Water Damage Claims
Water is one of the most prevalent causes of loss to a home. While running water and modern plumbing are great conveniences, they often at some point will cause extensive damage to your home. This could be caused by a burst pipe, toilet overflow, kitchen sink trap leak, garbage disposal failure, sewer backup, etc. Depending on the source of the water there may be drastic ramifications to your home and building products. Category 3 water is a very specific type of water that damages porous surfaces beyond repair. Per Jon-Don "Category 3 water loss involves water that is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. Such water may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances. Examples include, but are not limited to: sewage, toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap regardless of visible content or color, all forms of flooding from seawater, ground surface water and rising water from rivers or streams, and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment such as wind-driven rain from hurricanes, tropical storms, or other weather-related events." (https://www.jondon.com/how-to/technical-tips/restoration-disaster-recovery/flood-recovery/remediating-drying-category-3-water-losses.html)
Jon-Don also offers a procedure for how to deal with Category 3 water at the following site :https://www.jondon.com/how-to/technical-tips/restoration-disaster-recovery/flood-recovery/remediating-drying-category-3-water-losses.html
I have included the information below for your reference:
Basic Procedure
- Complete work contracts. No work should be started without completed authorizations.
- Identify any safety hazards (electrical wires in standing water, loose/buckling drywall, etc.).
- Locate the source of the water and stop any further intrusion. It may be required to contact a professional plumber or other contractor.
- Protect furniture by blocking. Small items can be moved out of the affected area.
- Extract water from carpet and/or pad using a sub-surface extraction tool. Remove water from hard surfaces via squeegee or mop. All dehumidifiers should be turned on to give the coils time to reach dew point temperature.
- Apply a biocide to all affected surfaces to help prevent and retard the growth of microbials.
- Remove and dispose of carpet and carpet pad from all affected areas.Remove and discard all contaminated porous and semi-porous structural materials.
- Inspect all areas that water may have traveled. Document all moisture levels in affected areas.
- Create a drying chamber. Remember, you only want to dry the areas that are wet.
- Install air movers (approx. every 10-15 linear feet). All air movers should be blowing in the same direction.
- Monitor job daily. Record all drying data and keep accurate records.
- Dispose of any non-dryable items. Ensure you document and have the approval of the homeowner/insurance company before you do.
- Reinstall carpet with new pad after drying is complete.
- Replace all structure materials that were removed.
- After drying is complete, all affected areas will need to be cleaned.
In the event of water damage first find out where the water is coming from and address the source of the leak. This may need to be handled by a plumber but many items can be handled on a do-it-yourself basis. After assessing the leak and getting the leak stopped call United Public Adjusters to help with the ensuing insurance claim to make sure you are compensated properly.
