Our Best Burst Pipe Insurance Claim Tips For Water Damage Claims

We’re here to help. Keep reading for our best burst pipe insurance claim tips.

6 Signs You Have a Burst Pipe

A burst pipe isn’t always obvious. In fact, most burst pipes aren’t noticed immediately.

The longer a burst pipe goes unnoticed, the more damage it can cause, and the more likely it is that insurance coverage could be limited.

Know these 6 signs you may have a burst pipe before damage spreads:

1. Weird Noises: Do you hear a bubbling, whistling, banging, or clanking sound when turning on the water in your home? Do your pipes make a funny noise when flushing the toilet or turning on the sink? Hearing strange sounds from your plumbing may be a sign of a pipe that burst or similar plumbing issue.
2. Strange Odors: A burst pipe can often cause strange odors in your home. Do a sniff test when using your pipes. Is there a strange smell coming from your sink or toilet when you flush it? Does your washing machine have an odd odor when it fills with water? If so, you may have a burst pipe.
3. Water Damage and Discoloration: Water damage can be found on ceilings and walls. It might appear as a small discoloration mark at first before turning into a bigger, more noticeable mess. Look for signs of water damage on walls and ceilings throughout your home, as this may signal that you have a burst pipe.
4. Bulging: Your walls and ceilings could start to bulge after being affected by water damage. Watch for unusual bulges in your walls, as they could be the first signs of a serious water damage issue.
5. Unusually High Water Bill: One of the most obvious signs of a serious burst pipe problem is a higher-than-usual water bill. If your water bill has suddenly skyrocketed, then it could mean you have a burst pipe.
6. Low Water Pressure: A burst pipe can lower water pressure throughout your house. If you suddenly notice lower pressure when showering, bathing, or using faucets, this could be because of a pipe that broke.

Increased Burst Pipe Risk In Winter Storms

During frigid winter seasons, your homes and commercial properties are at higher risk for damage due to pipes that freeze and burst. Sub-freezing weather can cause leaks and cracks in your plumbing, especially if your home isn’t properly heated or insulated.

Below-freezing weather is the primary cause of burst pipes. If you notice any of the signs listed above and have recently experienced sub-freezing temperatures, then there’s an increased risk your home has a burst pipe.

Beware of signs that cold temperatures may be causing a burst pipe, including:

• Losing power or heating during the sub-freezing weather
• Sudden temperature drops
• Having poorly insulated areas in your home
• Visible frost or condensation on pipes

Taking preventative steps today can help reduce the chances of a pipe bursting in your home.

Protect your property by taking the following steps during freezing weather:

• Insulating exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like attics and crawl spaces
• Keeping indoor temperatures consistent by setting your thermostat above 55°F to prevent freezing
• Allowing faucets to drip during extreme cold to keep water flowing
• Disconnecting outdoor hoses and shutting off the water supply to outdoor spigots

Additionally, homeowners should plan ahead for emergencies by knowing the location of their property’s main water supply shut-off. In the event of a frozen or burst pipe, turn off the main water supply immediately

How to Make Claim for a Leaky or Burst Pipe

Homeowners insurance typically covers a burst pipe.

However, homeowners insurance does not cover damage to the leaky pipes themselves or damage caused by poor maintenance or wear and tear.

If you had a leaky pipe behind your walls for months, for example, before noticing the damage, then homeowners insurance may not cover it. Identifying and fixing leaky pipes is an important part of maintaining your home and an expected part of homeownership.

Homeowners insurance covers sudden unexpected events – not expected events. A recent trend in homeowners policies is to not cover a leak from a burst pipe if the leak has been going on for longer than 14 days. This is often hard to determine, especially if you have had a leak in this area before.

In any case, it’s important to call your insurance company as soon as you notice a leak or pipe that burst. Here are the general steps to help ensure a more successful claim:

1. Get the Situation Under Control

If it’s safe to do so, shut off the main water supply immediately to stop further damage. If electricity is at risk, avoid affected areas and shut off power if necessary.

Once the water source is contained, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This may include removing standing water or taking action to protect unaffected areas of your property.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report the loss.

Explain what happened, when the damage was discovered, and what steps you’ve already taken. Your insurer may recommend approved vendors or provide guidance on next steps, but remember that their recommendations are optional.

Typically, your insurer recommends one or more water damage remediation and restoration companies, including 24/7 emergency services that can arrive on-site quickly.

3. Contact Emergency Water Damage Restoration
A water damage remediation company should arrive on-site as soon as possible to begin mitigation.

