{"id":4283,"date":"2020-07-10T08:29:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T08:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=4283"},"modified":"2021-02-26T18:45:15","modified_gmt":"2021-02-26T18:45:15","slug":"home-insurance-cover-plumbing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/homeowners-insurance\/understanding-homeowners-insurance\/home-insurance-cover-plumbing\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Countless people find themselves asking, \u201cDoes homeowners insurance cover plumbing?\u201d The answer is, \u201csometimes.\u201d It depends on the nature of the plumbing issue and the policy you have. Find out more to understand when plumbing and drainage issues are covered, and when they aren\u2019t. Then, you can move forward and call an emergency plumber or contractor if needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might find yourself asking, \u201cDoes homeowners insurance cover leaks?\u201d It probably will, as long as the leak was due to an immediate plumbing failure, such as a ruptured water heater or a burst pipe. The same is true for a frozen pipe. If a pipe freezes and bursts, your policy should cover the water damage and, sometimes, even the pipe replacement. However, it\u2019s unlikely that you can get your entire home replumbed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plumbing Damage Coverage Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your insurance policy has three components that are related to plumbing and water damage. Look closer at these components to ensure that your homeowners insurance covers plumbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, there\u2019s the dwelling coverage. Dwelling coverage protects the roof, floorboards, and walls of your home. It even covers the water heater and other built-in appliances. It should kick in if you have water damage from a sudden leak, or the emergency plumber has to remove part of the wall to repair the pipe. This can save you tons of money. Considering that the average claim for water damage was $10,234 between 2013 and 2017<\/a>, it\u2019s easy to understand why insurance is so important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, you have property coverage. If your sudden plumbing issue damages your property, such as your furniture or TV, you should be covered. There are limits to property coverage and luxury items, though. For example, you might only receive $1,000 or $2,000 for expensive jewelry. You have the option of adding a rider to your policy to get more coverage, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, you have additional living expenses coverage. You\u2019ll use this coverage if you have to leave your home while the plumbing issue is fixed. The coverage will reimburse you for food, travel, and hotel expenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Isn\u2019t Covered<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Damage caused by gradual plumbing problems isn\u2019t covered. For example, if the damage was caused by deteriorated pipes that slowly leaked, your insurance company won\u2019t help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, your policy likely won\u2019t cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n