Does My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Broken Pipes?

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

To avoid costly cleanup from a flood restoration company, make sure you understand the limitations and coverage from your insurance provider.

Is My Homeowner's Insurance Going To Cover A Burst Pipe?

Most people in North Bend, WA, have experienced plumbing issues at home. In many cases, these situations are minor and lead to moderate cleanup and repair efforts. However, if a flood occurs in your house due to problems with water pipes, you could be in for a costly, time-consuming mess.

Fortunately, you have homeowner’s insurance. But does your policy handle such circumstances? The answers can vary.

How Flooding Can Occur From Broken Pipes

Anyone who has ever owned a home realizes that eventually most systems, components, parts, and appliances will eventually break down. However, you want to fix a broken pipe quickly to avoid disastrous water problems. Pipes can break due to the following causes:

• Normal wear and tear and deterioration
  
• Improper installation or faulty materials
  
• Neglect or willful disregard on your part
  
• Unexpected plumbing issues

When Insurance Won’t Provide Coverage

As a homeowner, you have the responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of your home. This includes paying attention to items that need repair and replacement. You can’t expect insurance coverage when you neglect to do your part. Worse, if you intentionally break something, the replacement will be completely up to you.

Plumbing Malfunction

Sometimes, incidents occur that are completely out your control. If a pipe suddenly breaks in your home and causes a flood, and it wasn’t something that happened because of gradual deterioration or your own neglect, your insurance should cover the costs and damages.

Poor Installation or Equipment

It’s crucial that a licensed, competent plumber installs your pipes. This way, you can have confidence that everything will function properly. If leakage or flooding occurs because the pipes themselves are faulty or because the plumber made an error in installation, you should have insurance coverage.

To avoid costly cleanup from a professional flood restoration company, make sure you understand the limitations and coverage from your insurance provider. Keep these guidelines in mind when you purchase a home.