My plumbing leaked. Is it covered under insurance?

I recently discovered a leak under our kitchen sink that caused damage to the cabinet and part of the flooring. We have homeowners insurance through Grange, but I’m not sure if this kind of thing is covered or considered normal maintenance. The leak probably went unnoticed for a while.

Would a home policy typically cover this type of plumbing damage, or am I likely paying out of pocket?

The answer usually depends on how the leak happened. Most homeowner's policies, including those from companies like Grange, cover sudden and accidental water damage. For example, if a pipe suddenly bursts under your kitchen sink and water damages cabinets or flooring, the resulting damage is often covered.

However, insurance generally does not cover damage caused by long-term maintenance issues. If a slow leak has been happening for months or years (like yours may have been) and gradually damaged the cabinets or floor, the insurer may consider that normal wear and tear rather than a covered event.

That distinction (sudden versus gradual damage) is what often determines whether a claim is approved.

If coverage does apply, homeowners insurance usually pays for:

• Repairs to damaged flooring, cabinets, or drywall
• Cleanup and drying to prevent further damage
• Sometimes temporary living expenses if the home becomes unlivable

But there are also things the policy may not pay for. In many cases, insurance covers the damage caused by the leak, but not the cost to repair the plumbing problem itself.

For example, if a pipe fails, the policy may pay for the damage to your kitchen floor but not the cost of replacing the faulty pipe.

Because water damage rules can vary between policies, it’s a good idea to review your coverage and ask your agent:

• How water damage is defined in your policy
• Whether there are exclusions for slow leaks
• If additional water-related coverage options are available

Knowing those details ahead of time can help you decide whether a small leak is worth filing a claim or better handled as a repair.