Does home insurance cover slab leaks?

Slab leaks are among the most serious and costly plumbing problems homeowners can face. When a water pipe beneath the concrete foundation of your home begins to leak, it can cause structural damage, mold growth, and skyrocketing water bills. Naturally, one of the first questions homeowners ask is, does home insurance cover slab leaks?

The short answer is yes, but only in certain situations. Coverage usually depends on the cause of the leak, the type of damage, the type of home insurance policy you have, and the exact terms of your coverage.

What is a slab leak? 

Typically, a home's plumbing system is installed beneath the concrete slab foundation. A slab leak occurs when one of the water lines breaks or develops a leak. Slab leaks can go unnoticed for weeks or months, often causing extensive and costly damage before any visible signs appear.  

Common causes of slab leaks

One or more of the following factors can cause a slab leak:

• Age: Older homes with copper or galvanized pipes are particularly vulnerable to corrosion and deterioration.

• Poor construction: Pipes that were improperly installed may shift, crack, or burst over time. 

• Soil movement: The expansion and contraction of soil beneath the slab can put pressure on pipes, causing them to eventually rupture.

• Abrasion: Pipes that rub against concrete or gravel can weaken over time, eventually leading to cracks or burst pipes.

• High water pressure: Excessive pressure can stress the pipes, leading to leaks. 

Signs you may have a slab leak

Because slab leaks are hidden, spotting the warning signs early can prevent the need for expensive repairs. Look out for:

• High water bills

• Low water pressure

• Warm spots on floors

• Damp or wet flooring without a visible source of moisture

• The sound of running water when faucets are off

• Mold or mildew smells

• Unexplained cracks in walls or flooring

Does homeowners insurance cover slab leaks? 

Whether your homeowners insurance covers slab leak repair depends on the cause of the leak and the type of damage. Most standard home policies include coverage for sudden and accidental events but exclude issues resulting from long-term neglect or gradual deterioration.

What type of slab leak damage is typically covered?

Your homeowners insurance will typically cover:

• Sudden and accidental leaks in the event of a covered incident like a fire, hurricane, tornado, explosion, or falling object, so long as the claim-causing event was not preventable (such as a burst pipe due to heat being turned off in a cold spell).

• Resulting damage to walls, floors, carpets, furnishings, and electronics caused by the leak.

• Tear-out and repair costs to access and fix the system or appliance that caused a covered loss (i.e., tearing out a wall to reach a broken pipe). 

Note that mold is a common exclusion in standard homeowners insurance policies. Coverage for mold-related damage may be added by endorsement for an additional cost. However, if mold, mildew, or fungi is caused by a sudden and accidental leak — and not long-term neglect or poor maintenance — it may be covered depending on the specifics of your policy.

What isn’t covered by home insurance?

Insurance companies often deny claims or won’t cover a slab leak repair resulting from:

• Seepage of ground water

• Floods or earthquakes

Does home insurance cover pipes under the slab? 

Importantly, insurance coverage differentiates between the resulting damage, which is usually covered, and the source of the damage, which is often excluded. In the case of slab leaks, many homeowners insurance policies don’t cover the cost of replacing the damaged pipe itself, only the resulting damage. 

So, while your policy may cover damage to your home and personal property caused by the slab leak, it may not pay for the actual pipe replacement under the slab. Optional coverage, such as equipment breakdown or service line coverage, can help fill these gaps. 

Pipe replacement and wear-and-tear exclusions

When reviewing your home insurance policy to determine what’s covered and what’s not, be sure to check the exclusions section. Most policies exclude coverage for pipe replacement if it’s the source of a claim because pipe replacement is considered a home maintenance issue, especially if the damage to the pipe is from:

• Aging or corroded pipes

• Small leaks that went undetected

• Tree root intrusion

Wear and tear is also another common exclusion, and not just for plumbing systems. Insurers expect you to perform routine maintenance on your home, including hiring a professional plumber or contractor to inspect the age and condition of your home’s operating systems, such as your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. 

How to file a slab leak insurance claim

If you suspect a slab leak, acting quickly can be the difference between a covered loss and expensive repairs you have to pay for out of pocket. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a slab leak insurance claim:

1. Shut off the water, if possible. This can prevent worsening issues.

2. Document the damage. Take photos and videos of any visible water damage, cracks, flooring issues, and affected belongings.

3. Contact your insurance company. Call your insurer to start the claims process. Ask specifically about coverage for slab leaks.

4. Hire a licensed plumber and a remediation company. Get a professional leak detection test to confirm the location and cause of the leak. A professional remediation company can provide water cleanup and dry out the area to prevent further damage and, if necessary, mold remediation.

5. Keep repair receipts and reports. Save every estimate, invoice, and repair receipt related to the leak. These help justify your claim and reimbursement amount.

6. Work with your claims adjuster. Your insurer will assign an adjuster to work with you throughout the claim process and assess the damage. Be prepared to share all documents and walk through the affected areas.

7. Get multiple repair quotes. It’s wise to get more than one opinion when making major repairs after the extensive damage that slab leaks can cause. 

8. Complete work and receive funds. Once you settle on a contractor, work with your adjuster to get the funds to cover repair costs and replace damaged items. 

These tips can help the claims process go smoothly:

• Act fast; delaying filing the claim could result in denial.

• Be honest and thorough with your documentation.

• Don’t throw anything away, especially damaged slab, pipes, and personal belongings, before your claims adjuster has a chance to see it.

• Review your policy and know your deductible.

• Don’t hesitate to ask your agent questions about coverage specifics.

Tips for avoiding slab leak claims

Preventing slab leaks not only protects your home, it also helps you avoid premium increases, denied claims, and the possibility of a policy nonrenewal.

Here are a few preventive tips:

• Schedule regular plumbing inspections, especially if your home is over 20 years old.

• Monitor your water bill for unexplained increases.

• Install a leak detection system that alerts you to unusual water activity.

• Insulate exposed pipes to protect against temperature fluctuations, especially in colder climates.

• Avoid planting trees near the foundation, as tree roots can damage pipes.

• Address minor plumbing problems immediately to prevent long-term damage.