Homeowners insurance does cover damage caused by frozen pipes that burst, but there are exclusions that may apply. Typically, your homeowners insurance will cover the cost to access the burst pipe, such as tearing up sections of the flooring and walls; repairs to water-damaged property including carpeting, furniture, drywall, flooring, and furnishings; and water damage restoration. Your insurance policy may also cover the cost to rebuild walls and flooring once the burst pipe has been fixed.

However, most homeowners insurance policies do not provide coverage in the following circumstances.

Your Frozen Pipe Burst Due To Lack of Maintenance

If you did not perform the necessary maintenance tasks, such as insulating your pipes to keep them in good condition and prevent freezing, your insurance provider could deny your claim.

Frozen or Burst Pipes Occurred As A Result Of Negligence

If you failed to take preventive measures to prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting, your insurance claim could be denied. For instance, if you left the garage door open for a prolonged period of time or failed to turn on the heat, your insurance company may not approve your claim.

Your Pipes Burst Due To Normal Wear And Tear

Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover pipe damage caused by normal wear and tear. If your frozen pipe burst simply because it was deteriorating, your insurance provider may not provide coverage damages.

As a homeowner, it’s important to read your homeowners insurance policy inside out and understand what it covers and what it does not cover. Knowing what to expect from your insurance provider beforehand if you experience frozen pipes will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

The following are some of the preventive measures you can take to prevent frozen pipes.

• Insulate pipes in unheated spaces with sleeve-style pipe insulation to provide a buffer against frigid temperatures
• Leave the faucets running, even at a trickle, to prevent ice blockages from forming in your pipes
• Set your thermostat to at least 55°F to reduce the risk of frozen pipes
• Keep interior doors open and garage doors closed
• Seal any cracks or openings that could let in cold air
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to keep warm air circulating around the uninsulated pipes under sinks
• Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets, drain outdoor faucets, and close the shut-off valves that supply outdoor hose bibs

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing to Repair Frozen and Ruptured Pipes

If your pipes are frozen or have burst and you’re looking for an affordable plumber to help you with pipe repair, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our skilled plumbers have the expertise and specialized tools to perform high-quality pipe repair, and restore your pipes to good working order.