Water Damage from your Fish Tank

Aquarium keeping is a fun and rewarding activity that can provide years of enjoyment, education and even stress relief. But we at Alert Disaster Restoration caution, there is always a chance that your tank will leak and cause water damage in your Bakersfield home.

Fish tanks are as foul-smelling as they are beautiful, even when they are maintained correctly. When the water spills out of a fish tank, what was once a beautiful centerpiece in your clean waiting area quickly becomes a disgusting and flooded mess. An aquarium tank, when full, experiences intense pressure from the inside. Fish tanks are constructed of glass pieces and silicone adhesive inserted inside a metal or wooden frame. They are well-known for developing tiny leaks that are hard to locate when full.

How Dangerous is a Fish Tank Leak?

Fish tank water is not the same as tap water; how clean or dirty is it? The industry uses three terms for the seriousness, or category of water damage:

 

• Category 1: Sanitary Liquids These liquids are from sanitary sources such as faucets and toilet tanks, but they can quickly degrade into category two liquids.

• Category 2: Grey Water These liquids come from sources such as dishwashers, washing machines, sink drains, and toilet overflow (urine only), and contain contaminants that may cause illness or discomfort if ingested.

• Category 3: Black Water These grossly unsanitary liquids include sewage backup, feces contaminated toilet overflow, flooding from rivers or streams, and bacteria laden stagnant liquid, and can cause severe illness or death if ingested.

 

Water from a fish tank contains uneaten food and other organic components plus the chemicals used to treat the water. Algae is also a common element in fish tanks. While the water may look clean, this flood would be considered black water because of the nature of the water.  In other words, you definitely need more than a roll of paper towels. You need professional help.

All Pets Can Cause Water Damage

While the fish are not usually to blame, dogs and cats can be responsible for water related trouble. For example, pet dishes placed directly on porous surfaces, like carpet or wood, can develop mold and might even rot the materials. Washing the dog in the mudroom can expose the walls and floors to gallons of water.  A clever cat might turn the faucet on during the day or knock over a vase of flowers at night. A guinea pig might chew a hole in a water line.

When your favorite family members misbehave, call Alert Disaster to bail them out!

Insurance Coverage?

Is this water disaster covered by your homeowners policy? The simple answer is  ?Well, maybe.? Most homeowners and renters insurance policies cover the damage caused by broken fish tanks, but check with your agent to be sure. A hundred gallons of water could definitely damage your floors, ceilings, furniture, and other belongings near the tank.  

It is clear what is not covered by your home or renters insurance: fish or ?livestock?.  Just like any other pet in your home, they are not covered if they pass away in the accident.

Ask the experts at Alert Disaster for advice about your situation. They may have insight into determining the cause of damage that will be helpful for you in the insurance claim.

Water Damage Restoration in Bakersfield

To get your property and life back to normal after a water disaster strikes, you need help that you can rely on.  Alert’s trusted, experienced water restoration teams offer water restoration with personal support.

Alert Disaster Restoration is an independent firm serving California with branch offices and Partner Members. Contact us for a full service disaster restoration contractor for water damage, fire damage and mold contamination.