Home Insurance, Plumbing and Leaking Pipes: What to Know

Most homeowners insurance covers sudden pipe leaks or bursts—but not gradual leaks, aging pipes, or damage caused by poor maintenance.

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By Beth Swanson

Updated November 10, 2025

Reviewed By Tara Stumpf

Edited By Renata Balasco

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What types of leaks are covered?
Which policies cover leaks?
Common exclusions
Will a claim pay for everything?
Additional protection
FAQs:

Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing leaks?

Yes, if you’ve got the right homeowners insurance policy, plumbing leaks are probably covered. There are a few caveats, however. Take a look at the chart below to see if your situation is on the list.

Covered

Yes, if the leak is sudden and accidental, like from a frozen, burst, or collapsed pipe.
Yes, if a washing machine hose or appliance suddenly fails and causes water damage.
Yes, if mold forms from a covered leak, though coverage may have limits.
Yes, if you’ve added water backup coverage and the leak is from a sump pump or drain.

Not covered

No, if the leak has been happening slowly over time.
No, if the pipes were installed poorly or weren’t maintained properly.
No, if worn-out or corroded pipes cause the leak.
No, if mold forms from a long-term or unreported leak.
No, if you're trying to replace old plumbing, insurance covers damage, not upgrades.

What types of leaks are covered?

Home insurance usually covers water damage from sudden events, like a frozen, burst, or collapsed pipe. But slow leaks, poor maintenance, or faulty plumbing work typically aren’t covered.

Coverage also depends on the type of policy you have.

Named peril policies only cover specific causes listed in your policy.
Open peril policies cover most causes unless they’re specifically excluded.

Knowing what type of policy you have can make a big difference when you file a claim.

Water damage is one of the top causes of homeowners insurance claims.

While not as costly as fire or major property damage, claims for water damage and freezing still average nearly $14,000 each—making them a significant source of insurance payouts nationwide.^[1]

Which type of policy covers leaking pipes?

Not all home insurance policies cover the same things. What’s covered depends on your policy type and coverage level.

All policies protect against basic risks like fire and lightning—but coverage for plumbing leaks can vary.

HO-2 policies (less common) only cover 16 specific causes of damage.
Broader policies like HO-3 or HO-5 may offer more protection for pipe-related issues, depending on the details.

Check your policy or ask your insurer if pipe leaks are included in your coverage.

HO-2 policy

An HO-2 form is less common because it only protects your property against the 16 perils listed below.

Lightning or fire
Hail or windstorm
Damage caused by aircraft
Explosions
Riots or civil disturbances
Smoke damage
Damage caused by vehicles
Theft
Vandalism
Falling objects
Volcanic eruption
Damage from the weight of snow, ice, or sleet
Water damage from plumbing, heating, or air conditioning overflow
Water heater cracking, tearing, and burning
Damage from electrical current
Frozen pipes

HO-3 policy

HO-3, also referred to as a special form, is an upgrade to the HO-2 mentioned above. It expands coverage for any cause of loss to your residence unless it is specifically excluded (open peril). The HO-3 form also protects your personal property against named perils.

HO-5 policy

HO-5, the comprehensive form, allows for open peril coverage for your dwelling as well as personal property. Similar to the dwelling coverage on HO-3, any peril is covered unless it is specifically excluded.

Both HO-3 and HO-5 cover accidental discharge of water from things like air conditioners, household appliances or plumbing. Both of these forms also cover loss of use, so if the damage involves broken pipes under a slab or another major situation that prevents you from staying in your home during repairs, this is a convenient benefit to have.

Types of Homeowners Insurance Policies | The Zebra

Getting the right home insurance policy for your needs is important for protecting your investment. Consult our guide to homeowners insurance policy types.

What isn't covered?

If you aren’t sure if your situation or a specific type of leaky pipe is covered, take a look at the following scenarios that are generally excluded from all home insurance policies. The first exclusion is good to keep in mind if the home you’re insuring isn’t actually being lived in.

