has been repaired, pay attention to eliminating the mold that is always present after such situations. This can be easily seen and there are places where it concentrates more like air ducts, beams and between walls. Cleaning these places, and all those where there is a strong smell of moisture, with vinegar, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide will remove it immediately.
As a final recommendation, always have the emergency numbers in sight and if you have children, show them the measures they should take if any domestic accident should occur.
Humidity usually appears in the winter months, in areas where it usually rains a lot and in coastal areas, but be careful, if you thought your insurance covered the humidity produced by atmospheric phenomena, you are wrong. Most companies consider this coverage only when it comes to problems with water pipes, so you should pay attention because the least is the esthetic problem.
Neglecting the removal of humidity can degenerate into something more serious, which can end up affecting your health and the rest of the occupants of your house.
If the humidity becomes chronic then you will have to apply drastic and quick solutions that, in many cases, are translated into works, whose cost, in case it is up to you to assume it, can be important. For these cases, you must know when your home insurance covers dampness.
What are mold and moisture?
Mold is the most common type of fungus that can be seen in damp places. It releases some particles, tiny spores that, when breathed, can be harmful. Mold and moisture develop in buildings with excessive condensation, lack of sunlight, or poorly ventilated. These are the main causes that favor their appearance:
- Leaks in pipes, roofs and window frames.
- Rising humidity: The water from the terrain reaches the foundations and climbs up to appearing on basement walls or the ground floor rooms.
- Condensation: the humid air (the air containing high levels of steam of water) comes into contact with the cold surfaces in interiors and is deposited in the form of drops of water.
- Water used in the works of construction (e.g. in gypsum) that hasn’t completely dried out.
Breathing air in places that are damp or moldy can harm your health. This includes places with:
– Visible mold
– Mould or moisture odor
– Materials or surfaces that remain damp or become damp frequently
– Water damage
Moist, moldy places allow spores or other small pieces of mold to enter the air, which can cause breathing problems amongst other health problems. Moist materials allow bacteria to grow, and they can also allow chemicals in building materials to enter the air.
Unless mold is controlled, it can cause damage to floors, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. structures in your home. Mold can also damage your furniture, such as carpets, chairs, and other furniture. and sofas. Clothes and shoes inside wet closets may begin to stain and stain, disintegrate. The more time mold develops, the more harm it can inflict.
The best and most effective way to fix a mold infestation is:
– Locate areas where there is moisture and mold
– Fix leaks or other moisture problems (such as condensation on windows or in the windows) walls, garden sprinklers that are too close to your home, clogged gutters)
– Quickly dry wet areas or wet materials
– Clean and remove moldy materials quickly and safely
How are mold and moisture related?
Mold feeds on any type of organic material, such as leaves, wood, paper, or even dust. Mold also needs moisture to grow and reproduce. Organic material is almost always present, so whether the mold grows or not depends largely on the presence of moisture. By fixing moisture problems you can prevent mold growth in your home.
Mold and Your Health
How am I exposed to indoor mold?
You can be exposed to indoor mold by breathing.small pieces of mold and spores. The spores of molds are like little seeds. Spores may be in materials such as concrete, walls, flooring or furnishings, or they may float in the air. It is common to find spores in the air from the inside. We all breathe in some mold every day.
Most of the mold spores located in the air in the interior come from outside If moisture is present inside buildings, mold can develop quickly and emit many spores into the indoor air.
Do I care what sort of mold is in my house?
No one certainly knows if some types of mold are more harmful than others. Also, mold affects different people in different ways. The best information we have is that it is not useful to know what kind of mold is in your home. Some businesses offer to test the mold inside your home. house to tell you the types of mold there are, and how much mold there is, but you don’t need these tests to see if you have a moisture or mold problem
Mold and moisture problems in your home
How can I find out if I have mold or moisture problems?
Mold growing could be visible or hidden under water-damaged surfaces (e.g., wallpaper), behind furniture, flush and behind skirting boards, or inside walls, floors or ceilings. If you have had your home flooded in the past, the mold has likely begun for it to grow. All mold would surely be growing in places where floodwater stayed longer, such as the basement.
