Water Damage Restoration in Hershey, PA

Why does Hershey experience water damage issues more frequently than some other parts of Pennsylvania? The local climate and geography provide clear answers.

Hershey’s temperate continental climate brings approximately 38.6 inches of precipitation annually, aligning with but slightly above the upper end of the typical U.S. range. This volume, combined with pronounced seasonal changes, creates conditions ripe for water damage. Spring storms regularly deliver heavy rainfall that can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in lower-lying residential areas prone to basement seepage.

Additionally, Hershey’s location within a flood zone classified as very high means groundwater and surface water can rise quickly, challenging older homes with compromised foundation waterproofing. The area's history of 16 federally recognized water-related disasters in Dauphin County—including ten floods and six hurricanes—illustrates a persistent pattern of severe water events. This frequency underscores that water emergencies here are not isolated incidents but part of a recurring weather dynamic.

Freeze-thaw cycles during winter months also contribute to water damage risks unique to Hershey. These temperature swings can cause expansion and contraction in roofing materials and plumbing pipes, leading to leaks and ruptures. For example, frozen pipe splits are a common cause of sudden indoor flooding during cold snaps, requiring immediate attention.

The combination of these factors—persistent precipitation, flood zone vulnerability, and temperature fluctuations—means that Hershey homeowners face specific local water damage challenges that generic guidance often overlooks. Understanding these risks is essential for effective preparation and response.

Many Hershey homeowners assume their standard insurance policies will cover all water damage costs. However, Pennsylvania’s insurance landscape defines important distinctions that affect coverage.

Most homeowner policies in the region cover sudden incidents such as a ruptured water heater flooding a basement or a snapped supply line, but they generally exclude gradual issues like slow leaks or seepage from foundation cracks. Flooding, especially given Hershey’s very high flood zone designation, requires separate flood insurance, which is not included in standard packages. Dauphin County residents should be aware that mine subsidence coverage is available but primarily relevant in western areas of Pennsylvania and less so locally.

A critical detail for Hershey property owners is the four-year deadline to file claims for water damage. Prompt reporting upon discovery of damage is essential to avoid denial due to lateness. Documentation—photos, videos, and a detailed inventory of affected items—strengthens claims and accelerates processing.

Financially, the distinction between covered and non-covered water events dictates which costs homeowners must plan to manage on their own. Repairs from sudden plumbing failures are generally reimbursed minus deductibles, whereas damage from slow deterioration or flooding often falls outside coverage, increasing out-of-pocket expenses.

Maximizing coverage involves understanding these nuances, maintaining accurate records, and consulting agents familiar with Pennsylvania’s policies and local risks. Being informed helps Hershey residents navigate claims effectively and reduces financial strain after water emergencies.

Many residents of Hershey assume that their homes, built decades ago, are fully equipped to handle modern water challenges. However, the median home in Hershey dates back to 1968, meaning many properties possess aging plumbing systems and roofing materials that are susceptible to failure. Homes from this era often still have galvanized steel supply lines or cast iron drainage pipes, which are prone to corrosion and leaks after more than half a century of service.

The aging infrastructure of these single-family homes—comprising about 72.5% of the housing stock—creates vulnerabilities such as foundation settling that leads to cracks allowing groundwater intrusion, especially during Hershey’s seasonally heavy rains. Deteriorating roof seals can also fail under the region’s winter freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in leaks that may go unnoticed until they cause significant interior damage.

Multi-unit dwellings, which make up a quarter of Hershey’s residences, carry distinct risks related to shared plumbing lines and walls. Water damage in one unit can quickly affect neighbors through common pipes or wall penetrations, complicating containment and increasing repair complexity. Moisture migration across connected structures often requires coordinated assessments and repairs.

Mobile and manufactured homes, though a small percentage here (2.5%), face particular challenges due to lower elevation and less robust waterproofing. Their construction materials are more vulnerable to water intrusion, and plumbing connections may be less secure, elevating the risk of leaks. Maintenance routines for these properties must account for these inherent structural limitations.

Given Hershey’s relatively high property values, the financial stakes for addressing these vulnerabilities are substantial. Homeowners should recognize the implications of housing age on water damage risk and plan maintenance and inspections accordingly, prioritizing systems likely to fail with age.