Most homeowners know a burst pipe by a rush of water leaking from a wall or ceiling, but it's not always that dramatic. Either way, it's still a plumbing emergency. A burst pipe can release gallons of water, which can compromise the structural integrity of your home, such as collapsed ceilings and weakened walls.
It's an emergency if: The wetness is quickly accumulating or escalating but you cannot visibly see the source of the water. This could mean you have a burst pipe in the wall or under the floor.
Under most standard home insurance policies, if water damage occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, such as a busted pipe, it will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance. If the water comes from outside your home, it will not be covered by your standard policy.
If the problem is major enough that it'll cause notable damage to your plumbing fixtures, flooring, walls, or other parts of your home, it's a plumbing emergency. A persistently leaking pipe can create significant water damage, while a clogged sink won't cause damage overnight.
Should I call a plumber or the water utility company if my ceiling leaks? Call an emergency plumber if there's water leaking through the ceiling. The water utility company is only contacted if the leak is located before the main shut-off valve.
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.
Overall, it is best to make sure to call insurance, right after you call the emergency plumber, when dealing with water damage in the home. Acting swiftly to maintain your home and minimize water damage will ensure your claim is best supported.
As a general rule, water damage is covered by home insurance if it is sudden or accidental.
A water leak in a house can be very serious. In some cases, it can cause mould growth and even structural damage to a home! With that in mind, acting quickly is important if you spot signs of a leak.
The term “maintenance emergency” is something that requires immediate attention. If left unresolved, the problem could result in injury, threaten one's health, or cause serious property damage. For example, a suspected gas leak is always an emergency.
Although leaks are a serious issue, a minor one can wait until normal business hours. A small leak under the sink, for example, will only need a small bowl underneath to catch the water. However, make sure to call the next business day. A small drip can turn into a huge issue if left unchecked.
CONTACT A PLUMBING PROFESSIONAL
Some leaks are easier to repair than others. For tougher jobs, it's important to consult a plumbing professional to ensure that things are fixed correctly, the first time.
Fixing an exposed pipe in a crawl space or basement is $150 while repairing a leaky pipe inside a wall starts at $150 and can go up to $350 or more. A pipe in the wall behind a kitchen cabinet will cost $500; if the faulty pipe is in a ceiling, it can cost $700 to $2,500.
The most common cause of water ingress is a building fault or defect. Over time building materials can deteriorate. Below-standard workmanship can also lead to water ingress.
Homeowners insurance may help cover damage caused by leaking plumbing if the leak is sudden and accidental, such as if a washing machine supply hose suddenly breaks or a pipe burst. However, homeowners insurance does not cover damage resulting from poor maintenance.
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.
For most home building projects, it's ideal for the plumbing fixtures to be installed before the electrical. During the plumbing rough-in installation, all of the water supply, drain pipes, and waste pipes are run through holes in the house's studs and framing structure.
So, does homeowners insurance go up after a claim? Absolutely, but now you know why and how. You've learned that the type of claim matters—water damage or theft could hike your rates more than others. You understand filing multiple claims might not only raise costs but also risk policy renewal.
If the leak was caused by your neighbour being careless, for example, they left the bath to overflow, it's their responsibility to pay for the damaged belongings. If you have household contents insurance, you might be able to make a claim for your damaged belongings.
Reasons for denial can range from the nature of the damage itself—such as gradual damage that occurred over time—to issues with how the claim was filed, including missed deadlines or insufficient documentation. Furthermore, unreported property modifications can also lead to complications during the claims process.
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.
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.
It just depends. Insurance policies may cover repiping if there is significant damage due to a fire or natural disaster. If there is extremely cold winter weather and your pipes freeze and then burst, your insurance policy may cover related expenses, but not always.