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What Can Cause Water Damage?

Water damage can happen due to a number of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of water damage in San Jose and across America:

San Jose Water Damage Restoration

Broken/ Leaking Pipes

According to the Claims Magazine, broken water pipes rank second to hurricanes in terms of the number of homes damaged as well as the amount claimed. A tiny, 1/8-inch crack can release as much as 250 gallons of water every day

Other Kinds Of Plumbing Leaks

These include other common forms of plumbing leaks like broken dishwasher hoses, clogged toilets, groundwater seepage, etc.

According to the EPA, 13.7% of all water damage incidents can be attributed to plumbing leaks.

Building Issues

Water damage can also occur due to broken doors and windows, leaking roofs or siding etc.

Natural Disasters

Floods, hurricanes, or incessant heavy rains can also significant water damage over a short period of time.

The cause of the damage determines the exact process that needs to be adopted for a quick and effective remedy. At Resto Pros Inc, we use the right tools and techniques to identify the source of damage and get the repair done in the right way, without increasing the risk of further damage.

The Effects Of Water Damage

Water leakages can cause significant damage to your property, and also expose you and your family to a range of serious risks. The damages can be classified into short-term and long-term damages.

Short Term Damage Caused by Water

Damage To Furniture And Other Belongings

Whether it’s a flood or a leaking pipe, as soon as water makes its way to your home, it can damage everything. This includes furniture, furnishings, carpets, metal, toys, and almost everything else. Our team for San Jose water damage restoration will salvage all the things that are marginally damaged and also help in the restoration of items that have been more significantly damaged.

Unpleasant Odor

Water damage is often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. In most cases, standing water gives a strong musty odor that doesn’t go away even after using an air freshener.

Electrical Damage

Water can seep into power outlets, increasing the risks of short circuits and hence, electrical fires. Wires getting submerged in water are equally dangerous as well.

Long-Term Damage Caused By Water

Mold Infestation

As the moisture starts to get soaked up by the walls and floors, it can lead to the growth of molds. It is difficult to detect the exact extent of their spread and they can cause serious health concerns.

Structural Damage

Flooding in the house can cause damage to walls and flooring. If you have wooden flooring, then water can cause it to warp, rendering it un salvageable. Water can also damage the wallpaper, paint, and drywall.

Loss Of Value

Even if you repair the damage later on, certain signs might still be visible, as it is too late to repair them. This results in a significant loss in the value of the property.

Here is outlining some common types of water damage, the areas of the home they commonly affect, and the average cost of repairs:

Type of Water Damage Affected Areas of Home Average Cost of Repairs
Burst Pipes Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Basement $5,000 – $10,000
Leaking Roof Attic, Ceiling, Walls $500 – $4,000
Flooded Basement Basement, Foundation, Flooring $2,000 – $10,000
Appliance Leaks Floors, Walls, Ceilings $1,000 – $5,000

 

The actual cost of repairs may vary depending on the severity of the damage and other factors, such as the size of the affected area and the materials needed for repairs.

Don’t Waste Time In Dealing With Water Damage

When dealing with San Jose Water Damage restoration, it is important to act fast. Unlike the damages caused by fire, damages caused by water can aggravate over time. For example, the water starts to get soaked up by the walls within the first few hours, and within 48 hours, it would cause significant damage to your overall structure.

This is why it is recommended that you get in touch with our team as soon as you notice signs of water damage at your home. We always have a team of experts ready for quick dispatch so that the issues are resolved without any delays or hassles.

Signs Of Water Damage

So, when do you know your home is damaged by water? Well, there are a few easy-to-spot signs of possible water damage. Here are some of them-

  • You see peeling, bubbling, or flaking layers of paint
  • Small hairline cracks
  • Larger cracks that resemble the pattern of a spider-web
  • Water rings, which are usually light brown in color
  • Water stains, often a dark, yellow color. They are often similar in appearance to rust
  •  You see visible signs of mold growth. They can be commonly seen in corners where walls and ceilings meet. They can also be seen in humid rooms or locations such as basements
  • Your ceilings are sagging or appear to be bowed
  • Musty smells

If you see any such signs, then we recommend that you give our team a call. A full assessment would be performed to help you detect the nature and extent of the damage.

What Are The Things To Do After Water Damage?

