Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Repiping?
What’s Covered and What’s Not
If you’re dealing with aging plumbing or repeated leaks, one of the first questions homeowners ask is:
Will my insurance cover repiping?
The short answer is: usually no, but it depends on the situation.
Understanding how insurance policies treat plumbing replacement versus water damage can help you plan properly.
For a full overview of aging plumbing systems and when replacement is recommended, review the complete guide here:
The Complete Guide To Repiping Older Homes
What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers
Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage.
Examples may include:
A pipe bursts unexpectedly
A sudden plumbing failure causes interior flooding
Water damage to drywall, flooring, or cabinetry
In these cases, insurance often covers:
Damage restoration
Drywall repair
Flooring replacement
Cabinet repair
However, coverage typically applies to the damage caused, not to the replacement of aging pipes.
What Insurance Usually Does NOT Cover
Homeowners insurance generally does not cover:
Preventative repiping
Replacement of aging galvanized pipes
Gradual deterioration
Maintenance-related plumbing issues
If your plumbing is failing due to age, corrosion, or long-term wear, insurance typically considers that normal wear and tear.
If your home is over 40 years old and showing signs of aging plumbing, review whether your house may need repiping here:
How Do I Know If My House Needs Repiping?
Does Insurance Ever Pay for Repipe Work?
In some cases, insurance may pay for:
Access to damaged areas (opening walls)
Emergency pipe repair
Damage caused by the leak
But replacing the entire plumbing system as a preventative upgrade is rarely covered.
Even if one pipe section fails, insurers usually cover only the immediate repair — not full system replacement.
What About Slab Leaks?
Slab leaks are common in older homes built on concrete foundations.
Some policies may cover:
Accessing the slab
Repairing the leak
Restoring flooring
However, full system replacement due to widespread corrosion is typically considered an upgrade, not a covered loss.
Learn more about hidden pipe leaks here:
Hidden Pipe Leaks In Older Homes
When Repiping Becomes a Financial Decision
If you are repairing multiple leaks over time, insurance may cover individual damages — but repeated claims can:
Increase premiums
Risk policy non-renewal
Trigger underwriting review
At some point, proactive replacement may be more financially stable than ongoing claim cycles.
For a breakdown of repipe costs and planning, see:
How Much Does It Cost to Repipe a House? Complete Pricing Guide
Will Insurance Require Repiping?
In certain situations, insurers may:
Flag galvanized plumbing during inspection
Require updates for continued coverage
Increase premiums due to aging systems
Some carriers are cautious about homes with original galvanized pipes due to leak risk.
If your home still has galvanized plumbing, review lifespan expectations here:
How Long Do Galvanized Pipes Last?
How to Confirm Your Coverage
The only way to know your specific coverage is to:
Review your policy
Contact your insurance agent
Ask about plumbing exclusions
Ask about water damage access coverage
Every policy is different.
Final Thoughts
Insurance is designed to protect against sudden events — not predictable aging.
Repiping is typically considered a preventative structural upgrade rather than an insurable event.
Understanding this distinction helps you plan proactively instead of relying on uncertain coverage.
For a comprehensive overview of when repiping becomes necessary, return to the full guide here:
The Complete Guide To Repiping Older Homes
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance and Repiping
Does homeowners insurance pay to repipe a house?
In most cases, no. Insurance typically covers water damage from sudden leaks but does not cover preventative replacement of aging plumbing.
Will insurance cover a burst pipe?
Yes. Most policies cover damage caused by sudden and accidental pipe bursts, including water damage restoration.
Does insurance cover slab leaks?
Coverage varies. Some policies cover access and repair of the leak itself, but not full system replacement due to aging pipes.
Can insurance deny coverage due to old pipes?
Some insurers may increase premiums, limit coverage, or require updates if plumbing systems are considered high risk.
Should I file a claim for repeated small leaks?
Repeated claims can impact premiums and policy status. It’s important to discuss long-term strategy with your insurance provider.