WATER DAMAGE

What Homeowners Need to Know

Water damage refers to the destruction or deterioration of property caused by unwanted water intrusion. It can happen suddenly (like a burst pipe) or gradually (like a slow leak), and it often leads to structural damage, mold growth, and electrical hazards if not properly handled. Water damage can look simple on the surface, but it’s often more complex than most people realize. Even a small leak can cause long-term structural issues, mold growth, and damage that spreads behind walls or under floors.”

What Causes Water Damage

Broken or Burst Pipes

Temperature changes, aging pipes, or excess pressure can cause plumbing lines to burst. A single break can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes, flooding floors, walls, and ceilings.

Roof Leaks

Damaged shingles, poor flashing, or ice dams allow rain or melting snow to seep into the attic and walls. Even small roof leaks can lead to major hidden damage over time.

Appliance or Fixture Failures

Common household items can malfunction and cause significant flooding: Water heaters Dishwashers Washing machines Refrigerator lines Toilets and sinks A loose hose or worn-out seal is all it takes to create major water intrusion.

Storms, Wind & Heavy Rain

Severe weather can drive rain into the home through damaged roofing, siding, or windows. Storm-driven water can saturate insulation, ceilings, and floors long before it becomes visible.

Flooding and Groundwater Intrusion

Heavy rain, rising water tables, or poor drainage can push water into basements, crawl spaces, and lower levels. Once water enters, it weakens foundations and creates ideal conditions for mold.

Plumbing Backups and Sewer Issues

Clogged drains, damaged sewer lines, or municipal backups can force contaminated water into the home — creating health hazards and requiring specialized cleanup.

Condensation and Humidity

Poor ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements can cause moisture to build up on walls and ceilings. Over time, this leads to mold growth, wood rot, and damaged drywall.

Why Water Damage Is So Serious

Rapid Structural Weakening

Water seeps into wood, drywall, concrete, and insulation. Over time, it causes: Rotting beams Softened floors Crumbling drywall Sagging ceilings Even a small amount of water can compromise the strength of a home if it isn’t properly dried and restored.

Hidden Damage Behind Walls

Water travels silently. It gets into: Wall cavities Floors and subfloors Insulation Electrical systems Most of the damage isn’t visible right away, allowing problems to worsen until repairs become far more expensive.

Mold Growth Within 24–48 Hours

Moisture creates the perfect environment for mold. Once mold begins to grow, it spreads quickly and leads to: Poor air quality Respiratory issues Allergies and asthma Structural decay Mold remediation can cost thousands of dollars — and insurance may deny it if the source isn’t properly documented.

Electrical and Fire Hazards

Water can short-circuit wires, outlets, and panels hidden in walls or ceilings. Even after things dry, corrosion can cause electrical failures or secondary fires weeks or months later.

Contaminated Water Risks

If the water comes from a storm, sewer line, or backup, it may carry: Bacteria Chemicals Sewage Toxins This type of water requires specialized cleanup and is dangerous to both health and property.

Insurance Companies Often Undervalue Water Damage

Insurers frequently classify water damage as: “Wear and tear” “Ongoing leakage” “Maintenance-related” These labels are used to limit or deny coverage — which is why proper documentation is essential.

How Insurance Companies Respond to Water Damage

Blaming the Damage on “Maintenance Issues”

Insurance companies often argue that water damage was caused by: Old or worn pipes Lack of maintenance Aging roofing Preventable leaks Long-term moisture These labels allow them to deny coverage or reduce payouts, even when the cause was sudden and accidental.

Calling It “Ongoing Leakage”

If the water damage isn’t caught immediately, insurers may claim: “The leak happened over time” “This is not a sudden loss” “The damage is old” This is one of the most common tactics used to deny water damage claims.

Undervaluing Hidden Damage

Water travels behind walls, into insulation, flooring, and electrical systems. Insurance adjusters often: Only look at visible damage Ignore hidden moisture Exclude mold and secondary issues Approve patchwork repairs instead of full restoration This leaves homeowners with ongoing problems that aren’t covered.

Denying Mold as a Related Loss

Even when mold is clearly caused by water intrusion, carriers may argue that mold is excluded or limited in the policy — unless a public adjuster proves that the water event directly caused it.

Delaying the Process

Because water damage spreads quickly, delays benefit the insurer. They may: Request repeated documentation Send multiple adjusters Order unnecessary investigations Stall payouts Meanwhile, structural damage and mold continue to worsen.

How Jerry E. Kotler Assoc., Inc. Helps You

Inspection & Documentation

He inspects every affected area, use moisture meters, and document with photos/videos.

Estimate & Claim Filing

He prepares a detailed estimate of the true cost to restore your home.

Negotiation

He handles all back-and-forth with the insurance company, so you don’t have to.

Settlement

He fights to get you the maximum payout, not just the first offer.

👉 “Water damage claims are some of the most common, but also the most disputed. As your public adjuster, Jerry documents the true source of water intrusion, uncover hidden moisture, and challenge incorrect assumptions by the insurance company. He’ll makes sure your claim includes full drying, mold prevention, structural repairs, and proper restoration — not just temporary fixes.”