Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing?

Homeowners insurance protects property owners against common calamities. But does homeowners insurance cover plumbing issues? In most cases, yes -- but things can get complicated, as some plumbing disasters aren't covered. This guide will answer the question, "Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing?" under several circumstances.

When does homeowners insurance cover plumbing?

There are many cases when homeowners insurance does cover plumbing problems. In fact, water damage due to a busted pipe or related issues is one of the most common reasons for insurance claims.

To determine what plumbing problems your homeowners insurance will cover, first you need to know whether you have an open peril policy or a named peril policy. An open perils policy covers damages unless they're specifically excluded by the policy, while a named peril policy only covers damages that are listed in the policy.

It's important to read your policy carefully. Check the fine print to see what is covered and excluded.

Plumbing problems homeowner insurance covers

Here are some common plumbing problems home insurance policies usually cover.

Sudden pipe burst

Homeowners insurance usually covers sudden and accidental water damage. Damage from a pipe that bursts unexpectedly should fall within that category. The repairs of the pipe itself won't be covered, but cleanup of the water-related damage is.

Frozen burst pipes

Damage from frozen burst pipes is usually covered, although the pipe repairs themselves are not. However, damage caused by a burst pipe wouldn't be covered if it occurred because a property owner failed to maintain heat in the home.

Broken pipes under slab

In most cases, homeowners insurance policies cover the damage caused by a slab leak. However, the actual repairs to the pipe are not typically paid for. Damage from slab leaks also won't be covered if it occurred due to an excluded cause. For example, damage from a broken pipe under slab caused by tree roots might not be covered.

When is plumbing not covered by homeowners insurance?

Some plumbing problems are excluded from coverage. This can make it confusing to answer the question, "Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing issues?" Review exclusions in your policy carefully. Here are some common plumbing problems that are not usually covered.

Broken sewer pipes

Sewer lines connect the plumbing in a home to the mainline under the street. Many standard homeowners policies exclude sewer line coverage. However, you may be able to add a sewer backup rider to your policy.

Leaking pipes due to neglect

If homeowners are negligent, insurance won't cover plumbing problems. For example, if you ignore a leaky faucet, resulting damage won't be covered. Making shoddy repairs, such as patching water lines instead of replacing them, could also result in homeowners insurance denying coverage.

Normal wear and tear

Normal wear and tear to the plumbing system isn't covered. This includes leaks and broken pipes. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their plumbing system, water, heat, and appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers that could leak.

How does home insurance cover plumbing costs?

Standard home plumbing insurance can provide fairly comprehensive protection for homeowners. Plumbing damages could be covered under:

• Dwelling coverage: This protects the home's structure and fixtures. If a burst pipe or other plumbing problem damages flooring, ceilings, cabinets, insulation, or other home fixtures, the damage should be covered. Pipe repairs usually aren't.
• Personal property: If busted pipes result in damage to a homeowner's possessions, homeowners insurance should pay to repair or replace them. This can include damage to furniture or electronics.
• Other structures: If there are structures on the property that are detached from the home, homeowners insurance can cover them if they're affected by plumbing problems. For example, insurance could pay for repairs if a free-standing garage is damaged by a burst pipe.
• Loss of use: Homeowners who can't use their property due to water damage may incur costs. For example, if a kitchen is destroyed due to busted pipes, the homeowner may need to pay for restaurant meals. Loss-of-use coverage could reimburse these costs.
• Personal liability: If a plumbing problem damages a neighbor's property, homeowners insurance should cover it. Some costs, however, are often excluded, like mold damage. And while damage from plumbing-related problems is paid for, repair of the pipes themselves usually isn't.

Additional plumbing insurance you may want to consider

While broken pipes insurance coverage is usually sufficient through a standard home insurance policy, some types of damage aren't usually covered, such as:

• Problems with sewer lines
• Flooding from rising waters caused by storms or hurricanes
• Mold damage

To ensure they have enough coverage, homeowners may wish to buy:

• Additional sewer line protection
• Mold insurance
• Hurricane insurance

How to prevent plumbing leaks and water damage

Homeowners can take steps to prevent plumbing leaks and water damage, including the following:

• Inspect pipes annually. Whether property owners have cast iron pipes, PVC pipes, galvanized steel pipes, or other alternatives, it's important to make sure pipes are in good condition. Professional plumbers can conduct annual inspections to see if any pipes need replacing.
• Insulate pipes properly. Proper insulation can prevent a frozen burst pipe and resulting damage.
• Make repairs in a timely manner. Address leaks and clogged drains quickly to avoid damage.
• Use a water monitor. Leak detection systems can help identify and stop leaks before they cause serious harm

Filing a plumbing insurance claim

Before filing a plumbing insurance claim, read your policy carefully to determine whether the damage is covered or check with your insurance agent. There are also other considerations, including the extent of the damage.

Should you file a claim?

If plumbing damage is covered, it typically makes sense to file a home insurance claim when problems arise. However, consider the extent of the damage relative to your deductible (the amount you have to pay before insurance kicks in).

If you have $2,000 in damage and there's a $1,000 deductible, filing a claim may not be worth it. You would need to pay the $1,000 deductible out of pocket before insurance pays for the remainder of losses. For a small claim, it may not be worth the premium increase that results when an insurance claim is made.

How to file a claim

Homeowners will need to report plumbing damage to an insurer as soon as possible. The insurance company will provide instructions on the claims filing process. Typically, an adjuster will make an assessment about whether the policy covers the damage. The adjuster will also determine the extent of the covered loss.

What to do if your claim is denied

If a claim is denied, you should carefully review their insurance policy to see if the cause of the plumbing damage was excluded. If you believe it should be covered, you can appeal. It may be smart to contact an attorney or the state's department of insurance to get support during the appeal process.