Bristol Drainage and Water

Are Collapsed Drains Covered Under Home Insurance?

Are Collapsed Drains Covered Under Home Insurance?
When your drains have been damaged or suffered a collapse, all you want to think about is getting the issue fixed as quickly and effectively as you can. But something you might overlook is whether or not your drains are covered by your home insurance policy.

Figuring out what is and isn’t covered can be tedious and confusing, so we thought we’d clear things up a little so you know where you stand should anything happen to your drainage system.

Drains and home insurance
As you might expect, whether or not your drains are covered by your home insurance depends on your insurance company and the specific policy you have. Typically, most building insurance policies will cover accidental damage to your drains, but what constitutes ‘accidental damage’? Insurance policy wording can be deceptive, and can lead to companies refusing to pay out on a technicality.
Things like old age or corrosion of the pipe – anything that can be seen as natural deterioration – will likely not fall under the ‘accidental damage’ umbrella. Outside influences such as damage from excavation or tree root intrusion should be covered by your home insurance.
Some policies may require you to take out cover for drains as an extra, so check your policy carefully and get in touch with your provider if you require specific clarification.

Which drain pipes are covered?
As a homeowner, you are only responsible for the drains within your property boundary. If your drain connects with a neighbour’s, you’ll only be responsible for your section of the drain – the parts used by your home, nothing more. Because you are responsible for the maintenance of these drains, any collapses or damage caused by neglect or misuse will not be covered by insurance – you’ll have to pay for repairs yourself.
In some cases, you’ll have to take out cover for particular drains on your property. Again, it’s best to check with your provider to see if certain drains are covered by your policy, or if you need to take extra action to get them covered.

Keep your drains maintained
Maintenance of your drains is your responsibility, so to protect yourself and avoid an insurance company refusing to pay out for repairs it’s essential to keep on top of regular drainage maintenance.
Regular inspections and cleaning is the best way to ensure that your pipes are in the best possible condition. This should prevent premature collapse or damage caused by wear and tear, misuse or neglect.
If your drain has collapsed and you want to know the precise cause, a CCTV survey is the answer. This in-depth inspection will provide you with a full internal view of your drains, identifying signs of damage and hopefully clearly identifying the root of the issue. The inspection is recorded and reported on, so if the damage is indeed accidental – or beyond your control – you’ll have the evidence to prove it and make a successful claim.

At Bristol Drainage and Water we have specialist insurance agents who will contact your insurer on your behalf, taking away all the stress and worry from the entire process.
Bristol Drainage and water are here to handle all your drainage needs. We perform a range of drain repair services to resolve major and minor issues – including collapsed drains. Our team of experts will discuss your issue with you, before tailoring a solution to suit your needs, providing a rapid response service when necessary.
For more information on our services, contact us today on 0800 144 8480

Blockages in pipes can be very problematic, stopping waste from leaving your property. You may have a blockage if:

• Toilets do not flush properly
• Sinks or baths empty very slowly
• You notice bad smells coming from the drains
• Evidence of sewage or spillage around your manhole covers

Once waste water becomes blocked, it can start to back up and could lead to flooding from the lowest exit point of your system. Generally this is external manholes or gully but occasionally it could be an internal point.