Does Home Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

Few home emergencies feel as strikingly urgent as water gushing from a burst pipe. Whether it's the middle of a freezing winter night or an unexpected plumbing failure on an ordinary day, the immediate question racing through every homeowner's mind is: "Does my home insurance cover burst pipes?"

The good news is that in many cases, homeowners insurance does cover sudden and accidental water damage caused by burst pipes. However, not all burst pipe scenarios qualify for coverage, and understanding the distinction can save you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and claim denials.

Table of contents: 

1. When home insurance covers burst pipes
   
2. When burst pipes may not be covered by home insurance
   
3. What to do if a pipe bursts
4. How to file an insurance claim for a burst pipe
5. Protect your home with knowledge and prevention
6. Burst pipe FAQs

At a glance:

• Standard home insurance typically covers water damage that results from a burst pipe, provided the incident is classified as sudden and accidental.
  
  
• If the pipe bursts from lack of maintenance or deterioration over time, the repairs to the pipe may not be covered. However, there could be coverage for the resulting water damage.
  
  
• While the policy covers damage to the structure and personal belongings, it generally does not cover the cost to repair or replace the burst pipe itself.
  
  

When home insurance covers burst pipes

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage caused by burst pipes. 

Dwelling coverage

When a pipe bursts unexpectedly, your homeowners insurance typically covers several types of damage and expenses. Dwelling coverage pays for repairing or replacing damaged floors, walls, ceilings, and other structural elements affected by the water. If the burst pipe soaks your hardwood floors, ruins drywall, or damages your home's foundation, your policy may provide coverage for the cost of repairs.

Personal property coverage

Personal property coverage protects your belongings damaged by the water. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, and other possessions that suffered water damage due to a burst pipe. If your living room furniture is ruined or your electronics are destroyed, this coverage could help replace them—up to your policy limits.

Loss of use coverage

Some homeowners insurance policies provide loss of use coverage, also called additional living expenses coverage. If the burst pipe damage is severe enough that you can't live in your home during repairs, this coverage may help pay for temporary housing and other additional costs while your home is being restored.

Example: When damage from a burst pipe is covered

Here's an example: It's December, and the temperature has plunged to a record low. Despite your best efforts to keep your home warm, a pipe in your basement suddenly bursts due to the extreme cold. Water floods your finished basement, damaging flooring, furniture, and personal belongings. You immediately shut off the water, document the damage, and call your insurance company. Because this was sudden and accidental damage—and not the result of lack of maintenance or gradual deterioration—your homeowners insurance would typically cover the water damage. 

When burst pipes may not be covered by home insurance

While homeowners insurance typically covers sudden burst pipe emergencies, not every burst pipe scenario qualifies for coverage. 

Lack of maintenance and wear-and-tear

Lack of maintenance and/or wear-and-tear represents common reasons for burst pipe claim denials. If you've ignored obvious plumbing problems—like a pipe that's been slowly leaking for months or a plumbing system you've never maintained—and that pipe bursts, your insurance company may deny your claim. Insurers expect homeowners to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their property and addressing known issues promptly.

Frozen pipes

While burst pipes due to freezing often qualify as sudden and accidental, coverage depends on whether you took reasonable precautions. If you left your home vacant during winter without maintaining adequate heat or properly winterizing your plumbing, your insurer may deny the claim.

Damaged pipes

Damage to the pipes themselves often isn't covered, however there are some instances where the repairs to the pipe may be covered. Even when your policy covers the water damage caused by burst pipes, it typically won't pay for repair or replacement of the actual plumbing system. If a pipe bursts, your insurance may cover the damaged drywall, flooring, and furniture, but you'll likely pay out-of-pocket to fix or replace the pipe itself. 

Flood damage

Flood damage from external sources doesn't fall under standard homeowners insurance. If external flooding causes your pipes to fail or your basement to flood, you'll need separate flood insurance. Standard policies specifically exclude flood-related damage, covering only internal water damage from plumbing failures.

What to do if a pipe bursts

When you discover a burst pipe, follow these steps immediately to improve your chances of a smooth insurance claim:

1. Locate your home's main water shutoff valve and shut it off. This stops additional water from flooding your home.
   
   
2. Turn off electricity in affected areas if it is safe to do so. If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel, turn off power to affected areas at your circuit breaker. If you can't safely reach the breaker box, call an electrician. Never wade through standing water near electrical sources.
   
   
3. Do your best to prevent further damage and move belongings to dry areas. Open windows for ventilation if weather permits, and run fans to promote drying.
   
