Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing Damage Repair in Arlington?

Determining what your homeowners insurance covers when it comes to plumbing isn’t always easy.

Home insurance generally provides coverage for water damage resulting from sudden and accidental incidents like plumbing leaks. However, it does not cover all types of water damage, such as flooding from natural sources, unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.

Types of Water Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance

Plumbing Leaks

If a pipe bursts suddenly or a plumbing fixture fails and causes water damage, your homeowners insurance will generally cover the cost of pipe or fixture repairs and any resulting water damage. For example, if a pipe in your wall suddenly bursts and floods your living room, your policy should cover the costs to repair the wall, replace the damaged flooring and fix the pipe.

Appliance Overflows

Water damage caused by appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines or water heaters is usually covered if the damage results from a sudden and accidental event. For instance, if your washing machine hose suddenly bursts and floods your laundry room, your insurance will typically cover the damage.

Accidental Overflow of Water

If a bathtub or sink accidentally overflows and causes water damage, this is generally covered by homeowners insurance – even if user error is the cause. This includes situations where an accidental overflow leads to water damage to floors, walls, ceilings and other people’s property (like a downstairs neighbor).

It’s important to check your policy to ensure accidental discharge or overflow is a named peril (a covered risk). Some companies may consider those user errors to be neglectful and therefore not be covered.

Types of Water Damage Not Covered

Flood Damage From Natural Sources

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flooding caused by natural events such as heavy rains, storm surges or overflowing rivers requires a separate flood insurance policy. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s essential to obtain flood insurance to protect your home.

Gradual Damage

Damage that occurs gradually over time due to neglect or poor maintenance is typically not covered. For instance, if a small leak in a pipe goes unnoticed for months and causes significant damage, your insurance may deny the claim on the basis that the damage resulted from neglect.

Sewer Backup

Damage caused by sewer backups or sump pump overflows is generally not covered under a standard home insurance policy. Most insurers do allow policyholders to add a sewer backup coverage endorsement to their policy for an additional premium.

Contractor Responsibility and Insurance Claims

In cases where water damage is due to a construction defect or faulty plumbing work, the contractor who performed the plumbing work that failed may be liable. However, pursuing a claim against a contractor can be a lengthy and complex process.

Here’s how it generally works:

• Construction Defects: If water damage results from a construction defect, such as improperly installed pipes or fixtures, the contractor may be held responsible. You can file a claim with the contractor’s insurance company. However, proving liability and getting compensation from the contractor’s insurer can be challenging and time-consuming.
• Subrogation: In some cases, your homeowners insurance may cover the damage initially and then pursue a subrogation claim against the contractor’s insurance. Subrogation is a process where your insurance company seeks reimbursement from the party at fault for the damage. This means that while you get your repairs done quickly, your insurer will handle the dispute with the contractor.

Mold Remediation: When is it Covered?

Mold remediation can be a significant concern following water damage. Depending on the time of year and humidity levels, Arlington homes can potentially be prone to mold growth. Some types of plumbing leaks, like slow leaks that occur behind drywall, have a particularly high risk of leading to mold.

These types of leaks can cause persistent moistness or sitting water for weeks before they are noticed. Mold loves warm, damp and dark spaces, and behind drywall in an Arlington home meets all the criteria.

Covered Perils

If the mold results from a covered peril, such as a sudden plumbing leak, your homeowners insurance will typically cover the cost of mold remediation. In other words, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage that leads to mold growth, the mold remediation would likely be covered.

Exclusions

If the mold results from excluded causes, such as long-term neglect or high humidity, it’s unlikely to be covered. For instance, if mold develops due to a slow leak that you failed to repair promptly, your insurance will typically deny the claim.

Policy Limits

Even when mold remediation is covered, there may be policy limits on the amount your insurance will pay for mold-related damage. It’s important to review your policy to be aware of any limits or exclusions related to mold remediation.

Steps to Take for a Successful Claim

1. Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the damage as soon as you discover it. This documentation will be crucial when filing your claim.
2. Notify Your Insurer Promptly: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. Delays in reporting can complicate the claims process.
3. Mitigate Further Damage: Take immediate steps to prevent further damage, such as shutting off the water supply and removing excess water. Failure to mitigate damage can result in a denied claim or a claim that does not cover any subsequent damage that was attributed to your failure to halt the leak.
4. Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of all communications with your insurance company, contractors and receipts for any expense you personally incurred making temporary repairs.
5. Consult a Professional: Consider hiring a public adjuster or a professional restoration company to assess the damage and help with the claims process.

Get Assistance With Plumbing Damage Repair and the Claims Process in Arlington, TX

If you’re looking for top-quality plumbing services, our experienced technicians at Tom’s Mechanical Inc. are here to help. We pride ourselves on prompt, reliable service and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Make us your trusted alternative to shoddy Arlington plumbers.

Request 24/7 services from us today or give us a call at 817-277-4493.