Some of the signs of mold or moisture problems in your home are:
– Areas on floors, walls, moldings, or furniture that are discolored or with mold on top
– An earthy or musty smell
– Wet areas on surfaces
– Water stains on walls or ceilings
– Water damage, such as deformed floors, cracked paint, or bulging paint
You may also have a mold problem if the people who are sensitive or allergic to mold have symptoms when entering your home.
Condensation on walls or windows is also a sign. of a moisture problem.
Because condensation can also cause a problem with gas furnaces, the heat, or dryer. Inspect appliances that are working with fuel every year and contact your organization or a professional contractor if you have any questions.
Is it bad for lung health to spend too much in humid indoor environments?
Different research studies show that living, working and studying in a humid indoor environment can cause several problems. These include the following:
– Asthma: Relapses in people who already have the disease and, possibly, its appearance in those who do not suffer it.
– Cough
– Wheezing
– Propensity to catch colds or flu.
– Chest infections caused by the inhalation of small particles of mold (for example, breathing a type of mold called Aspergillus can give rise to an infection called aspergillosis).
– Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
– Rhinitis: Inflammation of the tissues lining the inside of the nose. produces sneezing, as well as a runny or stuffy nose.
– Hypersensitivity pneumonitis-occurs when the tissue of the lungs is inflamed by an allergic reaction to a substance that has been inhaled, however, it is quite rare to get this disease because of an environment wet interior.
– Dust mites or house dust mites also develop with easily in humid and warm places and may cause allergic reactions (for example, symptoms of asthma, eczema, and rhinitis).
– People with lung disease, babies and children, people with asthma, eczema, and rhinitis. Also the elderly and those with lower immunological systems run a high risk of diabetes.
Although it is not clear which exact agents of moisture and mold originate lung problems, you can take various measures of proven effectiveness which reduce symptoms and protect the health of the lungs.
How do I know if there’s a problem in my building?
Mold takes on a range of shapes and textures, appearing as white, black, yellow, blue or green and is often seen as discoloration or stain on a surface. They may also have a velvety, blurry, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mold and where it is growing.
There’s always some mold everywhere, in the air and on many surfaces. Mold grows where there is moisture. When mold grows hidden in your home, often a mold odor may be the only clue it’s there. Don’t ignore the odors of mold if you can’t see any mold.
If you are concerned about the potential existence of mold and humidity in your home, work or school, look where you live for signs of the following:
– Age of the building: Older buildings with damage and flaws are more likely to have increasing moisture problems or leaks. On the other hand, new buildings are also exposed to moisture problems due to condensation or the effect of the water used during construction that has not yet completely dried out.
– Wet basement: may be a clear sign of rising damp.
– Water damage: Damage caused by leaks.
– Visible signs or odors of mold and moisture.
How can I protect my lungs?
Removing moisture and mold. Put an end to mold and moisture. In some cases, you can do it yourself, in others, you’ll need professional help.
Moisture
Sometimes it is necessary to do repair work on the building to make sure that there are no water leaks that cause moisture problems.
Heating and ventilation are two very important factors.
Make sure the building is well ventilated: Open windows regularly. or use a ventilation system. When showering, bathing, or cooking, open the window, turn on the extractor and close the bathroom or kitchen door.
With the aid of a dehumidifier, you can also reduce the amount of steam of water in the air.
You should also avoid drying clothes indoors, as this raises the level of humidity in the environment. Use the dryer or tent outdoors. If you can only do it inside the house, use a dehumidifier in the room.
Keep the building at an adequate temperature. The World Health Organization
Health recommends 16-20 °C in the bedrooms and 19-22 °C in the rest of the house.
When outdoors, keep the temperature above 15°C.
Mold
Once the moisture problems are resolved, it’s time to eliminate the mold.
Tissues near the mold source (such as, for example, clothes, curtains, carpets, bedding, mattresses and toys) can become contaminated. It is necessary to disinfect all these items, although it is preferable to replace them.
When you come in contact with mold to remove it, releases into the air tiny particles called spores. Therefore, you must close all doors of the affected area to seal it and to avoid that the mold is scattered throughout the rest of the rooms. Open the windows when the mold is removed, and then, keep them open for a while. When you have finished, thoroughly clean all surfaces from the room to eliminate the spores.
