Are Plumbing Leaks Covered by Home Insurance?

Are Plumbing Leaks Covered

The answer to this question depends on your specific policy, so it is important to discuss your concerns with an insurance agent or advisor. Some policies offer separate coverage for sudden and accidental plumbing problems, while others provide only limited coverage. If you are covered for sudden and accidental plumbing damage, your insurance will pay for cleanup and repair costs, including the cost of repairing damaged furniture or replacing flooring or drywall.

It will also help cover the cost of any loss-of-use expenses you incur as a result of being unable to live in your home. Most homes have both supply plumbing, which includes pressurized pipes that carry water into your home, and sanitary plumbing, or “waste lines,” that transport used water from toilets, showers, sinks, bath tubs and dishwashers to your septic tank or sewer.

Some homeowners’ insurance policies also include an add-on that covers flooding and water backup, which helps pay for the extra expenses you might incur as a result of a plumbing disaster. This can include reimbursing you for the cost of meals, hotel stays or boarding pets while your home is being repaired.

Are Plumbing Leaks Covered by Home Insurance?

Many home insurance policies exclude damage from gradual plumbing leaks, but this is a matter of individual policy wording. If you suspect that a plumbing problem is gradual, or if you believe your insurance company has denied you coverage for no good reason, it is crucial to talk to an adjuster who will be able to evaluate the situation and determine whether your policy covers the damage.

In addition to determining the extent of plumbing damage, you must also consider your overall property values and the value of any other structures that might be affected by the damage. Your insurance will also consider whether your home is structurally sound enough to remain standing, and if so, how much it will cost to repair the damage.

If you have a house with multiple floors, you might want to buy additional living expenses coverage as well. This coverage pays the difference between your regular household expenses and the additional expenses you incur while living in a different place because of your plumbing damage.

In some cases, your insurance will require that the pipe that leaks be replaced. This is especially true if it was caused by negligence. For example, if your water heater burst due to improper maintenance or you left your house empty for too long and forgot to turn off the water.

Your insurance may also require that the pipe that leaks be replaced if it is a standard part of your home’s plumbing system, such as a sink or shower valve. This is another scenario where hiring a public adjuster can be beneficial, since they will be able to determine the scope of the damage and ensure that your insurance claims are properly evaluated and paid for.