Jane Dotson
Whether homeowners insurance covers the collapse of an underground pipe depends on the cause of the collapse. Most policies cover sudden and accidental damage to underground pipes, including burst pipes, but not gradual damage due to wear and tear, corrosion, or improper use. If the collapse occurs due to age, regular wear and tear, poor installation, ground temperature changes, shifting soil, or root ingress, it is unlikely to be covered. Additionally, if the damage is caused by external factors such as flooding or sewer backup, separate insurance policies or add-ons may be required. Homeowners are generally responsible for pipe maintenance and ensuring pipes don't freeze, remain unclogged, and are well-maintained.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What does homeowners insurance cover? | Accidental water damage that occurs as a result of a sudden, unexpected occurrence like a burst pipe |
| Cleaning, repair or replacement of flooring, drywall, and furniture due to water damage as a result of a burst pipe | |
| Loss of use coverage, or additional living expenses insurance, can help pay for reasonable housing and living expenses if a covered event makes your house temporarily uninhabitable while it’s being repaired or rebuilt | |
| Homeowners insurance generally covers damage due to broken pipes if their collapse is sudden, unforeseen, and accidental | |
| Buildings insurance covers the structure of your property, as well as the fixtures and fittings | |
| Buildings insurance should cover the underground pipes you’re legally responsible for – usually those that cross your land | |
| Most buildings insurance policies include cover for accidental damage to underground pipes you’re legally responsible for | |
| What does homeowners insurance not cover? | Water damage that occurs gradually due to a leaky or rusty pipe |
| If you ignore a known leak or other long-standing problems, there may not be coverage for your claim | |
| If you live in a northern climate and your broken pipe is a result of freezing due to a lack of heat in the home, an insurance company could cite negligence | |
| If the water damage is due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance, the claim will likely be denied |
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What You'll Learn
Burst pipes due to freezing are often not covered
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage due to broken pipes if their collapse is sudden and unforeseen. However, water damage that occurs gradually due to a leaky or rusty pipe is generally not covered. If you turned off your heat before leaving your house for a few days, causing the pipes to freeze when outdoor temperatures dropped, your claim may be denied. This is because the policyholder is responsible for maintaining their pipes and taking precautions to prevent freezing.
Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies will cover damage from a frozen pipe that bursts. However, your insurance policy may not respond if it appears that you neglected to take the proper steps to safeguard your property. For example, if you did not maintain a certain temperature, even if the property was vacant, occupied, or unoccupied.
To prevent your pipes from freezing, you can take several proactive steps. These include keeping the heat at 65 or above, and if you're gone for multiple days during cold weather, having someone check on the house. Alternatively, you can shut off the water and drain the pipes. In unheated and uninsulated areas, allow a faucet to drip during extreme cold weather. Keep the room temperature at 69 degrees or no lower than 55 degrees in all areas of the property.
If your pipes do freeze, completely open the cold-water faucet closest to the freezing pipe. If you decide to thaw the pipe, use a hairdryer, but never use a blow torch or direct fire. If your vacant or unoccupied property has no heat, be sure to shut off the water supply and drain the system and appliances of water to avoid freezing.
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Gradual damage to pipes is not covered
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage resulting from broken pipes if their collapse is sudden, unforeseen, and accidental. However, gradual damage to pipes due to leaks, rust, or deterioration over an extended period is generally excluded from coverage. Gradual damage refers to issues that develop slowly over time, such as a leaky pipe or a crack in the foundation of your home.
In the context of homeowners insurance, gradual damage to pipes is not considered a covered peril. This type of damage is often categorized as a maintenance issue, which falls under the responsibility of the homeowner. It is important to note that insurance policies are designed to protect against sudden and unexpected events, not gradual deterioration or neglect.
Gradual damage to pipes can occur due to various factors, including long-standing leaks, corrosion, rust, or normal wear and tear. For example, a pipe may gradually deteriorate due to frequent ground temperature changes, shifting soil, or encroaching tree roots. Over time, these factors can weaken the pipe, leading to cracks or fractures.
Insurance companies typically deny claims related to gradual damage to pipes because it indicates a lack of proper maintenance or care. Homeowners are expected to take proactive measures to maintain their plumbing systems, such as regularly checking for leaks, ensuring pipes are well-maintained, and addressing any issues promptly. By neglecting regular maintenance, homeowners may contribute to the gradual deterioration of their pipes.
To prevent gradual damage to pipes, homeowners should implement preventive measures. This includes regularly inspecting pipes for signs of corrosion or leaks, maintaining proper water pressure, and ensuring adequate insulation to prevent freezing during cold weather. Additionally, routine maintenance by a qualified plumber can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate. By being proactive, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of gradual pipe damage and the subsequent financial burden of repairs.
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Underground pipes you're legally responsible for are covered
If you are legally responsible for underground pipes, most buildings insurance policies will cover accidental damage to them. This includes damage caused by the movement of subsoil due to subsidence or landslip, or tree roots that have grown into the pipe. However, insurers are unlikely to pay out if the damage was caused by a lack of care or improper use, such as flushing baby wipes or sanitary products down the toilet, or disposing of cooking oil, leftovers, and coffee grounds down the sink.
