What does sewer and drain insurance cover?

The problem with sewer pipes is that you usually only notice them when they malfunction.

Your building insurance might cover some sudden damage. But, it depends on the location of the pipes and policy wording.

Sewer and drain insurance can save you the costs and inconvenience of sewer problems.

But what exactly does sewer and drain insurance cover?

Follow on as we explore sewer and drain insurance, its benefits, and whether it’s worth having.

Sewer and drain insurance explained

Drain insurance saves you the expense of repairing damage to your home and drains.

It covers common plumbing problems like blocked drains, leaking pipes, or damage to external sewer lines.

The water company will be responsible for sewer issues connected to a public network. That is – as long as they’re outside your property.

For septic tanks, your home insurance policy may cover accidental damage, depending on the cause. You might be able to claim accidental damage like tremors or tree roots as an insurable event.

What’s covered

This building insurance type usually covers emergency call-out fees for urgent drain, plumbing and sewer line issues.

Coverage usually includes;

• Blocked drains
• Blocked sinks and toilets
• Water leaks inside and outside the home
• Overflowing or broken pipes
• Blockages in your home’s water supply
• Emergency plumbing repairs
• Accidental damage to your plumbing system

Your policy may also include the cost of repairing external drains such as sewer lines and storm drains. But only if you’re responsible for them.

The specifics of your coverage will vary between insurers. Always check your policy wording.

Some common exclusions to look out for include;

• Soakaways
• Wear and tear
• Blocked gutters
• Electric showers
• Boiler breakdowns
• Limescale damage
• Improperly installed plumbing
• Non-urgent plumbing problems
• Issues exceeding the cost limit of your policy
• Sewers or drains are not your responsibility
• Intentional damage to pipes

You may have pitch fibre pipes if your house was built between 1940 and 1965.

Unfortunately, most insurers consider these pipes poor quality and unlikely to last.

A CCTV drain survey can help determine if you have pitch fibre drains. If you do and can’t get insurance, you might consider replacing your plumbing with modern plastic pipes.

Professional drain repair or drain installation near you can help.

Benefits of sewer insurance cover

Sewer insurance helps your bank account and home against damage from standing sewage. You can get repairs or replacement pipes without too much expense.

But that’s not all.

Having a dedicated cover in place makes getting help and repairs easier.

Other benefits include;

• Saving money on expensive repairs
• Comprehensive coverage for both internal and external drain issues
• Your provider can provide emergency plumbers and sewage specialists
• An out-of-hours helpline for those out-of-hours emergencies

Benefits of drain insurance cover

Drain insurance gives you peace of mind that when the worst happens to your plumbing system, help is at hand.

Repairing drains, especially those hidden underground, can be costly. Drain insurance covers these costs for both external and internal drains.

FAQs

Are drainage problems covered by house insurance?

Yes, house insurance often comes with limited coverage for water damage.

Although house insurance may cover damage to your home due to ‘escaped water’, it doesn’t usually pay for repairs to the plumbing system.

Check what’s included in your house insurance.

Or, ask your insurer if they can provide additional dedicated drainage cover. If not, you can find an insurer who can.

Is drainage insurance worth it?

Yes, drainage insurance can be incredibly beneficial, especially if;

• Your plumbing system is getting on in years
• You live in an area with a flood risk
• Nearby trees pose the threat of tree root damage

Plus, it’s cost-effective. Drainage repairs can quickly rack up in price; having the appropriate insurance in place can save you thousands.

Peace of mind comes from having the right cover to help you pay and arrange for emergency sewerage clearance.

Can I claim for plumbing work on home insurance?

Standard building insurance usually covers sudden, unexpected water escapes or plumbing issues like burst pipes.

Things like wear and tear, old pipes, or a slow leak aren’t covered.

You’ll need separate plumbing and drainage insurance for these plumbing issues.

Always thoroughly check your home insurance policy before paying your premium. This way, you know what’s included and whether you have coverage.

What is accidental damage to drains?

Accidental damage to drains doesn’t refer to wear and tear or old, worn-out pipes.

Instead, it refers to unexpected, one-off physical damage to plumbing.

It includes accidentally damaging your drainpipes during DIY projects or a tree root penetrating your drains. Although some building insurance policies cover accidental damage to drains, not all do.

Arranging additional sewer and drain insurance cover can protect your home and wallet against costly plumbing repairs.

Checkatrade can help.

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