Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?
Insurance has helped countless homeowners overcome disasters that would otherwise cost a fortune. However, homeowner insurance policies don’t always cover everything that you may assume. So, does homeowner insurance cover burst pipes?
Homeowner insurance does cover burst pipe repairs and water damage in many cases. However, they may not reimburse you the full cost depending on your coverage plan. Without insurance, you may spend up to $25,000 between water and pipe damages if your home floods. Insulate your pipes to protect them from freezing and ultimately bursting.
It also helps to run your faucets when the outside temperature drops below the freezing point. This will help prevent ice from forming, causing the pipe to burst. Follow along as we explore everything you must know about homeowner insurance when it comes to burst pipes.
Will My House Insurance Cover A Burst Pipe?
Most homeowner insurance providers cover the cost of a burst pipe. However, it’s important to look up whether or not your provider includes that. If not, it’s worth switching to a provider that covers burst pipes, especially if you live in a cold area.
Dwelling coverage will pay at least part of the cost of repair and replacement bills for your structural damage. This applies to burst pipes, as so much water leaks out when a pipe bursts that it can cause structural damage. Burst pipes cause extensive foundation damage, as 50 gallons of water can leak per minute.
This can eventually damage your roof and foundation, and that’s why insurance is essential. The insurance provider may not cover all of the repair costs, however, that should not be the case if you have full replacement coverage.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Burst Pipe?
It costs between $500 and $5,000 to repair a burst pipe and water damage in most cases. You could spend as little as $300 for a minor repair with virtually no water damage. The cost of fixing a burst pipe has a lot to do with how much of the pipe must be repaired.
For example, it costs $500 to repair small pipe sections, and the price increases depending on how much of the pipe bursts. Sadly, the cost of fixing the pipe itself often pales in comparison to the cost of fixing the result of water damage.
Extent Of Damage
The extent of the damage has a lot to do with how expensive it will be to repair a burst pipe. For example, it costs thousands of dollars more to repair a burst pipe if the water has caused a lot of damage. You can expect to spend up to $5,000 to repair a burst pipe and water damage in a basement.
Repairing sewer lines also often costs at least $4,500 because of the material and the damage sewer lines can cause. That’s especially true if a pipe or sewer line causes a flood in your home. It costs $1,500 to $5,000 to fix water damage from a minor flood.
However, repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars for severe floods and the resulting water damage. That’s especially true if you aren’t home when the pipe bursts and you don’t catch it soon enough. Call an emergency HVAC service right away if a pipe bursts in your home, to minimize flood damage.
Labor Rate
Labor is one of the largest cost factors when you must repair a burst pipe and fix water damage. Whether you pay a flat or hourly rate, you can expect to spend at least $1,200 on labor in cases of extreme damage. Some plumbers simply charge a flat rate that combines the cost of materials, labor, and travel fees.
Plumbers often charge between $45 and $200 per hour before the cost of materials and travel. Travel fees cost $175, on average, but it varies between $50 and $300. It ultimately depends on where you are located within their service area.
You may also have to spend up to $300-$500 if you must call the emergency line after business hours. It’s much cheaper to thaw frozen pipes, which can prevent them from bursting. Plumbers only charge $100 to $200 to thaw frozen pipes in most cases.
How To Prevent Burst Pipes
The only way to avoid spending a fortune on a burst pipe is to protect if from cold weather. While pressure and tree roots can cause pipes to burst, cold weather is the leading cause. You can take several steps to prevent burst pipes, such as:
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Your pipes can freeze in under 3 hours during cold weather if your pipes aren’t properly insulated. Grey polyethylene is one of the best materials to use to insulate your pipes. This helps your pipes retain warmth even when the temperature is below the freezing point outside.
On the low end, it costs between $100 and $600 to insulate your pipes. However, you may spend over $1,000 to insulate your pipes. This varies based on the type of insulation you use, the length of the pipe, and how easy it is to access.
2. Leave The Heat On When You’re Gone
Are you planning to leave the house or go out of town for a long time? If so, you must leave the heat on before you’re away from home for a few days during the winter. Otherwise, the water in your pipes may freeze and cause your pipes to burst.
This can result in tens of thousands of dollars in wall, flooring, foundation, roof, and electrical repairs. You may also have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on mold remediation.
3. Secure Your Pipes
Loose pipes are more likely to suffer damage and even freeze. You can tell that your pipes are loose if you frequently hear them banging against the wall. Luckily, all it takes is some plumbing straps and epoxy to secure loose pipes, without hiring a professional.
4. Use Heat Tape
It’s a great idea to keep heat tape handy if you live in a cold climate. You can easily attach heat tape to a pipe to prevent it from freezing and eventually bursting. Heat tape can even thaw frozen pipes in some cases if you catch the problem soon enough. All you need to do is plug the heat tape into a nearby outlet.
5. Patch Your Pipes
There’s a good chance that your pipes may have small cracks or tears if you live in an old home. They may not be big enough to leak water, but they can let in cold air. Old, damaged pipes are more likely to freeze, as they take on cold air more easily.
It costs between $120 and $350 to patch a damaged pipe. The cost depends on how many cracks there are, how long it takes, and the extent of damage.
Summing It Up
The average homeowner's insurance provider will cover the cost of fixing a burst pipe. It should at least cover the cost of the pipe repair, and it may cover water damage repairs. Otherwise, you may spend tens of thousands of dollars on burst pipe repairs if there is extensive water damage.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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