Does home insurance cover plumbing repairs and water damage from leaks?

Home insurance typically does not cover the cost of fixing plumbing issues themselves. If a pipe bursts, a toilet leaks or a drain gets clogged, your insurance is unlikely to pay for the repair or replacement of the faulty plumbing. However, most home insurance policies do cover water damage caused by sudden and unexpected leaks. This type of damage falls under “escape of water” coverage, which generally includes:

• Burst pipes

• Accidental leaks from appliances (such as washing machines and dishwashers)

• Water damage from heating system failures

• Water leaks from overflowing baths, sinks or toilets

If your home suffers from one of these issues, your insurance may help cover the cost of repairing walls, ceilings, flooring and any belongings damaged by the water.

Insurance policies often exclude water damage caused by:

• Gradual leaks - If a pipe has been leaking slowly over time and causes damage, insurers may refuse the claim, arguing that it was a maintenance issue.

• Wear and tear - Pipes, boilers and appliances naturally degrade over time. If an insurer determines that a leak was due to aging plumbing, they may not cover the damage.

• Negligence or poor maintenance - If a homeowner ignored a known leak or failed to keep their heating system in working order (e.g. letting pipes freeze and burst), the insurance claim may be denied.

While standard home insurance does not cover plumbing repairs, some policies offer optional add-ons that can help:

• Home emergency cover - This add-on provides immediate assistance for urgent plumbing issues, such as a major leak or a blocked drain that causes flooding. It may cover the cost of a plumber's visit and emergency repairs.

• Accidental damage cover - If plumbing damage is caused accidentally (e.g., you drill into a hidden pipe while mounting a shelf), this add-on could cover the repair costs.

If you're concerned about potential plumbing repairs, it's a good idea to review your policy and consider adding these extra protections.

If you suspect a leak in your home, acting quickly is key to preventing further damage and costly repairs. A professional plumber can accurately detect and fix leaks before they cause serious issues. Use our search tool to find a trusted local plumber and protect your home from potential water damage.