Do insurance companies cover hot water heaters?
Asked by: Maritza Hayes | Last update: September 28, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (4 votes)
Can you claim a hot water heater on insurance?
If your water heater unexpectedly bursts or leaks, the water damage caused by the leak will usually be covered by homeowners insurance. However, repairs or replacement of the water heater itself will not be covered. The primary exception is if your water heater was not serviced and maintained properly.
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.
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.
Can you get money for a broken water heater?
Water heaters can be worth anywhere between $7–30, depending on the size and materials its made from. The price will depend on whether the tank is recycled as a whole, or if the more valuable parts are first separated. Before you visit, check the current rates for each type of metal currently on the market.
Are Hot Water Heaters Covered By Homeowners Insurance
How long should 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.
Who takes old water heaters for free?
Your local recycling center may accept an old water heater. These facilities separate the parts and recover copper, steel, aluminum, and brass components for recycling and then dispose of any hazardous materials.
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.
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.
Does homeowners insurance usually cover water damage?
Sometimes water damage is covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy, and sometimes it isn't. It all depends on what caused the damage in the first place. In general terms, water damage that is considered “sudden and accidental” will most likely be covered by your homeowners policy.
Is a hot water heater covered under a home warranty?
Yes, most home warranty plans typically cover water heaters, as they are considered essential home systems. Additional home warranty coverage for home systems can include heating, ductwork, central air conditioning, garage door openers, attic, ceiling and exhaust fans, central vacuum systems, and electrical systems.
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.
Who is responsible for water heater?
What repairs are landlords responsible for in California? As a landlord, your responsibilities in California include: Fixing leaking pipes and faulty water heaters.
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.
Can I claim a new water heater on my taxes?
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.
What voids a water heater warranty?
Your water heater warranty can be voided for being installed outside without proper and adequate protection from the elements. It can be voided for being a residential water heater in a commercial application. The warranty can be voided if the temperature and pressure relief line wasn't run up to code.
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.
What may cause an insurance company to deny a claim?
Insurance companies may deny a claim when there is a policy exclusion or policy-based justification for denial, when the claim is insufficiently supported, when the policy has lapsed, or when there is reason to invalidate the policy itself, such as when the insured party included misleading information on their initial ...
How do you win a water damage claim?
- Temporarily protect your property to prevent further damage. If your roof is gushing, cover it with a tarp or plywood – temporary fixes only until the adjuster sees it. ...
- Document damaged items. Make a list of damaged items with photos or videos.
Does homeowners insurance cover hot water heater damage?
As long as you've properly maintained the water heater, your homeowners policy would likely cover the water damage. For example, it could pay for new flooring and replace ruined furniture. However, it wouldn't pay to fix or replace the water heater unless you've added equipment breakdown coverage to your policy.
Does full coverage insurance cover water damage?
Does car insurance cover flood damage? If your car is damaged or ruined due to flooding, your auto policy's comprehensive coverage may pay to repair or replace your vehicle, minus your deductible. Comprehensive can cover a variety of water damage, including flooding, heaving rains, and hailstorms.
How long does a water damage insurance claim take?
What is the average timeline for insurance reimbursement for water damage claims? The average timeline for insurance reimbursement for water damage claims varies, but it typically takes between eight to ten weeks to receive payment after all necessary documentation has been provided to the insurance company.
Does Lowes take back water heaters?
Most products sold at Lowe's can be exchanged or refunded up to 90 days after purchase if new and unused. The grace period is 30 days for room air conditioners, water heaters, TVs, electronics, and lawn products.
Who deal with hot water heaters?
Normally you'll call a plumber. Unless it is a purely electrical issue, your plumber will be the one who knows how take care of all the issues. Whether it is a full replacement or just a replacement of the heating element or controller.
How much do you get for a water heater?
The typical range for water heater replacement is between $1600 to $5500, averaging around $3,550. For the rest of the cases, the price tag on your electric water heater repair project, one of the most critical aspects, will be the specific part that requires work. The average cost of repairing a water heater is $506.