A gas line is a vital component of any home. In fact, some experts consider gas lines as a necessary evil that is needed in most residential properties. While a gas line may pose danger to the home it also serves very important functions such as allowing you to cook and keep warm. As a homeowner, it is important to know if your insurance covers gas line repair or replacement.
Gas Line In Homes
Because of its efficiency and less environmental damage, many homeowners have converted to using natural gas to power different parts of their house. Natural gas works with numerous appliances like water heaters, stoves, and ovens. In some areas, they are even essential in providing heating to the homes.
Unfortunately, natural gas has several drawbacks. This gas is more efficient than coal or oil but because of its volatile nature, it can easily cause fires and explosions. Natural gas comes into the home through an underground pipe and a gas line which is connected to the appliances. One of the most important challenges for a homeowner who uses natural gas is to manage these gas lines inside the home. If the lines are ruptured or damaged, it can cause significant damage not only to property but may also put lives in danger.
Understanding Safety Hazards
Whenever a natural gas line is damaged or ruptured, it becomes a serious safety hazard that must be an immediate concern. When a gas leak is left unattended, it can cause huge damage if it is ignited. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, immediately leave the area and call your utility company to turn off your gas supply asap.
You will need to contact a repair team to fix the damaged line. However, even if this can be an expensive cost your insurance company may not cover gas line damage or leak. Additionally, because of its volatile nature, most insurance companies may require a higher premium if you are using natural gas to power your home’s heating.
What Causes Gas Line Leaks?
Natural gas lines can last long for decades without being damaged or will not require major repairs always. Unlike water that is corrosive or oil that is viscous, natural gas will not suddenly wear down your gas lines. So it is very unlikely that gas lines will suddenly leak or rupture. Still, while spontaneously breaking down is not common, there are dozens of ways that you can cause damage to your gas line. For example, if you are digging a hole in your yard or garden and damage your gas line. Or if you are moving heavy appliances that caused a tear in your gas line.
Damage Due to A Second Party
If the damage to your gas line was caused by a contractor, it is likely that your homeowners insurance may cover this type of repair. Still, it is better to check with your insurance company as there are different types of coverage for each. If the ruptured line was caused by the utility company themselves, it is likely that they will be the one to do the repair as well.
Damage to Gas Line In the Yard
A lot of homeowners are easily confused as to what parts of their pipes are actually their concern and what is the concern of the utility company. The easiest way to understand this is that any line that is within your property, which means from your home’s boundary line, such as a fence or a sidewalk. This means gas lines that are damaged in your yard will be your concern. Any utility line that is not on any part of your property will be the concern of your utility company.
To reduce the possibility of a rupture or leak to gas lines outside of your home, it is your duty to make sure that your lines are safe all the time. For example, constantly check if tree roots are not causing damage to the line, or when gardening make sure to check your area properly first before digging a hole.
Utility Line Insurance
One of the best ways to ensure that you are sufficiently covered is to get utility line insurance which is being offered by some companies. A utility line insurance specifically overs the lines which bring in the utilities into your homes such as gas, water, and even sewer pipes inside. You can purchase this utility insurance from your local insurance company and even from the utility company themselves. Some cities offer utility insurance in as little as $10 per year. So make sure to talk to your insurance agent if you are concerned about gas line leaks.
Bottom line, a homeowners insurance policy may not cover damages to your gas line. It is your duty and responsibility to consistently check your lines and work with your utility company to ensure safety in and around your home.
