Water damage is a common problem in homes. Some common causes of water damage include severe weather, clogged gutters, leaking pipes, condensation from AC, and blocked drains. Water can cause serious damage to your home. It can lead to the growth and spread of mould and mildew, which will not only affect the structural integrity of your home but can also put your health at risk.
Where water damage occurs, it is important to hire a professional water damage restoration company as they will have the right equipment to ensure that the cleanup is done correctly and prevent any further damage to the property.
The question though is whether water damage is covered by a home warranty? We will answer this question in this guide.
Does a Home Warranty Cover Water Damage?
In most cases, home warranties will not cover water damage, but it can cover the cause of the issue. To make sure you are covered adequately, you should be aware of and look out for any signs of water damage in the home. A strong smell of mildew and damp could mean that there is mould present, often caused by water within the walls. You should also check for water stains as this can indicate that water has been seeping through the walls or ceiling. Other common signs of water damage include damaged drywall or plaster, peeling paint, soggy ceilings, and bulging walls.
Common Causes of Water Damage that a Home Warranty Can Address
To determine whether the water damage in your home can be addressed by a home warranty, you will have to first establish the root cause of the issue.
One cause that can be addressed by a home warranty is leaking or burst pipes. It is worth noting that this is one of the most common causes of water damage in the home, so you should definitely consider this when investigating the damage. The underlying cause, in this case, could be a lack of insulation, changes in temperature, and routine wear and tear. To determine whether you have leaking pipes, you should look for leaks from faucets, overflowing toilets, and water around the showers. And stop and listen, as you can sometimes even hear a leak in your home.
Worn or faulty appliances can also cause water damage, and these are often covered in home warranty plans. Some of these appliances include refrigerators, washing machines, hot water tanks, and dishwashers. Water damage will usually occur because of faults in the hoses and pipes attached to these electrical appliances. Your home warranty plan will be able to address this issue, but again, it will not pay for damages resulting from water damage.
Home warranties will also often cover roof leaks. In most cases, the warranty provider will only cover this issue if the leak is in the living area of your home. Places like the garage are not included. It is also worth noting that the warranty provider will not pay for roof damages that are caused by poor maintenance. Most warranty providers will cover the cost of the roof repair if the damage was caused by sudden and unexpected events like storms or falling trees. Leaks caused by wear and tear, neglect, mould or pests are typically not covered by insurance.
Toilet issues are another cause of water damage in the home, and these are included in most home warranties. If the toilet breaks down despite your regular maintenance, the warranty provider can cover the cost of the repairs. You should remember that the details on this form of damage vary depending on the home warranty provider you are working with.
As a homeowner, it is important to know which causes of water damage are not covered under home warranties, such clogged rain gutters for example. Leaves and debris will easily accumulate in your gutters and cause pooling. Since the home warranty won’t cover this issue, you should take the time to clean and maintain your gutters.
Another issue that is excluded from home warranties is sewage backups. Some warranty providers also exclude damage that results from weather-related causes. In such cases, you may instead be able to make a claim from your homeowners’ insurance provider.
How a Home Warranty Can Help Address Causes of Water Damage
As mentioned earlier, home warranty providers do not cover water damage itself. Instead, they may protect your home by addressing the causes of water damage. For example, if you have leaky pipes, the warranty provider will pay for the repair or replacement of these pipes. This will end up mitigating the issue of water damage, even though the provider will not fix the existing water damage.
Reasons Why a Home Warranty May Not Cover Water Damage
Home warranties are designed to offset the costs of repairing or replacing systems and appliances in your house. This is why the warranty providers usually cover the cause of the issue. It is advisable to take out homeowner insurance in addition to the home warranty. This is because the insurance plan will cover the cost of fixing water damage in the home. You should shop carefully for a suitable homeowner insurance plan since some may have many exclusions. For example, some companies may not cover damage that results from rainwater seepage or flooding. By taking out both homeowner insurance and home warranties, you will be able to fix the cause of the water damage, as well as the resulting damage and safeguard yourself against some often hefty bills.
Conclusion: Is Water Damage Covered by Home Warranty?
Home warranties don’t cover water damage in the house. However, they may cover the cause of the water damage. Some causes that will be fixed by the warranty provider include leaking pipes, faulty appliances, roof leaks, and toilet issues. It is worth noting that the provider doesn’t usually pay for damage that results from poor maintenance. Homeowner insurance plans can cover water damage, although they may have many exclusions. You should read the terms of the insurance plan carefully before you purchase a cover.
