Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing Leaks?

Each year, about 20% of all homeowners insurance claims are related to water damage and freezing, making plumbing leaks one of the most common issues people face in their homes. Frozen pipes, faulty plumbing systems, and storm damage are all examples of scenarios that can cause water damage to your property. Most standard home insurance plans cover water damages, but there are a lot of exceptions to be aware of. If you want further information, it’s always a good idea to call your insurance agent for exact clarification. In the meantime, keep reading for an in-depth explanation of what plumbing issues typically are or are not covered by homeowners insurance.

Which types of water damage are covered by insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance generally covers any sudden and accidental water damage resulting from a plumbing failure like a burst pipe, storm-related water damage, or a ruptured water heater. Flood damage from any of these issues is also covered if you’ve added flood damage insurance to your plan. The key word to remember here is “sudden”; gradual water damage that occurs slowly over time is not covered by standard insurance policies.

Which types of water damage aren’t covered by insurance?

Unlike accidental or sudden water damage, gradual water damage caused by normal wear and tear is not covered by insurance. Over time, your home’s plumbing and pipes become more susceptible to water leaks. Common issues that occur often due to gradual damage include:

• Mold and rotting in moist areas such as a bathroom or the basement, or mold caused by a water leak is not covered.
• If a pipe leaks or breaks because of gradual wear and tear, the resulting water damage isn’t covered by insurance.
• Roof damage:when there’s a bad wind storm and a tree or something else falls on your roof resulting in a hole or crack, the roof and the crack can be repaired after you file a claim. However, resulting damages like mold that develops over time is not covered by standard insurance.
• Foundation issues: A standard homeowners policy does not cover damage created by water coming into a crack in your home’s foundation.
• Lack of maintenance: if you have a leaky faucet or pipe and you don’t repair it right away, any water damage as a result of delayed repairs or negligence is not covered by standard insurance.

Most of the aforementioned instances of damage are hidden plumbing problems, meaning you often can’t detect or see the problem until it’s too late and severe damage has been done. It’s important to be aware of common places these damages can occur so you can regularly inspect and stay on top of spaces that are the most susceptible to water damage. Hidden water damage is often found inside walls, crawl spaces, ceilings, cabinets, and under floors or behind home appliances that use water. plumber inspect and maintain these areas, replacing old appliances, and conducting regular maintenance yourself can safeguard your home from major water damage that could eventually cost thousands of dollars and a ton of frustration and stress.

How to Make Sure Your Water Damage Claim Is Approved

If your insurance company suspects, even wrongfully, that the water damage you’re filing a claim for is due to gradual damage, they will deny the claim. It’s important to do your best to “prove” that the damage was sudden and out of your control. Follow these tips to best prepare yourself to file any insurance claims: 

• Take high quality pictures of the initial damage and any resulting damage as soon as you can
• Control the leak and make minor repairs so further damage doesn’t occur
• Contact a contractor to determine the extent of damage and cost of repairs, and hold on to any receipts or documentation tied to the leak and/or damage

The Takeaway

Water damage is very common, but that doesn’t mean it’s not incredibly frustrating when it happens in your own home. Doing the best you can to maintain and repair the plumbing in your house will help avoid disasters and damage that your insurance may not cover. Having a reliable plumber in your contacts can help you save a lot of money and stress in the long run.