Regular maintenance is essential in the event you need to make a home insurance claim as a result of a plumbing failure.

Around 24 per cent of all household insurance claims are made because of water damage according to a report tabled by insurer QBE in 2021.

It also revealed that the average claim from water damage incidents was $5,000 but some claims were as high as $500,000.

Every home insurance policy comes with its fine print and most insurers won’t pay out on claims where plumbing systems have been neglected and not undergone regular maintenance.

They pay out when sudden accidents occur.

But they make a distinction between those accidents and gradual damage or wear and tear caused by neglect.

And they take a dim view of ‘deferred maintenance’ – the act of postponing or missing regular services to keep your property and its plumbing in good working order.

If insurance companies ascertain there has been little or no effort made towards regular maintenance, they may not pay out a cent and leave you with a whopping clean-up bill.

Plumbing issues normally covered by home insurance

Insurance companies generally pay out for accidents and incidents that could not have been prevented.

These include:

Burst pipes – sudden bursts or ruptures to pipes underneath floors, within walls or outdoors that are caused by freezing or other unexpected incidents.

Broken pipes or sewer lines caused by Adelaide’s shifting soil that crack during its long, hot summers may also be covered but it is important to check your specific coverage.

Evidence of regular maintenance or efforts to restrict damage may need to be provided.

Roof and gutter failure – leaks caused by severe weather events are normally covered. Gradual leaks caused by deteriorating roofing are unlikely to be. 

Appliance leaks – water damage caused by faulty dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators is usually included but servicing records may need to be provided, particularly in the event of an older appliance failing.

Plumbing issues normally not covered by home insurance

Insurance companies are much less likely to pay out for occurrences resulting from neglect including a history of little or no maintenance.

Gradual deterioration accounts for the majority of denied plumbing home insurance claims.

These include:

Gradual leaks – Insurers have the expectation that slow leaks from pipes, faucets or appliances that grow worse over a period of time will be addressed and are unlikely to honour claims for water damage.

Wear and tear – Corroded or rusted pipes are considered normal wear and tear and should be detected with regular inspections according to insurers.

Frozen pipes left uninsulated  – claims against a pipe that freezes and bursts may not be honoured if it is considered the incident was avoidable. 

That may be the case if the pipe was uninsulated, especially if in a typically cold part of the house such as a basement or attic. 

Given the risks, Adelaide hills residents should carefully consider how well their pipes are protected and the type of cover they have.

Tree root intrusion – a problem common in Adelaide, especially in the leafier inner suburbs, this occurs when the roots of thirsty trees break into underground pipes, causing blockages. 

Most insurers do not pay out for tree root intrusion. However you may have a claim against a neighbour if a tree on their property damages pipes on yours.

Sewage backup – this tends to be included in some policies and not in others so it is worth checking whether you are covered in the event of a blocked drain causing this very unpleasant occurrence. 

You may have the option to purchase sewage backup insurance separate to your standard policy.

The importance of maintenance record keeping

When you have your car serviced, a record of that service is kept in its log book.

The log book is evidence that you have been invested in the proper maintenance of your vehicle which is most important when you come to sell it.

You should also keep a record of the regular servicing of your plumbing system, including photographic evidence where appropriate.

This is particularly important for older higher-risk properties.

Proper maintenance records can increase claim approval rates by as much as 60 per cent.

The good news is, James Smith Plumbing also keeps records.

Whether you are a homeowner or property manager, you can rest easily in the knowledge that JSP keeps detailed records of all the plumbing systems they service.

This is important in the event of a claim because JSP can work with insurance companies to provide evidence of your service history and ensure the claims process runs quickly and smoothly.

The cost-benefit factor

The cost of preventative maintenance is a fraction of the expense of potential out-of-pocket repairs if a home insurance claim is denied.

As a guide, a water heater service and flush may cost around $250 compared with up to $3000 for a neglected and failed unit.

An annual plumbing inspection of your entire house could cost around $300.

Compare that with the potential cost to repair a burst pipe (up to $8,000), collapsed gutters and downpipes (up to $15,000) or structural damage from undetected leaks (in excess of $10,000).

Is that the kind of gamble you want to take with your home?

Get expert plumbing help today

It’s never too late to invest in professional plumbing maintenance.

It will help ensure your plumbing system remains in peak working condition and protect you from having any future home insurance claims rejected due to a lack of service, attention and care.

But if you are aware of any drips or leaks in your wet areas, unusual gurgling sounds, slow emptying drains or damp areas around your house, you might need to act fast.

James Smith Plumbing is one of South Australia’s most dependable and trusted plumbing companies.

JSP are the ideal team to maintain your plumbing system and protect your home from the likelihood of serious water damage as well as give you peace of mind in the event of a claim.

They are proud of their reputation for authenticity, reliability and friendly service.

JSP will thoroughly inspect your plumbing system indoors and outdoors to ensure it remains in top working order.

It could potentially save you thousands of dollars in expensive repair bills and water damage.

Best of all, in the event of a plumbing emergency, JSP is also on call 24/7.

Call James Smith Plumbing today on 0411 206 046 at the first sign of a problem and for all your plumbing maintenance needs.

You can rely on JSP for the highest standards of workmanship and a minimum of fuss.