Water heater leaked - what to do vis a vis people below me?

May 15, 2017 7:53 AM

My water heater leaked. I live in a top floor condo. I am the homeowner. My insurance does not cover water damage. What do I need to do for the people underneath me?

The people below me experienced some leakage from me and are concerned about mold, et cetera. My insurance doesn't cover water. Do I need to find a professional to come look at their unit? What is the title of such a professional? And/or what else do I need to do?

posted by cokelessrome to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

Are you sure your policy doesn't cover water damage? Water damage from a flood (natural disaster) is different from water damage from a water heater leak. Check with your insurance company.

For example, my policy doesn't cover water damage from flooding but will cover it if the sump pump failed and water got in because of that.
posted by eatcake at 8:09 AM on May 15, 2017 [2 favorites]

Get your insurance adjuster out and contact a water damage company. Contact your COA and the management company, if there is one.

Condos are complicated because, while you may own your unit, your association may very well likely own the drywall and ceilings (and more importantly, the space between them, which is where water collects and mold grows). This is very common.

Your COA might also need a statement from a water mitigation company that the units are dry and free of mold.
posted by Wossname at 8:21 AM on May 15, 2017 [1 favorite]

You should both call your insurance companies, and also the building insurance, and let them figure it out. It is likely that this is covered, though not guaranteed. You should also get a rule about water heater ages in your agreement.
posted by jeather at 1:37 PM on May 15, 2017