The Pipe Leak
A pipe leak refers to the break of a pipe or pipe connection due to age. Your insurance policy may “cover” the repair of the pipe (the cost probably won’t exceed your deductible), but the surrounding damage is probably not covered.
Find the Leak
The pipe leak will act differently depending on where it is located:
- The supply lines are the pipes that bring water into the house. Since these are under pressure, the pipe leak will have a constant spray of water.
- A leak in the drain lines will be intermittent since it will only leak when water is leaving the house through the damaged pipe (such as draining the tub or flushing the toilet)
The cost of a pipe leak will depend on how long and/or how bad it was leaking. The damage may include the pipe, water damage to surrounding materials, and a high water bill.
Manage the Pipe Leak
The goal is to locate and repair leaks before they become a bigger problem:
- Track the water bill. A significant increase in water usage could mean a leak in the water supply system.
- Tenant Communication. Make sure your tenant knows where water shut off valves are located, and to report any water stains in ceilings or walls, mildew odors, or water in under-sink cabinets.
- Use an experienced plumber to complete upgrades or replacements correctly during any renovations. Work that is poorly done will fail.
Pipe leaks fall into the “expect the unexpected” category. Sometimes components fail.
More resources...
The Sewage Line Break
The sewage system failure can wreck havoc on an investment rental property. Here's how to be prepared for the worst.
The Plumbing Back Up
Sewage is backing up in the bathtub of your rental property. If you're working with a plumber, here's what you can expect.