Water damage is one of the most common reasons people file home insurance claims.
Types of leaks and water damage
When and why water damage happens is important to getting your claim approved. There are two main types of water damage:
- Sudden and accidental leaks
- Gradual leaks
The good news is that homeowner insurance often covers sudden, accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe in cold weather or a washing machine that fails. However, not every kind of water damage is covered, and it’s important to know the difference.
Sudden and accidental leaks
Home insurance policies are meant for sudden disasters, and for the most part, this is also how they cover water damage. Examples of sudden, accidental leaks include:
- A water supply line bursting beneath your sink and flooding the cabinet
- An ice-maker line on your refrigerator that snaps and sprays water all over your kitchen floor
- A dishwasher that unexpectedly overflows during a wash cycle
Your insurance usually covers these if you report them to your insurer quickly and follow their recommendations for fixing the leak. It also usually covers burst pipes, including frozen pipes, as long as you heat your home properly.
If a storm or accident damages your roof, you’ll need to fix the damage quickly to stop more water from entering your home. Your insurance won't cover water damage if you delay repairs.
Gradual leaks and water damage
Most homeowners policies don’t cover gradual leaks that have continued for long at all, even if you had no way of knowing they started. A leaky pipe behind a wall or under the floor is a good example. Insurers usually don't cover gradual leaks, such as:
- Water leaking from a faucet
- Water damage from a leaking foundation, cracks in walls, or gaps between building materials
- Groundwater seeping into the home
- Damage that develops over more than a couple of days
Insurers generally consider these issues maintenance problems, not sudden accidents.
Mold coverage
Many homeowner policies offer limited mold coverage, but only when the mold results from a covered loss, such as a pipe that suddenly bursts.
If your policy doesn't include mold coverage, you may be able to add it. Just remember it’s usually very limited, and it only applies when the mold stems from a covered loss.
Ask your insurance agent for specifics if you're not sure how your policy covers water damage and mold.
Tips to help prevent leaks and water damage
As a homeowner, you can take some small, inexpensive steps that make a big difference in detecting leaks early and preventing water damage:
- Place leak detectors near appliances, under sink drains, and by your water heater. Some models even connect to your smartphone and can alert you to a leak when you're away from home.
- Add protective silicone mats under your sinks, inside cabinets, and beneath your appliances. These mats often have a small lip to hold several gallons of water before it runs over and damages your floors.
- If you have a crawlspace, check it regularly and look for dampness, moldy smells, sagging insulation, and moisture on your vapor barrier.
- Regularly inspect your appliance hoses and opt for braided, stainless steel ones that are more durable than rubber hoses.
- Maintain your water heater and check it for rust, corrosion, or moisture. Add a drain pan underneath with a leak detector to minimize damage if it starts failing.
- Pay attention to your water bill for sudden spikes in usage for no obvious reason.
- Plumbing doesn't last forever, no matter what it's made of. In older homes, original pipes may have outlived their expected lifespan. It may be worth asking a plumber or checking a trusted home repair guide to find out whether your pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan.