Water in your Newberry County home: the first hour, and the insurance questions

In the first hour

1. Stop the water. Close the main shutoff. In most Newberry County homes it is where the line enters the house (often in the crawl space or a utility closet), or at the meter box by the street. Homes on a well can also switch off the pump breaker. Finding your shutoffs.
2. Make it safe. If water has reached outlets, a panel or appliances, turn off power at the breaker only if you can do it standing somewhere dry. Otherwise leave the house and call the utility.
3. Take pictures before you move anything. Wide shots of each room, close-ups of the break, and the water line on walls. What to photograph.
4. Start drying. The U.S. EPA says water-damaged areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. Drying out.
5. Call a licensed plumber, then your agent or insurer.

What a South Carolina homeowners policy usually covers

The South Carolina Department of Insurance says a standard homeowner's, renter's or condominium policy generally covers damage from winter weather. The Insurance Information Institute says standard policies cover most freeze damage, such as pipes that freeze and burst. What usually is not covered:

• The broken pipe or worn-out water heater itself, as opposed to the water damage it caused. Policies differ, so check yours.
• Slow leaks that went on for weeks or months. Sudden vs gradual damage.
• Flood from rising water outside. That needs a flood policy. Flood vs water damage.
• Sewer or drain backup, unless you bought the endorsement. Sewer backup.

The freeze conditions in your policy

Insurers can deny freeze claims when the home was left without reasonable heat or the water was not shut off and drained during a long absence, so check your policy's conditions. The Insurance Information Institute suggests keeping the house at 65°F or warmer in a cold snap. If you own a lake house or rental that sits empty in winter, read that condition closely. Leaving a house empty in winter.

If you need help with an insurer

Call your agent or company first. If you cannot resolve a problem, the SC Department of Insurance Office of Consumer Services takes questions at 803-737-6180 or 1-800-768-3467 (toll-free in SC) or [email protected].