Umpire's Practical Water Guide for Homeowners

Prevention: Protecting Your Home Before Water Damage Occurs

Monthly Preventive Maintenance

• Inspect visible pipes for leaks or corrosion
• Check faucets and toilets for drips/running water
• Clean dishwasher filters and check door seals
• Check under sinks for leaks
• Test water detection alarms if installed
• Monitor basement humidity levels (aim for 30-50%)
• Look for water stains on ceilings and walls
• Ensure stored items are kept a few inches away from walls for proper airflow
• Watch for window condensation during winter
• Monitor for ice dams on roof during winter
• Monitor AC drainage during summer

Quarterly Preventive Maintenance

• Test sump pump and backup system
• Check water heater for leaks
• Clean gutters and ensure downspouts are not clogged
• Verify downspouts "go to daylight" (extend at least 6 feet from foundation)
• Keep stairwell floor drains free of leaves and other debris
• Ensure yard has a positive grade sloping down and away from home's foundation
• Check basement for signs of seepage, especially in spring
• Inspect window and door seals

Annual Preventive Maintenance

• Replace clothes washer water line
• Recaulk showers and tubs
• Clean AC condensate line before summer
• Schedule professional plumbing system inspection
• Service water heater
• Arrange professional roof inspection
• Schedule HVAC system check
• Get foundation assessment
• Test outdoor faucets in spring
• Activate and test irrigation system in spring
• Turn off exterior hose bibs from inside in fall
• Drain irrigation system in fall
• Insulate exposed pipes before winter
• Clean dehumidifiers

Emergency Preparedness

• Document the location of main water shut-off valve: _________________
• Have emergency water mitigation contact information handy: Umpire 703-665-1129
• Keep insurance agent contact information accessible: _________________
• Install and maintain water detection system

Mitigation: What to Do When Water Damage Occurs

Immediate Response Steps

1. Safety First

Before attempting any cleanup:

• Turn off electricity to affected areas at the breaker box
• Wear protective gear (rubber boots, gloves, mask)
• If the water may be contaminated or if there's extensive damage, consider calling professionals immediately

2. Stop the Water Source

• Turn off the main water valve if needed
• For burst pipes, close the nearest shutoff valve
• For roof leaks, use buckets to collect water and use tarps if possible
• Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes

3. Water Categorization

Understand what you're dealing with:

• Category 1 (Clean): Water from broken pipes or rain
• Category 2 (Gray): Slightly contaminated water from dishwashers, washing machines
• Category 3 (Black): Highly contaminated water from sewage or flooding - requires professional handling

4. Water Removal

• For minor incidents: Use towels, mops, and buckets
• For larger amounts: Rent or purchase a wet/dry vacuum
• For significant flooding: Consider renting a submersible pump
• Start from the lowest point and work outward

5. Content Management

• Remove furniture from wet areas or place on blocks
• Pick up rugs and floor coverings
• Remove valuable items, electronics, and important documents
• Sort items into salvageable and unsalvageable piles
• If insurance is involved, don't throw away contents until you talk to them - they may need to see them for valuation

6. Drying the Space

• Use fans to circulate air (positioned toward walls and floors)
• Run dehumidifiers with doors and windows closed
• For severe cases, rent commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers

7. Moisture Monitoring

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend hiring a professional for moisture monitoring. It can be easy to miss hidden moisture if you don't know what to look for. That hidden moisture can cause bigger problems (mold, bacteria, rot) later.

