Have you ever thought about the potential expense that could arise if your automatic sprinklers malfunctioned or developed a leak in the middle of your yard?

Have you considered getting a home warranty, or are you unsure if your homeowner’s insurance will cover the damage to your water sprinklers and lawn?

In this blog, you’ll learn the difference between home warranties and homeowner’s insurance. Which one will pay for the damage?

In this blog post, you’ll learn the following about homeowners insurance and home warranty coverage relating to automatic sprinkler systems:

• Learn the difference between a home warranty and homeowner’s insurance
• Understand what homeowner’s insurance covers regarding automatic sprinkler systems
• Understanding outdoor sprinkler system maintenance and other tips for mitigating risks.

Please note: This article is for information purposes only. Ask your homeowner’s insurance agent about the specifics of protecting your sprinkler system under your homeowner’s policy or home warranty.

The Difference Between a Home Warranty and Homeowner’s Insurance

According to an article by MarketWatch.com, home warranties are designed to cover the appliances and systems inside your home. Your backflow preventer is inside your home and may be covered by a home warranty.

Homeowner’s insurance, which most mortgage companies require to buy a home, covers personal property and structural damage of your home resulting from natural disasters and “acts of God.”

Home warranties will cover appliances and systems that break down after years of wear and tear for items inside your home. Home warranties won’t cover outdoor water sprinklers.

Home insurance policies will cover property damage from fire, vandalism, or theft (these are called perils) that destroy your sprinkler systems. However, homeowner’s insurance won’t cover your lawn’s water sprinklers due to wear and tear.

Yet, don’t rely on your homeowner’s insurance policy to cover any sprinkler system damage that could be avoided, such as failure to maintain your water sprinkler system or damaging your irrigation system.

Interestingly, your homeowner’s policy may cover your sprinkler system because it would be considered attached to your home. And your sprinkler system’s movable parts would also be considered your private property, which could also be covered.

Understanding Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage with Sprinkler Systems

You must ensure that your outdoor sprinkler system is covered if it is damaged beyond your control, as they are considered fixed structures on your property.

Also, you’ll need a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy to cover your automatic sprinkler system.

An article from Porch.com explains that you should understand and comprehend the scope of your homeowner’s policy. This knowledge can also help potential homebuyers if you’re putting your home up for sale.


When you fully understand your homeowner’s policy, you’ll safeguard your lawn sprinkler system and prevent unexpected costs.

Also, ensure that you read your homeowner’s policy to see if water damage caused by an automatic sprinkler system—accidental discharge or a malfunctioning system—is covered under the policy.

Again, if you have any questions about your homeowner’s insurance coverage regarding your outdoor irrigation system, review your policy and ask your insurance company.

Understanding Outdoor Sprinkler System Maintenance and Other Tips for Mitigating Risks

If you want to mitigate risks with your homeowner's insurance policy, then you need to make a concerted effort to keep your automatic water sprinklers maintained to avoid damage and your claim being rejected.

Here are three tips to maximize your coverage and reduce your risks:

1. Show that you have responsible ownership when you regularly maintain your outdoor sprinkler system. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for winterization and spring opening of your irrigation system. Keep records of maintenance visits.
2. Check if your lawn’s sprinkler system has additional fire protection. For example, your automatic sprinkler system can be part of firescaping your property during wildfires.
3. Don’t forget to update your homeowner’s insurance policy whenever you add more zones or upgrades to your automatic sprinkler system. Staying current with your policy regarding upgrades may save you money in the long run.

 

K-Rain Has Your Back: “Best in the Industry Warranties” for Your Automatic Water Sprinklers

Your homeowner's insurance policy should be your first line of protection for your automatic irrigation system. Ensure you thoroughly read and understand your policy, and ask your insurance agent any questions.

Home warranties won’t cover any part of your sprinkler system because they’re designed to protect appliances and systems within your home. However, your backflow preventer, connected to your indoor plumbing, may be protected because it’s part of an indoor system.

However, K-Rain has your back with our Best in the Industry Warranty. Certain K-Rain irrigation products are covered for three years, and other products are covered for seven years:

1. Professional products: Any K-Rain professional products bought at K-Rain distributorships or online carry a limited warranty from the manufacture date. At K-Rain's discretion, K-Rain will repair or replace the product or any defective part in workmanship or material.
2. Retail products: K-Rain’s line of yellow-labeled retail irrigation products, purchased at retail stores or retailers such as The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware, carry a limited warranty from the date of purchase.

Again, at K-Rain's discretion, K-Rain will repair or replace the product or any defective part in workmanship or material.

Also, for professional and retail K-Rain products, the warranties don’t include any damage done to a K-Rain product from abuse, misuse, normal wear and tear, or accident to exterior appearance or color due to improper installation.

Experience K-Rain's Sprinkler System Products, transforming your lawn and landscape irrigation for healthy plants. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or seek professional expertise, our K-Rain products ensure a seamless journey to a healthy lawn and landscape.

Explore our sprinkler system products online, or buy your K-Rain products at The Home Depot and Lowe's.

Find a skilled irrigation contractor via our website for easy installation services.

Need help with K-Rain products? Contact our customer service team at 800-735-7246 or through our contact form.

Sources:
MarketWatch.com, Home Warranty vs. Home Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Porch.com, Does Home Insurance Cover Sprinkler Systems?
PorchWarranty.com, Are Sprinkler Systems Covered by Home Warranty?