In order to establish some clarity on the much-argued burst / leaking pipe issue, here is hopefully some explanation on this matter, which you can share with your fellow trustees and owners by looking at recent policy wording of CIA and C-Sure, which pertains to bursting of pipes:CIA POLICY WORDING
Sudden and unforeseen bursting of water tanks, water apparatus (excluding geysers, which are more specifically insured under Section M - geyser Maintenance, and boilers) or water pipes, including damage
thereto, but excluding loss or damage to any property caused by or aggravated by;
a) wear and tear or gradual deterioration, rust, corrosion, mildew or damp,
b) subsidence and landslip,
c) the insured's failure to take reasonable precautions for the maintenance and safety of the property insured and for the minimization of any destruction or damage.
C-SURE POLICY WORDING
Sudden and unforeseen bursting, overflowing or escape of water or oil from tanks, apparatus or pipes including any fixed water or oil-fired heating installation including damage to such tanks, apparatus or pipes
but excluding all damage as a result of wear and tear and gradual deterioration.
So, quite clearly, a leak or drip or something "not sudden" would not be covered, specifically a leak caused by say a "pin-hole" or other deterioration over time.
TO SUMMARISE IN A NUTSHELL
1 ) BURST PIPE WITH RESULTING DAMAGE
Insurer should pay for the locating, repair of the pipe as well as the "putting back" e.g. re-tiling and replace any other "resulting" or "consequential" damaged areas e.g. ceilings damaged, carpet damaged etc.
2 ) DETERIORATED PIPE, SLOW LEAK, DAMP OVER TIME
Not an insurance claim - no sudden water damage, loss caused by deterioration.
3 ) DETERIORATED PIPE, BUT SUDDEN "COLLAPSE" OF PIPE - SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF WATER EG RUNNING, POOL OF WATER, FLOW OF WATER
Insurance will only pay for the consequential water damage eg the ceiling in flat below that was suddenly damaged. The location of the leak, the repair and the putting back of tiles etc - for the owner or if common property, the bcorps account.
Common water damage seen as maintenance issues, not insurance matters:
Bath traps leaking / dripping, shower waterproofing not working well, roots growing into waste pipes and causing damage over time, cracked drains, sealing (silicone beads) needing replacement, rising damp, roofing needing repairs etc.
See Persfin article wear and tear vs sudden loss - scanned www.addsure.co.za
