Flood Damage vs Water Damage
Believe it or not, not all water damage is treated the same way and the difference could cost you thousands in denied insurance claims. Many homeowners use the terms flood damage and water damage interchangeably, but insurance companies treat them as completely separate categories with separate policies.
The key difference is this: water damage originates inside your home from plumbing, leaks, or appliances and is typically covered by standard homeowners insurance, while flood damage comes from an external natural source and requires a separate flood insurance policy.
Understanding this distinction before disaster strikes is one of the most important things a homeowner can do to protect their property and ensure they are properly covered.
What is Flood Damage?
Flood damage occurs when water from an external natural source enters and damages your property. According to FEMA, flooding is defined as a temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow.
Flood damage is caused by external natural water sources that affect two or more properties simultaneously and is not covered by standard homeowners insurance.
According to FEMA, flooding is caused by:
- Mudslides or mudflow
- Land collapse from excessive waves or erosion
- An overflow of inland or tidal waters
- Rapid and atypical accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
Any damage to the interior and exterior of your property from these invasive waters is considered flood damage. The most important thing homeowners must know is that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage — a separate flood insurance policy is required. Professional flood cleanup services can restore your home after a flood event, but having the right coverage in place beforehand is equally critical.
What is Water Damage?
Water damage refers to any damage caused by water originating inside your home, typically from a plumbing failure, appliance malfunction, or roof leak.
Almost half of all homeowners have suffered some sort of loss from water damage. Water damage affects the interior of a property. In contrast to damages caused by the sudden onslaught of flooding, water damage can often be slow and difficult to detect.
Common types of water damage covered by homeowners insurance include:
- Heavy rain or hail from storms
- Burst or leaky pipes
- Leaky roof
Common types of water damage that are not covered by homeowners insurance — like the aforementioned flood damage — include, but are not limited to:
- Negligence or failing to repair issues that may lead to water damage
- Sump pump failure (Coverage for this can be added to your homeowners insurance at a higher monthly premium.)
- Water damage from earthquakes (Like flood insurance, earthquake insurance is a separate category.)
How Serious is Water Damage?
Well, that all depends on the severity of a leak and how long it has persisted. Water damage can lead to a plethora of problems and should not be ignored! These problems are not just potentially costly, but can be hazardous to your health and even deadly. Some of the more dangerous water damage issues include:
- Electrical damage
- Mold and mildew
- Structural damage
Mold is one of the most dangerous consequences of untreated water damage, often developing within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. Professional mold remediation identifies hidden growth behind walls and under flooring before it becomes a serious health hazard.
Preventative Measures
As the Dutch philosopher Erasmus stated, “Prevention is better than the cure,” and there are certainly preventative measures homeowners can take to detect leaks before they become much pricier problems. Some simple things you can do to ensure you won’t be doling out your hard-earned dough to deal with damp damages are:
- Check your pipes to make sure there are no leaks or damages
- Make sure your gutters are clean
- Know where your home’s main shut-off valve is
Whether it starts as a slow leak or a sudden burst pipe, untreated water damage escalates quickly. Professional water damage restoration ensures complete extraction, structural drying, and damage assessment so nothing is missed behind walls or under flooring.
What to do When You Notice Water Damage
When you notice water damage, don’t panic, but don’t delay! There are experts, like 24 Hour Flood Pros who are ready to assist you 24/7 with water and fire damage solutions. If you have an emergency, Ned and his team can be there within 2 hours. This family owned and operated company is staffed with fully-trained professionals — and with over 30 years of experience — you’ll know you made the right decision when it comes to water and fire damage restoration.
