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Posted on December 20, 2018 by

Is Your Home Protected Against Water Leaks?

leakdetectionHopefully, you’ve never returned home from a family vacation only to notice that there is a huge water stain on the wall and several pieces of fine art have been damaged.
This is exactly what happens to people who leave home not realizing that there is a water leak, only to return home to priceless pieces of art that were damaged beyond restoration. Although this is a sad day, it all could have been prevented by not ignoring the signs of a plumbing emergency.
The worst part about the situation was that her homeowner’s insurance doesn’t always pay for damage due to ‘willful ignorance.’ This basically means that the insurance company doesn’t cut anyone slack.

Detecting The Leak Ahead of Time

The key to having your homeowner’s insurance policy pay for damages caused by a leaking pipe is to catch it before it creates a major problem. Here are a few signs that you may have a water leak:

  • Sounds of rushing water.
  • Suddenly high water bills.
  • Musty smells.
  • Visible mold.
  • Sinking ceilings.
  • Unexplainable wet spots on walls, floors, or ceilings.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, they are not going to go away on their own. You will need to hire a professional plumber that can locate and repair the leak. Failing to do so may result in water damage that is not covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

Broken Water Pipes: An Urgent Situation

brokenpipeShould a water pipe burst in your home, it is definitely considered an emergency! The first thing you will need to do is turn off the water main to stop the flow of water and prevent further damage.
After the water has been cut off, you will need to call the Plumbing Doctor to locate the break and then repair it. If a pipe breaks in your home due to freezing temperatures but was otherwise in good condition, your homeowner’s insurance policy will likely cover it.
However, if your pipes are obviously corroded or in a state of disrepair, you may be facing a fight to have your home fixed and belongings replaced.

What Water Damage is Covered by Insurance?

Water damage is somewhat of a grey area of homeowner’s insurance. Many times it can be argued that the homeowner did not realize that the pipes were in poor condition, while in the same breath, the insurance company says the problem was glaringly obvious.
It comes down to negligence and willful ignorance. If you neglect your home and your plumbing, insurance will not pay for damages caused by pipes that have been left in disarray. Similarly, insurance companies aren’t the bad guy and will pay their part if all reasonable measures have been taken to prevent water damage.

Don’t Forego Homeowner’s Insurance!

homeownerinsuranceIt may sound like homeowner’s insurance companies are of no help or just want to take your money. This isn’t the case, especially if you take care of your home.
Unfortunately, problems will arise as your home ages–having a homeowner’s insurance policy will help keep your financial obligations at a minimum.
If you suspect you have a water leak or are concerned about pipes breaking, call the Plumbing Doctor. Waiting and procrastination never does anything positive in these types of situations.
The sooner we detect a leak, the sooner it can be repaired with minimal damage. Similarly, if you believe that the integrity of a pipe is compromised, don’t wait for it to break–call us to prevent a major expense! Have you had experience with water leaks and homeowner’s insurance? Let us know what happened in the comments!