Homeowners insurance protects your home and valuable belongings from extensive damage. It often covers water damage as a result of flooding and severe weather. That said, does the same insurance coverage apply to the water damage caused by faulty plumbing? Santana Bros Plumbing, your local contractor for sewer replacements and other plumbing services, sheds light on the matter below.
The Short Answer: It Depends
Water damage caused by plumbing problems is still covered by homeowners insurance, as long as it was a sudden issue and not one that developed over a long period of time. For instance, if one of your home’s pipes suddenly bursts, you may be compensated for replacement valves, pipes and tanks. If the contractor has to remove part of the wall to gain access to the damaged pipes and perform repairs, your homeowners insurance may cover this as well.
The key to learning whether your homeowners insurance covers water damage caused by faulty plumbing is to read everything contained within the policy. Various clauses cover emergency plumbing repairs and residual damage if there’s an accidental discharge in your home. Personal property coverage, for example, provides coverage for all your valuables if they suffer water damage due to a burst pipe.
Conditions Not Covered by Your Insurance Policy
The insurance adjuster will visit your home to inspect the damage to your plumbing and determine your extent of liability. In other words, they’ll check for any hint of negligence on your part. Generally, the insurer may refuse your claim if any of the following conditions apply:
- Signs of rust or wear and tear – You may not be covered by homeowners insurance if the pipes show signs of cosmetic and functional deterioration.
- Frozen pipes due to neglect – If you didn’t do anything to prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter, you also may not be covered.
- Old plumbing – The insurance adjuster may learn that you were aware that one of your plumbing fixtures is old and needs to be replaced. If it breaks and discharges water, you may not be reimbursed for repairs by your insurer.
For immediate plumbing repairs, get in touch with Santana Bros Plumbing. We’re the area’s go-to choice for the highest-quality residential plumbing solutions. We install water heaters, unclog drains and replace your entire water piping system. Call us today at (713) 547-4597 or fill out our contact form to get a quote or request service.