If you are not the owner of the building:
To live, work or study in a facility that harms your health may be pointless, especially if maintenance is not your responsibility.
You should discuss the problem with the homeowner and with the community or with the person in charge of the building, the employer or the administration of the school so they can take the necessary steps to resolve it. These people, each in their case have an obligation to act to protect the building.
Get medical help If you notice that your symptoms improve when you’re not there in that humid and moldy space, go to a health care professional and tell them so that they can assess whether it influences what happens to you. You may be told to take certain precautions. to reduce your exposure to moisture and mold. You may also use medications to help relieve symptoms, although you can’t expect them to remedy their main causes (humidity, mold, or both).
Employing a mold removal contractor
If you choose to hire a mold remover from your home:
– Be sure to hire a licensed, experienced contractor who has specific training in mold remediation or “mold reduction.
While in most cases there is no certification or license to solve problems of moisture or mold, you can find trained professionals certified in mold reduction by both professional organizations and trade groups.
– Here there are two examples.
Make sure you find a contractor trained in mold remediation through the Mold Remediation Institute Inspection, Sanitation and Restoration (Institute of Inspection, Sanitation and Restoration) IICRC go to www.iicrc.org/locate-a-certified-professional/ and look for services of “mold reduction” in your area. Go to the Indoor Air Quality Association website.
(IAQA) at www.iaqa.org/find-a-pro or call 844-802-4103 to find contractors trained in mold remediation.
When hiring a contractor, ask questions about their specific training and experience, ask if they have a mold remediation license or certification, make sure to confirm that he’s insured, and ask him for references. Also, tell the contractor to explain the work to you, exactly what they will do to solve the problem of mold and moisture.
What are the types of moisture?
There are several types of moisture depending on their origin and each must be treated individually if we want to eradicate them definitively.
The first step is to conduct a diagnosis to confirm the type of humidity we are facing and to be able to carry out an adequate treatment. A correct diagnosis always implies a considerable saving of time, money and inconvenience.
Humidity due to condensation
Condensation can cause moisture problems and stimulate mold growth in your home. In addition to aesthetic damage, it increases the risk of respiratory problems. It can also cause wood frames to rot.
Condensation begins with a high rate of humidity in the air, usually produced by cooking, washing or drying clothes indoors with the help of heating.
When this environmental humidity comes into contact with cold surfaces such as walls, mirrors, tiles or windows, this humidity condenses in the form of water droplets.
Moisture from leaks
This type of filtration dampness occurs in areas with or without poor waterproofing. The absence of waterproofing allows water to pass through facades, retaining walls or basements. The water present in the soil surrounding a building comes into contact with the building’s walls, degrading the building materials.
In serious cases, dampness caused by leaks causes structural damage, detachments of the cladding, failures in the electrical installation and the entry of water into the enclosure, creating a humid environment with the health problems associated with it
Can I avoid mold and moisture problems?
The best way to prevent mold and moisture issues is to be alert to the moisture sources inside your home and get rid of the humidity as quickly as possible.
– Make sure there is good airflow where moisture is produced, for example: That the dryers ventilate outward
– When showering or bathing, open a window or use an exhaust fan (and keep it on for 20-30 minutes later)
– When cooking, use an exhaust fan that vents outward or opens a window.
– Do not hang up wet clothing indoors until you can open windows for humidity to escape.
– Check chambers and basements for moisture and seal any leaks or cracks.
– Turn on and run dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture indoors, like basements.
– Make sure roofs are in good condition and fix leaks as soon as possible.
– Point garden sprinklers away from your home.
– Make sure gutters and downpipes drain water away from your home.
– Make sure the ground outside, and around your home slopes away from your home.
– If you have a leak or flood, take care of the moisture immediately
– Stop the source of the leak or flood.
– Remove excess water with a mop, vacuum cleaner or pump.
– Move wet items to a well-ventilated area to dry or put them outside to dry faster.
– Move the folders and lift the wet folder as soon as possible.
– Doors to closets open and move furniture away from walls to increase the flow of air.
– Remove the rock board and skirting board, open the wall panels, if necessary, to allow for the air enters the area and dries well where the walls have been wet. (For more information see additional resources listed in Flood Cleanup).
