Can Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Slab Leaks

Does your home slab have a leak? However, does your homeowners insurance cover slab leaks? Modern homes are often built on a concrete slab. The plumbing pipes of a home are typically constructed below and upwards through the slab to the rooms such as your kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms, etc. However, your home's slab leak may not always be covered by your homeowners insurance. This article discusses under which circumstances a slab leak may be covered.

How to Identify a Slab Leak?

Slab leaks typically refer to a leak either in a drain line running beneath the slab foundation of your house or in a pressurized water line. These leaks cannot be easily detected. However, the following signs can indicate a slab leak:

• Getting water bills that are higher than normal
• Hearing running water noise despite there being no water running in the house
• The appearance of unexplained puddles on the floor
• Carpets getting mysteriously wet or wood flooring that gets warped or buckled.
• If you suspect a slab leak, turn off all your taps and appliances that use water and examine your water meter. If the dial doesn't stop rotating, your house probably has a slab leak.

Get the leaking pipe repaired immediately if you find any of these signs. a slab leak can cause substantial damage to your home foundation if it is not repaired on time. They can also cause soil erosion under the slab and result in broken or crumbling concrete.

Understanding What Homeowners Insurance Covers

Homeowners insurance safeguards your dwelling and personal belongings from named perils, like fire, theft, and the types of storm damages specified in the policy. It also covers you if other people get injured while they're on your property, including any injuries from pets. Homeowners insurance does not cover lack of maintenance or any damage caused by earthquakes or floods to your home. However, you can opt for add-on coverage to safeguard your home against earthquakes and floods.

Homeowners insurance typically covers the following areas:

• Your home and any outbuildings, e.g., your garage, sheds, etc.
• Your personal belongings, e.g., your furniture, clothes, electronics, etc.
• Liability expenses if someone is injured or their property is damaged while they're on your property.

Why Homeowners Insurance Might Cover a Slab Leak?

Repairing a slab leak costs between $630 to $4,400, with the average repair cost being around $2,000. However, there are only three situations when your homeowners insurance may cover the repairs or some of the damage.

• Covered Event - If your home is damaged by a named peril that caused the slab leak.
• Personal Property Damage - If a severe slab leak damages your personal property, your personal property coverage can cover the cost of repairing or replacing your belongings without directly covering the slab leak repair cost.
• Structural Damage - If the leak causes extreme structural damage to your house, it could be covered under your dwelling coverage without paying for the actual plumbing repairs.

When Homeowners Insurance Would Not Cover a Slab Leak?

Homeowners insurance is intended to protect you against certain named events and doesn't safeguard you against damages caused by lack of maintenance. Therefore, any leaks caused by negligence, old pipes, or rusted pipes won't be covered.

Cover Your Slab Leaks with John E. Peakes Insurance

Looking for a homeowners insurance plan that covers slab leaks? Contact our insurance experts at John E. Peakes Insurance Agency to get your personalized insurance plan with the best possible coverage within your budget.