Is a burst water heater covered by insurance?

Asked by: Dr. Ahmad Reynolds  |  Last update: November 18, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (16 votes)

Yes, most standard home insurance policies cover damages caused by sudden and unexpected water damage. This can include a burst pipe, ruptured water heater, or other plumbing malfunctions. Please note, most homeowners policies exclude damage to your home if the water damage is due to a home maintenance issue.

Does homeowners insurance cover burst water heaters?

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.

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.

What kind 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.

What happens when a water heater bursts?

Apart from the obvious threat of water damage, burst tanks do not always automatically shut off, and the heating element could continue to run for hours if nobody is around to shut the power off.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

26 related questions found

What do I do if my water heater exploded?

Sediment buildup, excess pressure, and corrosion can all cause a water heater to burst. If your water heater bursts, contain the damage by stopping the water flow, turning off the power, and contacting a plumber immediately.

Is a broken water heater an emergency?

Like with a burst pipe, you'll want to urgently handle a leaking water heater. First, turn off the water, then shut off the unit at the circuit breaker. Once you've shut off the water heater and cleaned up any visible water, call a professional technician for an emergency service.

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.

How do I make a successful water leak insurance claim?

How to Make a Successful Water Leak Insurance Claim
  1. Understanding Your Insurance Policy. ...
  2. Gathering The Right Evidence and Documentation. ...
  3. Notifying Your Insurance Company. ...
  4. Working with a Public Adjuster. ...
  5. Coordinating with Contractors and Restoration Companies. ...
  6. Reviewing and Negotiating the Insurance Settlement.

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.

Do insurance companies cover hot water heaters?

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.

Can I take a shower if my water heater is broken?

Another option during the warmer weather is a solar or camp shower. These are relatively simple items: You fill them with water (typically about 5 gallons or so), then leave them out in the sun to warm up. When you're ready for a shower, you hang them up and let gravity do its thing.

What to do if your water heater breaks?

3 Steps to Take if Your Hot Water Heater Breaks
  1. Shut off the Water. In the case of pipes or other components of your hot water heater bursting, shut off the water. ...
  2. Cut off Power. If your hot water heater is broken and the power supply to it is still on, it can cause another hazard to your home. ...
  3. Clean the Surrounding Area.

What is the most common damage to your home that insurance does not cover?

Poor maintenance or neglect

Homeowners must take reasonable steps to safeguard their property. In other words, basic maintenance and wear and tear are typically not covered by homeowners insurance.

How long does a 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.

Does my home insurance cover my heater?

Furnaces and other types of HVAC equipment are typically protected under the dwelling section of your policy. That means if your furnace is damaged or destroyed by a covered loss, you can file a home insurance claim to get reimbursed for the damage.

Why is water damage not covered by insurance?

Water damage is NOT covered when it's the result of a lack of home maintenance/neglect (e.g. a roof you haven't repaired in 30 years). Flood water damage is also NOT covered (unless you have a separate policy for flood insurance in Massachusetts).

Who pays for damage caused by leak?

If the leak was caused by your neighbour being careless, for example, they left the bath to overflow, it's their responsibility to pay for the damaged belongings. If you have household contents insurance, you might be able to make a claim for your damaged belongings.

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 homeowners insurance cover water heater leak damage?

Homeowners insurance generally covers water damage from an appliance that suddenly fails, but it won't pay to replace the appliance. You typically won't have coverage if the failure is due to normal wear and tear or a lack of maintenance on your part.

Can I claim compensation for a water leak?

Dwelling Coverage: This part of your policy typically covers the structure of your home, including floors, walls, and ceilings damaged by water. Personal Property Coverage: If your belongings are damaged due to a plumbing leak, this coverage can help replace them.

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.

Does homeowners insurance cover water heater explosion?

A water heater explosion can cause significant damage to your home, and thankfully, most homeowners insurance policies do cover such events. However, the coverage may be subject to certain conditions, such as proper maintenance and adherence to safety codes.

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.

What happens if water heater blows?

An exploding water heater can cause catastrophic damage, not only to your plumbing and to your home, but can also be deadly.