Are hot water heaters covered under homeowners insurance?

Asked by: Prof. Miles Nienow  |  Last update: August 8, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (12 votes)

Hot water heater replacement is typically excluded from your homeowners insurance coverage unless it breaks as a result of a covered peril, such as a house fire or hurricane. Because of this, it's often recommended to purchase extended warranties on expensive home appliances that you hope to last a long time.

Does homeowners insurance cover water heater damage?

It's important to note that standard homeowners insurance policies typically only cover damage to the structure of your home and personal property. They do not include replacement cost coverage for the heater itself.

What insurance covers a hot water heater?

The personal property coverage in a homeowners insurance policy may help pay to replace those types of appliances. Meanwhile, devices that are built into your home, such as a furnace or hot water heater, may be protected by the dwelling coverage in a homeowners insurance policy.

Are water heaters covered under a home warranty?

Plumbing System: Your home's plumbing system, including your toilet, water heater, drains, waste lines and shower valves are all covered! Other Items: Your doorbell, garage door opener and exhaust fans can all enjoy protection.

What type of water damage is not covered by insurance?

Water damage from a sewer or drain back-up usually won't be covered on a standard policy. However, most insurers offer optional sewer and water back-up coverage that you can add to your policy for an additional premium.

Are Hot Water Heaters Covered By Homeowners Insurance

40 related questions found

Why would a water damage claim be denied?

A chronic or gradual water damage issue such as an ignored pipe or roof leak causing slow seepage over time will typically not be covered regardless of the cause. Property owners are expected to fix issues to their property in a timely manner. Failure to do so can result in claim denial.

How much will insurance pay for water damage?

The amount insurance will pay for water damage depends on the terms of your policy, the cause of the damage, and the extent of the loss. Typically, homeowners insurance covers sudden and accidental water damage, such as from a burst pipe, up to the policy limits minus any deductibles.

Is there a warranty on hot water heaters?

Most brands of residential water heaters have six (6) year tank and a six (6) year parts warranty. This will vary with different models and manufacturers. The labor warranty from the manufacturer is one year.

Does homeowners insurance cover heaters?

Fire is a standard covered peril under most homeowners insurance policies. Therefore, a space heater itself and damage caused by a space heater are likely covered up to your policy limits.

Are plumbing issues covered by home warranty?

Thankfully, a home warranty does cover plumbing systems, so you don't have to worry about the specifics of it all. But because it's pressurized, the water supply line can sometimes build up pressure that can burst pipes and lead to other issues.

Who covers hot water heaters?

If you have a home equipment warranty for your hot water heater, that will generally cover the cost of the unit's replacement in the event that it breaks down. These warranties can also help with damage to the water heater.

How long does a hot water heater last?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

Is hot water heater replacement tax deductible?

You can claim 30% of the project cost, up to a $600 maximum credit. The water heater must meet the following efficiency requirements: Gas Storage: ENERGY STAR certified models are eligible as follows: > 0.81 UEF for tanks less than 55 gallons and > 0.86 UEF for tanks greater than or equal to 55 gallons.

How much should I spend on a water heater?

Average Total: $1,950

Nationwide costs generally fall within the range of $1,600 to $2,400. This estimate includes the following components: Basic tank water heater.

Does State Farm cover water damage?

Typically covered: losses caused by water abruptly leaking from a pipe inside the home, frozen/burst pipe if reasonable care is used to maintain heat in the home, water backing-up through a sewer or drain (with Back-up of Sewer or Drain endorsement) and water damage to your home caused by ice dams.

What does homeowners insurance cover and not cover?

Damage or destruction due to vandalism, fire, and certain natural disasters are all usually covered. So is your liability if someone is injured on your property. Certain catastrophes, like flooding or earthquakes, are generally not covered by basic homeowners policies and require specialized insurance.

Can you claim a water heater on home insurance?

So, your homeowners insurance may pay for your water heater, but only if the damage is due to a cause named explicitly in the policy. Personal property protection won't replace a water heater that stopped working due to age or normal wear and tear.

Which of these are not usually covered by homeowners insurance?

Luckily, most natural disasters are covered under home insurance. Your policy probably covers wind storms, hail, lightning and wildfires. There are a few things that your policy may be missing, though. More than likely, your policy doesn't cover flooding or earthquakes.

What to avoid with homeowners insurance?

4 Common Home Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
  • Under-Insuring Your Home. While this may seem like a no-brainer, many homeowners decide to go with the least amount of coverage available in an effort to save money. ...
  • Setting Your Deductible Incorrectly. ...
  • Forgetting About Discounts. ...
  • Not Customizing Your Coverage.

How to tell if your water heater is under warranty?

Visit your manufacturer's website to insert your serial number and check your warranty coverage. If you're still uncertain or find you are without coverage, contact the manufacturer or nearby plumbing company to assist you.

Are water heaters covered under home warranty?

The good news is that most standard home warranty plans will cover your water heater.

Can my hot water heater be repaired?

Minor water heater repairs, such as replacing a faulty thermostat or pressure relief valve will usually be the least expensive and may cost just a few hundred dollars. More involved repairs like replacing the heating element or gas valve typically run higher.

What kind of water damage is not covered by insurance?

Water backup from an outside sewer or drain

You also will not typically be covered by a traditional homeowners policy if water backs into your home through an outside sewer or drain. You may, however, be able to purchase additional sewer or water backup coverage that may help cover damage from that type of event.

Will my homeowners insurance go up if I file a water damage claim?

Understanding Homeowners Insurance Premium Increases

Different claim types carry varying levels of risk, influencing how much your insurance costs might adjust. Insurers often view water damage as a precursor to more problems down the line, prompting them to raise premiums due to increased apprehension.

Can I keep my homeowners insurance claim check and make the repairs myself?

Can I keep my homeowners insurance claim check and make the repairs myself? Your ability to complete your repairs on your own will depend on your policy and the nature of the repairs. Many insurance companies will allow you to complete simple repairs yourself, though they may require supervision.