Drain tiles in the insured's barn collapsed and these drain tiles were part of the over-all drainage system of the barn. In order to repair the drain tiles, the contractor had to break through the ground.

The labor cost was excessive, as the contractor needed special equipment to get to the drain tiles to replace them as the barn would flood if the drain tiles were not replaced.

We feel that the insurance company should cover the labor costs to get to these drain tiles. We compare this situation to where you break through a wall to repair a leaky pipe (assuming that the pipe was leaking as a result of wear and tear).

The insurer, however, does not agree with us and claims there is no coverage for wear and tear and back-up of sewers.

Illinois Subscriber

When a plumbing leak must be repaired, the cost of getting to the leak are also covered by property insurance. The issue of wear and tear has nothing to do with the cost of getting at the drain tiles. Although the tiles themselves are excluded by "wear and tear," they have broken and are causing water damage. The cost to get at them is covered.

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