When you encounter water damage due to any reason, it is important that you follow certain steps. This would help you address the issues on time and mitigate the damages.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The first thing that you would need to do is to get in touch with your insurance company and start the claims process. Most insurance companies require you to inform them right away. So, don’t delay in informing them.

You would need to document the damages. Try to take as many photos and videos as you can of the damaged items, as that would help you with the claims process.

An important stage of the process is to schedule the visit by the claims adjuster. They will assess the damage and will determine whether the damages will be covered by the policy or not.

Protect Yourself, Appliances, And Valuables

Next, you need to make sure you and your family are safe. Here are the things that you should do to ensure safety.

Turn Off The Power

Don’t enter a flooded area, before turning off the electricity. If you need to stand in wet areas to turn off the power, it is best to give us a call to handle that.

Start Water Damage Repair Immediately

Next, you would need to give us a call for San Jose water damage restoration. However, before starting the process of water damage, make sure that you document all of the damage first.

It is recommended that you start the water damage restoration within 24 to 48 hours after you’ve been cleared to re-enter your home.

Why Contact Us?

There are a few things that make us one of the most trusted names in San Jose Water Damage Restoration. Here are some of the advantages that you get when you get our services.

1. Experience

We have helping homeowners deal with the challenges of water damage restoration for years now. This has helped us to detect issues accurately and find the right solutions quickly, even for the most complicated challenges.

2. Quick Turnaround

We understand that time is of the essence when it comes to water damage restoration. This is the reason why we work by following a process that saves time and completes the project quickly.

3. Complete Communication

We always keep you in the loop. You would get all the updates well in time so that you can plan accordingly.

The Process We Follow For San Jose Water Damage Restoration

1. Inspection and Assessment

After you give us a call, our team will visit your premises to assess the damage and determine the nature, source, and extent of the damage. Based on that, we would give you an estimate.

Depending on the extent of the damage and the restoration work required, you may need to obtain permits from the local government before beginning the restoration process.

Permit Type Issuing Authority Description
Building Permit City of San Jose Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement A permit that is required for major restoration work, such as structural repairs or changes to the building’s layout. This permit ensures that the work is up to code and meets safety standards.
Plumbing Permit A permit is required for any plumbing work that is performed during the restoration process, such as repairing or replacing damaged pipes or fixtures. This permit ensures that the work is done by a licensed plumber and meets building codes.
Electrical Permit A permit is required for any electrical work that is performed during the restoration process, such as repairing or replacing damaged wiring or fixtures. This permit ensures that the work is done by a licensed electrician and meets safety standards.
Demolition Permit A permit is required for any demolition work that is performed during the restoration process, such as removing damaged walls or flooring. This permit ensures that the work is done safely and meets building codes.
Environmental Permits Santa Clara Valley Water District and/or California State Water Resources Control Board Depending on the extent of the damage and the restoration work required, you may need to obtain environmental permits from the local government. These permits ensure that the restoration work does not harm the environment or violate local regulations.

 

Varies depending on the scope of work and valuation. Contact us for further details.

2. Water Removal

Now, the actual restoration work will begin. At the first stage of the process, the water will be removed with the help of high-performance pumps. Once the water is completely drained out, the area will be checked for any residual water.

Water Removal

3. Cleaning, Sanitizing, And Deodorization

At this stage, the area will be cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized. Areas and things like the floors, furniture as well as other fixtures will also be cleaned thoroughly.

4. Drying

Next, the area would need to be dried. To do that, high-power fans and dehumidifiers will be used.

5. Monitoring

The drying process might take upto a few days. The team will make multiple visits to your home so to make sure the affected area is drying as it should and it would be possible to stay on schedule.

6. Repair And Reconstruction

After the area is dried completely, structural repairs and reconstruction will be made. We have a team of specialist contractors who will help you with the process.

7. Final Inspection

A final inspection is conducted before deeming the work to be complete. You can safely move back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can move back into your home after you have the go-ahead from your insurance company and the restoration company. You might also need permission from government authorities in the case of natural disasters.

Usually, the water damage that is new will be one dark water spot without rings around it. The surface will feel moist, but will retain its firmness. On the other hand, older water damage will have more of a softer feel to its surface. They will have dry water rings around the spot. In fact, the more rings, the longer the water damage has likely been there. You might also notice decay or mold around the area.