   
4. Before starting cleanup, take photos and videos of all water damage to walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and personal belongings. Photograph the burst pipe itself if visible. Create a detailed inventory of damaged items, including their approximate age and value.
   
   
5. Report the burst pipe damage to your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Explain what happened, when you discovered it, and what immediate steps you've taken. The sooner you report, the faster you can begin repairs.
   
   

How to prevent burst pipes

Prevention is always better—and often less expensive—than dealing with burst pipe damage.

Everyday prevention

• Pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages face the highest risk of freezing. Consider wrapping these pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. We recommend contacting a local professional for tips on the best ways to insulate your pipes. 
  
  
• Maintain adequate home temperature, even when away. Set your thermostat to maintain a minimum temperature around 55 degrees, or ask a friend or neighbor to check your home regularly if you'll be gone for extended periods during winter.
  
  
• Consult a professional for the best ways to prevent frozen pipes during extreme cold.
  
  
• Seal drafts and improve insulation. Add insulation to walls, attics, and crawl spaces where pipes run.
  
  
• Open cabinet doors during cold snaps to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
  
  

Maintenance habits

• Inspect your plumbing system regularly. Check for corrosion, small leaks or moisture. Keep an eye out for water stains on ceilings or walls that may indicate hidden water leaks.
  
  
• Fix minor plumbing issues like slow drips or minor leaks immediately to prevent them from escalating into burst pipes or major water damage.
  
  
• Prepare for winter before freezing temperatures arrive. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off water to outdoor faucets.
  
  
• Have a licensed plumber inspect your plumbing system every few years, especially if your home is older. Professionals can identify potential problems before they cause damage.

How to file an insurance claim for a burst pipe

When you need to file an insurance claim for burst pipe damage, following proper procedures ensures the smoothest process possible.

1. Contact your insurance provider immediately.
   
   
2. Provide thorough documentation. The more documentation you provide, the faster your claim can be processed.
   
   
3. Clearly explain the timeline and circumstances.
   
   
4. Depending on the extent of the damage, there may be a need for a mitigation company to perform dry out.
   
   
5. Keep records of all communications.
   
   

Protect your home with prevention and proper coverage

Understanding whether home insurance covers burst pipes comes down to one key distinction: is the damage sudden and accidental damage?  

However, the best approach to burst pipes isn't relying on insurance—it's prevention. By insulating exposed pipes, maintaining adequate heat during cold weather, addressing maintenance issues promptly, and taking seasonal precautions, you can dramatically reduce your risk of experiencing this stressful and costly emergency.

At Openly, we're committed to helping homeowners understand their coverage. We believe you deserve to know exactly what's protected and what's not. Prevention and preparation, combined with comprehensive coverage, provide the best protection for your home and your financial security.

Want to understand exactly what your policy covers when it comes to water damage and plumbing emergencies? Talk to an Openly independent agent near you today or visit our website to review your coverage options. 

Burst Pipes FAQs

Does homeowners insurance cover frozen pipes that burst?

Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers burst pipes caused by freezing if the damage is sudden and accidental. However, coverage may be denied if you failed to take reasonable precautions, such as maintaining adequate heat in your home or properly winterizing pipes before leaving the property vacant during cold weather. 

Will insurance cover the cost to repair or replace the burst pipe itself?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover the water damage caused by burst pipes but not the repair or replacement of the plumbing system itself. You'll likely pay out-of-pocket for plumbing repairs while insurance handles the resulting damage.

How quickly do I need to report burst pipe damage to my insurance company?

You should report burst pipe damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Delays in reporting can complicate your claim or potentially lead to denial if the insurer believes you didn't act quickly to mitigate further damage.

What if a burst pipe happens while I'm away on vacation?

Burst pipe damage occurring while you're away can still be covered if you took reasonable precautions before leaving. This typically means maintaining your home's temperature above 55°F, shutting off water if gone for extended periods. 

Does home insurance cover water damage from gradual leaks or old pipes?

No, in most cases homeowners insurance does not cover water damage from gradual leaks, slow drips, or deterioration due to wear and tear. Coverage applies only to sudden and accidental damage.

We provide this information to help you understand insurance. Any coverage is subject to the terms of your policy. Please refer to your policy and declarations page for complete terms, conditions, exclusions and coverage details. Openly may provide links that lead to an external website that may promote goods and services that Openly does not endorse. We are not responsible for the content, claims, or representations made on the linked website. Please review their terms and policies before engaging with any offerings.