“Are we okay to shut off the equipment?”

‍

This is one of the most common questions we hear after a water loss — and we get it. The drying equipment placed by the mitigation company can be loud, hot, and disruptive. It’s running around the clock, and your electric bill might be creeping up. So naturally, many homeowners wonder if it’s okay to shut it off for a bit.

‍

From a Happy Adjuster standpoint, the answer is simple:

‍

We strongly recommend that you do not shut off the equipment on your own.

That equipment is doing important work — removing hidden moisture and helping prevent long-term damage. The more time it’s turned off or unplugged, the longer the overall drying process will take. And here’s where it can affect your claim: insurance carriers will only approve what they consider to be a reasonable drying timeline.

‍

If that timeline is extended because the equipment wasn’t allowed to do its job, the carrier may see it as the mitigation contractor trying to overcharge the claim. In that situation, they might deny coverage for the additional time — and guess what? The contractor may then bill you directly for the difference.

‍

Some mitigation companies will absorb that extra cost — but many will not. In fact, some may pursue collection or even place a lien on your property if the balance goes unpaid. It’s not common, but it does happen — and it’s a situation we want you to avoid.

‍

Yes, we know it’s uncomfortable. It’s loud, it’s inconvenient, and it may feel like it’s disrupting your life — but that equipment is temporary. Let it do its job.

‍

And if it truly becomes unbearable to stay in your home, we recommend contacting your primary adjuster about using your Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage to set up temporary lodging. Most policies include this coverage when your home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss — and this is exactly the kind of situation it was designed for.

‍

‍

‍