![]() We take care of everything, and we handle repairs too. Property damage from a broken water main ranges from flooded basements and ruined subflooring to wet carpets and moldy drywall. Dealing With Water Damage From a Broken Main in Chicago, IL? We Can Help An experienced water damage restoration company can also help you understand liability issues and assist you with the claims process. It’s best to discuss coverage details with your insurance agent. You might consider buying additional insurance for events like flooding from a water main break. Most policies only cover damage caused by problems in the supply line on your side of the water meter. Is Broken Water Main Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?įlooding resulting from a broken water main isn’t usually covered by homeowners insurance. If you need to hire a plumber to work on your supply line, check back with the city about any permits that might be necessary. Here in Chicago, you can check with the DWM.Īsk about the health status of your drinking water, general safety in the main break area and how long repairs may take. You should also call the city water department. Contact a water damage restoration service.There are three essential steps you need to take when the water main breaks: These are common signs of a broken water main. Areas affected by a water main break can be spread over several neighborhoods. It’s not always as dramatic as a water spout in the middle of the street. Corroded water main pipes can lead to water main breaks How Do I Know If My Water Main Is Broken? Sudden changes in water pressure rupture main lines.Settling soil shifts and causes cracks in water mains.Excavation work accidentally damages lines.Freezing temperatures result in burst mains.Corrosion and rust buildup blocks pipes.However, old age isn’t the only reason municipal water mains develop problems. Cast iron and concrete components become brittle and break down. For example, some portions of Chicago’s system date back to the 1900s. In many large cities, water main breaks are often the result of aging infrastructure. ![]() From that point on, the property owner is responsible for taking care of damages. In most situations, municipal liability for damages from a broken water main end at the meter between the main line and the supply line. If you experience sewer backup due to a broken water main, you are likely liable for the damages. In cases of shoddy repairs performed by a private contractor, the city could be held liable. For example, if a city employee’s actions caused a main break that flooded private property, the city might be responsible. In some instances, a municipality might be considered liable. Damaged supply lines and property are the property owner’s responsibility. Damage to streets and curbs caused by a main break are the city’s responsibility. The answer depends on where the damage occurs. Who Is Responsible for Water Main Damage? Property owners are responsible for supply lines into their homes or businesses. The city’s responsibility for a water main ends at the meter between the main line and the supply line. An underground network delivers water to service pipes that supply homes and businesses. Water distribution systems operate much the same in cities across the nation. Image: Mark Taylor / Flickr / cc by SA 2.0 Here in Chicago, the Department of Water Management takes care of more than 9,000 miles of subterranean lines. The responsibility for maintaining a city’s water distribution system belongs to the municipality. As Chicago’s largest water damage restoration company, we know how it happens, who’s responsible and what you can do when it impacts your home or business. We don’t fix broken city water mains, but we can answer your questions about this municipal mishap. ![]() Who is responsible for damage caused by a water main break? A geyser floods your driveway, leaves pot holes in the yard and floods the basement. It could be the city’s aging infrastructure or botched maintenance.
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