Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Plumbing

According to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, homeowners report nearly 600 wastewater overflows every year. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a clogged drain, the result is usually the same: costly damage, health hazards, and a big mess to clean up.

So before disaster hits, it’s worth asking—does your homeowners’ insurance cover plumbing issues?

In this post, we’ll break down what’s typically covered (and what’s not), how insurance companies define “sudden and accidental damage,” and what you can do to lower the risk of a plumbing emergency in your home.

Plumbing Issues an Insurer Typically Covers

Most homeowners’ insurance policies include some level of plumbing coverage, but only for sudden and accidental damage or unforeseen issues. Insurers use this language to draw the line between what’s covered and what’s not.

Here are some common plumbing problems that typically qualify, and when your insurance is most likely to step in:

• Burst pipes. These are among the most commonly covered plumbing problems. When a pipe bursts unexpectedly and causes flooding, most policies will cover damage to walls, floors, furniture, and belongings.
• Appliance leaks. Insurance often covers the aftermath of a surprise leak from appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, or water heater—even if the appliance itself isn’t included in the coverage.
• Mold or mildew. Mold caused by a covered water event, such as a burst pipe, may be eligible for insurance coverage, including cleanup and repairs. However, mold that develops gradually from a neglected or long-term leak is excluded.
• Rapid toilet overflows. Mechanical failures or blockages that lead to an overflow are typically covered, especially when they cause damage to flooring, ceilings, or surrounding areas.

Plumbing Problems Providers May Not Cover

While your policy may help with many plumbing emergencies, it rarely covers everything. In some cases, your insurer won’t cover the damage at all. Here are some standard exclusions homeowners should be aware of:

• Toilet repairs. If your toilet overflows and causes water damage, insurance may cover the cleanup and repairs, but not the cost of toilet repair services to fix or replace the toilet.
• Sump pump failures & sewage backups. Standard homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover damage from sump pump failures or sewer backups. You’ll need separate, add-on coverage for that kind of protection.
• Flooding. Unless the flood is caused by a covered event like a burst pipe, your standard policy won’t cover the damage. A separate flood insurance policy is required.
• Drain or appliance replacements. Your policy may pay for damage caused by a failing appliance or drain, but not the drain repair services or replacement of the faulty item.
• Wear and tear or general neglect. Damage caused by long-term leaks, corrosion, or lack of maintenance is almost always excluded because insurers may not consider it sudden and accidental.
• Tree root intrusion. If tree roots break into your plumbing lines and cause leaks or water damage, don’t expect help from your policy. Insurers typically view this issue as preventable with maintenance.

Tips to Avoid Sudden Plumbing Failures

Keeping your plumbing system in good shape is the best way to prevent costly damage and avoid an insurance claim. Here are a few ways to protect your pipes in Charleston, SC:

• Insulate your pipes. During the colder months, Charleston can experience sudden cold snaps, potentially freezing exposed pipes and increasing the risk of bursting. Contact an experienced plumber in Charleston to handle pipe insulation; they can locate hard-to-find exposed piping and professionally apply wrapping.
• Remove intrusive trees. Large trees on your property can pose a serious risk to underground plumbing. A professional plumber can locate your pipes, assess the threat of root intrusion, and take preventive steps like sewer camera inspections, root pruning, or even pipe re-routing. They may also recommend local tree removal experts for high-risk trees.
• Schedule regular pipe inspections. Older homes in Charleston often have plumbing made from outdated materials like cast iron, galvanized steel, or Orangeburg, which can wear down over time. A licensed plumber can inspect your system annually and take care of any needed repairs or replacements before a major issue occurs.

Reach Out to All Plumbing Today

If you're dealing with a burst pipe or a surprise leak in your Charleston home, call All Plumbing right away. Our team of emergency plumbers in Charleston, SC, is ready to respond quickly and fix the problem before it causes more damage.

Since 1987, we’ve proudly served the Charleston and Lowcountry communities with honest service, expert repairs, and dependable results. We also offer affordable annual plumbing maintenance plans to catch minor issues early and help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

Do you need immediate help or want to prevent future problems? Contact All Plumbing today to schedule a service or enroll in one of our budget-friendly maintenance plans.