Can you claim for burst water pipes on your home insurance?

Can you claim for burst water pipes on your home insurance?

Burst water pipes can be disastrous for your home. If you’re unfortunate enough to experience a plumbing emergency such as a burst pipe, it’s important to know if you can make a claim on your home insurance for water damage.

For most people who have a home insurance policy the answer is yes, however, you’ll want to make sure you get the settlement you are entitled to. That’s where PCLA can help you. Call 028 9581 5318 to speak to an expert claims advisor.  

Are you insured for damage in your home caused by a burst water pipe?

At PCLA we deal with water damage claims day in, day out. We’re experts at helping people who have suffered water damage following a burst water pipe to their home or business, ensuring they receive everything they’re entitled to when making an insurance claim. 

PCLA can undertake a free, no obligation review of your buildings insurance policy if you aren’t sure if you are covered. Call 028 9581 5318 and ask for free advice about your policy.  

Home Insurance policies provide cover for a number of ‘insured perils’ with the most common claim being for ‘escape of water’. This cover entitles you to claim for any damage that has been caused to your property by the water that has escaped from a burst or leaking water pipe.

How is burst water pipe damage covered by an insurance policy?

Water damage can be caused when a pipe in your property fails leading to it leaking or bursting. This can happen for several reasons such as increased water pressure, poor fitting, frost, corrosion or wear and tear. The damage that results is usually covered by an insurance policy under the ‘escape of water’ peril.

It is important to note however that Insurance policies do have many conditions and in the event of a leak or burst pipe it is imperative to try and prevent the damage from getting worse.

Escape of water claims can become complex and require detailed knowledge of the insurance claim process. In order to make sure you get the maximum payout under the terms of your policy, you should work with PCLA who have the experience and expertise to manage the claim for you.

Should you be in any doubt as to what to do, PCLA can answer any questions you may have, such as:

  • Is trace and access included in my policy should I need to find the source of the leak?
  • What type of damage does my policy provide cover for when a pipe leaks?
  • Do I have to pay a policy excess?
  • Can I get a cash settlement for any damage caused?
  • Why may my escape of water claim be turned down?
  • Is there anything I need to do to ensure I comply with the policy conditions?
  • What if I need to move out while the work is getting done, does my insurance cover the cost of alternative accommodation?
  • How long is my claim likely to take?
  • How do I make sure I get everything I am entitled to?

If you are in any doubt, please contact PCLA today on 028 9581 5318 to get the reassurance you need.

What’s the best way to claim for damage casued by a burst water pipe?

The easiest and best way to make a claim for water damage is to engage a professional loss assessor such as PCLA. We work on your behalf and take the burden and stress of dealing with the insurance company away from you. Ask PCLA to manage your insurance claim today.

Colder temperatures can lead to frozen pipes.

With unpredictable winter temperatures, it is easy to suffer burst or cracked water pipes. In freezing temperatures, residual water in pipes can expand causing pipes to crack leading to water damage.

Here are 4 steps you can take to reduce the risk of burst pipes due to freezing temperatures.

  1. Fix any dripping taps. This could be as simple as replacing a washer.
  2. Check the lagging around your pipes and near your boiler. Pay particular attention to exposed pipes and joins.
  3. If you are away from the house for a period of time, keep the heating on a timer. Even an hour a day can help keep things running smoothly.
  4. You can also ask a friend to pop in and check your house to make sure everything is as it should be.

What can you do to prevent burst water pipes causing damage to your home?

If you find a leak or discover a burst water pipe, it may be necessary to turn off the water supply. Do you know where your stopcock is located? Stopping the flow of water will limit the extent of the damage. However, always ask a trained professional to assess the damage. PCLA are qualified building surveyors and know how to fully investigate escape of water claims.

  • If you suspect a leak, check the obvious places first. Seals around baths and showers can break easily.
  • Are your drains clear? Even a slight blockage is capable of causing damage over the longer term.
  • Never drill into a wall without first considering if there are any pipes or electrical wires.
  • A drop in water pressure could be a sign you have a leak in your heating system.
  • Do you find a lot of unexplained water around your house? This could indicate a burst water pipe.
  • Are your pipes noisy? You could ask a plumber to check if everything is in order.

Can you fix a leaking or burst pipe yourself?

Unless you are a qualified plumber we wouldn’t recommend tackling pipework. You could end up doing more damage and you could void any potential insurance claim. However, there are steps you can do to prevent any further water damage. One way to help is to turn off the mains water supply at the stopcock, this will prevent any further water from getting into your property. 

Next, call PCLA on 028 9581 5318 to ask for free advice. Don’t take the risk of causing further damage. You should seek professional advice as quickly as possible. You do not want to take action before you know how it could affect your insurance claim. Our qualified surveyors will be able to tell you how to proceed with dealing with the leak or burst pipe. We also have reputable plumbers to call upon.

If you need help with a burst pipe water damage claim, contact PCLA today and ask for our help.

Is accidental damage included in your policy?

Accidental damage cover provides protection for unexpected damage caused to your property or possessions. Examples can include when a sink overflows or when something is dropped in a bath causing it to crack. Most insurance companies offer ‘Accidental Damage Cover’ as an added extra. It does not come as standard but it can be important to have as without it damage may not be covered.

If your leak has been caused by an accident, please call PCLA on 028 9581 5318 and ask for advice on how we can help.

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