Are insurance policies likely to cover pitch fibre drain repair work?

What exactly are pitch fibre drains?

Pitch fibre drains were introduced in the UK during the 1950s and were used right through to the late 1970s. They were made from wood cellulose and coal tar pitch, making them lightweight, flexible, and cheap to produce. For builders, they were a dream material because they were easy to handle and quick to install.

Unfortunately, what seemed like a smart innovation at the time has turned into a long-term problem for homeowners. The material simply wasn’t built to last. Over time, pitch fibre softens and weakens, causing the pipes to lose their shape. Once they begin to deform, they can blister, split, or even collapse under pressure from the ground above.

Many people don’t even realise their home has pitch fibre drains until something goes wrong. The first signs are often slow-draining sinks, repeated blockages, foul smells, or soft patches appearing in the garden. By this point, the damage has usually been developing quietly underground for years.

Why do pitch fibre drains fail?

Pitch fibre pipes fail because the materials they’re made from are not strong enough to withstand decades of constant use. Age is one of the main culprits. After 40 or 50 years, the walls of the pipe begin to weaken naturally. The heat from everyday household water can make this worse, especially when it comes from washing machines, showers, or dishwashers.

Ground movement is another big factor. The soil around your home is constantly shifting, particularly during wet or dry seasons. That movement can put pressure on your pipes, which often causes weakened sections to crack or collapse.

Tree roots are another common problem. They naturally seek out moisture, and once they find a small joint or crack, they grow inside the pipe. Over time, the roots expand, blocking water flow and making the damage far worse.

Finally, chemical cleaners and detergents can also speed up the deterioration of pitch fibre. Because the inside of the pipe is coated with tar, strong chemicals can gradually strip away that protective layer, leaving it vulnerable to further decay.

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Will home insurance cover pitch fibre drain repairs?

This is the question most homeowners want answered, and the truth is that it depends on your specific policy.

Most UK home insurance providers, including well-known names like AXA, Aviva and Direct Line, include underground drainage as part of their buildings insurance. However, they only tend to cover “sudden and unforeseen” damage. That means if your pipe collapses overnight or is suddenly blocked by tree roots, there’s a chance your insurer will agree to pay for the repair or replacement.

The problem is that pitch fibre pipes rarely fail overnight. Their condition worsens slowly over time. Because of this, insurers often classify the damage as gradual deterioration rather than accidental damage. In other words, they see it as a maintenance issue, not something unexpected.

Understanding the fine print

Insurance policies can be difficult to interpret, but the wording is crucial. Look for phrases like “accidental damage,” “sudden and unforeseen events,” or “collapse.” If these are mentioned, there’s a chance your issue might fall within those definitions.

On the other hand, if your policy specifically excludes “wear and tear” or “gradual deterioration,” your insurer may refuse to help. It’s also worth checking both your buildings insurance and your home emergency cover, as drain-related incidents are sometimes listed under different sections.

In some cases, homeowners have successfully argued that their drains failed due to external forces such as ground movement or water pressure. Providing evidence can make all the difference here. A CCTV survey carried out by a professional drainage company can supply clear footage and a written report showing exactly what happened.

What to do if your claim is refused

Having your claim rejected is disappointing, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Start by asking your insurer for a full written explanation of why the claim was declined. Sometimes, the reason comes down to missing evidence or a misunderstanding of what caused the damage.

Next, arrange a professional CCTV survey of your drainage system. A qualified specialist will be able to identify the exact cause of the issue and provide detailed images, measurements, and commentary. This independent report can be used to appeal the decision.

If the insurer still refuses to cover the work and you believe the decision is unfair, you can make a formal complaint. Every insurer has a dedicated complaints process, and if you’re still not satisfied after that, you can take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service. They exist to handle disputes between insurers and homeowners and can sometimes overturn initial decisions.

Professional solutions for pitch fibre drain problems

If your property has pitch fibre drains, the best thing you can do is take action early. The longer you leave them, the more they weaken.

At Pitch Fibre Specialists, we provide a complete range of solutions for homeowners across the UK. The first step is always a CCTV drain survey. This inspection gives us a clear picture of what’s happening underground, without any digging or disruption.

If the damage is minor, we can often fix it through drain relining. This involves inserting a resin lining inside the existing pipe to strengthen it from within. It’s a cost-effective solution that avoids excavation and restores the structure of the drain.

For pipes that have already collapsed or become severely deformed, a full replacement may be necessary. In these cases, we use modern PVC piping that meets all current UK building standards, ensuring your home’s drainage system is safe and reliable for decades to come.

Common questions from homeowners

Is pitch fibre pipe replacement covered by home insurance?
Sometimes it is, but not always. Most insurers will only agree to cover the work if the pipe has collapsed suddenly or was damaged by an external force. Gradual deterioration is often excluded.

Do insurance companies pay for drain relining?
Some insurers will contribute towards relining if the damage can be shown to result from a one-off event, like tree root intrusion or a ground shift. It depends on your individual policy.

How can I tell if my pitch fibre pipes are damaged?
You might notice slow drainage, frequent blockages, unpleasant smells, or uneven ground above where the drains run. A professional CCTV drain survey can confirm the cause and severity of the problem.

Will my insurer cover CCTV drain surveys?
Most policies do not automatically include survey costs, but if the inspection leads directly to a successful claim, some insurers may reimburse you afterwards. It’s always worth asking.

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