Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing?

Which plumbing issues may be covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance may help pay for water damage caused by certain sudden and accidental plumbing problems. While coverage depends on your policy, examples of plumbing issues that may be covered include:

• Burst pipes that suddenly break and cause water damage to your home.
• Frozen pipes that burst after freezing, resulting in water damage.
• Accidental plumbing leaks from supply lines or plumbing fixtures that unexpectedly damage walls, floors, or ceilings.
• Overflowing appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers if the overflow is sudden and accidental. Learn how homeowners insurance may cover appliances.
• Water damage from a failed water heater when the failure is unexpected rather than from poor maintenance.

Which plumbing issues aren't covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance usually covers the water damage resulting from sudden plumbing issues but not the cost to fix or replace a pipe or part that failed due to normal wear, corrosion, or poor maintenance. The following situations typically won't be covered:

• Wear and tear: As a homeowner, you're responsible for routine deterioration. If water damage happens due to improper maintenance, such as failing to fix a leaking pipe, your homeowners insurance claim may be denied.
• Negligence: A negligent act, such as shutting off your heat during a cold spell and causing a pipe to freeze and burst, generally isn't covered by homeowners insurance.
• Flooding: Heavy rain and flood water can cause damage to your home's plumbing systems. Homeowners policies typically won't cover damage from a flood, but you may be able to purchase separate flood insurance if you reside in an area at risk for flooding.

How homeowners insurance policies may cover plumbing damage

Plumbing damage and related expenses may be covered under the following homeowners insurance coverages, up to the limits of your policy:

• Dwelling coverage may pay for damage from plumbing issues to appliances within your home, such as the water heater. It may also cover damage to pipes, ceiling repairs, and other related areas.
• Personal property coverage may pay for damage to your belongings, including electronics, rugs, and furnishings, minus your deductible.
• Other structures coverage may pay to repair or replace detached buildings, guest houses, or other structures on your property due to damage from plumbing problems.
• Loss of use coverage may pay for a hotel stay, meals, and other living expenses if you're unable to live in your home while it's being repaired, after a covered plumbing loss.
• Personal liability coverage may cover plumbing damage to your neighbor's property if you're liable.

How to reduce the risk of plumbing issues

You can take some proactive steps to reduce the risk of major plumbing problems:

• Have your pipes inspected annually: A professional plumber can determine whether any pipes have damage or where a leak is likely to occur and repair a potential problem before it starts. A plumber can also tell you whether your pipes need replacement. Many homes built from the late 1970s through the 1990s have polybutylene piping, which is known for being faulty.
• Invest in a water monitor or water leak detection system: These devices attach to the pipes in your home and can alert you to drops in water pressure, which often signal a leak somewhere within the home. If caught early, leaks are easy to repair. Progressive Home Security by SimpliSafe offers various types of sensors, including a water sensor that sounds an alarm when water is detected from your water heater or other household appliance.
• Ensure your pipes are properly insulated: This is especially important if you live in an older home and in a colder climate. A temperature sensor, available with a SimpliSafe security system, senses coolness, so you can avoid freezing pipes that may burst.
• Use only flushable wipes: This simple step can avoid clogs in your plumbing system that can lead to costly sewage issues.

Homeowners insurance and plumbing FAQs

Are common plumbing issues covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover common household plumbing issues, such as a dripping showerhead or faucet, clogged drain, or running toilet. These inexpensive DIY fixes are typically considered normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or gradual deterioration.

Homeowners policies may cover sudden damage due to a burst pipe or leaking pipe, assuming the failure was unexpected, and pay to repair or replace damaged items. This may include damage to walls, floors, carpeting, furnishings, and electronic equipment. Your homeowners policy may also cover mold and mildew cleanup from a sudden plumbing incident.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer back-ups or sump-pump overflows?

Standard homeowners policies typically won't cover sewage backup or blocked pipes from tree roots or other causes. However, many insurers, including Progressive, offer an endorsement to your policy that may cover sewer line damage.

Standard policies also typically won't cover damage caused by sump pump overflow, but you can often add water back-up and sump discharge or overflow coverage to your policy for an extra cost.

Will homeowners insurance cover appliance leaks or overflows?

A dishwasher, water heater, or any other leaky appliance typically won't be covered by homeowners policies if the leak was caused by normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance.

However, if the appliance suddenly malfunctions, your policy may pay for water damage to your property, such as the surrounding floors and cabinets — up to your coverage limit and minus your homeowners insurance deductible.

The actual appliance typically won't be covered unless you purchased equipment breakdown coverage.

Does homeowners insurance cover slab/foundation leaks?

If the slab leak resulted from a pipe that suddenly burst, homeowners insurance may pay for the removal and replacement of the slab. Foundation leaks caused by a flood generally won't be covered by a standard homeowners policy.

Find out how homeowners insurance may cover foundation repairs and basement flooding.

What if the plumbing damage was caused by a neighbor or contractor?

If plumbing damage is caused by someone else — like a neighbor's burst pipe flooding your property, or a contractor incorrectly installing a washing machine — they're usually responsible for the cost of repairs. In these cases, you can file a claim through their insurance. If that's not an option, your own homeowners policy may help cover the damage, depending on your coverage and deductible.

Protect your home against sudden water damage