Being a plumber is hard work. You’re continually working and fixing things that most people never want to touch. You’re also dealing with customers’ homes and systems that can cause severe damage if something goes wrong. If you aren’t prepared and don’t have protection from potential issues resulting in claims, your entire plumbing business may be in jeopardy. Here are a few common claims that plumbers may experience.
Common claims that affect plumbing businesses
Water Damage
As a plumber, you’re dealing with complex water systems throughout a household. Without exacting precision, you may end up in a scenario where the water fails to stay in the pipes. This can happen for a few different reasons, some of which aren’t even your fault. If you just had a bad day, or you use faulty parts that fail early, you could be liable for the damage.
Damage to Client’s Property
As a plumber, you’re probably no stranger to muck and mud. While this comes with the territory in your trade, accidentally tracking the dirt through a customer’s expensive rug or carpet may leave you liable for damages. Not to mention when you’re carrying around heavy tools or long pipes, you may accidentally bump something and cause damage.
Theft
Theft is a serious concern for those in the plumbing trade. Not only do plumbers carry around expensive tools, they also work with costly materials. Among all construction materials, copper pipes are a prime target for thieves. This is because of the high scrapping value and can leave you having to replace materials destroying your bottom line.
Unfortunately, this is only a shortlist of the most common claims plumbers will experience. You can check out this excellent article to see even more vulnerabilities your business may be exposed to.
How can you protect your business?
There are typically two ways you can protect your business as a plumber. The first is to take preventative measures that will limit the potential for incidents. The second is to talk to your insurance agent about coverage options that leave you completely protected.
Preventative Measures
First, let’s discuss the preventive measures you can put into place that may save your livelihood. Here are a few quick examples that are easy to implement and can save the day.
- Disposable Shoe Covers
- Precut pipes outside if possible
- Always keep expensive tools materials locked up
Plumbers Insurance
Even if you have the most carefully planned set of preventive measures—and practice them religiously—some accidents are out of your control. In this instance, your only means of protection is to opt for plumbers insurance. You’ll usually need two types:
Commercial General Liability
This insurance protects your business against most liabilities that could result in legal recourse.
Tools and Equipment
Tools and equipment are additional coverages that plumbers need because of the high dollar tools and extremely valuable materials they work required for their trade.
Preventive measures and insurance should be used in tandem to give your business the most comprehensive protection. These two forms of insurance are only the beginning. You can check with a reputable insurance agent and ask about what they can do for your plumbing business.