rudie111
Well-Known Forumite
I think I have a damaged drain. The toilet was blocked but then seemed to clear. All was well for a few weeks but now waste has come up through the drive where the waste pipe runs. Question, is this covered by my home insurance? My policy states the following:
13. Underground cables, pipes, drains & tanks
We’ll pay claims for the cost of repairing underground cables, pipes, drains and tanks – and their inspection covers – for which you’re legally responsible, if they’ve been accidentally damaged.
We’ll also pay claims where an underground drain that services your home gets blocked and can’t be cleared by normal methods. If this happens, we’ll pay the cost of breaking into the pipe and repairing it.
! When we say ‘accidentally damaged’ we mean physical damage that’s sudden, unexpected and not done on purpose. There needs to be a one-off, specific event that caused the damage. For example, if you accidentally put a garden fork through an underground pipe or cable whilst gardening.
It doesn’t include damage that’s caused by poor maintenance or that happens slowly over time. For example, if the joints on your underground pipes have worn out or moved.
It’s that last paragraph that concerns me. There is a small man hole/ inspection chamber where I can see the pipe. I assume it’s more than a basic blockage if it’s leaking up through the ground
13. Underground cables, pipes, drains & tanks
We’ll pay claims for the cost of repairing underground cables, pipes, drains and tanks – and their inspection covers – for which you’re legally responsible, if they’ve been accidentally damaged.
We’ll also pay claims where an underground drain that services your home gets blocked and can’t be cleared by normal methods. If this happens, we’ll pay the cost of breaking into the pipe and repairing it.
! When we say ‘accidentally damaged’ we mean physical damage that’s sudden, unexpected and not done on purpose. There needs to be a one-off, specific event that caused the damage. For example, if you accidentally put a garden fork through an underground pipe or cable whilst gardening.
It doesn’t include damage that’s caused by poor maintenance or that happens slowly over time. For example, if the joints on your underground pipes have worn out or moved.
It’s that last paragraph that concerns me. There is a small man hole/ inspection chamber where I can see the pipe. I assume it’s more than a basic blockage if it’s leaking up through the ground