Does homeowners' insurance cover pipes that burst?

5 minute read Published on Dec 10, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications

A close-up of a copper pipe that ruptured because it had frozen, now spraying water, with a cinder block wall in the background.

When a pipe bursts in your home, panic can set in quickly. Imagine water damage everywhere, from peeling paint, bubbling ceilings, soaked carpet and laminate...the list goes on.

The first question that probably pops into your mind is, "Will my homeowners insurance cover this?" And you may be surprised to know that only around 50% of Canadians understand what types of water damage are covered by their insurance coverage.

The short answer? Yes, but it depends. Home insurance in Canada typically lists burst pipes as a covered peril. However, there are some exceptions that all homeowners should know. We'll be breaking this down for you, from what causes burst pipes to what's covered and what to do if this happens suddenly in your home.

Quick Summary

Below, we’ll explore when homeowners insurance may cover burst pipes. In many policies, sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe is covered, but exclusions often apply if the cause is wear and tear, neglect, or freezing due to insufficient heat. Keep reading to find out more:

Burst pipes covered

  • Sudden pipe bursts due to freezing or pressure buildup.

  • Water damage to walls, floors, and furniture.

  • Emergency cleanup costs.

Burst pipes not covered

  • Gradual plumbing leaks.

  • Pipes bursting in a vacant or unheated home.

  • Damage due to a lack of maintenance.

What causes pipes to burst?

Knowing how burst pipes occur can help you prevent them, which can help prevent insurance claims under your homeowners' insurance policies. Here's what you need to know:

1. Freezing temperatures

When the water freezes in your pipes, it expands and produces pressure that could cause the pipe to fracture or burst. This is a concern in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and parts of the interior of British Columbia during the colder months of the year.

For example, a severe temperature drop in Western Canada in January 2024 resulted in $180 million in insurance damages, mainly due to burst pipes in unheated houses.

2. Corrosion

Older plumbing pipes, especially galvanized steel or copper, can slowly corrode over time. As buildup collects from hard water, it can weaken the pipe walls, increasing the risk of structural damage.

3. High water pressure

Pipes can only handle a certain amount of water pressure. Anything above what your plumbing system can handle will eventually cause it to rupture.

4. Clogs and blockages

Severe clogs can create pressure buildup in your pipes. If pressure can’t be released, it will force its way out by bursting the pipe.

5. Poor installation or materials

Improper fittings, low-quality materials, or rushed DIY jobs can all lead to gradual damage that fails under pressure or due to weather changes.

Does home insurance coverage cover water damage by burst pipes?

Water damage accounts for more than 50% of home insurance policy claims in Canada. Most homeowners' insurance policies will cover water damage from sudden and accidental events such as a burst pipe. The key here is "sudden and accidental." Below, we’ll discuss several scenarios:

When insurance covers burst pipes (Dwelling coverage)

The dwelling coverage portion of your home insurance covers:

  • You have frozen pipes that burst during the winter despite reasonable steps to prevent this type of damage.

  • A hot water tank suddenly breaks and floods your utility closet.

  • An upstairs pipe breaks, leading to damaged ceilings, walls, and more.

Not usually covered

Most home insurance policies do not cover:

  • You left your home unheated for weeks during winter, leading to frozen pipes.

  • A slow, leaky pipe corroded your bathroom wall over months.

  • The burst was caused by rusty, unmaintained pipes and other maintenance issues.

  • Sewer backups in basements with no sump pump or backwater valve.

Common homeowners insurance policy Exclusions

Standard homeowners' insurance covers many pipe burst scenarios. However, some exclusions could leave you footing the bill. Here are some of the most common:

  • Vacant homes: If your property is unoccupied for an extended period of more than 30 days and you haven’t informed your insurance company, your homeowners insurance coverage may be voided.

  • Negligence: Failing to maintain your plumbing or heat during winter can lead to significant damage that is not typically covered by your insurance provider, given that you did not take reasonable precautions to prevent the pipe bursts.

  • Gradual leaks: Damage from slow leaks that should have been fixed with regular maintenance is not considered a covered event.

  • Wear and tear: Rusted or outdated pipes are considered a maintenance issue, and any damage caused by your plumbing system will not be covered by your home insurance company.

What to do if a pipe bursts in your home

You've just discovered a burst pipe in your home. Now what? Here's what you need to do immediately to prevent further water damage to your home and personal belongings:

  1. Shut off the main water valve in your home immediately to stop the flow of water through your plumbing system.

  2. Turn off your electricity in the affected areas of your home to prevent hazards.

  3. Document the damage by taking photos and videos before you begin your cleanup.

  4. Call your insurance company to begin the claims process.

  5. Start cleaning your home by using towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or a professional restoration company.

  6. Keep all receipts for repairs, replacements, cleanup, and temporary accommodations.

How to prevent burst pipes, frozen pipes, and broken pipes

According to Canadian Underwriter, the average cost of repairs in basements due to water damage increased by 20% between 2019 to 2024. While insurance covers burst pipes, prevention is always better than dealing with damage in your crawl spaces, basements, or other areas of your home. Here is how to prevent unexpected events like this in your home:

  • Insulate any exposed pipes throughout your home, especially in unheated areas like garages or crawl spaces.

  • Maintain a consistent indoor temperature of at least 15°C, even if you're away.

  • Drain outdoor faucets and sprinkler lines before the winter months to prevent burst pipes.

  • Instal smart leak detectors to catch issues early (this could lead to a discount on your homeowners' insurance).

  • Shut off the water to your appliances when leaving your home for extended periods.

Does renters' insurance cover burst pipes?

Yes, if your renters' insurance covers water-related damages to your personal belongings under your personal property coverage. However, any building damage will be your landlord's responsibility.

Will my premiums increase after a burst pipe claim?

Most likely. While one home insurance claim for water damage may not cause your premium to increase significantly, multiple claims will lead to more expensive insurance costs by raising your risk profile.

Contact the insurance brokers at BrokerLink today

Our experienced brokers have access to home insurance plans from top insurance companies across Canada. Whether you're looking tochange your current home insurance coverage, protect your home with further coverage, or lower your premiums by bundling your home and auto insurance, or installing a home alarm system, we've got your back every step of the way. Policies we can help you acquire include:

Contact BrokerLink directly over the phone or use our free online quote tool to get started right away!

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