We know these waters®

Pipe Breaks, Water Damage, and the Insurance Process

Goodman-Gable-Gould/Adjusters International (GGG/AI), the nation's leading public adjusting firm, continues to respond immediately to calls from property managers, business owners, hospitality & lodging facilities, homeowners, insurance brokers, and risk management departments to address the immediate mitigation of damages and to swiftly act in filing an insurance claim in the event of pipe breaks, sprinkler head bursts & water damage during extreme conditions.

Frigid winter weather conditions are often a cause of pipe breaks and sprinkler head bursts which can create significant water damage. There are several steps that can be taken to prevent such problems from occurring, and numerous other measures to be implemented immediately following such an incident in order to contain and minimize the damage.

Also, it must be noted that insurance companies may deny coverage for broken pipes if they are a result of wear and tear. As there are numerous buildings throughout the Northeast that are aging, it is very important to maintain the pipes in your building, ascertain that they are in good working order, and to replace older pipes that could be on the verge of breaking. In addition, temperature control is key around a pipe. If pipes are exposed to colder temperatures, they stand a much greater chance of freezing, breaking, and causing severe damage to a property.

If a pipe breaks, cut the water off at the source immediately and/or call your local fire department to help turn off the water source, if necessary. As water spreads throughout several floors, it is very important to mitigate damages by removing any carpet and carpet padding that has the potential for mold, drying out the walls and the internal cavities of the walls, as well as drying out the elevator shafts within the first 24 to 48 hours. Although walls can look dry to the naked eye, they can still be wet internally. A moisture meter can detect water. Drying machines, dehumidifiers, and proper air circulation will help accelerate the drying process. 24/7 GGG/AI is available to assist in recommending and helping coordinate with reputable vendors to assist in the mitigation of damages in the event of a loss. We also recommend to all of our clients to have readily accessible all contact information for any of their regular vendors that are familiar with their buildings, and that we may want to contact during an emergency (plumbers, electricians, elevator repairmen, etc.)

In the event of a pipe break and/or sprinkler head burst, save the actual pipe or sprinkler head (even if removed) as the insurance company will need it to identify the potential cause of loss and possibly for subrogation purposes.

Patience is needed during the claim adjustment process. Insurance companies do not simply write a check for your damages; it is your obligation to prepare and present your claim, and to document your damages. GGG/AI helps our clients keep records of all expenses related to a pipe break, sprinkler head burst and subsequent damages, and we work with you to make sure that we promptly receive invoices for all completed repair work (emergency work & permanent repairs) and also assist with compiling detailed records of overtime your personnel might work as a result of such a damage incident and any related loss of business income/extra expenses.

Preventive maintenance is the key in correcting the problem before it happens, and taking prompt action immediately following a loss, could possibly prevent additional damages.

Goodman-Gable-Gould/Adjusters International is ready to respond in the event of any damage incident. Please call our Emergency Response Number 24/7 at (1-800-858-3900 ext. 3).

Keith Hayman
National Business Development
khayman@gggai.com