Life

Is sewer line replacement covered by homeowners insurance?

Are you worried about your plumbing system? Frequent clogging, a slow drain, and recurrent sewer backups indicate that your home might need a new sewer line. The situation is both a hazard for your health and bad for the property. Moreover, it puts your family at risk for water-borne diseases like Encephalitis. Therefore, as a homeowner, you need to do something about it.

Let’s face it; a failing sewer line is the last thing a homeowner would want to suffer through. The repulsive odor of dirty water will be downright disgusting. Naturally, you might be wondering whether the insurance covers the sewer line or not.

The State Of Your Sewer Line

Homeowners must be aware of the condition of their plumbing system. 

Don’t be passive when it comes to your plumbing system. Instead of having to cure the ailment, think about prevention. Since you know that outdating pipes can cause severe issues like sewer backups, do the due, and invest in timely maintenance. When it comes to your property, don’t adopt an approach that will make you regret later on.

You’re probably clueless when it comes to the remaining life of your pipes and the underground soil conditions affecting them. If the sewer has outdating cast iron pipes, you should probably get them replaced.

However, this won’t happen if you remain unaware. To figure out the truth, you may need to get some professional help. Don’t be shy of calling over a plumber to inspect your sewer line. According to data, a video inspection of the sewer line can cost anywhere between $220 and $770.

You can save a lot of money if you’re diligent when it comes to the plumbing system. Instead of being forced to file a claim, consider investing more in upkeep.

Is The Sewer Line Covered?

Homeowners insurance typically provides coverage for:

  • Interior and exterior damage to property
  • Damage to some assets within your home
  • Costs related to some accidents that may occur
  • Injury arising on the property

According to Statista, the average premium paid by a homeowner’s insurance holder amounted to about $1,200 in 2016. The growth trend is apparent in the bar chart. So we can expect even higher premiums in 2020. However, it is worth remembering that insurance doesn’t cover all damages.

Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover ‘Acts of God’ like floods and earthquakes. Therefore, you may need to attain other policies to achieve additional coverage. Moreover, insurers generally do not honor claims related to damages that were avoidable in the first place. Some harm to the plumbing system is considered preventable; therefore, insurers are unlikely to cover costs associated with it.

If the pipes in your sewer line are deteriorating, why would the insurance company pay for new ones? The Insurance Information Institution emphasizes on the fact that homeowners are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the sewer lateral.

We recommend homeowners to get supplemental policies which are beneficial in the long run. Consider getting a policy that provides you coverage for sewer backups. Even consider getting insurance related to natural disasters. These policies will act as a safety buffer when you are in trouble.

To figure out more about your insurance policy, contact a representative from the insurance company. Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance related to supplemental policies.

How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost?

Spending thousands of dollars on your home’s plumbing system may become an unfortunate reality.

You’ve witnessed the clogging, the high water bills, and the repulsive odor. Now you need to seriously consider sewer line repair. Otherwise, you’ll be surprised at how this sanitary hazard takes over your mental peace.

Homes with cast iron pipes were mostly built in the 1980s. About four decades have passed since then; therefore, these pipes have severely deteriorated. The wear and tear is severe, and they must be replaced. Moreover, other issues related to tree root infestations and incorrect installations also have an impact on the pipe’s life. 

According to HomeAdvisor, the cost to replace or repair a sewer line can range anywhere between $1,112 to $4,251. However, these costs may even be higher, depending on the complexity of the plumbing task.

A professional in your locality will provide the best guidance related to the costs you may incur.

When To File A Claim?

You will not get compensated for any damages unless you truly deserve it.

If a third party caused the sewer line damage, you should file a claim. You may need to submit evidence so be prepared. Otherwise, it doesn’t make much sense to file for a claim. Damage to your plumbing system mostly occurs due to deterioration, which is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance.

If you have supplemental policies related to natural disasters, you could file a claim. However, you would have to prove the sewer line was damaged due to an event like a flood or earthquake. Since this is mostly not the case, you may not be able to take advantage of the policy.

Filing for an insurance claim when the damage is preventable is foolish.

The Final Thoughts

A wise homeowner would adopt a preventive approach and would never let an issue with the sewer line escalate. After all, it leads to property damage and unsanitary conditions caused by sewer backups. A faulty plumbing system can cost you thousands of dollars. However, if you’re smart about it, you won’t be forced to file insurance claims in the first place.

Make sure you have supplemental policies related to sewer backups. Moreover, stay in contact with your insurance company to see what is best for you and your home.

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