• Purchase a moisture meter from a hardware store
• Check readings in affected areas daily
• Look for visual signs of continued moisture (discoloration, warping)
• Allow materials to dry completely before restoration begins

8. Mold Prevention

• Clean all surfaces with appropriate cleaning solutions
• For Category 1 water: Standard household cleaners
• For Category 2 water: Disinfectant
• Act quickly - mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours

9. Selective Demolition (If Necessary)

• Remove baseboards if water has seeped behind them
• Cut away damaged drywall 12 inches above the water line
• Remove saturated insulation
• Remove damaged or wet flooring that is not salvageable
• Inspect and clean behind walls before replacing materials

10. Restoration Assessment

• Evaluate if DIY restoration is possible or if professionals are needed (call Umpire anytime for free advice or questions - 703-665-1129)
• Check structural elements for damage
• Consider hiring professionals for:
  • Extensive damage
  • Category 2 or 3 water
  • If mold is present
  • Hidden damage
  • If you're unsure about proper remediation techniques

When to Call Professionals Immediately

• Large-scale flooding
• Water contaminated with sewage or chemicals
• Water damage affecting structural elements
• If you notice mold growth
• If you have health concerns about handling the cleanup

Insurance Considerations

• Review water damage coverage annually
• Consider additional flood insurance
• Document home maintenance
• Keep detailed inventory of possessions
• Understand policy exclusions and limitations

Insurance Roles: Understanding the Claims Process

This section provides experienced guidance for homeowners (policyholders) to understand the various people involved in the insurance claims process:

Insurance Agent

They are your friend. They sold you the policy and want to see you year after year. Call them when you need them. We always recommend buying insurance from a local insurance agent so you have a friend.

Inside Claims

They can normally take claim information, process calls/notes in their internal systems, and request resources for you. They may or may not be able to verify coverage, depending on the insurance company. You may speak with different people each time you call, again depending on the insurance company.

Insurance Adjuster

Usually experienced. May or may not be licensed, depending on the state. Probably uses a mixture of questions, technology (like video calls), and mitigation or contractor input to verify coverage without physically coming to your home.

Field Adjuster

Usually experienced. May or may not be licensed, depending on the state. Normally schedules to come to your house within 1-3 days of the claim to verify coverage. You may not have a Field Adjuster on your claim, depending on the size of the loss and the insurance company.

Insurance Policy

Tells you what is and is not covered, why, and your coverage limits. All of the people above take their cues from this. None of them can deviate from this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homeowner's insurance cover water damage?

If the water damage is sudden and accidental - like a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, or a sudden leak - it's typically covered by standard homeowner's insurance. However, flooding from heavy rain, rivers, or sewer backups is normally not covered by standard policies. Always confirm coverage with your insurance agent.

Do I need a claim number before calling a restoration company?

No! If you're experiencing an emergency with standing water, call a restoration company immediately. They can start mitigating damage before you have a claim number. Once you have a claim number, they can send loss information and invoices directly to your insurance company.

How quickly does mold grow after water damage?

Mold can begin growing in as little as 1-2 days if it has oxygen, a food source (dirt, drywall, etc.), and moisture. This is why quick action to dry water-damaged areas is so important.

What's the difference between water mitigation and restoration?

Water mitigation focuses on reducing and preventing further damage by removing water and drying the affected areas. Restoration involves repairing and reconstructing the property to its pre-damaged condition. Mitigation comes first and may take only days, while the entire restoration process can take weeks or months depending on the extent of damage.

What are the categories of water damage?

• Category 1 (Clean Water): Comes from clean sources like broken water supply lines or faucets
• Category 2 (Gray Water): Contains some contaminants from sources like dishwashers, washing machines, or toilet overflow with no feces
• Category 3 (Black Water): Highly contaminated from sources like sewage backup, flooding from rivers/streams, or toilet overflow with feces

Can I stay in my home during water damage restoration?

It depends on the extent and category of water damage. For safety reasons, you may need to relocate temporarily, especially if:

• There is extensive damage requiring removal of flooring, walls, or ceilings
• The water is Category 2 or 3 (contaminated)
• There are electrical hazards
• Mold has begun to develop
• The home's essential services (bathroom, kitchen) are unusable

How long does water damage restoration take?

The timeline varies depending on the extent of damage, the size of the affected area, and what materials were impacted. Minor water damage might be resolved in 3-5 days, while significant damage could take several weeks or more, especially if rebuilding is required.

Contact Information

The information in this guide is compiled using Claude with Stephen's experience from industry sources and regulatory documents.
Call Umpire Mitigation at 703-665-1129 anytime with questions or to chat about how we can help you.