water-damage
                     HOW TO HANDLE 
WATER DAMAGE 
FROM DIFFERENT 
SOURCES
Presentation by 
Sole Source Restorati
on 
www.solesourcerestoration 2
.com
WATER DAMAGE FROM 
DIFFERENT SOURCES
While no homeowner wants to deal with water damage, the fact is that the 
majority of homes will be affected by it at some point. It’s incredibly 
common, accounting for almost a third of all homeowners insurance claims, 
according to the Insurance Information Institute. It can be a major pain to 
deal with, too – on top of dealing with the mess, water damage can lead to 
many other problems if not handled quickly enough, like stubborn stains, 
mold and mildew growth, structural damage, and electrical problems, to 
name a few. 
Where the water damage comes from makes a difference in how it should be dealt 
with. Water from cleaner sources, like a broken water supply line or an overflowing 
bathtub, will typically contain less bacteria and contaminants than water from broken 
dishwashers or toilet bowls. As a result, cleaner water is less likely to pose a health 
hazard and can be handled more easily. Read on to learn how to deal with some 
common sources of water damage. 
Sole Source Restoration 
Burst Pipe
One of the most prevalent causes of water 
damage in the home is burst pipes. The first 
step to take if a pipe has burst is to shut off 
the water as quickly as possible, to minimize 
any further water damage. Once the main 
water valve has been shut off, drain any 
faucets to relieve pressure on the system, 
and flush all the toilets. Next you should find 
the source of the leak, if you haven’t already. 
At this point, you should call a professional plumber to 
deal with the burst pipe, and possibly an electrician if 
the water has damaged your electrical system. 
Make sure to take many photos of the leak itself and any 
damaged areas or belongings for an insurance claim. If 
possible, turn the water back on momentarily and take a video 
of the leak as well. Homeowners insurance generally covers 
“sudden and accidental” water damage, and this often 
includes burst pipes – however, there is a chance your policy 
may not cover it depending on the cause. For example, if the 
pipe froze over because the home wasn’t being properly 
heated, you may not be covered. 
LEAKING ROOF
Leaky roofs can be very dangerous. Most homeowners are aware of 
the structural issues they can present, but they can also lead to a 
number of other problems. Water damage from the leak can lead to the 
growth of mold and mildew, damage to paint and plaster on the ceiling 
and walls, damage to ceiling-mounted lights and fans, and higher utility 
bills from depleted insulation. If there’s electrical wiring in the ceiling, it 
can also become a fire hazard if the leak causes wires to short out. 
When dealing with a leaky roof, move any belongings like furniture out of the way 
to prevent them from getting damaged by the water. Contain the water as much as 
possible with buckets and towels. If you see a bulging spot on the ceiling, it’s a 
sign that water is collecting there. Use a sharp object to puncture it at the lowest 
point, making sure to be prepared with a bucket underneath to catch the water. It 
may seem counterintuitive, but if you leave it the water may spread and cause 
more damage to the ceiling, or erupt on its own and make a larger mess. Contact 
a professional roofing company, who will be able to repair the leak and assess any 
other spots on your roof that may pose a risk for future leaks. And once again, 
remember to document the damage with photos for an insurance claim.
CONTACT US
Phone : 401-712-2700
Website : www.solesourcerestoration.com
Email : [email protected]
Address : 766 Pippin Orchard Road Cranston, RI 
02921