A typical building insurance policy will cover damages for underground services. Underground services relate to underground pipes, cables, drains, and tanks. These policies will mostly cover issues with pipes that you are responsible for. This means problems with pipes owned by the municipal are not covered. So, what types of situations are covered when you have Blocked Drains Sydney and what are not covered? This guide sheds light on this topic so that you know whether your insurer will cover your drain problems or not.

An Effective Drainage Report for Insurance

A typical drainage report is basically a summary of whether the pipes can be serviced or not. However, a persuasive report for a claim must include the following details:

• Enough details to understand the condition of the drain.
• The pipe material and the points at which the material changes occur.
• The list of defects identified against each stretch of pipework and the distance at which the defects are found.

Common Plumbing Complaints

Damaged water pipe is among the most common plumbing issue. Your Plumbers Sydney will check your policy to determine the water system parts and underground pipes that are covered. When it comes to claiming insurance, damage doesn’t just refer to physical damage. It also means loss of function. For instance, a drainpipe can be considered functionally damaged when it is blocked and there is no physical damage. Some of the common damages to underground pipes include:

• Obstruction or blockage
• Displeased joints or open joints
• Collapsed pipework
• Fractured or cracked pipework
• Roots entering the pipe
• Misshapen pipes
• Blistered pipework
• Excessively flat pipe or insufficient fall

Your drainage company will make video camera recordings of the pipework to create a report that demonstrates the condition of the pipe and the need for repair.

Declined Claims

Some of the common reasons insurance companies may decline a claim for Blocked Drains are as follows:

• There was no damage to the pipe
• There was no accidental damage to the pipe
• The pipe is made of pitch fibre
• The pipe was repaired before an inspection by the insurer
• The damage is in a part of the system that is not covered
• There is a policy exclusion
• The policy doesn’t cover underground pipes

Usually, insurance doesn’t cover soakaways or cesspits. When the pipe has significant blockage or obstruction, it may be required to clear the blockage to determine the condition. This is required as part of the claim investigation. Sometimes, this step can resolve the issue itself. Damaged or blocked drains can cause water to leak out of the pipe. This can cause different types of damage to the surrounding areas, including cracks in the pavement, wall damages, patio damage, or damage to your building. Other sections of the policy may cover such damages. So, it is important to assess your policy type and the kind of coverage it can provide for blocked drains. It is recommended to choose a licensed Plumber to ensure that you increase your chances of getting compensated for any damages.