If you've discovered that water from your neighbor's yard is flooding your home, take action as fast as you can. Flooding from your neighbor's yard can happen for several reasons. Two of those reasons include broken water pipes and overflowing swimming pools. But, directional problems with automatic sprinklers can also cause flooding. Regardless of the cause, you need to start the cleanup right away. If you're not sure what to do first, read the list provided below. Here are four steps you need to take if your neighbor's actions have caused your home to flood.
Stop the Flow of Water
If water from your neighbor's yard is flooding your home, stop the flow of water. If your neighbor is home, ask them to turn the water off. If your neighbor isn't home, call the local fire department. They can come out and disconnect the water supply. While you're waiting for the flow of water to stop, create berms or trenches to divert water away from your home. That way, you can reduce the water damage to your home.
File an Insurance Claim
If your home has sustained a lot of water damage, be sure to contact your insurance company. You need to file a claim with your insurance company so you can get started on the remediation. Once you make contact with your neighbors, you'll want to get their insurance information as well. That way your insurance company can go through the right channels to get reimbursed for the remediation costs.
Arrange for Clean Up
If you're trying to clean up from a flood, don't try to tackle the cleanup on your own. This is especially important when insurance claims are involved. In most cases, your insurance company will want to know that the water damage has been remediated properly. For that, you'll need to call a water damage cleanup contractor. Be sure to let the contractor know that the flooding was caused by your neighbor. They might be able to help you with the insurance paperwork.
Speak to an Attorney
If water from your neighbor's yard flooded your home, and your neighbors aren't cooperating, you might need to hire an attorney. Legal help can be beneficial when insurance claims are involved. Or when a third party has caused water damage to your home. Be sure to gather all the bills you've received from your water damage cleanup contractor. Your attorney will need that information when filing a claim on your behalf.
Reach out to a water damage cleanup contractor for more info.