Does Flood Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

Some burst pipes cause such catastrophic and instant damage that they are visible immediately. However, burst pipes can also begin with less noticeable leaks. If you notice any of the following signs, call a plumber to investigate the cause of the problem.

Unexplained Water Pressure Issues

If you suddenly experience a drop in water pressure, you may have a plumbing leak or burst pipe. The leak or hole in the pipe affects how well water travels through your plumbing, with water rushing through the broken pipe rather than your faucets. This can lead to fluctuating or low water pressure throughout your home.

Discolored Water

Dirt and contaminants from the surrounding soil can enter your water when an underground water pipe bursts. Moreover, leaking or burst pipes develop rust over time, tinting the water brown.

Puddles

Standing water anywhere in the house can point to a burst pipe, particularly if a puddle grows when you turn on the water. Puddles typically form near the leak or burst, underneath sinks, or near bathtubs and toilets.

Water Stains on Walls

Pipes often run behind walls. If there is a water leak or burst pipe, marks and stains may appear on the walls. You may also notice dampness and bubbling or cracking of plaster or wallpaper near the leak. Stains can also appear on the ceiling, indicating a burst pipe or leak in the room above.

High Water Bill

If your water bill is suddenly much higher than usual, and there is no other explanation, you may have a burst or leaking pipe on your property. Even if you do not notice any leaks or puddles, an unusually high water bill should be investigated by a plumber.

Water Sounds

Clanging or dripping noises can be an indication that something is wrong with your plumbing. If you hear a drip and faucets are not the cause, you may have a leak in a pipe. A clanging noise, sometimes called a “water hammer,” can indicate pipe movement or too much water pressure, potentially leading to leaks and bursts.

Knowing what to do when you have a burst pipe in your home can limit the devastating effects of water intrusion on the fabric of your home and save the most treasured items from water damage. Homeowners have several options for minimizing water damage before professionals arrive to fix the issue. Here’s what you can do:

1. Turn off mains water to your home immediately
2. Call a plumber to diagnose and repair the problem
3. Mop up any standing water to avoid water damage and mold
4. Drain all faucets and flush toilets to remove any water left in the pipes
5. Contact your homeowners’ insurance to file a burst pipe claim

Once you file a claim with your homeowners’ insurance company, you might feel assured that you will get a check in the mail soon. After all, you have paid into your homeowners’ policy month after month and year after year. In reality, getting what you deserve can be tricky.

Insurance companies sometimes drag their heels, especially if a lot of money is at stake for you and them. However, help is available. If a burst or leaking pipe severely damages your home and you are struggling to get a payout, contacting an insurance lawyer can be an excellent idea. Professional legal advice and representation can be crucial in the following circumstances:

• The claim is expensive or complex
• You disagree with the insurance adjuster
• The homeowners’ insurance refuses to investigate your claim
• Your insurer denied a valid burst pipe claim
• Your homeowners’ insurance cancels your policy suddenly
• The insurer makes lowball offers

Do not let an unscrupulous insurance company get away scot-free with denying or underpaying your claim. A Morgan & Morgan property damage lawyer could help you get the settlement you need to repair your home.

There are two main areas to focus on when a burst pipe occurs in your home: protecting your house and contents and safeguarding your legal rights. The following could help you with both:

Contact Your Homeowners’ Insurance Immediately

As soon as you experience damage to your home, call your homeowners’ insurance to start the claims process. Getting a settlement could take months. The sooner you begin the process, the sooner you can receive the funds you need to repair your home.  

Avoid Further Damage

A homeowner is responsible for protecting their house from further damage after a burst pipe. Actions to take can include:

• Turning the water off
• Calling a plumber
• Drying out wet areas immediately

Ignoring the issue and failing to mitigate the damage could give the insurance company reason to minimize or deny your claim.

Gather Proof of Loss

Your insurer will want to see every little detail of the damage to your home and contents. Without adequate proof of loss, homeowners can struggle to receive an insurance payout. Therefore, start to gather evidence of your damage and loss right away. Take cell phone pictures of every room and item affected by the burst pipe. Make a list of all the damaged items and areas of your home.  

Call an Attorney

If you suffered extensive damage or have trouble getting what you deserve from your insurer, consider consulting an attorney early on in the claims process. Our determined insurance lawyers can help homeowners deal with the insurance company and fight for the settlement they need.

Morgan & Morgan has your back if an insurer unfairly denies, delays, or underpays your claim. We have helped countless clients recover the homeowners’ insurance settlement they required to move on with their lives after suffering extensive water damage to their homes. Our attorneys can:

• Help you understand what your flood and homeowners’ insurance policies cover
• Communicate with the insurance company
• Handle the insurance claims process from beginning to end
• Negotiate a fair settlement for your losses
• File a lawsuit against the insurance company

Our experienced and tenacious insurance dispute attorneys can fight tirelessly for the insurance settlement you deserve after experiencing water damage from a burst pipe.

Knowing whether your homeowners’ or flood insurance covers burst pipes can be confusing. Unfortunately, an insurer may make it unnecessarily challenging for you to receive an adequate payout for your water damage. When this happens, Morgan & Morgan can step in and fight for your rights.

Our attorneys fight powerful insurance companies every day and want to help you get your life back on track after suffering damage to your home. Contact us now to determine how we can help you.