WE HAVE WATER DAMAGE TO OUR HOME DUE TO A BROKEN PIPE. WE KNEW THE PLUMBING WAS IN NEED OF REPAIR BUT WE DIDN’T FIX IT RIGHT AWAY. IS THIS OUR FAULT? WILL INSURANCE COVER THE DAMAGE?
Water damage due to broken pipes is one of the most common homeowner’s insurance claims. Most household water damage is caused by plumbing leaks or appliance failure such as toilet flooding, sewer backups, burst pipes and similar issues. Incidents that are sudden and unpredictable are usually covered by homeowner insurance policies, but each policy is different and some require special riders for water damage. Your agent can tell you for certain if you have coverage.
If you are aware of the common risks, you can do regular maintenance to prevent future issues. It is always wise to properly maintain your home and property, including your plumbing and drainage systems. Common maintenance should include frequent inspections of pipes and valves.
- Tubs and showers should be maintained by regularly caulking the seals to make sure they are watertight.
- Regularly inspect hoses on appliances such as your dishwasher and washing machine. Replace any hoses that show signs of wear or bulges.
- Keep an eye on leaky toilets, dripping faucets and outdoor hose bibs to head off any potential plumbing issues.
- If you live in a cold climate, pipes that burst can become an issue. You can insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing or bursting in the winter.
- While away on vacation, you should shut off the water supply to the washing machine.
- And, never leave the dishwasher or washing machine running unattended.
