When a pipe leaks in your home, it isn’t always detectable. However, when left undetected, it can lead to significant damage to your property that results in you needing to file a home insurance claim.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at what damage can arise as a result of a leaking pipe, along with the signs to look out for and how they are each remedied. Keep reading to learn more about how a leaking pipe can affect your property.
Mould Growth
If you have a burst or damaged pipe that is continuously leaking, over time this can lead to the growth and buildup of mould. Mould thrives in damp conditions, so should you start to see significant mould growth appear in a concentrated area of your walls, ceiling or flooring, this could suggest that there is a burst pipe underneath.
Not only is mould bad for your health (especially the longer you’re exposed to it), but it can also leave stains on your interior surfaces and cause discoloration if not treated promptly. If this happens in your home due to a leaking pipe, then you may wish to make a mould insurance claim so that the mould can be effectively removed and the underlying issue resolved so that it doesn’t return.
Structural Issues
The longer walls, ceilings or floors are saturated due to leaking pipes, the weaker they can become. This can in turn lead to structural instability, such as rotting floorboards, warped walls and cracked ceilings.
Eventually, this damage could even become dangerous, so it’s essential that these are fixed sooner rather than later. This often involves expensive repairs, so it’s important that a water damage claim is filed early on in order to avoid the damage worsening.
Cosmetic Damage
Repairs aren’t just needed to rectify structural damage, but they’re required to resolve the significant cosmetic damage that water intrusion can inflict. Leaking pipes can wreak havoc on the visual appeal of your home; water damage can cause paint to peel and bubble, wallpaper to loosen and discolor, and leave unsightly stains on walls, ceilings and floors.
Moreover, the prolonged presence of moisture can warp and buckle wooden surfaces, such as flooring, creating an uneven and unsightly appearance. These cosmetic issues, while perhaps less critical than structural concerns, can significantly diminish the aesthetic value of your property and create a perpetually damp and uninviting atmosphere.
Rectifying Leaking Pipes with Successful Insurance Claims
If you suspect a leaking pipe in your home, then filing an insurance claim is in your best interest in order to find the source of the leak and get any damages repaired to their original state.
To ensure your claim is successful, you can enlist the help of us here at All Property Claims. If we believe you have a strong claim, then we will handle the claims process for you, dealing with all correspondence with your insurers and making sure that you receive the full payout you’re entitled to – no corners skipped.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support you, then get in touch with our experts today.