Does a Home Warranty Cover Water Leaks and Pipe Bursts?

Water leaks and pipe bursts are among the most urgent plumbing issues homeowners face. Whether it’s a slow drip under a sink, water seeping behind walls, or a sudden burst pipe near your washing machine, these problems can disrupt daily life, damage flooring and drywall, and often require a licensed professional to repair.

Many homeowners ask: does a home warranty cover water leaks or burst pipes? The answer is usually yes, but with important distinctions. Most home warranty plans cover repairing the plumbing component that fails due to normal wear and tear, but they do not cover the resulting water damage, cleanup, or structural repairs. Knowing the difference is critical when deciding whether to file a home warranty claim, contact your insurance provider, or both.

A home warranty provides peace of mind by covering breakdowns in your home systems, including plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, and major appliances like washers. Understanding coverage options ensures you can act quickly, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and protect your home’s infrastructure. This guide explains what is typically covered, what is not, how claims work, and how additional coverage can extend protection for water lines, sump pumps, and other high-risk plumbing areas.

Why Water Leaks and Pipe Bursts Require Immediate Attention

Even small leaks can escalate quickly. A slow drip under a bathroom sink can warp cabinetry within days, while a hidden pinhole leak inside a wall can bubble paint or stain drywall overnight. A burst pipe near a washer or HVAC system can flood rooms in minutes.

Water damage can also create health hazards. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold can begin forming within 24 to 48 hours of exposure, making fast action essential. Beyond structural risks, leaks reduce water pressure and system efficiency, making timely diagnosis and repair a priority. Filing a claim with your home warranty company promptly can prevent secondary damage and save money.

Home Warranty Plumbing Coverage: What Is Typically Covered

Most home warranty plans cover the repair or replacement of plumbing components that fail due to normal wear and tear. This typically includes:

• Corroded or cracked pipe joints
• Deteriorated supply line connections
• Internal shut-off valves that fail from age
• Loosened plumbing fittings over time

Coverage focuses on the failed component itself, not the surrounding damage. Under ARW Home’s plumbing coverage, eligible repairs may include:

• Interior plumbing failures
• Leaking drain lines
• Broken supply lines
• Worn-out valve components

For full details on filing claims and what is eligible, see: Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing Leaks and Repairs?

What a Home Warranty Does Not Cover

Home warranties repair the source of the problem, but they typically do not cover secondary damage from water exposure. Common exclusions include:

• Drywall replacement
• Flooring repair or removal
• Cabinet repairs
• Mold remediation
• Painting or refinishing
• Damage caused before coverage began

Slow leaks that persist over time are often excluded because they are considered preventable. For example, a faucet dripping for six months may be repaired under warranty, but any resulting cabinet or flooring damage is typically not covered.

Burst Pipe Coverage Under a Home Warranty

Home warranties often cover pipes that burst due to normal wear or deterioration over time. Examples of typically covered situations include:

• Copper pipes developing pinholes from corrosion
• A shut-off valve failing and leaking
• An old supply line cracking internally

Situations typically not covered include:

• Frozen pipes that were not insulated
• Damage from improper installation
• Outdoor plumbing exposed to the elements
• Breaks caused by remodeling or renovations

Knowing the distinction is important, as burst pipes during winter freeze events often fall under “preventable damage,” which may lead to claim denial.

Home Warranty vs Homeowners Insurance for Water Damage

A home warranty covers the repair of the failed plumbing component, while homeowners insurance handles the resulting damage to your home systems, flooring, walls, and personal belongings.

For example, if a supply line under your washer bursts:

• File a home warranty claim to repair the pipe.
• File an insurance claim to restore drywall, flooring, or cabinets affected by water.

Acting quickly protects your home and ensures coverage is applied correctly, minimizing repair costs and giving you peace of mind during a stressful situation.

When to File a Home Warranty Claim for Water Leaks or Burst Pipes

You should file a claim with your home warranty company as soon as you detect a leak. Coverage typically applies to:

• Broken supply line
• Failed shut-off
• Cracked fixture connection
• Worn-out wax seal at a toilet base
• Leaking drain line

Filing early documents the problem, prevents secondary damage, and allows a technician to diagnose the source before it worsens.

If water has already affected flooring or walls, file a home warranty claim for the source repair and an insurance claim for cleanup and restoration.

Quick Checks Homeowners Can Do Before Filing a Claim

You should file a claim with your home warranty company as soon as you detect a leak. Coverage typically applies to:

• Some plumbing symptoms look serious but originate from simple causes you can confirm safely:
• Ensure under-sink shut-off valves are fully open
• Confirm dishwasher hoses are connected and not kinked
• Verify toilet bolts are secure
• Make sure fixtures are tightened properly

Do not attempt:

• Removing wall panels
• Replacing internal plumbing fittings alone
• Handling gas-connected water heaters
• Opening up underlying drain lines
• Incorrect DIY attempts can worsen damage and risk claim denial

How ARW Home Handles Plumbing Claims

Filing a claim is straightforward: submit online or by phone, describe the leak, and pay the service fee. ARW dispatches a licensed plumber, who inspects the source, determines if wear and tear caused the failure, and completes the repair if eligible.

ARW manages scheduling, dispatch, and authorization, eliminating delays that can cause additional water damage. Optional coverage plans, like Water Line Protection Plans and Sewer Line Protection, extend protection for high-risk areas, offering additional peace of mind.

Avoiding Claim Denials

Home warranty providers often deny claims for pre-existing issues, delays in reporting, or improper maintenance. To avoid denial:

• Report leaks immediately
• Avoid temporary patches or DIY fixes
• Take photos of symptoms
• Know shut-off valve locations

Prompt reporting increases the likelihood of full coverage for eligible breakdowns.

FAQ: Home Warranty Water Leak Coverage

Does a home warranty cover water leaks?

Yes, if caused by normal wear and deterioration.

Does a home warranty cover damage caused by the leak?

Typically no. Insurance handles flooring, walls, and personal property.

Does coverage apply to burst pipes?

Yes, if the burst is due to normal wear. Pipes damaged by freezing or improper installation are usually excluded.

Should I call insurance or warranty first?

File a warranty claim to repair the source, then contact insurance for damage restoration.

Does warranty coverage include sewer or main water lines?

Not automatically; optional line protection plans may be needed.

Understanding Coverage for Water Leaks and Pipe Failures

A home warranty helps homeowners act quickly when leaks or bursts occur. It covers repairs or replacement of plumbing components that fail due to normal wear, providing peace of mind and reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Knowing the difference between home warranty coverage and homeowners insurance ensures faster repairs, clearer expectations, and less stress during plumbing emergencies affecting your home systems and appliances, from washers to water heaters.