{"id":939,"date":"2022-09-18T15:04:57","date_gmt":"2022-09-18T15:04:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdlplumbdraingas.com.au\/?p=939"},"modified":"2023-08-02T14:13:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T14:13:17","slug":"are-leaking-pipes-covered-by-homeowners-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdlplumbdraingas.com.au\/cdlblog\/are-leaking-pipes-covered-by-homeowners-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Leaking Pipes Covered by Homeowners Insurance?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you just discovered a leaky pipe (or God forbid more than one!) in your home and are worried whether it\u2019s covered under homeowners\u2019 insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A few factors influence whether your insurer will cover a leaky or broken pipe<\/a>. And whilst there isn\u2019t exactly a straightforward \u2018yes\u2019 or \u2018no\u2019 answer, this guide will help you understand under which conditions are leaking pipes covered by homeowners\u2019 insurance and what you can do to make sure you are covered in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Plumbing Leaks Covered by Homeowners Insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Homeowners insurance policies cover unexpected or accidental damage due to a broken or ruptured pipe, overflow from stormwater<\/a>, and damage from floods and storms. Your standard insurance policy will also likely cover the cost of locating the leak<\/a> and repairing the damage caused but not cover gradual damage that occurs over time that may have been avoided by frequent maintenance or due to the occupant\u2019s negligence. It is crucial that you have any repairs or upkeep work required as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage to your home and leave you out of cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Are<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Is<\/em> & Is Not<\/em> Covered Depends On Your Policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your insurance policy may cover the costs associated<\/a> with locating and fixing the damage caused by your leak. The policy, in many instances, will not cover the cost of repairing the leaking pipe itself. If there is damage caused by neglected pipes or taps, worn-out seals, or waterproofing membranes, you might also not be covered. This answer is not absolute, and clarification should also be sought from your policy provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to take extra special care when reading the Product Disclosure Statement<\/em> of your insurance policy. This section will aid you in swapping your insurance provider, making any necessary adjustments, negotiating additional coverage, and also providing an answer to the question of \u201cDoes insurance cover water leaks?\u201d. It is also imperative that you routinely check your house for structural damage and leaks and get these issues fixed quickly to avoid a headache later on. This is especially important after a storm or other extreme weather to assess any damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Water damage can take place in a multitude of different ways. It can come from a burst pipe, backup from a sewer or blocked drain<\/a>, or after a storm or flood, and coming from even the most minor leak from a pipe in a way that is almost undetectable until it is too late. Most damage can generally fit into either the category of \u2018sudden and accidental<\/em>\u2019 or \u2018gradual<\/em>\u2019. Broken pipes and damage from natural disasters are usually classed as sudden or accidental and will be covered by your insurer. However, your insurer does not cover any gradual damage caused by leaks and poor maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gradual Water Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Further to your insurer's understanding of gradual water damage above, examples of gradual water damage include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n