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A plumbing problem is one of the biggest worries for any homeowner. It is no secret that plumbing issues are disruptive to your routine, overwhelming for the homeowner, and expensive to solve.
As soon as you suspect that you might be looking at a sewerage repair or replacement soon, get anxious about the money it is going towilllve it and whether you have enough saved up. This is directly followed by whether your home insurance pays for the repairs. In this article, these are the problems we will discuss and answer.
What can damage a sewer line?
As you would expect, many elements can lead to the damage or collapse of a sewer pipeline. While some of them cannot be prevented, there are still several others that could be avoided if the proper precautions are taken, and there is regular plumbing maintenance. This is why it is essential to know how long your pipelines are supposed to last – and schedule non-invasive detection tests for any damages accordingly.
The following are some, but not all, of the reasons why a sewer pipe in a residential building may break:
- Passage of time since the installation of the pipes
- A DIY attempt to solve an existing plumbing problem
- Using corrosive chemicals in your cleaning products
- Surrounding tree roots infiltrating your clay sewer pipe
- Disposing of trash down the drain
- A grease clog
- A shift in the ground, for example, an earthquake
- Objects falling onto the pipes
- Vandalism
- As a result of riots and unrest in the city
- As a result of harsh weather conditions
How much would repairing or replace a damaged sewer line cost?
Typically, a small or medium repair of your sewer line can cost between $1073 and $4054, with an average of $2556. If you are looking to replace the entire time, it will usually take between $3000 and an alarming $25000. However, it is essential to remember that the exact cost varies from case to case and depends on both – the extent and location of the damage.When should you file an insurance claim for your broken sewer pipe?
Doling out $25000 for a plumbing issue takes work. Nobody has that money lying around the house or even saved up in banks unless you are Richie Rich’s parents.
At the same time, you cannot just ignore the massive problem in the backyard and keep living your life. Besides your life being turned upside down, the neighbours will also complain about the unbearable smell. At this point, you are likely to think of your homeowner’s insurance – and pray to God; it covers the expenses.
There are two criteria by which most insurance companies will judge your claim for a plumbing repair or replacement – the location and the causation. You will have to pass these two benchmarks for your claim to be granted.
First, the insurance company will like to know where the problem has occurred and the areas in which it has spread. Here, you can have one of two cases: either the problem happened in the area that is your property or the city. It is only if the damage has occurred on your property that the company will further consider your claim. If the land belongs to the town, you might be better off asking the government to pay for the repairs.
Next, the insurance company will investigate what initially caused the problem. Was it your fault? Or were you unlucky enough to be caught up in an unfortunate event?
Most insurance policies will reject your claim if you appear to be at fault. For example, if you do not keep a regular check and balance on the conditions of your plumbing, you are not likely to have a strong case. In addition, any misuse or abuse of your sewer line, such as dumping trash down the drain, clogging up your pipes with grease, or washing your bathroom with cleaning products containing harsh, reactive chemicals, might also lead to you losing out.
On the contrary, you are suitable to file a claim if it was hail, snow, lightning, fires, earthquakes, or any likewise natural calamity that caused the damage. Furthermore, any other causation you were not directly or indirectly responsible for also makes a strong claim. These include vandalism, unrest, riots in the city, and a manufacturing defect by the company that made your pipes.
Minimize risks, reoccurrences, and costs by choosing a plumbing service that offers the best of the best
When your plumbing line bursts, you might be tempted to take care of the problem yourself – especially when you look at the expenses the repair or replacement is likely to incur.
This is when you must keep steadfast and not be swayed by the temptation of taking hold of a wrench and going at it. As listed above, an inexperienced individual's DIY attempt at fixing can give birth to further problems with a pricier solution.
Therefore, instead of taking a swing at a plumbing problem, you should call a professional Dallas water line repair company to take care of the issue. Professionals not only have the expertise and knowledge to solve each plumbing problem in the best way, but they can also advise you on what kind of pipes you should choose when replacing the line.
The final word
Are you worried that your sewer line is past its typical lifecycle? Do you think you might be facing a big plumbing problem shortly? Have there been telltale signs of water leakage and other plumbing issues in your backyard and bathroom? If so, it is about time to find out if your insurance covers your plumbing repairs.