– Run portable fans to increase airflow (but not if mold has already begun to grow, this could spread mold).
– DO NOT use the central heating system or air conditioning system if this or any of the above is not available.
– Ducts have been flooded. This could spread mold around your home.
– If you have a moisture problem that you can’t fix on your own, consider hiring a contractor or construction expert to help you.
Cleaning up mold in your home
Cleaning up mold in your home quickly and surely is important, but unless you locate and fix problems in your home, your mold problems are coming back.
Keep yourself and others safe from mold and chemicals.
If you are a mold risk individual or have a medical history of the effects of mold on your health or the quantity of mold in your body, think about contacting a professional.
Mold cleaning can also expose you to a lot of mold (10 to 1000 times more than normal), as well as irritant cleaning agents or sanitizers. Even if you (or your housing manager) can clean up small problems, a total area of 10 square feet (about 3 feet by three feet) maybe, you should first try to clean up a small area to make sure it doesn’t affect your health. For mold problems more than 100 square feet (10 feet by 10 feet), it may be better to hire a contractor with experience. For medium-scale problems, make sure you can clean up mold safely and that your health will not be affected, or hire a contractor.
– Do not allow others to enter the work area during cleaning.
– Wear personal protective equipment
– Waterproof gloves
– Eyeglasses or protective eyewear
– An N-95 respirator (available at hardware stores) to prevent mold inhalation. This respirator has two straps and has a printed NIOSH approval number in it.
– Do not wear a “dust” mask. It will not protect you from mold.
– Use clothing that will cover as much of your body as possible (including your hair and footwear) and can be washed with hot water or discarded.
– Work for short periods and rest where you can breathe fresh air.
– Ventilate your home well during and after work.
Respiratory masks that protect you from mold spores do not protect you from vapors. of disinfectants. Make sure the area has good airflow.
Never use a gasoline engine inside (such as a water pump with a gas engine, a water pump with a gas engine, a water pump with a gas engine, a water pump with a gas engine) since you and your family may face the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide or toxic carbon.
Do I need to disinfect?
The use of disinfectants, such as chlorine or other chlorine-containing products, to clean up mold is not advisable. They are also harmful and no more effective than the safest of these methods.
Using chlorine can irritate the skin of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can cause breathing problems (such as asthma) and injuries. Chlorine can also damage clothing, shoes, and other materials. Chlorine does not kill mold unless you have first cleaned the area and removed the mold, so chlorine is not necessary. Chlorine does not prevent that the mold will grow back
You may not fully sanitize any porous or moldy materials, such as rugs, textile or stonework.. (However, you can reuse things that can be washed away if all the mold and stains are removed.) For smooth, non-porous surfaces, scrubbing with detergents and other recommended cleaners will remove the mold, without the need to disinfect. (Using chlorine to disinfect is only recommended if there is a concern on infections, for example, when there is a drainage spill.)
If you are thinking of using chlorine despite these warnings:
– Only use bleach or disinfectants on non-porous materials and only after cleaning with soap or detergent.
– Never mix chlorine with ammonia or any substance other than water (unless the product label permits mixing) as this can produce toxic vapors.
– It is extremely hard to fully protect oneself from vapors and contact with the skin. Handle Chlorine with caution. Use eye protection and gloves made to protect the skin from aggressive chemicals. Ensure good circulation or ventilation of outside air to reduce vapors
How to remove mold
- Firstly, correct the moisture problems and remove the excess water: a damp/dry hoover can help eliminate the water and clear the area.
- Seal the work area to prevent dust and spores from spreading to other areas.
- Close the door or use plastic sheeting to separate the room.
- Install a fan to draw air out through a window or door to the outside.
- Scrub the entire moldy area with an ammonia-free soap or detergent, or use a commercial washer. Use sponges or rags in hot water until the mold disappears. Use a hard brush or sponge on cement block walls and other uneven surfaces.
- Rinse clean items with water and dry well.
What can I keep?
– Store materials that do not absorb water (made of glass, plastic, metal, or ceramic) and that are not absorbed can clean up the mold.
– Store items that are not moldy and do not smell like mold.
