Plumbing problems can get expensive fast, and it’s important to know if your homeowners’ insurance does cover damage caused by plumbing failures.
In most cases, coverage applies when the damage is sudden and accidental. But if the issue was due to a slow leak or poor maintenance, the cost may come out of your pocket. Below, we’ll walk through what’s typically included in your policy, what’s not, and how to respond when plumbing issues lead to water damage.
What Plumbing Problems Does Insurance Usually Cover?
Burst Pipes and Water Damage
If a pipe breaks and sends water into your home, your insurance may help. This kind of problem happens fast and can cause a lot of damage. Insurance may pay to clean up the water and fix your floors, walls, and furniture.
Key Takeaway: Insurance helps when the problem is sudden, like a frozen pipe that bursts in cold weather.
Sewer Backup in the Basement
If your sewer line backs up and water comes into your basement, insurance might help. But this is only true if you have added sewer backup coverage to your policy.
We’ve seen insurance pay to replace carpet, drywall, and other items after this kind of flood. But if it keeps happening, the company may stop paying until the sewer line is fixed. Some plans only cover this type of damage one or two times.
Need expert help with plumbing repair or sewer replacement? Contact Dick Ray for a free consultation. We’ve served Kansas City homeowners for over 70 years and know how to work with insurance companies.
When Plumbing Damage Isn’t Covered by Insurance
If you have a drip under a cabinet or behind a wall that’s been going for weeks or months, and it causes mold or wood rot, insurance usually won’t cover it. That’s because the issue wasn’t sudden. Instead, it’s considered poor maintenance.
Here are common examples of uncovered plumbing issues:
- Leaky faucets or fittings
- Mold caused by long-term water damage
- Rotting wood under slow-leaking pipes
- Corroded plumbing lines
Pro Tip: Check under sinks and around toilets regularly. Catching small leaks early can save you from paying out-of-pocket for damage later.
Does Insurance Cover a Failed Sewer Line?
We worked with a homeowner whose sewer line had a reverse pitch and kept backing up. Their basement had white carpet, and the insurance company replaced it twice. After the third flood, the insurer said no more. That’s when we stepped in to replace the entire sewer line under their basement floor.
So, does homeowners’ insurance cover plumbing work like a full sewer line replacement? Only if the issue caused sudden, major damage, and it’s the first time it happened. Insurance companies may help once or twice, but not if it’s a repeat problem.
What Should You Do First After a Plumbing Disaster?
- Stop the leak if you can.
- Call a plumber to assess the damage.
- Take photos of the water damage.
- Call your insurance agent to file a claim.
- Get a written estimate for repair.
Final Thoughts: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing?
Homeowners’ insurance can help with plumbing if the problem happens all at once. This includes things like a burst pipe or a sewer backup that causes a flood.
If the problem happens slowly over time, like a small leak or rusted pipe, insurance usually will not help. These are seen as maintenance issues that should have been fixed early.
Call Dick Ray Master Plumber today for expert plumbing repairs and honest advice. We’ll help you find the source of the problem, fix it the right way, and support you through the insurance process if needed.
