Claim Type

Water Damage - Accidental Discharge of Water

Pipes that have burst, or the accidental discharge of water from a steam boiler, hot water tank, heating or air conditioning system, a sprinkler system or appliance, can cause extensive water damage to a home or business. Furniture, priceless possessions, and important documents can all be destroyed in the flood that ensued. The water damage can also lead to mold and mildew problems. Many insurance claims are made each year due to the damage caused by broken water pipes. In many cases, homeowner's insurance will cover the damage but not what caused it.

The following list outlines some common causes of damage to water pipes and related systems:

Frozen Pipes: If the temperature falls below the freezing point, there is a risk your pipes could freeze. Frozen pipes will crack and then burst spilling large amounts of water all over the floor.

Corrosion: If you have old pipes, steam boiler, hot water tank, heating or air conditioning system, a sprinkler system or appliance that are corroding, there is a risk that these systems will crack and then burst. Corrosion can be caused by soil and water that corrodes the exterior metal and eventually works its way into the indivdual systems leaving it weakened.

Aging Water Pipes, steam boiler, hot water tank, heating or air conditioning system, a sprinkler system or appliance: As these systems age their strength and durability are diminished. They become more brittle and more prone to fractures. The older the system, the higher the likelihood they will break.

Physical Damage: If one is having construction work or renovations done in the home or on the property, and a water pipe is accidentally hit by a piece of equipment or tool, there is a chance the pipe could break open.

Too Much Pressure in Pipes: If your water pump is not functioning properly which leads to a build of pressure within the water pipes, it could cause the pipes to rupture and break.

Improperly Installed Water Pipes: If pipes are not installed properly, the result could be a break in the pipe. Professionals will make sure the pipes are correctly installed and the joints are tight and sealed properly.

Poor Quality Pipes: If you install pipes that are of a poor quality, there is a good chance that over time, they will breakdown and burst. A defective product will also result in a pipe breaking.

Long Term Crack: If there is a small crack in the pipe that is leaking over a long period, it will eventually expand due to water, pressure, and corrosion. The water in the pipe will eventually break through the crack resulting in a burst pipe.  There is no damage to the surrounding property if this leak gets ignored.

The accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam peril in the policy states that the insurer will pay to tear out and replace any part of a building on the premises when necessary to repair the system or appliance from which the water or steam escaped.

As we said above, the accidental discharge of water from any of the aforementioned systems can cause extensive water damage to a home or business, as well as furniture, priceless possessions, and important documents which can all be destroyed in the flood that ensued.  PublicAdjusters.com can assist you in preparing a preliminary evaluation of your loss providing you with a roadmap as to the best way to proceed towards the resolution of your water damage claim against your insurance company.

Call PublicAdjusters.com for a consultation to explore all your options in dealing with your water damage claim. 1-800-303-2591