When you are investing in a house, the first thing that you worry about is homeowners’ insurance. What it includes, what’s not covered, how to handle emergencies, etc– all these are concerns that naturally come to you as a homeowner. One pressing question with regards to emergencies like plumbing disasters is does homeowners insurance cover plumbing damage.
Well, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. This blog explores what issues with the plumbing system are covered under insurance in the United States. Let’s get started:
What Are Accidental And Intentional Plumbing Issues?
Accidental or sudden plumbing damage means without warning; this means that a problem erupted that was never expected. Why is it important to understand this? Because this ‘sudden’ or ‘accidental’ damage is used to understand what damage claims are covered in insurance and what isn’t.
For example, you had a leaking pipe or faucet for weeks, and you kept ignoring it. This led to water pools on countertops and cracks in the wall. Suddenly, one day, you notice a mold infestation behind the cabinets or on the floor and walls. In this case, the insurance companies have the full right to argue that this is a clear case of ignorance and lack of maintenance. They are likely to deny any insurance claims.
Your insurance coverage will probably cover the water damage to your home, the walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as damage to personal belongings like electronics and furniture, if a pipe bursts unexpectedly due to cold weather or another unanticipated circumstance.
Similarly, a leaking roof, clogged or frozen pipes that are left unnoticed, can be a few other examples. In all these cases, the insurance company can defend itself by saying that homeowners could easily prevent damage caused due to plumbing issues. Moreover, it is highly likely that they won’t cover the cost of damage due to negligence.
What Plumbing Problems Are Included Under Homeowners Insurance?
Your insurance policy will cover plumbing problems and their consequences if caused accidentally. Let’s have a look at the things that you can claim for coverage:
Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are among the most common water damages to have in your house. Most homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of replacing ruined carpets and repairing damaged drywall. (Keep in mind that the majority of policies do not pay for pipe replacement or repair.)
As Aaron Adams, a Master plumber and CEO of Aaron’s Services, says, “Homeowners insurance can cover accessing the plumbing that needs to be repaired and restoring the area after the repair is complete, but almost never does it cover the actual plumbing repair itself. The good news is that generally, the actual [plumbing] repair is the least expensive aspect of the project.”
Appliance Leaks
Similarly, your appliance suddenly causes water leaks, say your dishwasher leaks, sending soapy water all across the kitchen floor. The basement below also suffers a damage due to the leak. In such a case, the insurance may cover the cleanup cost as long as the leak was unexpected and sudden.
Standard home insurance coverage also includes other appliances such as your washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioners, and water heaters. However, remember that some insurance companies may not cover sump pump failures until you have added water backup coverage in your home insurance policies.
Note: Insurance companies do not cover the cost of repair or replacement of the appliance itself. Here, an equipment breakdown insurance may help. You must speak to your insurer for this.
Overflowing Toilets, Sinks, or Bathtubs
When damage to the ceiling or floor is caused due to overflowing bathtubs, sinks, or toilets, the insurance companies cover the cost of the damage. As long as the obstruction is within your property’s plumbing system, your home insurance covers plumbing water that backs up into your home. However, unless you’ve added water backup coverage to your policy, your insurer usually won’t pay for issues in public sewer systems.
What’s Not Covered By Insurance Companies?
When asking the company, Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing damage, it’s important to note what’s not included in the policy. This will help you stay prepared for unprecedented times.
Flooding
You are not entitled to flood insurance unless you have a separate flood insurance policy. Do not expect the company to pay for the damages caused by weather-related flooding.
Negligence
Any plumbing damage caused by sheer negligence or lack of maintenance is not covered by the company. Suppose you’re not getting your dripping faucet or clogged drain fixed. In such a case, you cannot file a claim for plumbing compensation for the associated damage caused.
Sump Pump Failures
No standard homeowners policies pay for sewer system failure or sump pump breakdowns unless you’ve added it to your policy as an additional service.
Maintenance Issues
Generally speaking, damage brought on by aging, corroded, or decaying pipes is not covered. Homeowners are expected by insurance to keep their systems maintained to prevent plumbing problems.
Common Plumbing Coverage in Austin, Texas
Even for Austin residents, wonder: Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing damage? Multiple factors can cause severe damage to the plumbing system. Just like most of the US states, homeowners insurance typically covers accidental plumbing issues. For example, Austin homes generally have aging issues, which could call for repiping services. Your insurance will not cover costs for any such maintenance service.
However, the policy may cover issues like a plumbing leak, a hose break, a pipe burst, damage to floors, walls, baseboards, or even furniture. Two things determine whether or not your homeowners insurance policies will pay for your plumbing repair: a) whether the plumbing problem resulted from carelessness or poor upkeep, and b) the details of your particular coverage. Before you schedule your service, you can check with your insurance agent to see if Austin plumbing services are covered by your homeowners’ insurance plan.
Make sure when you are investing in homes in Austin, search for quality homes. Reach out to the best realtor in the business to avoid any major foundation or structural issues. Moreover, it’s advisable to conduct a thorough inspection before actually investing in a property.
You can learn more about what homeowners’ insurance covers to stay updated and aware of your rights as a homeowner.
FAQs
Is Sewer Water Damage Covered by Regular Insurance?
No. You have to add it as an additional service in your policy. Generally, insurance companies do not cover sewer backup damage.
What Are Some Additional Coverage Options I Can Include in My Plan?
If you wish to protect your home, consider adding water backup coverage, sewer line backup coverage, and home maintenance insurance.
Can I File a Claim For Repair or Replacement of Broken Pipes?
No. The expense of replacing or repairing pipes that have been damaged by corrosion, wear and tear, or neglect is not covered by homeowners’ insurance. Typically, the policy does not cover pipe repairs; rather, it only covers damage brought on by unexpected and unplanned incidents, such as a burst pipe.