– Some items such as clothing and bedding can be cleaned well enough to prevent mold and mildew. keep it, it’s worth a try.
What should I throw away?
Mold can grow very quickly on porous materials (such as cloth, carpet, carpet pads), and foam buffer) that are wet. It is important to dry them as soon as possible before more mold grows. A common rule of thumb is to throw out porous materials that are wetted by more mold from 24 to 48 hours because mold is very likely to grow. However, it does look or smell like mold, throw them away. Because it is easier for the spores to enter the air after the moldy materials have been removed if possible, remove moldy objects as soon as possible.
Remove and discard:
– Wet materials that absorb water or that look or smell like mildew, such as rock board, roofing brick, curtains, upholstered furniture, and products made of chipboard.
– Materials that are dry but look or smell like mold.
It is difficult to clean wall-to-wall carpets with mold. Throw away the carpet, backing, or filler if you have mold or if it smells like mold. Keep carpets that are wet only if they can be washed well or not. they smell like mojo when dry.
If there is a flood, remove the rock board to the level higher than the watermark.
Look inside the space on the wall and throw away any material, such as insulation, that is wet, moldy, or if you have an odor of mold.
The moldy materials can be thrown into the trash can of your house if they’re bagged and tightly closed or sealed. Materials containing lead or asbestos must be taken to a waste program. toxic domestic products. Some materials that may contain lead or asbestos are:
– Roof Tiles
– Vinyl Floors
– Painted wood, gypsum or rock board within homes built before 1978
Ways to Repair Moisture
One of the most common mistakes that’s usually made when repairing a stain of moisture, is to try to paint directly on it, without first having eliminated the source that originates it. This practice is illogical since the only thing we will achieve is to conceal that ugly stain for a while, but undoubtedly in the future, it will appear again.
Other solutions?
- Anti-humidity panels: The placement of good anti-humidity panels is usually a very good option since many of them (depending on the brands) can be placed directly on the stain of moisture, covering it completely and preventing it from passing through the plate. Besides, this type of anti-humidity plates is generally very simple to place and comes in different decorative formats, which will get rid of the problem of moisture, as well as decorate your home in a simple and elegant way.
- Anti-humidity paint: Another very good option, without a doubt, are the anti-humidity paints, of which there are all kinds: paints for waterproofing, blocking, fixing, etc. This type of paint is excellent to apply in humidities both inside and outside our home.
- Adequate ventilation: An economic and natural method to get rid of humidity can be to ventilate all rooms of the house periodically. Commonly, the steam that is generated in the kitchen or the bathroom does not get completely outdoors, if not, what will be generated over time is moisture in the walls. For that reason, we must always maintain adequate ventilation of the different sectors of the house, fundamentally of those places to which they do not arrive too much solar light.
What are the types of insurance that include dampness?
All buildings are subject to humidity problems. We’re not saying that it will always happen, but remember that whatever the type of property, the walls, the lying down, or the floor will run through the ‘veins of the home’ carrying the vital liquid.
That’s why thinking about homeowners insurance with moisture damage coverage isn’t crazy, even if you have the number of your trusted plumber on hand.
Home insurance policies generally do not cover mold resulting from preventable water leaks, flooding or high humidity. Insurers expect homeowners to proactively address these problems before they have to file an insurance claim.
Homeowners insurance covers mold if a “covered risk” caused it. In that case, your homeowners’ insurance policy is likely to pay for repairs and cleaning.
Damage Insurance
Although it may give rise to confusion, we insist, damage insurance is related to water and it has to do with the pipes of the house and not with atmospheric phenomena or rain, ie. water damage is the coverage of insurance on the damage that can cause the water pipes.
Depending on the insurer, this coverage may be optional, but it is hardly an exclusive coverage. If only one cover could be taken out in modern home insurance, this would be the fire cover.
Multi-risk insurance
The most common thing to do when taking out home insurance is to have a multi-risk cover that protects against the most common damage that can affect your property, both in terms of the structure and content, and which is liable to civil liability.
The classic risks that are usually covered and recommended are fires, atmospheric phenomena, breakdowns caused by water, broken glass and theft. Other usual coverages are emergency locksmith’s shop, home assistance, legal service, damage caused by domestic animals, etc.
