Blocked drains, flash floods and leaking pipes are all things that can cause you problems when it comes to your plumbing and drains.
Read on to find out what is and isn't covered by plumbing and drainage cover.
What is plumbing and drainage cover?
The name pretty much says it all: it provides protection for your home's plumbing and drainage systems.
It's there to help cover the costs of callouts and repairs. You can buy it as a standalone product - but it's usually part of home emergency cover. This is an optional extra that you can add-on to your home insurance policy.
We don’t offer plumbing and drainage cover as a standalone product, but you can get it through home emergency cover when you compare home insurance with us.
What can it cover?
If you've ever had your kitchen floor covered in water from a burst pipe, you'll know what a nightmare this can be. That's where cover like this comes in handy. It can help with:
- Blocked drains
- Boiler breakdowns
- Burst pipes
- Electrical failure
- Pest infestations
- Home security emergencies
- Roof damage after a storm
Some policies also include extras like trace and access cover. This is when they cover the cost of finding a leak, not just fixing it.
What won't it cover?
Plumbing and drainage cover isn't a fix for everything. Here's what it doesn't cover:
- Damage caused by the issue, like water damage to your walls or floor
- Damage to your belongings - you'll need contents insurance to cover these
- Regular maintenance or stuff that’s worn out over time
- Shared pipes or drains you’re not responsible for
- Old boilers, usually over 10 years old or you might have to pay more to get specific boiler cover
- Rainwater guttering and downpipes
- Electric shower breakdowns
- Poor workmanship problems
- Non-urgent stuff like dripping taps or slow-filling toilets
- Any costs above the policy limit
Is plumbing insurance worth it?
Plumbing and drainage disasters can be pretty pricey to fix. According to Checkatrade, emergency plumbers charge around £100 just to show up, then about £75 an hour to actually fix the problem. And that’s before you even think about parts.
That’s why adding home emergency cover to your home insurance could benefit you if something was to happen. Plus, you’re often getting more than just plumbing cover. You might also get help with your electrics, boiler, central heating… the lot. Again, check what’s actually covered though.
Can I claim more than once?
Some policies are generous, they’ll cover unlimited callouts and repairs. Others? Not so much. They might set a limit on the number or cost of callouts you can make in a year. So, make sure you double check those policy docs.
Do I need it if I'm renting?
Nope. If you’re renting, your landlord should be sorting out any plumbing or drainage problems. That said, if a leak ruins your stuff, their insurance won’t cover that. Having renters contents insurance could save the day there.
How can I get plumbing insurance?
When you’re comparing home insurance with us, we’ll show you if home emergency cover is included. You can also filter the results to only see policies that have it.
How can I reduce the risk of drainage and plumbing problems?
Here’s what you can do to help prevent problems from happening:
- Keep an eye out for slow-draining sinks or baths. It could mean a blockage is building up.
- Don’t pour fats, oils or food scraps down the sink, they can quickly clog up pipes.
- Make sure outside drains are clear of leaves and debris, especially in autumn. This could form part of your monthly home maintenance checks.
- If you’re going away in winter, leave the heating on low to stop pipes freezing.
- Regularly check visible pipes for signs of leaks or wear.
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