Myths and Misconceptions About Water Damage Restoration

Water damage is one of those things that you have to experience to truly understand. Without the experience, many people develop misconceptions about water damage and the process of restoring it. These misconceptions can be detrimental and leave many people unprepared for when water damage actually occurs.

Fortunately, the professionals of DRYOUTpro PLUS, INC. have plenty of experience with water damage restoration in Port St. Lucie. Homeowners should keep reading this guide to learn the truth behind many of the most common myths and misconceptions people have about water damage.

Water Damage is a Rare Occurrence

One of the biggest misunderstandings about water damage is that it isn’t common. Far too many people mistakenly believe that it will never happen to them. Therefore, they don’t prepare themselves for what to do if it does occur. 

However, the truth is that at least 40% of homeowners will suffer a water damage loss at some point in their lives. In fact, water damage is far more common than other events such as theft, and it’s actually the top cause of damage to luxury homes.

Once a Leak Occurs It’s Less Likely to Happen Again

Along those same lines, many people believe that if they’ve already experienced a leak, they have met their quota for life. However, that’s just not how it works. It actually becomes more likely that they’ll experience water damage again. 

The odds of it happening again are actually quite high. Homeowners who have experienced any type of water damage are 2-3.5 times more likely to have another intrusion. Therefore, it’s recommended that homeowners invest in leak detection devices so that they can be alerted of other possible water damage problems.

Water Damage is Always Visible

There are many instances where water damage is very obvious. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist just because it can’t be seen. Hidden water damage can occur in several places throughout a home, and these events often lead to more expensive water damage since they go undetected for several days, weeks, or even months.

Fortunately, there are several ways that homeowners can stay vigilant and check for signs of hidden water damage. The following are just a few of the most common signs that a home may have a hidden leak: 

• A Spike in Water Bills
• Warped Flooring
• Blistering Paint
• Mold or Mildew
• Musty Odor

Small Leaks Aren’t Urgent

A water intrusion doesn’t have to be a massive flood to cause a lot of damage. Even small leaks can lead to an expensive water damage restoration. Port St. Lucie homeowners often believe they can delay repairs for small drips, but this isn’t the case.

The fact is that the longer water damage goes untreated the more damage it will cause. It’s always important to act quickly when dealing with a water intrusion because secondary damage can occur in as little as 24 hours. That means that the small leak could quickly turn into a dangerous mold problem. For that reason, it’s important to act fast no matter how big or small the leak may be.

Homeowners’ Insurance Always Covers Water Damage

A lot of homeowners are under the impression that they don’t have to worry about the cost of a water damage restoration. They believe that these types of losses will always be covered by their homeowners’ insurance policy. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

While some policies may cover water damage if it is an accident, they might not cover floods or some leaks. Even if they do cover the restoration, homeowners are likely to be penalized with higher premiums and could be dropped by their insurance company if they have two claims in three years.

Water Damage Can’t Be Prevented

Last but not least, a typical misconception about water damage is that there is nothing a homeowner can do to prevent it from happening. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is that there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of a water intrusion, including but not limited to: 

• Regularly Inspecting Appliances That Use Water
• Having Plumbing Checked by a Professional
• Clearing Drains That Have Slowed or Clogged
• Installing a Sump Pump
• Installing a Leak Detector

Learn More About the Most Common Misconceptions in Water Damage Restoration

Want to learn more about water damage and restoration services? Contact DRYOUTpro PLUS, INC. right away. Their experienced Port St. Lucie professionals can provide more information on how to treat or prevent water damage. They even offer 24/7 emergency services to help with unexpected water damage, so customers can call them any time. For free pricing, simply submit their online form.