When it comes to home insurance, many homeowners have questions about what is and isn’t covered. One area that often confuses is whether underground pipes, such as water, sewer, or gas lines, are covered by a standard home insurance policy. After all, these pipes are hidden beneath the ground, making it harder to understand how they’re protected—or if they are at all.
In this article, we’ll break down the key questions homeowners might have about underground pipes and insurance coverage. We’ll keep it simple and easy to understand, so you can clearly understand what’s included in your policy and what isn’t.
What Are Underground Pipes?
Underground pipes are the pipes buried beneath your property that carry water, sewage, or gas to and from your home. These include:
- Water supply pipes: Bring fresh water into your home.
- Sewer pipes: Carry waste and water away from your home to the public sewer system.
- Gas lines: Deliver natural gas to fuel appliances like stoves, heaters, or dryers.
These pipes are critical to your daily living, but because they’re out of sight, it’s easy to forget they exist—until something goes wrong.
Are Underground Pipes Covered by My Home Insurance?
The short answer is no, standard home insurance policies typically do not cover underground pipes unless the damage is caused by something that is covered by your policy.
Here’s a breakdown of what that means:
- Homeowners Insurance generally covers things like fire, theft, vandalism, or storm damage. If a pipe is damaged due to a covered event (e.g., a tree falls on your property and breaks the water pipe), you might be able to file a claim.
- Maintenance Issues or normal wear and tear of underground pipes, such as aging pipes that crack or leak over time, are typically not covered by standard homeowners insurance. If the pipe breaks because it’s old or corroded, that’s usually your responsibility to repair it.
- Flooding caused by a burst underground pipe might be covered by separate flood insurance. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so if your underground pipe causes water damage due to flooding, you might need additional flood coverage.
What Kind of Damages Are Covered?
While regular wear and tear won’t be covered, certain types of damage might be. For example:
- Sudden and accidental damage: If a pipe suddenly bursts or a sewer line gets damaged by something unexpected (like a car accident or severe weather), your home insurance might cover the damage to your property. This could include things like damage to your home’s foundation, floors, or landscaping.
- Tree roots: Sometimes, tree roots invade underground pipes, causing them to crack or clog. If a tree falls and damages the pipes, this could be covered. However, if the pipes fail due to slow, gradual tree root intrusion over time, this may not be covered.
- Frozen pipes: If your pipes freeze in winter and burst, this may be covered by your policy—though some insurers offer additional coverage for water damage specifically related to frozen pipes.
Do I Need Special Coverage for Underground Pipes?
Yes, if you want to be sure you’re covered for damage to underground pipes, you might need additional coverage beyond a standard homeowner’s policy. Some options include:
- Water and Sewer Backup Coverage: This is an optional add-on to many home insurance policies. It specifically covers damages caused by water backing up from a sewer or drain, which can include issues with underground pipes.
- Service Line Coverage: This is a relatively new option offered by some insurance companies, which covers the cost to repair or replace the pipes and utility lines that run from your house to the street. This could include water, gas, or sewer lines that you are responsible for maintaining.
- Flood Insurance: If you live in an area prone to flooding, adding flood insurance might be a good idea to protect against water damage that could result from underground pipe issues, like a broken sewer line causing a backup.
How Can I Prevent Problems with Underground Pipes?
The best way to avoid issues with underground pipes is through regular maintenance and early detection. Here are some tips:
- Know the age of your pipes: Older pipes, especially those made of materials like clay or cast iron, are more likely to break or corrode. If your home has old pipes, consider having them inspected by a professional plumber.
- Keep trees away from pipes: Roots can invade water and sewer lines, causing clogs or breaks. If you have large trees near your home, make sure the roots aren’t creeping into your pipes.
- Install a sump pump: If you’re in an area with a high water table or prone to flooding, installing a sump pump can help prevent water damage caused by underground issues.
- Check for leaks: Watch for signs of leaks in your basement or yard, such as damp spots, puddles, or unusual sounds coming from the pipes. These can be early indicators of a problem that needs attention.
What Should I Do If My Underground Pipes Break?
If you suspect that an underground pipe has broken or is leaking, follow these steps:
- Shut off the water: If it’s a water line, immediately turn off your home’s water supply to prevent flooding.
- Call a plumber: A professional plumber can locate and repair the pipe. If you’re unsure which pipe is damaged, a plumber can also perform a video inspection to pinpoint the issue.
- Contact your insurance company: If you believe the damage was caused by a covered event, call your insurance company to file a claim. Be sure to take photos of the damage for documentation.
- Get an estimate: If the damage is significant, get an estimate of the repair costs. Some insurance policies will send an adjuster to inspect the damage before approving a claim.
My Final Words: What’s Covered and What’s Not?
In summary, underground pipes generally aren’t covered by standard homeowners insurance, but there are exceptions. Damage caused by sudden and unexpected events may be covered, but issues related to age, wear and tear, or maintenance are usually your responsibility. To be fully protected, consider adding extra coverage like water backup or service line protection.
If you’re concerned about your underground pipes, it’s always a good idea to speak with your insurance agent to make sure you have the right coverage for your specific needs. Proper maintenance, along with the right insurance protection, can help you avoid costly surprises down the road.
