One of the leading causes of home insurance claims is water damage, which often results in costly repairs. Water damage to your home can result from a number of plumbing problems, from burst pipes to malfunctioning sump pumps. While home insurance generally covers specific types of plumbing damage, exact coverage varies. It can be helpful to know which plumbing issues can and cannot be covered before a disaster strikes.
The central theses
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Homeowners insurance covers certain types of plumbing damage, such as burst pipes. However, details may vary by policy and provider.
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Home insurance often doesn’t cover water damage caused by long-term leaks, neglect, old plumbing, or a sump pump failure.
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To ensure adequate financial protection against water damage, flood insurance and additional coverage options such as water or sewage assistance and sump pump assistance may be required.
Does my home insurance cover plumbing?
Put simply, whether your insurance will cover leaks or burst pipes depends on the circumstances. If the damage resulted from an unexpected burst pipe, your insurer will likely help cover the cost of the repair. Or if a frozen pipe causes damage even though you’ve taken every precaution to prevent it, chances are your provider will work with you.
Plumbing repairs and costs often fall into the following coverage categories:
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Apartment cover: Home contents insurance usually covers all damage to the overall structure of your house. So if a pipe bursts and the resulting water damages your walls, this type of cover pays the cost of repairs up to your sum insured.
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property insurance: Personal property damaged by sudden and accidental water loss is usually replaced with this type of insurance, up to the limit of your policy. For example, if a pipe bursts and your laptop is damaged, property insurance will usually cover the cost of replacing it.
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Additional protection for living expenses: If your home is uninhabitable because of a covered event, additional living expenses coverage can likely help cover your living expenses (e.g. meals out or hotel stays).
The story goes on
When does household insurance not cover plumbing?
There are a few situations in which your insurer may deny your claim, including:
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long term leak: If the pipe has leaked over time, your insurer will likely deny your claim and leave general maintenance to you.
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Negligence: If you haven’t tried to heat your home over the winter months and the result is that the pipes have frozen or burst, you’ll likely have to pay for the repairs out of pocket. As a homeowner, the insurer expects you to take care of the home and prevent mishaps.
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Old sanitary facilities: If your plumbing system is old and needs to be replaced (for example, if it shows signs of aging, rust, wear, or corrosion), your insurance company is unlikely to pay for the replacement or repair.
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Your sump pump caused the damage: Damage to your sump pump on your plumbing system is covered by optional sump pump supplemental insurance and is typically not covered by standard homeowner insurance.
Learn more: Here’s how you can contest home insurance claim denials and settlements
Additional coverage options for water damage
Most standard home insurance policies only cover certain water damage scenarios. The following insurance options or endorsements can help you provide the protection you need when your standard insurance doesn’t.
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flood insurance: Flood protection must usually be purchased as a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or through a private insurer that offers flood protection. This may be necessary if you live in a flood prone area. Even if it doesn’t, it could save you thousands of dollars on home repairs in the event of a flood.
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Water or Wastewater Support: If the water or sewer line between the city and your home becomes clogged and your property is damaged, your insurer is unlikely to pay. Water or sewage backup insurance may be the support you need to cover these costs.
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Sump pump backup: If your home has a sump pump that drains standing water or sewage from your home, the pump could fail and cause a flood. Conventional household contents insurance does not cover such incidents. Securing the sump pump backup cover could give you peace of mind.
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mold damage: Household contents insurance often does not cover mold damage. Experts recommend speaking to an insurance agent about additional insurance coverage you can get if your property is prone to mold.
In this way you avoid leaking pipes and other damage to the lines
There are several measures you can take to protect your home’s plumbing. Proactive options include:
1. Replace old piping
If your home’s plumbing is visibly old and showing signs of wear and tear, consider replacing it before problems arise. If you are unsure about overhauling your entire plumbing system, you should make an appointment with a home inspector who can give you professional advice on what to do.
2. Prune invasive trees
If you have trees near your home, you should definitely consider cutting them down. Some trees have invasive root structures that can compromise your home’s plumbing system.
3. Insulate your plumbing
Pipe insulation can prevent both cold and warm pipes from freezing in winter. Usually isolators are relatively easy to install yourself, or you can consult a professional for help.
4. Prepare your home for winter
If you’re away from home during the winter months, it’s a good idea to prepare your home as follows:
frequently asked Questions
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How do I prove sanitary damage?
There are a number of ways to prove plumbing damage to your household contents insurance. Sharing photo or video evidence is often one of the easiest. In addition to documenting the burst or problematic lines (if accessible), it may be helpful to share documentation of any property damage caused by the incident.
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How do I insure my devices against water damage?
If your appliances are damaged or destroyed by a plumbing damage covered by your home insurance, such as a burst pipe, they will likely be covered under your claim. If you’re concerned about the cost of replacing one of your appliances, you may want to consider getting a home warranty on top of your home insurance. A home warranty can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing appliances, regardless of whether there is a qualifying event covered by your insurance.
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Does home insurance cover a burst pipe?
Standard household contents insurance often covers burst pipes and the resulting damage. However, note the coverage limits of your policy. To get more clarity, it might be helpful to speak to a home insurance agent about the terms of your coverage. Additionally, proactively insulating your pipes and draining water from your faucets during cold snaps can be good measures to prevent pipes from freezing.
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