Here are some of the risks covered by homeowners insurance:
- Fire
- Lightning
- Vandalism or malicious mischief
- Damage caused by vehicles
- Fall of objects
- Weight of ice, snow or sleet
- Unintentional release or overflow of water or vapor from pipes, heaters, air conditioners, shower systems, or appliances.
- Congealed Tubes
It is not normal to leave the tap open intentionally. What usually happens is that, due to a work, the water is turned off and you do not know for sure whether the tap has been turned off or not.
If it has been left open and the water comes back, there will be a loss that can cause damage to the floor below, if you live in a multi-story condominium.
There are not a few home insurance policies that have this eventuality, so the policies that indicate the coverage of the continent are usually responsible for damage caused by the omission of the closing of faucets or water taps. It is important to review this section of the conditions to find out what the insurance covers and what it does not cover.
Building insurance
In comprehensive insurance for construction, it is possible to cover the needs of the building. This insurance mainly covers damage to the building caused in the construction process (except for specific exclusions) as a consequence of Fire, explosion, falling aircraft, impact of vehicles, robbery with violence, negligence in the works and other unforeseen accidents that affect the insured work.
How to claim moisture from insurance?
The inconvenience caused by leaks is solved in an easy, comfortable and fast way if we call our insurance company. When taking out home insurance with assistance, the insurer contacts the professionals to make the necessary repairs and also covers the price of the materials.
The claim must meet simple conditions: Identify the exact place or places of the problem. Mold grows quickly so We encourage you to even record each incident with a photo and then stop the source of the leak and clean the water before calling your insurance company. An insurance company will expect you to be pro-active in resolving problems and preventing any further damage.
Take care that the problem does not reach larger dimensions, for example, if we know that the wall next to the shower is getting wet, use the alternate shower or stop opening the tap.
If you’re homeowner, in some cases, your Mold claim will match the claim you filed for a causal incident. If a water pipe is broken and flooded, your home, your insurance company may send a team to properly dry your home to prevent mold from growing in the first place. This is better because it will prevent you from paying a deductible for two separate claims: one for flood repairs and the other for the elimination of mold in the future. In these situations, enquire with your insurance agent if the required mold fix is fully insured by your claim. In addition, maintain thorough registers of all damaged areas and repairs to back up possible future claims. In other cases, you may find mold sometimes after water damage has occurred.
The communication to claim humidities neither entails greater difficulty; you can do it by dialing the number of attendance.
Does homeowners policy cover broken pipelines?
Many people question whether water damage is covered by their homeowner’s policy. The answer to this question depends on the type of water damages. Progressive” water damage occurs over a long period. This may be caused by a leaking pipe or other factors, such as a crack in a foundation. This type of damage is a common cause for an insurance claim.
If you are unsure whether your insurance will cover water damage caused by a leaking pipe, it is essential to verify the exact number of wording of your homeowners’ insurance policy with your advisor, agent or insurance broker. You will need to check the exclusions of your policy as well as the type of protection you have.
All of the insurance policies exclude wear and tear and gradual damage. However, there may be some “exceptions. For example, ” consequential ” damage can occur as a result of a broken pipe, water tank or washing machine.
What does ‘Resulting Damage’ Means
“Resulting damage” is different from the initial damages. For instance, if water damage caused by a broken pipe or appliance is included in the text of your insurance policy, you may be reimbursed for some or all of the damage caused, but the expense of replacing the damaged pipe or purchasing new replacement equipment would not be covered. This is the type of coverage generally found in most homeowner’s insurance policies.
How Pipe Insurance Views Pipes
Most insurance carriers would consider a home’s plumbing to be under normal homeowner upkeep. The homeowner is also responsible for the repair or replacement of the broken pipe. But leaking pipes are different from broken pipes that could eventually flood the entire residence. This type of flood is covered by a fully comprehensive policy. A flood caused by the rising water level would require separate flood insurance coverage.
Negligence
If you live in a northern climate and your broken pipe is the result of freezing due to lack of heat in the home, an insurance company could cite your negligence and deny your claim. Broken pipes must occur suddenly and by accident and should not have been easily avoidable. If you are unaware of a leaking pipe, and it subsequently ruptures, the insurance company may see evidence of a long-term leak and possibly negate the claim.
