Water damage restoration

9 months ago

last modified: 9 months ago

Woke up yesterday to find our water heater leaking from the T&P valve—turns out it’s completely shot and getting replaced today. A thermal camera showed water damage in the drywall and baseboards.

The company is pushing to run everything through homeowners insurance and won’t provide a cash quote, which feels odd. Has anyone dealt with water damage restoration services in Mount Pleasant before? Is it worth getting a second opinion before moving forward?
Thanks

Featured Answer

3onthetree

9 months ago

It's easier and might even be more profitable for them to go through insurance. They are locked in the job, don't have to answer any questions from the pesky homeowner, don't have to take a risk in quoting you a price then finding out they need to do more that you won't be happy hearing about, and can charge the exact amount the insurance will pay.

However, your rates might go up in all your insurance (auto, home, etc), and it may lead to you even being dropped by your home insurance, which happens often in today's world. If the drywall and baseboard is only about $500 in damage, that is not a good risk to take.

If you don't want to go the insurance route, it is very DIYable to rip out some drywall and a baseboard, then point some fans and a dehumidifier to prevent mold. Nominal 2x wood can recover quickly from being wet a single time. As far as replacing later, that can be hired out each trade separately or with a single contractor by you.

This is assuming you don't have water leak or appliance coverage and the damage was limited locally to the water heater location.

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Comments (9)

millworkman
9 months ago
" Is it worth getting a second opinion before moving forward? "

Yes, absolutely.
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wdccruise
9 months ago
Stax: "If it is an Electric Heater, consider replacing with a Hybrid Hot Water Heater."

I considered one of those when I replaced my water heater. (a) The hybrid was too large to fit in the water-heater closet (b) it required a higher-amperage circuit than the 30-amp circuit I had, and (c) unlike a conventional heater, hybrids make noise and my water-heater closet is next to the master bedroom.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 months ago
The drywall and baseboards got wet with clean water. Big deal; they'll dry out. It wasn't storm surge. I'd replace the valve and keep the insurance company out of it.
Sigrid
9 months ago
Unless you have no deductible, I'd want to know the cost. If you live in the North, the air is probably very dry and stuff will dry out quickly. Water damage tends to be done by long-term leaks and constant moisture. I'd imagine the worst of the baseboards would be a need to repaint. Shop vacs are very good at getting up water, in basements.

Second opinions are always worthwhile.
wdccruise
9 months ago
Stax: "My heaters have all been located in the same location in the basement"

Lucky you. You have a house with a basement.
Jake The Wonderdog
9 months ago
The water damage is likely a nothing Burger. Run a dehumidifier for a few days and call it good.

If you want to do more than that,

Absolutely insist on a quote and dismiss any company that will not provide it.
PRO
Colin
last month
I’d get a second opinion before moving forward. Since the thermal camera detected moisture, it’s worth having the affected areas properly assessed to make sure there isn’t hidden damage.
PRO
Leak Detection Los Angeles
last month
One thing I'd add from the leak side: before agreeing to anything, make sure someone verifies exactly where the water went — T&P discharge can run behind baseboards or under flooring far beyond the visible wet spot, and surface moisture readings can look dry while it stays wet deeper in. Knowing the true extent of intrusion changes what the drying plan and the cost should be, so that mapping is worth getting right before choosing cash vs. insurance.