Water Damage from AC Unit (HVAC Leak)

Water Damage from Air Conditioners 

What You Need To Know 

Water damage is never fun to deal with. It can take weeks or  even months to notice, but by the time you do, it’s usually too  late. To make matters even worse, your home’s air conditioning  unit also has the potential to cause water damage to your  home, if not properly maintained. Under normal circumstances,  your A/C should never leak water into your home, but that  doesn’t mean that it can’t happen. By neglecting to take proper  care of your air conditioner, you’re leaving your home vulnerable 

Possible Causes 

We’ve had situations ranging from someone coming home  and finding a small puddle around the AC, to ones where  they came home to a collapsed ceiling due to a  broken-down air conditioner. The truth is that if you don’t  keep up with services that your A/C system’s needs to  continue functioning properly, you open up your home to all  the risks associated with air conditioner water damages. 

7 Most common causes of water damage that can stem from your air conditioner 

  • Clogged or disconnected drain 
  • Dirty condensate pump 
  • Clogged air filter 
  • Dirty evaporator coil 
  • Cracked drain pan 
  • Low refrigerant 
  • Condensation buildup within ductwork 

Refer back to our example of a roof caving in because of a  neglected A/C unit we mentioned earlier in the article.  Maybe after reading that, you thought that there was no  way that something that extreme could actually happen.  Well, here’s the story behind that. The homeowner was not  regularly cleaning their system’s air filter. Over the years, this  build-up got so bad that it caused the cold, moist air coming  from the air conditioner to literally freeze up, since it was  

not being allowed to vent properly. When the homeowner would  shut off his air conditioner, there would be nothing left to keep  the built up ice cold, so it would melt. Their home’s A/C was  mounted in the attic, so all of that newly-melted water would  eat away at the attic ceiling, which eventually led to the whole  thing caving in. If the homeowner had just taken the time to  inspect their A/C every now and again, they would have  noticed a clogged filter and hopefully replaced it, effectively  nipping the problem in the bud with just a few bucks. Instead,  they had to spend thousands on a new ceiling and a new air  conditioner, on top of the cost of replacing all of their damaged  belongings.

How do I repair A/C water damage? 

Depending on the severity of the damage and what the root cause  is, repair tactics will vary. If you are only dealing with condensation  or a small leakage of water, you might have caught the issue early  enough to only need to replace some drywall, or, if you’re really  lucky, allow the area dry out. If, however, there is significant water  damage, that can lead to things like warmed floorboards and  sagging ceilings, so we suggest calling in the professionals to do  some hardcore demo work. 

If you are dealing with mold, you’ll need to have a professional  advise you on whether the mold is just on the surface, or if it  requires replacing large sections of flooring or drywall. If repairable,  the area will need to be thoroughly sanitized and bleached so that  the mold doesn’t return. Because this task is so dangerous, we  recommend leaving this to the professionals as well. 

ServiceFirst Restoration Inc. | Call – 1-855-883-4778 | Email – ineedhelp@callservicefirst.com 

Does insurance cover air conditioner water damage? 

As a homeowner, your homeowner’s insurance may or may  not cover the water damage from your air conditioner. Whether or not you’re covered all depends on the reason  for the water damage. If your air conditioners water damage  was deemed accidental, then your insurance policy will likely  cover the costs directly related to it. If you have mold  damage in addition to water damage, however, you might  not be so lucky. Mold damage is generally not covered by  insurance because it stems from neglect on the  homeowner’s part. In the case of mold, you will need to  work closely with your insurance agent to determine what is  and isn’t covered. 

Preventing water damage from air conditioners 

Once your air conditioner is at the point where it is leaking  water, it’s only a matter of hours before it can cause  permanent damage. You might leave your A/C on before  leaving for work in the morning during the summer months,  expecting to come home to a cool paradise after a long day’s  work. Instead, you might come back to a home that needs  extensive repairs due to A/C water damages that happened  while you were away, all because you didn’t maintain it. Why  not take precaution now to prevent things like that from  happening, while saving hundreds of dollars in potential  repairs in the process. 

Things to be Aware of: 

  1. Check the condensation line – Look for moisture in the  condensation line, and while the AC is running, make sure to  check that the line is flowing properly. You should see the  A/C unit dripping water only via the condensation line. 
  2. Clean the condensation line regularly – Every 3 to 6  months, clean your condensation line. There are several  techniques you can use, including a piece of string tied to a  

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cotton rag. Whatever you end up doing, make sure to clean the  line often, to prevent any blockages and to remove debris. 

  1. Change your A/C filter often – Change the filter every three  months or even more frequently than that, depending on your  use and area. This will prevent it from clogging and causing ice to  build up within the A/C system. 
  2. Check A/C refrigerant levels regularly – Refrigerant is what  keeps the air coming from the A/C cool. If refrigerant is low, the  A/C won’t function properly and will begin to leak water into your  home. 
  3. Install a drain pan overflow or a secondary drain line – Having  a secondary drain line or drain pan overflow indicator will help  you avoid related water damages. Talk to your HVAC professional  about these options. 
  4. Invest in regular inspections and preventative maintenance –  This one is a no-brainer. If you aren’t savvy when it comes to A/C  maintenance, leave it to the professionals. Have your A/C  inspected at least once a year, if not bi-annually, to ensure that  these small issues don’t become devastating ones. 

