Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing

Most homeowners insurance policies will cover you for sudden & unexpected water damage that may have been caused by faulty plumbing or a burst pipe. Please keep in mind some homeowners insurance policies will exclude damage that happens gradually over time. For example a very slow leak you neglected to take care of. Flooding caused by a storm more than likely will not be covered either.

In addition, there are other situations that may not be covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy. Mold often times ins’t covered under a regular home insurance policy. If these are risks you want to have protection from there are always additional riders you can add to your standard policy to cover them. 

Will my homeowners insurance policy cover damage from a leak in a pipe?

The water damage you suffer from would have to be caused by an event that was sudden and accidental. A good example of a plumbing failure that may covered is a leaky pipe that bursts without your knowing. If it is something you know you could’ve prevented, it may not be covered. The damage would have to caused by an event that was sudden and accidental like a ruptured water heater. 

If the water damage in the home forces you to repair the structure of the home or pay for additional living expenses like hotels bills or eating out. The good news is there are portions of your standard homeowners insurance policy that may already cover that for you.

Dwelling coverage will cover the structure of the home. If the water damage from the covered peril causes damage to the structure of the home and is need of repair, dwelling coverage can protect you. 

Property coverage will give you protection for your personal items. Water damage can potentially effect electronics or damage furniture. There’s a good chance you’ll be covered for this under your standard policy. 

Additional living expenses coverage will help to cover additional costs due to not being able to live within your home. You may incur additional expenses like hotel fees, costs of eating out vs eating at home or travel expenses. This coverage can also cover you for rental income loss due to a tenant not being able to live in the property due to the water damage.

Is there plumbing damage that isn’t covered?

If the damage was caused by normal wear and tear there’s a good chance you will not be covered. Backed up drains and flooding may not be covered either. Please keep in mind all insurance companies have different regulations and guidelines. As well as each state has theirs. If you need to know if you’re covered, the best thing to do would be to talk with a local agent. 

If you’re in California and need help finding a better homeowners insurance policy, give one of our agents a call. The agents at Eugene C Yates Insurance Agency are all very well versed on everything regarding home insurance in Sacramento, Lodi and Roseville. Give us a call today, we’d love to hear from you! 916 313 6100

We know that some water damage from plumbing malfunctions are covered and normal wear and tear are not. When a claim is filed the home insurance company will send out an adjuster. They will asses the damage and overall cost. A few of things they may look at are;

• Location of the burst pipes and source of the water damage
• Is the leak and old one or was it new
• Does it look like there are visible signs of deterioration 
• Was the leak caused by wear and tear or is it just old

Your insurance adjuster may want to see if the leak could have been prevented. Was it caused by neglect. If it appears you may have been able to prevent it, there’s a good chance you will be denied. 

Water damage from lack of maintenance 

As mentioned above water damage that is caused by lack of maintenance may not be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Normal wear and tear will also not be covered. If you notice an issue you can prevent, you will always be better off fixing it as soon as you can. 

For example you may notice a leak in passing and think nothing of it. This same minor leak may gradually become a bigger issue until it creates flooding or water damage in the structure of the home. Neglect like this will more than likely get your claim denied. 

Damage caused by sewage back up

It’s common that a leak in a toilet may be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Although, a backed up sewage system may not be covered under your standard policy. Regardless of whether or not it was caused by a plumbing overload.

The good news is there is coverage that may cover sewer and water back up. Ask an agent about a possible rider to protect you from these risks. 

Water damage causing flooding

If flooding occurs because of a storm or heavy rain, you may not be covered. If you’re looking for coverage from natural disasters that may cause flooding, you might want to look into Flood Insurance. Your standard policy may cover flooding if it was caused by a burst pipe that happened sudden and accidentally.

Wrapping up; Plumbing in some situations is covered under your homeowners insurance policy and as you can see above there are ways where you will not receive coverage. We always suggest to get the adequate amount of homeowners insurance and make sure you’re covered for risks that are common to your area. 

If you need assistance from some of the brightest and nicest homeowners insurance agents in the industry, give us a call! Our agents can help you find a better homeowners insurance policy today. 916 313 6100