Why have you clicked through to this post? Well, it’s all in the title, isn’t it? So let’s cut to the chase with the short and easy answer. Are blocked drains covered by home insurance:
No.
That’s right, you’re definitely going to have to cough up for a basic plumbing problem like that. But are there exceptions to this rule? That’s where it gets a bit more interesting. For example, if the damage done by that blockage is caused by something:
- Sudden, like a wild storm
- Or accidental, like tree roots
- Or by a catastrophic failure in your home’s plumbing system …
Then some policies might actually provide coverage. However, as is the case with all insurance matters, the devil is always in the details – and understanding your specific policy is key.
Let’s explore this a bit deeper by answering all of your own important questions about what plumbing issues might be covered by home insurance in Australia including blocked drain repairs:
1. Are blocked drains covered by home insurance?
According to Richie from Fix It Right Plumbing, “Blocked drains caused by wear and tear or poor maintenance are usually not covered by home insurance, making it essential for homeowners to understand their policy’s details and keep up with regular maintenance.” For instance, if hair build-up or grease blocks the drains, you will almost certainly need to pay for the repair out of your own pocket or attempt some DIY drain cleaning.
However, if the blockage is caused by an insured event, such as storm damage or tree roots infiltrating the pipes, there may be some coverage available for the resultant water damage under certain policies.
2. Does homeowners insurance cover tree root damage in sewer lines?
The answer is: Yes – sometimes. Tree roots can cause significant damage to sewer lines, and this can be an expensive fix. In some cases, your question about tree roots in sewer line covered by insurance policies can result in a “yes”, but perhaps not for the pipes themselves – and only if the roots caused sudden and accidental water damage.
Routine blockages due to root growth, which are seen as gradual, are typically not covered at all. But always check the specific details of your policy to be certain, and don’t delay booking in your blocked sewer pipe cleaning to ensure hygiene issues don’t get worse.
3. Does home insurance cover plumbing problems?
For this one, it depends. Does home insurance cover plumbing problems like leaks or pipe bursts? Well, if the issue is sudden and unexpected – like a pipe bursting due to a freeze or an accident – it may be covered.
However, if it’s due to:
- Gradual wear and tear
- Poor maintenance
- Or neglect …
Then is usually isn’t covered at all. Keep in mind that insurers expect homeowners to maintain their property, and a lack of proper maintenance can void coverage for certain plumbing problems.
4. Can you claim plumbing repairs on insurance?
We get this question a lot, and the answer is: Sometimes. Can you claim plumbing repairs on insurance if there’s been damage to the plumbing system? Well, while the repair itself might not always be covered, the resulting damage from a plumbing issue – such as water damage to walls or flooring – may be specifically included in your policy. This is why reading the fine print and knowing what’s covered is absolutely essential.
5. Does building insurance cover plumbing?
Building insurance typically covers the actual structure of your home – including the plumbing systems that are part of the building. However: does building insurance cover plumbing? That often depends on what caused the issue. If plumbing failure is due to a sudden event, like an earthquake or an accident, it might be covered.
But for gradual leaks or blockages caused by wear and tear, you’ll likely need to cover the repairs yourself.
6. Does home insurance cover structural problems?
The very quick answer is yes, because – in general – that’s the case. BUT: At the risk of repeating ourselves, that’s only the case if the structural issue has arisen from an insured event. For example, if a plumbing issue results in significant damage to your home’s foundation or structure, your home insurance policy might cover the repairs.
However, if the structural issue is caused by poor maintenance or gradual decay, you’re likely responsible for the repair costs.
7. Can you claim hot water system on insurance?
This is another tricky one. In some cases, yes – if the damage to the system was caused by an event that your policy covers, such as:
- Fire
- Storm
- Accident.
But if the hot water system fails due to old age or poor maintenance, you’ll most likely need to cover hot water system replacement at your own expense. Again, reviewing your policy details is the best way to know what’s covered.
8. What about burst pipes?
This one has a more satisfying answer for you, because YES – burst pipes are often covered under most home insurance policies. But that burst still needs to be sudden – as they usually are – and caused by something covered in your policy, such as freezing temperatures or something. However, if the burst is due to poor maintenance, the insurance company may deny the claim.
However, the water damage resulting from a burst pipe is usually covered, even if the pipe repair itself is not.
9. Are leaks covered by home insurance?
Leaks are a common plumbing issue, but coverage depends very much on the cause. If the leak is due to something like a storm, burst pipe, or another insured event, your policy may cover both the repair and the resulting damage.
But if the leak is caused by gradual wear and tear or a lack of maintenance, you’ll likely need to handle the repairs without insurance assistance.
Stay informed to protect your valuable home
We all know that plumbing issues can be extremely costly, and understanding your home insurance policy is crucial to knowing whether you’re covered. To sum it all up, insurance tends to cover sudden and accidental damage – but ongoing maintenance and wear-and-tear repairs are almost always the homeowner’s responsibility alone.
Still unsure whether your particular plumbing issues are covered by insurance? The best thing to do is to pull out your policy or contact your insurer directly.
Need professional help? Contact Best Plumbers Club
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain or any other plumbing issue, and you’re unsure whether it’s covered by insurance or you just want an affordable fix implemented NOW, let a fully-licensed plumber near you – recommended by Best Plumbers Club – provide you with fast expert advice and service.
Get your free quote and find trusted and highly recommended plumbers in your area by giving Best Plumbers Club a try today. Looking for the best Brisbane drain plumbers, Sydney drain plumbers, Melbourne drain plumbers or Canberra drain plumbers? Across the country, we have a drainage specialist near you, ready to assist!
