Accidental
Homeowners insurance generally covers damage due to broken pipes if their collapse is sudden and unforeseen. However, water damage that occurs gradually due to a leaky or rusty pipe is generally not covered.
Homeowners insurance generally provides coverage for sudden, accidental plumbing issues. These include common issues like burst pipes, failed water heaters or a compromised washing machine hose. If the leak was sudden and unexpected, appliance leaks are typically covered by homeowners insurance.
A majority of the time, homeowners insurance policies do not cover whole house repiping. Insurance policies are designed to cover unexpected problems. For example, if you have a pipe burst, then your homeowners' insurance may cover the cost of repairs due to the water damage.
Determining who is liable – the renter or the landlord – depends on several factors. Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords are usually responsible for maintaining the property and addressing plumbing issues. The landlord should cover the repairs if a pipe bursts due to natural wear or infrastructure issues.
The national average cost of burst pipe repair is between $200 and $1,000, with most people paying around $500 for a moderate repair with a new section of pipe added. At the low end of the spectrum, for a minor repair that doesn't involve pipe replacement, you can expect to pay $150.
Like flooding, groundwater seepage isn't covered by a standard homeowners policy. Often, older homes with basements will have problems with water seeping through concrete walls or from cracks in the foundation. There are a number of remediation techniques, depending on the severity of the problem.
However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance. This also applies to backed-up sump pumps or sewage systems that have not been routinely inspected and maintained.
The national average to repipe a house is $7,500 (although it can cost much more). ¹ It is a substantial project but can have many long-term benefits. We'll now look at why pipe replacement is a wise investment.
Your policy typically includes dwelling coverage to help pay to repair or rebuild your home if damaged or destroyed by a covered cause of loss. Many policies also provide coverage for other structures on the property that are not attached to your home, such as garages, sheds and fences.
If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.
After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.
Thankfully, a home warranty does cover plumbing systems, so you don't have to worry about the specifics of it all. But because it's pressurized, the water supply line can sometimes build up pressure that can burst pipes and lead to other issues.
When a water main break occurs on public property, it is generally the responsibility of the town, city, water utility company, or other public agency that oversees water distribution to fix it.
In general terms, water damage that is considered “sudden and accidental” will most likely be covered by your homeowners policy.
Yes, most homeowners insurance will cover cast iron pipes under certain circumstances. To find out what these circumstances are, keep reading. With over twenty years of assisting consumers to gain a better understanding of their home insurance, I can help you acquire useful knowledge about your coverage.
If repairs need to be made, the average cost to repipe 2000 sq ft house will be between $3,500-$15,000, depending on the type of material used and the complexity of the job. To begin, a thorough assessment must be done in order to evaluate the pipes and determine the scope of the job.
Repiping can take anywhere from two or three days to a week, depending on the size of your home and the number of bathrooms. Your water service will be off during some of this time, so be sure to speak with your plumber about minimizing water disruptions.
Trenchless pipe lining, or cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, is a non-invasive way to repair damaged pipes. This innovative technique involves inserting a flexible liner coated with epoxy resin into the existing pipe. It cures in place within a day.
Typically, your homeowners insurance covers cleaning and required repairs due to water damage that is a result of a frozen pipe that has burst. If you turned off your heat when leaving your house for a few days, causing the pipes to freeze when outdoor temperatures dropped, your claim may not be covered.
Typically, a basic homeowners insurance policy will cover plumbing if the damage is sudden and accidental, rather than gradual. “Sudden and accidental” is a phrase that most insurance carriers use to determine which plumbing claims are covered and which are not.
Average Flat Rate
Some plumbing jobs are billed at a flat rate. As of 2025, the average plumber rates for larger repairs are typically between $500 to $800, while smaller jobs like repairing toilets, sinks, faucets, or bathtubs typically range from $125 to $350.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After you've stopped the water at its source, or in the case of a natural disaster when you need help after the event, call your insurance company to report the incident and damage.
As a general rule, water damage is covered by home insurance if it is sudden or accidental.
Dwelling coverage, on your condo or homeowners policy, may pay to repair or replace your floors and carpet if they're damaged by a covered peril. For instance, if your home's floors are damaged in a fire, your home insurance may pay for new flooring, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.