It is important to note that buildings insurance does not cover pipes owned by and are the responsibility of your neighbours or a water company. Pipes usually become the responsibility of your water supplier when they leave your property boundary. Additionally, drains that connect to a neighbour's drain and the main sewer are generally the water supplier's responsibility.
To ensure that you have the necessary coverage for underground pipes, carefully review your insurance policy. Some policies may distinguish between resulting damage and initial damage, and it is important to understand what is specifically included and excluded in your coverage.
If you are unsure about your coverage or have questions about a specific situation, it is recommended to contact your insurance company or a licensed professional for guidance. They can provide clarity on what is included and excluded in your policy and help you understand your options for additional coverage if needed.
Additionally, taking proactive measures to maintain and protect your pipes can help prevent issues. This includes regular maintenance, keeping pipes unclogged, ensuring they are screwed tight, and being vigilant for signs of water damage, mould, or mildew, which could indicate a small crack or leak.
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Accidental damage to underground pipes is covered
If you're a homeowner, you may be wondering if your insurance covers accidental damage to underground pipes. The good news is that most buildings insurance policies do include accidental damage cover for underground pipes and drains as standard. This means that if an underground pipe on your property suddenly collapses or bursts, you're likely to be covered for the cost of repairs and locating the source of the damage.
It's important to note that not all types of damage are covered. Gradual damage to pipes, such as corrosion, wear and tear, or improper use, is typically excluded from insurance coverage. For example, if a pipe bursts due to age, regular wear and tear, poor initial installation, or damage from tree roots, it may not be covered. Additionally, if the damage is due to a lack of maintenance or care, such as not maintaining proper water pressure or flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, your claim may be denied.
To ensure you're covered in the event of accidental damage to your underground pipes, it's crucial to review your insurance policy carefully. While most buildings insurance policies include accidental damage cover, some may offer it as an optional extra or require you to purchase separate plumbing and drainage insurance, also known as home emergency cover. This type of insurance can be included in a comprehensive home insurance policy or bought as an add-on, providing coverage for sudden and urgent issues like blocked drains or leaking pipes.
In the unfortunate event of a collapsed or burst underground pipe, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with as much information as you can about the incident. They may require details such as the cause of the damage, the extent of the collapse, and any steps you have taken to prevent or mitigate the damage. Additionally, consider taking photos or videos of the damage to support your claim.
While dealing with a collapsed or burst underground pipe can be stressful, knowing that accidental damage is typically covered by homeowners insurance can provide some peace of mind. Remember to review your specific policy, take preventive measures to maintain your pipes, and promptly report any issues to your insurance company to ensure you receive the coverage you need.
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Homeowners insurance covers the cost of repairs to pipes
Homeowners insurance generally covers the cost of repairing pipes, but there are certain conditions and exclusions to be aware of. Firstly, it's important to understand that most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover the cost of repairing or replacing a broken pipe itself. The pipe must have undergone sudden and significant damage, and the collapse should be accidental and unforeseen. For example, if you accidentally damage a water line while digging in your yard, repairs may be covered. However, if a water line breaks due to age, wear and tear, poor installation, shifting soil, or tree root damage, it is unlikely to be covered.
Homeowners insurance typically covers the resulting accidental water damage caused by a burst pipe. This includes cleaning, repair, or replacement of flooring, drywall, and even furniture due to water damage. Loss of use coverage, or additional living expenses insurance, can also help pay for temporary housing and living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable during repairs. However, it's important to note that homeowners insurance usually does not cover water damage that occurs gradually due to a leaky or rusty pipe. Insurance companies may deny claims if they find evidence of long-term leaks or a lack of maintenance.
To ensure you're adequately covered for pipe-related issues, it's essential to review your policy's exact wording, exclusions, and coverage limits with your insurance advisor. Different insurance companies offer varying types of coverage, such as sump pump coverage and water backup coverage. Maintaining your plumbing system through regular inspections and repairs is also crucial, as insurance companies may deny claims if they deem you negligent in your maintenance responsibilities.
Additionally, consider investing in separate flood insurance or add-ons to your policy to protect against flooding caused by external factors like rising waters or overflowing sewers. By understanding your policy, maintaining your plumbing, and considering additional coverage, you can ensure you're protected from the unexpected costs and damages associated with broken or burst pipes. Remember, homeowners insurance is designed to mitigate losses and provide financial assistance when sudden and accidental incidents occur.
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Frequently asked questions
Buildings insurance covers the collapse of underground pipes you're legally responsible for, as long as the damage is accidental and sudden. This includes pipes that cross your private land to service your home.
Homeowners insurance does not cover gradual damage to underground pipes, corrosion, wear and tear, or improper use. It also does not cover pipes outside your property boundary or those owned by your neighbours or a water company.
Homeowners insurance covers water damage due to a sudden and unforeseen incident, such as a burst pipe. This includes the cost of cleaning, repair, or replacement of affected belongings and structural elements like flooring and drywall. Loss of use coverage can also help pay for additional living expenses if your house is temporarily uninhabitable due to covered damage.