These professionals can extract water, set up drying equipment, and take steps to prevent mold growth. Acting quickly not only limits damage but also helps demonstrate to your insurer that you took appropriate action to protect your property.

4. Document The Damage
Before permanent repairs begin, document everything.

Take photos and videos of the affected areas, damaged materials, and visible water intrusion. Keep records of timelines, conversations, and any emergency work performed. This documentation can be critical when filing and supporting your insurance claim.

5. Contact a Public Adjuster for Claim Support
A public adjuster is hired to advocate on your behalf throughout the claim process and is an independent advocate working solely for you.

They can review your policy, assess the full scope of damage, and manage the claim directly with the insurance company to help ensure your claim is properly documented and fairly paid under the terms of your policy.

If your insurer is pushing back against your burst pipe insurance claim or denying certain compensation, then it may be in your best interest to hire a public adjuster at this step.

Find a Public Adjuster

5. Begin the Remediation & Repair Process
Once mitigation is underway, the restoration company can begin repairing damage and restoring your property to its pre-loss condition.

This may include removing water-damaged materials, addressing mold or moisture issues, and repairing or replacing damaged plumbing. The goal at this stage is to safely and properly restore the affected areas of your home.

6. Finalize your Insurance Claim
Your insurance company is responsible for compensating you for covered repairs needed to return your property to its pre-loss condition.

An insurance adjuster will typically inspect the damage, review the cause of loss, and prepare an estimate outlining what the insurer believes is covered under your policy. In some cases, the insurer may approve certain repairs while disputing others—often citing exclusions, policy limitations, or pre-existing conditions.

This is where careful documentation and claim oversight become especially important.

7. Ensure Your Claim is Fully and Fairly Paid
Remember: insurance companies often offer a low initial settlement hoping that the homeowner will avoid disputes or negotiations. The insurance company often assumes that the policyholder is not going to ask for additional coverage or negotiate the claim.

This is where a public adjuster can provide significant value. A public adjuster evaluates the full scope of your loss and manages the claim with the insurance company to help ensure all covered damage is properly accounted for.

The goal is to help secure a fair and accurate settlement based on the terms of your policy. Public adjusters understand insurance policies, claims procedures, and carrier practices, and many have extensive experience handling burst pipe and water damage claims.

Contact A Public Adjuster About A Burst Pipe Claim

Burst Pipe Insurance Claim Tips

Burst pipe insurance claims can be complicated, stressful and messy.

If you’re unfamiliar with the claims process, it’s important to know that you have options and rights as a policyholder. The tips below can help you strengthen your claim and avoid common pitfalls:

• Document Everything: Thorough documentation is critical. Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage, including water-damaged furniture, personal belongings, flooring, walls, and other materials. Create a list of damaged items and note approximate values when possible. If there’s no clear proof an item was damaged by the burst pipe, the insurance company may dispute coverage. Avoid discarding damaged items until the insurer has approved replacement or documented the loss.
• Review the Claim Carefully: Before accepting the insurance company’s estimate, consider having the claim reviewed to confirm that all covered damage has been properly included. Even after a payment is issued, it may still be possible to address overlooked repairs, missing line items, or additional costs that emerge during the restoration process.
• Don’t Feel Pressured to Accept the First Offe: You are not required to accept an initial settlement if it does not reflect the full scope of your loss. If something seems incomplete or undervalued, ask for clarification and supporting documentation. Contractor estimates and professional evaluations can help justify adjustments when appropriate.
• Understand Your Coverage & Exclusions: While burst pipe damage is commonly covered, policy limits, exclusions, and conditions can apply. Reviewing your policy helps you understand what is and isn’t covered and allows you to ask informed questions throughout the claim process.
• Use All Available Coverage: Homeowners insurance may cover more than just repairs. If your home is temporarily unlivable, your policy may include coverage for additional living expenses such as lodging, meals, and transportation. Keep records and receipts for all related costs to help ensure these expenses are properly considered.

Final Word: Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster for Your Burst Pipe Insurance Claim

At ClaimsMate, we have public adjusters who specialize in handling burst pipe insurance claims.

Our experts have helped speed up claims and increase payouts for hundreds of clients with burst pipes. We know the tactics insurers use to reduce your claim – and how to get around those tactics.

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Sign up for a free consultation today from ClaimsMate to discover the best path forward for your burst pipe insurance claim.

Stephanie Corona

Stephanie is a property insurance claim expert with over 20 years of experience working as an insurance adjuster, expert witness, appraiser and umpire. She is passionate about sharing her expertise, knowledge, tips and training to help both property owners and Public Adjusters in their pursuit of effectively managing claims and recovering the claim settlement they deserve after a loss.