Who Should I Call to Repair Water Damage Caused By My Air Conditioner? 

WATER | MOLD | FIRE | PLUMBING | REPAIRS

A locally-owned professional water damage restoration  company, like Servicefirst Restoration, Inc is always your  best choice, and we’re just a phone call away. 

Your Restoration & Plumbing Hero! Restoring your Property 

and your life. 

CSLB#970181 

 

Article – Water Damage from AC – Final (1)

HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE JULY 2023

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest days of the year for house fires. Sure, it’s a celebration, and, yes,
fireworks are traditional and they can be used safely. Nonetheless, nearly 20,000 fires annually are blamed on fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Even the most common fireworks, such as a sparkler, can start a fire.

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What to Do If Your Basement Floods

The cost of repairing a flooded basement ranges from a few hundred dollars to well over $10,000.

It all depends on how you act immediately after discovering the damage. Water damage compounds over time – and it only gets worse. The worst thing you can do is fail to act.

To save your home from further damage, you need to know what to do first.

Keep reading to learn exactly what to do if your basement floods.

Understanding Basement Floods: Signs and Causes

A flooded basement seems like a temporary inconvenience – but it isn’t.

Staying aware of the common causes of floods can help you identify problems before they turn into catastrophes. The most common causes of flooding include:

  • Heavy rainfall
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Cracks in your home’s foundation
  • Improper grading
  • Clogged gutters

Heavy rainfall and clogged gutters are a bad combination. The excess water can pool in your basement and around your home’s foundations, causing extensive water damage. And if the ground around your home slopes toward your foundation, water may seep into your basement over time.

Long-Term Effects of Flooding

The long-term effects of a flooded basement can be severe. Water damage can cause structural weakness, impact your health, and cause undue and unnecessary stress.

Mold thrives in damp environments. It can pose serious health risks for people with allergies and asthma, and basement flooding only makes mold growth more likely.

The structural damage from extended water exposure weakens your home’s foundation, leading to potential safety hazards and a lower resale value.

What To Do if Your Basement Floods

If your basement floods, the most important thing is to act quickly to protect your home. Before you can begin with damage restoration, you’ll need to assess the extent of the damage and review your insurance policy.

Assess the Water Damage

Ensure it’s safe to enter your basement before stepping foot inside.

Be mindful of potential electrical hazards and wear protective gear, including rubber boots and gloves. You should never enter a flooded basement if you’re unsure about the risks.

If possible, determine the source of the flooding and shut off the water supply if necessary.

Take photos for insurance purposes and assess the extent of the water damage as best you can.

Review Your Insurance

The next step is to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Skip to the water damage and basement flooding section and read through it to understand your position. Contact your insurance company to report the incident and discuss the next steps.

Relocate Your Belongings

Any valuables, antiques, and heirlooms in your basement need to be moved to protect them. Relocate your basement belongings into a dry room on an upper floor to protect them.

Hire Professionals for Water Damage Restoration

Hiring a professional water remediation and damage restoration company is crucial. These experts have the necessary training, tools, and experience to address the problems of a flooded basement.

They will remove water, dry out your basement, and address any mold damage. They can also offer valuable insight into the extent of any structural damage and advise you on how to proceed to protect your property.

Act Decisively

Dealing with basement floods is a daunting, heart-in-your-mouth task that leaves your mind racing. Keeping a cool head and understanding the causes and long-term effects of flooding will help you minimize the impact on your home, your belongings, and your life.

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The Benefit of Content Restoration Services After a Disaster

Disaster-related damage costs businesses and homeowners up to $2.850 trillion. When a disaster hits your home, it doesn’t leave the interior untouched.

Extreme weather impacts everything inside your home, including appliances, furniture, and important documents. This leaves you with the overwhelming task of cleaning, sorting, and replacing damaged items.

However, you can leave these to the professionals. Content restoration involves experts cleaning, repairing, and restoring belongings. Are you wondering how beneficial this service is?

Read on to discover the benefits of availing content restoration services.

Restore Items

Disaster outcomes can have devastating effects on not only your home but also your bank account. Fortunately, it is possible to get your belongings back.

You can restore damaged items through content restoration services. Restoration services include heirlooms, electronics, and furniture.

However, keep in mind that the process will depend on the severity of the disaster, the item material, and time.

For instance, a mold infestation takes place in your office room. Your documents and furniture deteriorate as the fungi grow and spread. Between the two types of material, a restoration company will only be able to save your furniture.

To restore valuable items, contact your local restoration company. Prolonging the issue can worsen the condition and cause more losses.

Reduce Costs

As a property owner facing thousands of dollars in damages, availing of restoration services can reduce costs. Cleaning, repairing, and restoring items allows you to keep them in pre-loss condition. It reduces costs by preventing you from buying new materials to replace them.

