How can I help?

The majority of issues I look at today are water intrusion issues.  The problem with water intrusion in a building is that it fosters the growth of bacteria and fungi.  Clean, potable water left unattended in any building can be an issue.  That's why most insurance policies limit or exclude the "contaminants" associated with water intrusion.  The rule is clean up the water intrusion quickly and limit your financial exposure.

What if you fail to recognize a slow, on-going water intrusion issue until it has literally "grown" to unmanageable proportions?  You are going to spend some dollars and there will not be insurance or liability resources to assist you unless you hire an attorney to do battle with those responsible.  And guess who they turn to for help - their insurance company!

I have now identified two major issues: Water intrusion and the insurance company.  But the real issue is you, the owner of the property.  You must be diligent in your awareness of the issues mentioned.  I listed some information to help you.

Know and understand your water supply system - the plumbing.  

Become familiar with every outlet of water inside and outside of your home.  A close visual inspection will tell you all that you need to know.  If there is a problem you will often see and smell it.  Most folks look at their plumbing daily; the sink, the faucet, the commode, the shower, tub, etc., but few of us examine where these fixtures connect to the actual water supply.  Typically, the device under the sink and behind the commode is a valve to isolate the flow of water - called an angle stop.  Few of us inspect the angle stops or the lines that connect the angle stop with the plumbing fixture.  Through the years, I have identified the most likely culprits for major leaks and water intrusion:

• Ice-maker and water filter lines
• Washing machine lines
• Commodes - either cracked water closets (that part that holds the water for flushing) or blockage that causes an overflow
• Dishwashers
• Everything else

Usually, the damage associated with failures of these items is catastrophic and very expensive to manage.  But there is more.

Any opening to the outside, especially openings with a southern exposure may be a problem.  These leaks are slow and hard to detect, especially in newer homes.  What I look for are physical changes in the window components and trim at and below the window.  Many times, the drywall is water-stained or separated from the sill or baseboard.  This could be settlement but most of the time it is and indicator of moisture or water intrusion.  Sometimes, with a good wind-driven rain, you can even feel the dampness in the drywall around the window.  A simple test is to use painters masking tape to seal a small area at the lower corner(s) of the window with clear plastic.  This traps the moisture and condensation collects under the plastic.  I cheat and use an infrared camera that quickly identifies these issues through temperature differences around the openings. Once discovered, the components around and below the window or door must be removed to expose the framing to determine where the water is entering.  Caution is required if mold is discovered in the wall cavity.  Cover it up and call a professional remediation company.

Read, understand, and question the coverage in your insurance policy.

Most of us have an insurance agent we can talk to.  Mine is Bill Batchelder, a really old, experienced State Farm Agent who once was a partner in a fire and water damage restoration company.  That, and my experience in this field, helps me understand the potential issues I would face at the time of a claim.  Use your agent to help understand your policy.  Go to their office or, better yet, invite them to your home or office for a policy review - and document the visit. Write down the date, what you discussed and save the record.  If there is a dispute regarding coverage of a claim, you can use this documentation to strengthen your case since few insureds ever read their policy much less ask their agent to explain it.  If the agent or broker sold you an inadequate policy, that should be come obvious at the time of the review.  By law, they are required to carry Errors & Omissions coverage in case you are under insured due to their negligence.

I am available to assist you with these types of issues.  Please call, fax or email me with any questions or concerns you may have about your plumbing or your policy.  Most initial consults are complimentary.  If there is and issue that requires my employ, I've attached my resume and fee schedule for your consideration.  Stay safe - and dry. 

Charles E. Cassani, CR

SOS Consulting Services

P.O. Box 293660

Sacramento, CA 95829

916.386.8191 Office

916.689.5532 Fax

916.997.3755 Cellular

Email: ccassani@soshhs.com

Download Cassani CV_Fees

Comments

[kennedy tool boxes]

Thanks for the very descriptive article, and I will in return bookmark it. I am always on the lookout for the best tools that are available on the market.

[Ray "Mold Inspection Companies" Valera]

Indeed, water is very prone in any bacteria invasion. Specifically, this is where some bacteria stay and multiply. Mold, also needs water to survive, to live and to reproduce along with organic matters. You should do something now.!

[Sacramento maid service]

Thank you for the warning. As they say, forewarned is forearmed. We need to conduct regular check-ups of those locations wherein water intrusion may originate.

[red sole]

Good stuff as per usual, thanks. I do hope this kind of thing gets more exposure.