How Can a Leak Cause Major Home Flooding?

You may view a simple leak in your home as nothing more than an inconvenience that you have to mop up. However, this may be a small indication that a major flooding problem is inevitable. For example, it may only take minutes for a pipe to burst and create great structural damage to your entire home. So, if you notice water exposure, regardless of whether or not you detect it has damaged anything yet, it is in your best interest to address it within the first 24 hours. Without further ado, please read on to discover how serious a minor leak may be and how one of the seasoned New York residential flood damage insurance attorneys at The Law Office of Craig A. Blumberg, P.C., can help if this causes major flooding to your home.

How can a minor leak lead to a major home flooding incident?

Water is seemingly harmless, but not necessarily when it is exposed in your home. For one, persistent leaking water may get absorbed by the wood on your floors and the drywall in your walls. This may cause the warping, swelling, and rotting of these materials. This inevitably weakens these materials and thereby compromises the structural integrity of your home’s floors and foundation. This is not to mention the likelihood of significant mold and mildew growth. What’s more, one small leak may rapidly turn into a major flooding incident in your home. This may happen for any one of the following reasons:

• Your small leak is an indication of a broken pipe that will burst and send water gushing into your home.
• Your small leak is an indication of a clogged rain gutter that will spill water down the side of your home and flood your basement.
• Your small leak from an appliance (i.e., dishwasher, washing machine, etc.) may be an indication that it is broken and will cause future floor damage.
• Your small leak after a heavy rainstorm may be an indication of cracks in your home’s foundation that will cause serious structural instability in the future.

Can I get insurance coverage if a leak causes flood damage in my house?

It may be less costly to address the minor leaks in your home than to wait until they cause a major flooding incident. Nonetheless, if you experience such flood damage, you may wish to file an insurance claim to cover the costs of your necessary repairs. Well, you should know that the standard home insurance policy does not cover, or at the very most offers limited coverage, for water and flood damage. This is unless your water and flood damage was caused by wind-driven rain that intruded into your home, for example.

However, even with this, your insurance provider may argue that you should have taken the necessary preventive measures in your home, such as addressing cracks in your foundation or clogged rain gutters. This is to say that you should consult with a legal representative before crafting your claim. In conclusion, if you are ready to make matters right, please retain the services of one of the competent New York residential property damage claim attorneys as soon as you can. We at The Law Office of Craig A. Blumberg, P.C., look forward to receiving your outreach.