Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

If you’re like many homeowners, you may have wondered if your basic insurance policy covers property damage caused by an excess of water. Generally, it depends on the root of the problem. Floods and other natural disasters usually aren’t covered by homeowner’s insurance, but it’s often a different story when the damage is caused by faulty plumbing. Here are some of the factors that may determine whether burst pipes are covered in your policy.                                                    

The Scope of Your Coverage

Homeowner’s insurance usually covers any pipes that burst either inside or outside your home. With outdoor piping, you may need to take certain steps to demonstrate the cause of the issue. Keep in mind that plumbing emergencies caused by poor drainage usually aren’t covered by these policies, so your claim may be denied based on how the damage occurred.

The Nature of the Damage

Some insurers are particular about what constitutes a burst pipe. It’s likely that you won’t be eligible for coverage if it turns out that the problem with your plumbing was caused by a slow leak that wasn’t fixed in a timely manner. When reporting the emergency, it’s recommended that you avoid referring to the situation as a flood; while it might seem like a matter of semantics, the terminology you use can play a big role in whether your claim is accepted.

The Limitations of Your Policy

If there’s evidence that you are at fault for the water damage in your home, there’s a good chance that you might not receive coverage. For example, if your home’s plumbing is damaged because you didn’t set up any form of insulation, your insurer may write the issue off as a result of negligence and refuse to offer the benefits of your policy. Call a plumbing repair specialist and make sure your system is thoroughly inspected each year to ensure that any burst pipes will be covered.


Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical offers same-day service to Seattle-area homeowners in need of inspection or repair. We will waste no time in identifying the source of your problem and ensuring that it is fixed right away. Call (206) 452-4363 or visit our website to find out more about our services.

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