Water main leaks can be a nightmare for any homeowner. Older areas with aging infrastructure are particularly susceptible to these types of leaks, which can cause serious damage to your home. The water mains in those neighborhoods were constructed using materials that are no longer up to code, which means they are more likely to leak.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are more than 200,000 water main breaks in the US every year. These types of leaks are often difficult to detect and can cause extensive damage to your home if left unchecked. That’s not only a huge waste of resources, but it can also lead to significant increases in your water bill.
If you’re facing a water main break or any other plumbing issue, contact the expert team at Rick’s Plumbing. We’re here to help you 24/7/365. Our licensed plumbers are experienced in a variety of plumbing repairs, including water main leaks.
Does Traditional Homeowners Insurance Cover a Broken Water Main?
While most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage, there may be some exclusions depending on the cause of the leak. Since the source of the leak is typically from outside of your home, on public land, it may not be covered by your standard homeowners insurance policy. For example, if a tree root grows into and breaks your water main, that would likely not be covered by insurance.
It’s always best to check with your insurance agent to see what is and isn’t covered under your policy. They can help you determine if you need to purchase additional coverage to protect your home from water main leaks and other plumbing issues.
At Rick’s Plumbing, we understand the frustration and inconvenience that a broken water main can cause. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to help you resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover When Dealing With Water Damage?
Most standard homeowners insurance cover water damage that springs from within the home. That includes water damage from faulty plumbing, appliances, and HVAC systems. Examples of such accidental occurrences are pipe bursts in your bathroom or kitchen.
In addition to the standard homeowners insurance, there is also water backup coverage. This optional coverage is important to have. For instance, if you have a sewer line backup
and water starts spilling into your home, you will be glad you have the water backup coverage. It will take care of any damage, restoration, and extra living expenses connected to your claim.
Is There An Insurance Option To Cover a Water Main Break?
The simple answer to this question is – Yes. Flood insurance covers water damage to your property that originated from outside your home. That includes water damage from a broken water main and flood.
Flood insurance covers all damages that result directly from flooding. And a flood is officially defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as “an excess of water on land that is normally dry, affecting two or more acres of land or two or more properties.”
Flood insurance is backed by the federal government and is offered through the NFIP which is under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You can purchase a policy through the NFIP or from a private insurer.
We recommend adding flood insurance to your homeowners insurance policy if you live in an area that’s susceptible to flooding. Even if you’re not in a high-risk area, it’s still a good idea to have this coverage since floods can happen anywhere at any time.
Insurance companies differ in what they cover and how much they charge for premiums. That’s why it’s important that you compare different policies before you purchase one. It is also helpful to talk to your agent to see what they recommend for your specific situation.
Contact Rick’s Plumbing If Your Water Main Breaks
If you have a water main break, the first thing you should do is turn off the water to your home at the main shut-off valve. This will help minimize any further damage to your home. Then, you should contact Rick’s Plumbing to help you assess the damage and repair the problem.
We have over 30 years of experience repairing water mains and are available 24/7 for emergencies. We know how stressful it can be to deal with a broken water main. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today at 203-874-6629 to get started.