Water Damage Insurance Claims

At Casalinova Investigations, Inc. we provide a wide range of investigations and testing related to water losses, starting from a scene examination all the way through destructive testing and long-term testing of exemplar products.

The American Society of Home Inspectors actually did a study that showed more than 60% of American homes suffer from underground wetness or home water damage. We help people with their water damage insurance claims. From a broken dishwasher to clogged toilets and leaky pipes, when water comes it is likely to leave behind some sort of destruction. If you’re looking to perform a water loss investigation, give us a call.

One area of subrogation that is often overlooked in water loss investigations is the failure of sump pumps. At Casalinova we have tested thousands of sump pumps and generated thousands of dollars of recovered money for insurance companies. The years of experience in testing sump pumps has allowed for the identification of repetitive failures that assist in the subrogation and recovery efforts. Casalinova Investigations, Inc also has a great working relationship with many of the manufactures which help facilitate timely resolution of claims. This sump pump program is offered through a flat rate fee with a quick turnaround time for testing and reports.

Whether the loss is related to a failed water heater, ruptured water line, failed sump pump, improper installation of a product, or a defective water valve, Casalinova Investigations, Inc can provide the “TRUE CAUSE” based on reliable testing and analysis.

• Hot Water Tanks
• Water Heaters
• Pressure Tanks
• Water Lines
• Water Filters
• Sump Pumps
• Sewage Pumps
• Water Valves
• Dishwashers
• Washing Machines
• Pressure Valves
• Condensation Pumps

WATER HEATER TESTING PROCEDURE

The age of the water heater is first identified to ensure that subrogation potential exists. The water heater is visually inspected to ensure that the water heater was not subjected to physical damage.

The water heater is then filled with water and pressurized. The leaking areas of the water heater are documented. The flow rate of the leak is measured.

The outer shell of the water heater is removed, exposing the leak location.
The water heater is again filled with water and pressurized. The leaking areas of the water heater are again documented.

The flow rate of the leak is measured again with the outer shell removed.
The anode rod is removed and the condition of the anode rod is documented.
We make sure to go through all of the above steps when helping you with your water damage insurance claim.

SUMP PUMP TESTING PROCEDURE:

The age of the sump pump is first identified to ensure that subrogation potential exists. The sump pump is first visually inspected in the following categories; silt coverage, float free, impeller free, inlet obstructed, discharge obstructed, signs of improper installation, and electrical cord condition.

The sump pump’s electrical measurements are taken. The resistance from the line to neutral, line to ground, and neutral to ground are measured with the float down. The previous measurements are then taken with the sump pump submerged in water.

The sump pump is then subjected to a wet slow rise pump test. The sump pump is placed in a test basin where water is slowly introduced simulating normal use. This test is repeated several times to ensure that the pump switch is activating properly and reducing the water level to a sufficient level.

The last functional test measures the maximum pump lift capacity. The sump pump is activated in the test basin and the PSI of the pump is measured. This is then calculated in feet of head to ensure that the pump is reaching its designed specifications.

Finally an interview is conducted with the insured about the installation of the sump pump to ensure that the sump pump was being properly utilized and installed.

Tips for Talking With Your Insurance Agent

• Water damage and flooding are different things, so don't say “flood” or “flooded”. Insurance agencies can be very picky when it comes to wording so you don’t want to talk out of context.
• Don’t clean up just yet. In times of tragedy we just want things to go back to normal. When you are filing a water damage insurance claim you want to make sure you have all damages recorded.
• Document everything! Take pictures, take videos and jot down notes. Make sure you leave no stone uncovered when documenting your home water damage. This will be easier for you and the insurance agent.