Posterior damage
In the aftermath of a pipeline breaks, homeowner’s insurance covers damage to the carpet, plaster wall, paint, and so on. Any services needed to clean the water, dry the house and possibly prevent mold would also be included in this coverage.
How to Avoid Denial of a Water Damage Claim
It is very important that your plumbing is inspected regularly by a licensed professional, and that you keep records of the repairs and professionals you have hired over the years to perform inspections and maintenance. These can be very important in the case of a claim.
The different portions of the plumbing in your home will have several useful life periods. Replace plumbing beyond its intended life. In northern climates, make sure you leave your home’s heat on, even if it’s set at a low level, during the winter, especially if you’re going away for an extended period. All homes, regardless of weather, must have a water shutoff valve. Be sure you know where this valve is located and ensure that it is operable in case you need to shut off the water fast.
Ensure that you understand all of your policy coverages, and a good knowledge of exclusions, as well as your responsibilities as a homeowner. Also, do regular home maintenance each spring and fall to avoid surprises. Small repairs will often avoid large expenses. Also, don’t skimp on insurance. Be sure to buy the best insurance for your needs, and ask about any additional coverages you may need.
What to do if your claim is rejected
If your coverage was denied and you feel that your coverage should have been applied to damages caused by a leaking pipe, you may want to consider obtaining a second opinion from a licensed professional or consumer advocacy organization that is acquainted with insurance in your region.
Your insurance company may also have an ombudsperson who can help you review your file. You may also get in touch with your state insurance commissioner for guidance or to file a complaint.
Professional Assessment
Cleaning Broken Pipes and Pipe Breaks – What You Need to Know
Arriving home and finding your ankle sunk in the flood water of a broken pipe is an unforgettable experience. But in fact, it’s a relatively common plumbing problem and seldom happens at the right time When bursting pipe is in a spot where it’s easy to locate.- like under your sink in your kitchen, or washroom – this is actually a better issue to have, that is, when you find it right away and can call a water damage plumber and company to perform instant cleaning services on ruptured pipes. Draining this water in 48-72 hours, drying and dehumidifying building structures, cabinets, damaged furniture and personal belongings can save thousands of dollars in expenditures and enable you to stay in your home during repairs and restoration.
But what happens when there’s a broken pipe that is hidden from view? How do you know and what should you do?
Signs of a leaking or breaking pipe
Water accumulation or water damage to walls, ceilings or floors.
Sibilant sound of water running when the pipe is not in use.
The pressure in the pipes is not constant when a pressure gauge connected to the pipe is used when the water supply is closed.
Your roof is bulging
- There is a visible crack in a part of the pipe.
- You get a huge water bill and haven’t recently filled a new pool.
More information on cleaning burst pipes
The cleanliness of burst pipes will generally depend on these four important factors:
Water Type
Whether the water in the broken pipe is clean or unclean will determine the flood rating and the type of repairs and restorations required.
Scope of Damage
The number of damage to building structures, materials, and personal belongings will determine the restoration costs and duration of your home.
Duration
Flooding damage caused by clean water within 48-72 hours will have a somewhat lower rating than the flooding caused by pipes containing unclean water.
Mold Damage Probability
The presence of visible mold, mold odor, or other signs of long-term water damage will classify the harm as more extensive and is likely to require mold repairs.
Wherever it comes to cleaning broken pipes, you can rely on ABCDEF restoration as an experienced, authorized and certified provider of water damage mitigation, mold repair, and restoration services. This is what you can expect:
- It is our primary goal upon your arrival to keep you and your family safe. We will work at no additional cost to you to precisely identify the source, scope, and length of your flood damage.
- After you select us for your burst pipe cleaning work, we act as your insurer’s advocate to determine your water damage policy and ensure maximum reimbursement per claim based on your policy, claim and our assessment.
- Our adhesion to the IICRC guidelines means that we are following Industry-approved protocols and insurances that specify how to safely hold and handle your flood category. Wherever possible, it is our goal to save rather than eliminating building structures, furnishings, and other water-damaged goods.
- We help you find suitable housing when your stay in your home is unsafe or impossible.
