Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Repiping?
In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover the cost of repiping. While insurance is designed to protect against sudden and accidental damage, repiping is generally considered a preventive or maintenance task, making it the homeowner's responsibility.
However, the specifics can vary depending on your policy and insurer:
- Coverage for Sudden Damage: Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover water damage caused by sudden and accidental events, such as a burst pipe. However, this coverage usually applies to the resulting damage, not the repair or replacement of the pipe itself. For example, Allstate Insurance explicitly states that they will not cover the source of the water damage.
- Exclusions for Old Pipes: Some insurers specifically exclude coverage for damages caused by outdated or high-risk piping materials like polybutylene, galvanized steel, or lead. It's important to understand the potential issues these materials can cause and why repiping may be necessary, even before a leak occurs.
- Optional Riders or Endorsements: For certain pipe materials, some insurers offer riders or endorsements at an additional premium, providing more comprehensive coverage for plumbing-related issues. However, it's unlikely that homeowners insurance will ever cover the full cost of repiping. For more details, read our article on the skyrocketing annual insurance premiums for poly pipes in Utah.
It's essential to review your homeowners insurance policy carefully to understand its limitations and consult your provider for clarity regarding coverage for your plumbing system.
What Types of Pipe Damage Are Covered by Insurance?
Understanding the types of pipe damage typically covered by homeowners insurance can help you manage expectations and navigate the claims process more effectively. While some scenarios are included under standard policies, others fall into the category of exclusions, leaving homeowners responsible for repairs.
Covered Damages
Homeowners insurance generally covers damages caused by "sudden and accidental events".
For example, if a pipe bursts due to freezing temperatures or sudden pressure changes, the resulting water damage to your home's structure, flooring, or personal belongings is likely covered.
However, this coverage usually does not include the cost of repairing or replacing the pipe itself. Similarly, if an appliance or plumbing fixture develops a sudden leak, the insurance may cover the resulting water damage—provided that negligence or lack of maintenance wasn't a factor.
Another area of coverage often included in policies is mold remediation. If mold develops as a direct result of a covered water damage event, your insurance may assist with removal and repairs. However, the extent of coverage will depend on your policy's specific limits.
Excluded Damages
Not all types of pipe damage are eligible for insurance coverage.
For instance, damage caused by wear and tear, corrosion, or lack of proper maintenance is typically excluded. Homeowners are expected to address aging plumbing systems as part of routine upkeep.
Gradual leaks, which can go unnoticed for extended periods and result in water damage, are also commonly excluded. Insurers often argue that such issues could have been prevented with regular inspections and timely repairs.
Additionally, many policies explicitly exclude damages linked to high-risk plumbing materials, such as polybutylene pipes. In Florida, for example, Citizens Property Insurance Cooperation will not insure a home if it still has polybutylene pipes. Known for their tendency to fail, these materials are considered too risky for coverage. In such cases, even the resulting water damage may be denied. We have a detailed article that breaks down everything you need to know about polybutylene and home insurance.
To avoid unexpected expenses, it's crucial to understand the specifics of your policy. If you have older or high-risk plumbing, consult your insurer to clarify coverage options. In some cases, adding endorsements or riders for enhanced protection may be worth considering.
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With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
How Much Does a Repipe Cost?
Repiping your home may seem like a significant investment, but it can protect you from repeated and costly water damage that many homeowners insurance policies won't fully cover.
While most general policies cover sudden damage, like a burst pipe, they often exclude issues caused by aging or deteriorating plumbing, leaving you responsible for repairs.
Our repiping projects typically range from $4,500 for a two-bedroom, one-bath home to $15,000 for larger properties or more complex projects.
Modern materials such as PEX tubing are popular for their flexibility, durability, and affordability, while copper piping offers a premium, long-lasting option at a higher cost.
Our repipes provide you with a comprehensive service, including handling drywall repairs, obtaining building permits, and are typically completed within 1 or 2 days and are backed by a lifetime warranty. By replacing outdated pipes with reliable materials, you can avoid the stress of dealing with insurance limitations and safeguard your home for the future.
Contact us to receive a free fixed price repipe quote from one of our local repipe consultants.
Get a Quote for Repiping Your Home
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've permanently fixed leaks in thousands of homes across using both copper piping and PEX tubing. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:
- Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
- Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
- Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
- Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
- Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
- Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.
Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.