Freezing pipes or systems in vacant dwellings

Damage to foundations or pavement from ice and water weight

Theft from a dwelling under construction

Vandalism to vacant dwellings

Latent defects, corrosion, industrial smoke, pollution

Settling, wear and tear

Pets, other animals and pests

Weather conditions that aggravate other excluded causes of loss

Government and association actions

Defective construction, design, and maintenance

Will insurance fix the damage and pay for new plumbing?

Home insurance may pay to fix the damage from a covered leak, but it usually won’t cover the cost of new pipes or plumbing.

Here’s how it typically breaks down:

Damage to your home (like floors, walls, or cabinets) may be covered by your dwelling coverage.
Damaged belongings (like furniture or electronics) may be covered under personal property coverage.
❌ The plumbing itself—like replacing old or damaged pipes—is usually not covered.

Also, keep in mind:

Normal wear and tear, corrosion, or tree root damage aren’t covered.
Slab leaks are hard to detect and are often excluded if they happen over time.
A sudden burst from freezing pipes, however, is typically covered—as long as you’ve taken reasonable steps to prevent it.

Find the right protection for your home today.

Extra coverage and endorsements

Not sure what your policy covers? Ask.
If you're worried about leaks or broken pipes, talk to your insurance company. They can explain what’s covered and tell you about extra protection you can add.

Even if you think you're covered, it’s smart to double-check, especially if it’s been a while since you reviewed your policy.

Here are some common add-ons (called endorsements ) that can give you extra protection for leaks, pipe damage, and related water issues.

Mold coverage

After water damage, fixing your home is important—but so is removing mold, which can cause serious health problems. Most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover mold cleanup unless you’ve added extra protection. Ask your insurer about a mold endorsement if you want that added coverage. mold insurance to see if it might be right to add to your coverage.

Sewer backup

Although it definitely can cause serious damage, leaks that are actually connected to sewer backup, or water backup, aren’t going to be covered by typical home insurance policies. The good news is that you can still have peace of mind by adding an endorsement.

A sewer backup can be caused by issues we’ve already explored, like tree roots or breakdown of older pipes, which wouldn’t be covered in a typical policy either. If you’ve got clogged sewer pipes or drains that are causing backup or leaks, it’s best to have a professional plumber take a look before major damage can occur.

Home warranties

Another option to consider for a slightly different layer of protection, but good peace of mind, is a home warranty. Since insurance doesn’t cover things like appliances, a home warranty can be a great addition when you purchase a new place and will have your back in the event of a dishwasher or HVAC system issue. Learn more about home warranties from our handy guide.

Service lines coverage

Service line coverage is another add-on that offers protection for the pipes and utilities that run into your home, such as water and sewer lines. As mentioned earlier, your typical insurance coverage may pay for damages to the home from broken pipes but not necessarily the replacement of the pipes themselves. Ask your insurer to learn more about this endorsement.

The coverage your home insurance offers isn't always crystal clear, so it's important to ask questions and educate yourself before an emergency situation occurs. If you’re looking for a new insurer or want to explore options, you can call our agency at (888) 255-4364 to compare quotes and shop around to find the best affordable home insurance for your needs. For more information about all things insurance-related ,check out the additional resources from The Zebra.

Are you covered in case of a leak?

Home insurance and leaks: FAQs

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from a leaking pipe?

Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage from a leaking pipe if the leak is sudden and accidental, like a burst pipe. However, damage from gradual leaks or neglected maintenance is usually not covered.

What types of water leaks are covered by insurance?

Insurance generally covers sudden, accidental leaks, such as a pipe that bursts unexpectedly or a washing machine hose that fails. Slow leaks, corrosion, or damage caused by long-term neglect are typically excluded.

Will insurance pay to fix the actual leak or just the damage?

In most cases, homeowners insurance covers the water damage caused by a leak, but not the cost to repair the plumbing itself. For example, it may pay for damaged drywall or flooring—but not the broken pipe.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold caused by a leak?

Mold caused by a sudden and covered water leak may be covered by your homeowners insurance, though limits often apply. If the mold results from a long-term or unreported leak, it’s typically not covered.

About The Zebra

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The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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