- In contrast to most other firms, we have invested in specialized machinery that allows us to dry and dehumidify building structures in places where accessibility is more difficult. This means you save more building materials at a lower cost to you.
- We control the moisture extent through instruments that provide accurate measurements.
- In addition to the usual industrial equipment, we have special equipment that enables us to both dry and dehumidify building structures in hard-to-reach areas
- We do everything possible to restore personal belongings that can be rescued.
- Your work may involve other specialized subcontractors. We work in collaboration with them to make sure their work is done safely, efficiently and cost-effectively from start to finish.
- If you have any specific questions about the necessity of remedying mold, we recommend that you test with a certified, impartial environmental company that is a mold testing and analysis specialist.
- Our actions are quick, reliable, cost-effective and safe for your property to be managed and restored to a better condition than the new one.
- You have your individual account representative to answer your questions, keep you posted, act as your advocate, and help you make decisions related to repairing, fixing, and restoring your home.
Recommendations
What to do if a pipe in the house breaks
Do you have water leaks? Flooding? Do you know what to do or how to act if a pipe breaks in our house? At ABCDEF we tell you how to act in these cases.
Water leaks through a broken pipe are sometimes unavoidable. But we can be very careful.
Pipe breakage prevention measures
In the last decade, there has been an important improvement in the development of applications for mobile devices that can aid you as a measure of precaution. Devices like Grohe Sense Guard, which is a smart water controller that allows you to detect a broken pipe, to ground-installed sensors that can perceive water presence or excessive humidity such as Grohe Ondus or Lyric W1.
In other scenarios, if there’s need to be out of home for more than just a weekend, we always recommend, even if we don’t detect water leaks, to close the water faucet to avoid an eventuality that could provoke more serious consequences like a flood of greater magnitude.
What to do with a broken pipe with water leaks?
In the event of a flood, it is essential to have the help of a professional in this type of breakdown. Even so, we can carry out some transitory actions to minimize the consequences of water leaks produced by a broken pipe. Take note of these tips:
NON-VISIBLE OR SLIGHT WATER LEAKS
Some leaks are caused by breaks inside a pipe. They are frequently imperceptible leaks that occur on house flooring. These are quite difficult to perceive since the lost liquid goes underground and there is no evidence of damage to the walls or to the ceilings.
There also exists perceptible water leakages exposed by moisture on walls. If this type of stain appears and increases exponentially, you should call a professional to perform an inspection.
In both cases, we must have professional help for an inspection to avoid greater evils. Although if they are water leaks that are outdoors and in sight, as a temporary measure until supervised by a professional, you can put insulating tape to cover it.
If we suspect small internal leaks or micro-water leaks, we should examine every corner of our home in detail and talk to neighbors of neighboring homes, as the moisture that causes internal leaks and micro-water leaks often spread quickly through the walls of the building.
SERIOUS WATER LEAKS
In the event that there is a flood in your home, reduce water to avoid leaks and other damage. In this case, you should quickly turn off the water tap. If the flooding is only in one room, it may be enough to close the internal storage tap of that part of the installation. If you need to find the stopcock, it is usually in the kitchen, in the laundry room or a bathroom. It is a brass valve with a handle, which is usually round and aluminum.
You will temporarily run out of water until a professional comes to supervise the fault but it is the way to cut off water leaks through a broken pipe. Remember to turn off the water completely, up to the top, especially in the case of a broken external pipe, to prevent a flood or to put a brake but also that you or your family avoid the risk of electrocutions. Therefore, after closing the key, it is advisable to turn off the light, if the flood is significant enough.
Even if the stopcock has been turned off, the pipes may contain water. It is possible to empty it by opening the taps, this way we will avoid more leaks. It is recommended to do this every year, to purge the pipes. With everything under control, make a tour of the house to assess the extent of the damage and collect the appropriate evidence if you want to make use of insurance.
Count on professionals for repair
The best thing is always to have professionals to repair broken pipes. If we also want to save paperwork and expenses, the ideal scenario is to have a home insurance repair service available 24 hours a day with which to be always backed, knowing that as soon as an unforeseen event arises, it will have a prompt solution. For any doubt regarding this insurance, remember that your Personal Advisor is always available.