FiberCare
Water Damage and Your Home
In the U.S. over 1,000,000 structures are affected each year by water damage,
resulting in over 3 billion dollars in insurance claims. Approximately 70% of all
property damage claims are water related. The odds are 1 in 20 that your home
will suffer a water damage claim this year.
The leading causes of water damage are washing machines, icemakers, water
heaters, toilets, broken pipes, faulty construction, accidents, ground water
intrusion and river flooding.
Water damage can be a traumatic experience.  Most people have no idea what
to do when it happens. Carpet pad and sub-floors can remain wet for weeks or
even months, even though they may feel dry on the surface.
Any time a structure gets wet, health hazards increase substantially. Dormant
mold and mildew spores germinate, bacteria begin to multiply and viruses
become more active. A few days after the damage has taken place, the
environment typically changes dramatically for the worse. People with allergies
are the first to feel the negative effects of the increased fungi and bacteria,
followed by senior citizens and children.  
Wet materials need complete drying and restoration quickly, or people can
become sick. Response time is critical in reducing the risk of “sick building
syndrome.”  
How do you avoid getting your feet wet in the first place? A few simple
precautions can save you from the stress of a flooded home:  
·        If your water heater is more than 12 years old, replace it.  
·        Periodically inspect washing machine hoses for wear or bubbles.  
·        Don’t skimp by buying the least expensive product when installing new
supply lines to toilets or icemakers. Spending a few more dollars can save you a
fortune.  
·        Wrap exposed pipes during periods of cold weather.  
·        Clean your gutters every fall. Clogged downspouts and foundation drains
can cause ground water intrusion, which is rarely covered by insurance policies.
·        Finally, if you are leaving town for more than a few days, turn the power to
your water heater off, shut off the main water supply valve to your house and
flush a toilet on the lowest floor to drain the system.  
Questions?  Please call us!
House Flooded?
Don't Delay!
552-0070
1-888-373-0070
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