However, the restoration company cannot guarantee to restore everything. During content pack out, the professionals categorize them into salvageable and non-salvageable.

Experts pack and move restorable items into a facility for content cleaning. For non-salvageable belongings, the servicing company lists and photographs them. You can use them to file a claim and receive payment for losses.

Receiving Help From Professionals

Another benefit of hiring content restoration services is having them help you clean. Aside from restoring items, the professionals give a hand in clearing out the property.

In the content pack out, you can focus on cleaning the surroundings. For instance, a fire broke out and burned a part of the establishment. Instead of moving the items, you can sweep the floor, wipe surfaces, or work on removing odor.

You can leave categorizing, packing, and moving with professionals.

Get Your Life Back Fast

When a disaster takes place, the damage can range from mild to severe. If you experience the latter, restoring the establishment and life can take time. However, opting for content restoration is the quickest way to get your life back on track.

Upon arrival, the professionals begin their operation with the pack out. They move your belongings to a facility with complete equipment to clean and repair. Then, the servicing company packs and stores them.

Depending on the damage and number, content cleaning can last for days to months. The company will deliver your items once they have completed the restoration process.

Why Do You Need Content Restoration Services?

Aside from the damage incurred, disasters leave you a mess to clean. If you want this off your list of things to do, consider hiring a content restoration company. Working with them allows you to focus on other issues, such as filing a claim.

When it comes to content cleaning, you can rely on Service First Restoration. We offer reliable restoration services, ensuring a stress-free physical recovery. Contact us today to get started on your claim process.

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Getting the Most from Your Insurance Claim

Dealing with major water damage?  Hoping insurance will cover it?  You’ll need to take several steps to assure you receive the largest compensation you’re entitled to.

But first, you’ll need to determine if your particular policy covers your particular situation.  Standard policies do not cover natural flooding from storms and rising water.  You need a policy specific to flooding for that.  Otherwise, you should be covered, but with exceptions.  A claim for water damage due to leaking pipes, a leaking roof, failed appliances and the like can be denied if you’ve neglected maintenance and ignored symptoms.  Many policies also specifically exclude mold restoration.  For damaged possessions such as furniture and electronics, a policy may cover the full cost of replacement, or it may reduce payment based on the use you’ve already gotten out of the item.

It’s important to recognize that although it’s “your” insurance company, that you’ve been making payments to for years, they’re ultimately not on your side.  Even the most reputable insurers understand the simple fact that the less they pay out in damages the more profit they make.  So their adjuster will be biased towards minimizing or even denying your final claim.

Here’s an outline of the 3 steps you need to take to get as much of the water damage costs covered as possible.

1.  Limit Damage

The top priority for practical as well as insurance reasons is to recognize a leak or water intrusion then stop it at the source as soon as possible.  Then immediately mitigate against further damage by quickly cleaning and drying the affected areas.  Remove damaged possessions, including furniture, from the affected areas.  And keep even totally destroyed items until an adjuster has had a chance to inspect them.

Fast action is critical in a couple of ways.  It reduces the total amount of damage, and the associated costs and disruptions of repairing it.  And it meets insurance mitigation requirements for secondary damage to be covered.  For a major incident, a policy may require the use of a professional water damage restoration company and/or a licensed contractor for repairs.  That’s good for you too, assuring quality work.  Also, for large problems, proper restoration can require a whole team of professionals with an arsenal of equipment.

2.  Collect Evidence

Mitigation is your top priority, but documentation runs a close second.  Take photos of the overall scene as well as every damaged item.  Even better, include videos with your voice narrating the item, the damage, and the cause of damage.  That’s easy to do with a smartphone.  Make an inventory (a detailed list) and make notes for every item and type of damage along with the cost of replacing them.  Keep all relevant receipts, and get quotes from one or more restoration specialists. You’ll likely need all this to back up your claim, and you might even need it as evidence in a court case.

3.  Report It

It’s generally advisable that you notify your insurance company of the incident immediately, even if you’re not sure you’re covered or think you might just pay repair costs yourself.  That gets their process going sooner and avoids jeopardizing your claim.  Many insurers will press you into a quick, but too small, settlement amount.  So don’t go into details or discuss settlement until you’ve taken care of mitigation, documented losses, and know the total true cost of restoration.

In most cases, the process begins with filling out a proof of loss specific to each insurance company.  It’s fastest to print one from their website or have them email it to you.  A water damage restoration company can take care of that for you, along with all the communications during the restoration process.

Tips

Hire a Public Adjuster

Remember, the adjuster for the insurer works for them.  And it can take up to 15 days for them to get someone out to your location.  If you’re expecting a large claim it’s wise to hire a licensed public adjuster.  They’re professionals, looking for the truth of each situation.

Your Choice of Restoration Specialists, Repair Contractors

Some experts recommend that you not use the insurer’s vendors.  Yes, their list helps assure trustworthy qualified plumbers, roofers, etc. but, again, to some degree they work for the insurer, not you.  So do your homework and look into licensed companies with a great reputation.  Such water damage specialists can take care of pretty much everything, start to finish, while also maximizing your claim and the likelihood of approval.