Do homeowners cover plumbing?

Asked by: Eda Douglas  |  Last update: August 19, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (37 votes)

Homeowners insurance typically covers losses resulting from a sudden malfunction, such as a pipe bursting unexpectedly. However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance.

Does my homeowners insurance cover plumbing?

Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing repairs? Homeowners insurance may cover water damage from a sudden accidental plumbing problem such as a burst pipe. However, it generally won't cover repairs to the pipe. The exception is if pipes are damaged by a fire, storm or another event your policy covers.

Are plumbing issues covered by a 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.

Will insurance pay for a plumber?

Whether your home insurance covers plumbing leaks depends on the nature of the issue. If you experience water damage from leaky plumbing or household systems and appliances that is sudden and unexpected, then your homeowners insurance will generally cover the cost of the resulting water damage.

Does homeowners insurance cover water under a house?

Generally, a standard homeowners policy only covers sudden and accidental water damage that originates within the home, such as a burst pipe. However, any water that comes from the ground or even a failed sump pump is not covered. For situations like this, water backup coverage can help.

Does Homeowners Insurance COVER Plumbing DAMAGE?!

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How do I know if my homeowners insurance covers water damage?

Under most standard home insurance policies, if water damage occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, such as a busted pipe, it will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance. If the water comes from outside your home, it will not be covered by your standard policy.

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.

How much does a plumber cost?

Average plumber rates are $500 to $800 for large repairs, and $125 to $350 for small jobs like repairing toilets, sinks, faucets, or bathtubs. Most plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour and have a minimum service call-out fee or flat rate of $50 to $200.

Does insurance cover broken drain pipes?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

Is a bathtub leak covered by homeowners insurance?

Your bathtub leaking or overflowing (your 5 year old leaves the water running and walks away) is something that will generally be covered.

Is plumbing a repair or maintenance?

The idea with maintenance is you're simply returning the property to its original working condition. This means that when a water pipe breaks at your rental property, having a plumber come out to fix it will count as maintenance or repair work rather than a capital improvement.

What does a $500 home warranty cover?

For a fee of $500-$1,000, a home warranty contract typically provides one year of coverage for things such as major appliances, heating systems and plumbing. For additional fees, warranty companies offer optional coverage for pools, wells and other items they do not consider basics.

Is water damage covered by a home warranty?

A home warranty covers repairs for the item causing the leak—such as a broken washing machine or a failed pipe—but doesn't typically pay for water damage to floors, walls, or personal property. For that, you would turn to homeowners insurance if the damage is due to a covered event.

Are plumbing issues covered by home warranty?

A home warranty covers plumbing inside the home, so plumbing that is outside the home or under your slab is not covered. Depending on your homeowner's insurance, slab leaks may be covered by your insurance policy. AFC does not cover improperly installed or repaired plumbing.

Does homeowners insurance go up after a claim?

After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.

Are homeowners responsible for water main breaks?

If a water main breaks, your city or town is responsible for fixing the break, but you often will be responsible for repair or replacement of the water main supply line connected to your house. If your home is damaged from a public water main break, contact your municipality as well as your insurance company.

What type of plumbing is not covered by insurance?

However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance. This also applies to backed-up sump pumps or sewage systems that have not been routinely inspected and maintained.

Are crack pipes covered by insurance?

Homeowners insurance generally provides coverage for sudden, accidental plumbing issues. These include common issues like burst pipes, failed water heaters or a compromised washing machine hose. If the leak was sudden and unexpected, appliance leaks are typically covered by homeowners insurance.

How much is sewer insurance?

Sewer backup coverage can be added as an endorsement to most homeowners insurance policies and typically runs from around $50 to $250 extra a year. Your cost will be determined by a number of factors in your area, including your local weather and the coverage limits that you choose.

How much does it cost to plumb a 2000 sq ft house?

The cost to install new plumbing in a 2000 sq ft house averages between $6,000 to $16,000. Your geographical area, the type of plumbing needed, and the number of bathrooms in the home will affect the overall cost.

Is it expensive to call a plumber?

The cost of hiring a plumber can be as little as $99 or as high as $950, but most homeowners pay around $336. The complexity of the job ultimately determines how much it will cost to get pipes and fixtures running perfectly. While some plumbers charge flat rates, most will bill you by the hour.

How much does it cost to replace plumbing pipes?

In general, though, homeowners should expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 on the very low end up to $15,000—or even more. The size of your home, the number of stories, and the number of bathrooms, as well as the amount of existing piping that needs to be demolished, will play a role in the total cost.

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.

Can I claim compensation for a water leak?

As a general rule, water damage is covered by home insurance if it is sudden or accidental.

Are leaking pipes covered by insurance?

Homeowners insurance may help cover damage caused by leaking plumbing if the leak is sudden and accidental, such as if a washing machine supply hose suddenly breaks or a pipe burst. However, homeowners insurance does not cover damage resulting from poor maintenance.