When you find out you have a broken sewer pipe that needs repair or replacement, the first thing that may cross your mind is the cost. A sewer issue can be expensive to fix, but it is not something that can be ignored; anything that can help mitigate the cost is appreciated. In some cases, homeowner’s insurance may cover some of the costs of a sewer pipe repair, but there are circumstances where it most likely won’t be covered.
Age/Wear and Tear
If your sewer pipe bursts after many years of use, it may be general wear or age that caused the problem. Insurance usually only covers accidents or unforeseen issues; it may cover damage caused by the burst pipe but not the repair itself.
Workmanship
A broken sewer pipe due to poor workmanship may be covered under your insurance policy or under a warranty by the contractor. Check with both your insurance agent and the company who installed your sewer lines.
Weather
Did your sewer line freeze, causing it to burst? A weather related broken sewer pipe is more likely to be covered than other issues. Check with your insurance policy to see if weather-related plumbing issues are covered.
Location
Where the sewer line break is located can impact whether it is covered under your homeowner’s insurance. Breaks within the foundation of the home are more likely to be covered. In some cases, if the break is caused by a municipality issue, you may get it covered through them.
The first step is to call your local sewer repair company. They can assess the damage and help determine the cause to report to your insurance company – it is always worth researching to find out whether your insurance will pay for any of the repair.
Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221
