Common Homeowners Insurance Claims for Water Damage from Pipe Leaks

Pipe leaks are one of the most dangerous disasters that can arise in a home. A small leak hidden somewhere in the walls can slowly undermine your home over the years and encourage mold and mildew to grow. A large and abrupt leak, on the other hand, can flood the house, destroy furniture and appliances, and make the place temporarily uninhabitable. Or a repair can cost thousands or even tens of thousands. It is one of the most common reasons for home insurance claims. Read on to learn more about how leaky plumbing can harm your home and what you can do to prevent it.

Five Ways Your Plumbing Can Cause You Problems

5 most common reasons for water damage insurance claims, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety:

1. A plumbing supply line failure can be one of the most catastrophic water problems as water can escape from plumbing at full pressure.
2. Toilet leaking – If you are lucky, the water just drips out of the toilet before it reaches the toilet bowl. If it drips from the bowl after use, you have a sewer problem and a flood. Both problems require immediate action.
3. Water Heater Failure – Water heaters don’t last forever and can leak slowly over time or fail dramatically all at once.
4. Drains are not working properly: A backwater can bring sewage into your home, multiplying the damage you are exposed to and also posing a health risk.
5. Washers gone crazy: Washers can fail at the inlet or outlet hose and can quickly cause a large flood  if  hoses burst during use.

All pipe leaks, large and small

You can increase your chances of discovering hidden pipe leaks before they cause a crisis by seeing discolored spots on walls and ceilings, or better yet, having your pipes checked regularly by a plumber to identify any problem Also, pay attention to your water bill  so you can identify unusual consumption peaks.  When it comes to major pipe leaks, your biggest concern is to keep your pipes from freezing in winter. Also, make sure that the water pressure isn’t too high, which can strain your pipes over time. very old or out of date material, it could be time for a complete overhaul of the plumbing system. It’s a great investment, but far more acceptable than dealing with a flooded house.

Automated Alerts for Water Leakage

You can also consider installing a water sensor system that will warn you or automatically shut off the plumbing if it detects water in an unusual area of ​​your home. These systems can save you a ton of hassle and money, but full coverage of your home is challenging and may not spot pinhole leaks  in time, if at all.