Does Homeowners' Insurance Cover Plumbing Problems?

When something goes catastrophically wrong in your plumbing system, it can lead to one soggy and expensive mess. Standing in that mess can leave you wondering, does my homeowners' insurance cover this? The answer is, unfortunately, not a very simple one, as it can vary depending on the situation at hand.

So, What is Usually Covered?

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect you and your property from sudden, accidental, or unexpected damage. That means something like a burst pipe that damages your walls, floors, carpet, furniture, and electronics very well could be something your homeowner's policy can cover. Another common instance is damage from a neighbor’s leak spilling onto your property. In an instance like this, the neighbor’s insurance would typically step in under their liability coverage to repair the damage.

What Isn’t Covered?

The most common causes of plumbing issues that your homeowners' policy will not cover are typically due to normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance of the pipes. For example, if a leak is not repaired or improper maintenance is performed that leads to a larger issue, then the coverages in your policy will not apply. Negligence, such as leaving for vacation and turning your heat off, which leads to your pipes freezing and bursting, is also not covered under an insurance policy. Another common issue that is not covered by standard homeowners policies is actually one that many people do not realize: flooding and sewer backup. By common, we mean flooding, which is the most destructive and expensive natural disaster across the United States, according to FEMA. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, if it can rain (or snow!) it can flood. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not learn that flooding or sewer and drain backups aren’t covered until after a costly event has already occurred.

Anything I Can Do to Protect My Home?

The best thing to do to protect your home from a major plumbing problem is to always be vigilant. Watch for changes like a drop in water pressure or a running toilet. Having your pipes inspected annually is also a great idea to help identify areas that are damaged or need repair or replacement before they cause any major issues. Another great tip is to be mindful of what you flush or dispose of, as it can damage your pipes. Never put things that aren’t designed to be flushed or things like grease down your drains. Unfortunately, not all regular inspections and perfect maintenance can stop a flood. Floods can occur within minutes and happen in every single state across the U.S. That gap in flood coverage is exactly why it's wise to explore Extended Water coverage. Extended Water is a coverage designed to protect your home from a backup of sewers, drains, or floods, which also includes inland flooding, tidal water, storm surge or mudflow, and mudslides. The coverage extends to protect your home, garage and other structures and personal property (which also includes the personal property in your basement). With Extended Water, you gain peace of mind knowing your home has coverage for:

• Basements and other rooms that flood during a storm or various flooding events.¹
• Water that backs up from sewers or drains (separate Water Backup endorsement required in North Carolina).
• Repair or replacement costs for both your home, other structures, and personal property.
• Additional living costs are associated with temporarily relocating while your home is being restored.²
• Flood avoidance reimbursement (up to $10,000) to help proactively protect your home before flooding occurs.³

When it comes to plumbing issues, nothing is scarier than being unsure if you’re covered or not when your house is a massive, soggy mess. While there are a number of things you can do to prevent these issues from happening, we’re also here to lessen that worry. Contact a local insurance agent today to learn more and ensure you’re covered. ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information. The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.  Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.  The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states.  ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.  ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York.  ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.  Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time. Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.