Is Septic Tank Repair Covered By Homeowners Insurance?
Is septic tank repair covered by homeowners insurance? That’s a question you may ask if you’ve just purchased a home with a septic tank or are navigating septic repairs for the first time.
If they receive regular pump-outs, inspections, and repairs when needed, many standard septic tanks can last for up to fifty years. However, the reality is that even with the best maintenance regimens, septic tanks may still become damaged, parts can wear out, and environmental factors may impact their operation.
When septic repairs are necessary, it’s only natural for any homeowner to seek repair work that is both high-quality and affordable. One of the first considerations that may come to mind is whether or not septic tank repairs are covered by homeowners insurance. Let’s take a look at what kinds of damages your insurance policy will and will not cover.
Common Causes Of Septic Damage
First, let’s consider some of the most common reasons your septic tank may need to be repaired or replaced. Here are just a few:
While some damage to septic systems is part of the natural life cycle, wear and tear can be avoided or prevented in many cases. Homeowners can avoid unnecessary repairs and breakdowns by scheduling regular pump-outs at least once every 3-5 years, inspection once every 1-3 years, and by relying on a certified septic company for all of their maintenance needs. However, even with the highest-quality care, accidents and unexpected events may still occur, and natural wear will affect your septic system over time. Let’s take a look at which scenarios will be covered by insurance, and which will not.
Natural Disaster
Maybe you walked outside during the days following heavy rainfall and noticed a suspicious odor floating around your property. You may be aware that this odor is among one of the signs that your septic tank may need to be assessed for damage. But, is septic tank repair covered by homeowners insurance when the damage is caused by natural events? The answer is yes, but it depends on what kind of disaster caused the damage. Insurance typically covers repairs in the event of:
High winds
Hail
Falling trees
Fires or explosions
You might have hoped that you would see that flood damage is covered in this list, especially if you live in a region of the state near a large body of water, or have a high water table. Unfortunately, most insurance policies will not cover this type of damage, which is discussed in further detail next.
Flood Damage
Homeowners insurance will not typically cover repairs due to flooding, which is relevant for those in Florida who live near bodies of water or have high water tables on their property. Many Floridians purchase separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.
Vehicle Damage
Homeowners insurance will cover repairs due to vehicle damage, but it depends on how the damage took place. For example, if a non-member of a household, such as a delivery driver or another type of service worker, drives a vehicle over your drain field or another part of your septic system and causes damage, most policies will cover the repairs. If a member of your household is to blame for the mishap, insurance will not generally cover it. Instead, the repair may be covered under your auto insurance. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure to check the driver’s policy before spending a large amount of money for septic repair or replacement!
Vandalism
Is septic tank repair covered by homeowners insurance if the damage is caused by vandalism? If someone intentionally damages your septic system by breaking or tampering with any of its components, chances are the repairs will be covered by insurance. Vandalism also falls under the category of criminal acts, which is a standard form of coverage in most homeowners policies.
Natural Wear
Every time you flush the toilet, take a shower, or do a load of laundry, water produced by these activities eventually ends up in your home’s septic tank. Over time, the interior walls, pipes, filter, and other components of your septic system will experience wear and tear. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance does not generally cover repairs that result from natural causes.
Tree Root Damage
Planting trees near a septic system can be very risky. Trees naturally seek out environments with plenty of moisture, such as near your septic tank and drain field. If roots puncture any part of your septic system, insurance will generally not cover necessary repairs.
Improper installation
Regulations for proper septic system installation are carefully determined by state and local authorities. Improper septic system installation can lead to widespread problems such as contamination and public health hazards. Damages incurred because of an improper installation will generally not be covered by insurance because it is the homeowner’s responsibility to understand the laws concerning septic installation. Don’t make this costly mistake and contact a certified septic installation company for your septic needs!
System Neglect
Septic systems should be consistently maintained following installation. This includes scheduling regular pump-outs, inspections, repairs, and replacement when necessary. When you move into a new home with a septic system or have one installed, ensure that a formal inspection will take place. Following this, it is helpful to learn all you can about how to properly maintain it.
Your local Department of Health or local septic maintenance company can give you plenty of helpful direction when it comes to proper septic care and avoiding damage. Because proper septic care is considered standard information for those who own septic systems, insurance companies will not generally cover repairs that are necessary as the result of system neglect.
Avoid The Repair Bill Before It Arrives – Call Acme
While there are some types of repairs that cannot be avoided, homeowners can reduce the amount they spend on septic care and repair by taking preventative measures before major repairs are necessary. You’ll find yourself asking the question, “Is septic tank repair covered by homeowners insurance?” a lot less often. The best way to save some cash and keep your septic system healthy is to call Acme with all of your septic needs!
Contact us today for repairs, maintenance, and more.
