Licensed Professional Engineer
Mechanical PE - CA, NV, OR, WA, AZ
Certified Professional Inspector
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
OUR SERVICES
Water Loss Origin & Cause Investigations
Water damage may be visible far from its source. Determining how a loss occurred requires evaluating the affected systems, physical evidence, reported circumstances, and repair history together.
Bona Fide Forensics investigates water losses to identify the source of the release, evaluate how the failure occurred, and determine whether installation, maintenance, or component conditions contributed.
Investigations may involve homes, apartments, commercial buildings, and other properties.
Common areas of investigation include:
✓ Plumbing supply lines and fittings
✓ Appliance hoses and connections
✓ Toilets and water supply connectors
✓ Water heaters and related components
✓ Washing machines and dishwashers
✓ Refrigerators and ice makers
✓ Drain and sewer backups
✓ HVAC condensate leaks
✓ Pressure-related plumbing failures
✓ Recent installations or repairs
OUR APPROACH
Our Water Loss Investigation Process
A methodical, evidence-based approach from leak identification to failure analysis.
1. Examine Site
Evaluate affected areas, plumbing systems, and reported conditions to guide the investigation.
2. Document Evidence
Record component conditions, connections, and relevant damage through photographs, notes, and measurements.
3. Identify Source
Trace the reported water release and evaluate potential sources against the available evidence.
4. Evaluate Failure
Assess how the release occurred and whether component, installation, or operating conditions contributed.
5. Examine & Test
Preserve relevant components and conduct or coordinate further examination and testing as needed.
6. Develop Findings
Integrate the evidence and engineering analysis into clear, supported conclusions.
EVIDENCE MATTERS
Evidence Preservation & Subrogation Support
A failed hose, fitting, valve, or appliance component may provide important evidence about how a water loss occurred. Removal, repair, or disposal can limit the ability to evaluate that evidence.
Bona Fide Forensics helps identify and preserve potentially significant components and document their installed condition when available.
Services may include:
✓ Product and component identification
✓ Documentation before removal
✓ Evidence collection and preservation
✓ Chain-of-custody documentation
✓ Secure storage of collected components
✓ Coordination of joint examinations
✓ Participation in destructive examinations
✓ Documentation of testing and disassembly
The examination may include documenting the component or appliance, identifying the manufacturer, model, and manufacturing date, reviewing installation conditions, and evaluating relevant components. Our appliance serial number and date code guide provides additional information on identifying manufacture dates for common appliance brands. When potentially responsible parties are identified, examinations can be coordinated to provide an opportunity for their participation.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Engineering Evaluation of Plumbing & Appliance Failures
Identifying where water escaped is only part of the investigation. Engineering analysis can help determine why a component failed and whether other conditions contributed to the release.
Our mechanical engineering background supports the evaluation of plumbing connections, appliance components, and water-handling systems.
Areas of evaluation may include:
✓ Fractured fittings and connectors
✓ Separated or leaking connections
✓ Hose and tubing failures
✓ Corrosion and material deterioration
✓ Seals, gaskets, and valves
✓ Pressure and temperature conditions
✓ Installation methods and support
✓ Product specifications and instructions
✓ Maintenance and repair history
When needed, the investigation can include leak testing, component disassembly, or specialized laboratory analysis.
DELIVERING RESULTS
Clear, Defensible Findings
Our goal is to provide understandable, technically supported findings that help clients evaluate water loss claims, potential recovery opportunities, and disputed issues.
Depending on the assignment, our work may include:
✓ Site inspection
✓ Leak source identification
✓ Failure analysis
✓ Photographic documentation
✓ Review of installation and repair records
✓ Plumbing and appliance evaluation
✓ Evidence collection and storage
✓ Joint examinations
✓ Component testing
✓ Engineering analysis
✓ Verbal consultation
✓ Written reports
✓ Deposition and litigation support
✓ Expert witness testimony
Conclusions reflect the available evidence, with limitations and unresolved questions clearly explained.
MEET KIRK LUMAYE
Experienced Forensic Engineer
Bona Fide Forensics applies mechanical engineering principles to the investigation of water losses and component failures.
Investigations are led by Kirk LuMaye, a licensed Professional Engineer with more than a decade of experience investigating property losses, appliance failures, and mechanical systems.
This experience supports investigations involving plumbing components, water-using appliances, and questions about installation, maintenance, and failure mechanisms.
Our mission is simple: Seek the truth through honest and thorough investigation.
- Kirk LuMaye, PE
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SERVICE AREA
Water Loss Investigation Across California and the West
Bona Fide Forensics provides forensic engineering and fire investigation services throughout Northern California and Southern California, with regular travel for assignments in Reno and Northern Nevada.
We also accept engineering and fire investigation assignments throughout Arizona, Oregon, and Washington, and travel as needed to support losses across the western United States.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Frequently Asked Questions
