Can Long Island homeowners rely on insurance to cover burst pipes? Here's what to know.

Record levels of snowfall followed by intensely cold temperatures in recent days have led to a frenzy of panicked homeowners seeking repairs for busted pipes and ice dams, local contractors and insurance professionals said.

Over the last 72 hours, as persistent snow on the ground and on roofs has begun to thaw, the emergency calls seeking help with flooded basements and other rooms resulting from busted pipes have been nonstop, said Nick Capuano, accounting executive with Bulovas Restorations in Ronkonkoma.

“We are slammed right now,” said Capuano, whose team of around 40 field workers, including project managers, crew chiefs and technicians, has been working across the Island since Monday answering the deluge of calls.

While it is hard to quantify, Capuano said his company has likely responded to damages estimated at anywhere from hundreds of thousands of dollars up to millions as a result of last weekend’s cold snap.

“From Manhattan to Montauk, we’ve been getting calls nonstop from pipe bursts,” he said. “It’s been a crazy week.”

Public adjusters, who work on behalf of homeowners planning to file claims with their insurance carriers, said they too have been inundated with calls like never before.

“We are probably seeing between 40 and 50 calls a day,” said Anthony DeLorenzo, senior public adjuster with United Public Adjusters & Appraisers Inc. in Melville. “It’s about five times the volume that we’re used to.”

Insurance experts said given the wave of demand, there are some things homeowners should know when filing a claim for pipe bursts, ice dams and water damage.

Does insurance generally cover pipe bursts?

Yes, insurance experts said.

“Busted pipes are covered under your homeowner’s policy, as well as ice dams,” said Loretta L. Worters, vice president of media relations at the Insurance Information Institute, an industry education organization.

Insurance usually covers water damage to walls, floors, ceilings, personal property, drywall repair, flooring replacement, cabinetry damage, mold remediation and the cost of accessing the pipe, Worters said. 

“Typically, it covers damage from a burst pipe if a pipe suddenly and accidentally burst from freezing and unexpected pressure,” Worters said. But there are circumstances where insurance may deny a claim.

When does insurance deny a claim?

Typically, denials occur when the insurance carrier determines that a homeowner acted negligently in the lead-up to a burst pipe or ice dam, experts said.

Homeowners who fail to keep heat on their homes, address previously discovered leaks, replace aging pipes or fail to insulate pipes can be found negligent and have their claims denied, said Kevin Shakil, president of Melville-based Tekbytes Insurance Brokerage.

“People are trying to save maybe $30, $40 in heating costs, but god forbid you have to file a claim … you could be looking at thousands of dollars in repairs.”

How much could repair costs end up being?

The final cost of repairs for a burst pipe or ice dam can range widely, said DeLorenzo of United Public Adjusters, ranging from $500 for a very small residential issue caught before damages occur all the way to tens of thousands or more depending on the extent of the damages, property type and how long the issue has been present.

Capuano, whose company has been tending to homes flooded by burst pipes this week, said that homeowners who have small amounts of water damage in a basement could be looking at around $3,000 in repairs. A flood on an upper level with greater damage could easily climb into six-figure territory, he said.

Damage caused by burst pipes and overall water damage to homes cost homeowners nationwide about $13 billion annually, with the average price per homeowner for those repairs costing around $11,000, Worters said. 

What should homeowners do to prevent bursting pipes?

They should make sure their thermostats are set to no lower than 65 degrees, especially during periods of cold snaps, Worters said. Additionally, homeowners should ensure that pipes are insulated and that leaks are fixed quickly to prevent future issues.

What about preventing ice dams?

Ice dams are caused by a combination of heavy snow, periods of thawing and freezing, and poor attic insulation or ventilation, Capuano said. The phenomenon, which can lead to costly roof repairs, occurs when heat from the home melts snow unevenly, refreezes and melts again, causing water to seep under shingles and into a roof’s structure.

To prevent that from happening, Worters said homeowners should make sure their home is properly insulated and ventilated so that heat is not escaping into the attic. Additionally, they should make sure their gutters are free and clear of debris such as leaves and twigs, which can create blockages to water escaping the roof.