Attic Water Tank Leak

andyred

Hi, not sure if this is the right place but would appreciate any help.

My parents had an old galvinized steel water tank in their attic since they moved in 30 years ago. I had been in the attic a while back and noticed it and was trying to get a replacement but its been difficult with Covid 19.

This tank leaked and emptied its entire contents into the house. I have a plumber coming to change the tank but does anybody know how I go about having the walls, joists, electrics etc checked out for damage? What are the next steps involved? I also don't know how long the tank has been leaking, it could have had a small leak for a long time that just got bigger all of a sudden.

There doesn't appear to be too much damage, a little water staining on the ceiling but I don't know what damage was caused behind the walls or to the joists in the attic. Those tanks are large and all that water went somewhere.

I dont want to leave it and find the roof caving in 6 months down the line! I advised the insurance company but they never mentioned anything about sending anybody out.....do I need to call them back and have someone look at the damage and advise what needs fixing or do I get someone myself and who do I get?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Doolittle51

Does the house have suspended timber floors on the ground floor? Most likely all the water made it's way under there. It'll eventually dry up i guess, but may leave a bit of a smell.

You could hire an insurance assessor at your own cost to assess the damage and liaise with the insurance company to agree on repair costs. I know someone who's house was flooded because of a leak. He hired an assessor, which saved a lot of hassle in the long run and the assessor spotted loads of things that you just wouldn't consider.
Think it cost over 10k in total to fix everything. His house was very obviously damaged though.