Does Your Insurance Cover Plumbing Damage?

August 18, 2022

Home and contents insurance is one of those things you keep on hand and hope you never have to use. In reality, many of us do need to deal with insurance claims, sometimes relating to plumbing troubles and water damage. Many of our clients ask us if their insurance covers plumbing damage, and the truth is there's no easy answer. Every provider will have different offerings and inclusions within their policies. There are, however, some circumstances which are - and aren't - covered by home insurance.

Table of contents:

What Does Insurance Cover?

Home and contents insurance covers a range of plumbing damages, including:

Dwelling coverage: If a burst pipe damages your home, if part of your home's structure needs to be removed due to damage, or if you have a faulty built-in appliance such as a heating system, these come under dwelling coverage.
Personal property coverage: If a burst pipe has ruined your clothing or items, your policy will cover the cost of this damage. If you've had damage to luxury items, such as jewellery, you may only be covered up to $1,000 or $2,000 unless you apply for an optional rider to your policy.
Additional coverage/loss of use coverage: After you receive compensation for a loss, your insurer can also cover the bills and expenses you've incurred if your home becomes unliveable due to plumbing damage.
Other structural coverage: If your plumbing issue causes damage to your garage or detached building, your policy will pay for damages up to a limit.

What Isn't Covered By Insurance?

Plumbing systems and appliances do run into minor issues from time to time. If you do have a minor leak, it's important you arrange plumbing assistance to resolve the problem. If you ignore or neglect a repair and it ends up damaging your property, you most likely won't be covered by your insurance policy. Here are a few things that insurers don't cover.

Leaks: While an insurer might cover the cost of locating a leak and repairing the damage it causes, they usually won't cover the cost of repairing the problem pipe.
Regular maintenance: If damage is the result of neglect or failure to meet a regular maintenance schedule, it's likely your insurer won't cover the costs.
Gradual water damage: If you have a leaky shower recess or base, or a wet area whose seals or membranes just haven't been well-maintained, your insurer usually won't cover these damages. If however, the leak occurs within your walls or under your home, your policy may cover the damage if they conclude you couldn't have known the leak was there in the first place.
Structural damage: If gradual water damage leads to problems with your home's structure, these damages likely won't be covered by your insurer.
Tree root damage: Damage caused to your pipes by tree roots is unlikely to be covered by an insurance policy.
Waterproof membranes: If you haven't maintained the waterproof membrane in your walls or basement, your provider usually won't cover the cost of repairing the damage. It's therefore important to arrange routine checks of any waterproofed area and inspect any damp spots as soon as they're identified.
Roof damage: If your roof damage could have been prevented through maintenance work, your insurer is unlikely to cover costs. Regular roof checks, particularly after a storm or extreme weather, can prevent you from running into issues down the line.

Insurance Claim

When you've experienced plumbing damage and want to make a claim, there are important steps you need to follow to ensure your claim is processed successfully and efficiently.

Control the damage: It's important your insurer assesses the situation as it stands, so control rather than repair any damage. This might mean turning off your water or electricity to prevent further damage from a water leak.
Collect evidence: Take as many photos or videos of your water leak and damaged areas as you can, and survey the surrounding area for any evidence that might support your claim. The more proof you have, the more likely your claim will be successful.
Call your insurer: Contact your insurance company once you've detected a problem.
Seek help: Call a plumber to arrange an inspection and provide a report you can present to your insurer. This will help substantiate your claim.

Insurance Report

If you have a plumbing problem that is covered by insurance, your plumber can support your claim with an in-depth insurance report. This report will include photos, findings, and quotations on relevant repairs. After the report has been completed, your plumber will perform the necessary temporary or permanent repairs and provide advice on what you can do in the long term.

Contact Us Today

Resolve your plumbing issues with the professional team at Top to Bottom Plumbing Townsville. We offer quality repairs and maintenance for residential and commercial properties and can provide detailed insurance reports with all the necessary information you need to achieve a successful outcome. Contact us today at (07) 4779 7722.

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Roofing Issues? Here’s How the Pros Fix Them

By Top To Bottom Plumbing • July 29, 2025

Roofing Issues? Here’s How the Pros Fix Them When it comes to protecting a property, the roof is the first line of defence against the elements. Yet many property owners overlook the importance of timely maintenance and repairs until small issues become major headaches. Whether you’re a homeowner or running a business, addressing roofing problems early can prevent costly damage to interiors, structural elements, and personal belongings. Professional roofing services don’t just patch holes—they deliver thorough assessments, quality materials, and skilled workmanship to keep roofs safe, functional, and looking their best. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few common roofing issues and how roofers tackle them. Leaky Roofs: Why Professional Repairs Are Essential A leaking roof is one of the most common—and damaging—issues a property can face. Even small leaks can cause structural damage, mould, and stained ceilings. Because water often travels before appearing indoors, it’s important to have a professional accurately find and repair the true source. Professional roofers take a thorough approach to ensure leaks are properly resolved: Locate hidden entry points using inspection tools. Replace damaged flashings or tiles that allow water to enter. Apply high-quality sealants and membranes to restore watertight protection. With expert repairs, a leaking roof can be transformed from a persistent problem into a reliable shield against the elements. Storm Damage Assessment: Restoring Safety & Integrity Severe weather can batter roofs with high winds, hail, and torrential rain, often leaving behind obvious and hidden damage that threatens a building’s integrity. Even minor storm impacts can create weaknesses that lead to serious problems if left unaddressed, including leaks, mould, and structural instability. Professionals know what to look for after a storm to catch damage early and prevent further issues: Inspect for lifted or missing tiles and metal sheeting. Check seals and flashings for breaks that let water in. Assess structural damage or weakened roof trusses. Thorough post-storm assessments help document damage for insurance claims, prioritise urgent repairs, and ensure the roof is restored to provide reliable protection for occupants and their belongings. Dealing with Rusted or Corroded Metal Roofing Metal roofing is known for its durability and long lifespan, but it’s not immune to corrosion, especially in areas exposed to salt air or high humidity. Over time, rust can develop and spread if left untreated, weakening roof sheets, compromising fixings, and eventually leading to leaks or structural failure. Professionals provide tailored solutions to address corrosion effectively: Inspect for rust spread and depth of damage. Treat minor rust with anti-corrosion coatings. Replace severely corroded sheets or fasteners. Sagging Roof Structures: Hidden Dangers Uncovered A sagging roof isn’t just unsightly—it’s a warning sign of serious underlying problems. Possible causes include water damage weakening timber supports, structural overload, or long-term neglect. Left unaddressed, sagging can lead to partial collapse. Professionals approach this carefully: Conduct detailed inspections to assess the extent and cause. Replace or reinforce damaged structural components. Ensure repairs meet all building standards for safety. Comprehensive structural repairs restore the roof’s appearance and integrity, helping ensure the building remains safe and secure well into the future. Blocked or Damaged Roof Gutters & Drainage Systems Roof drainage is often overlooked until problems become impossible to ignore. Blocked or damaged gutters and downpipes can cause water to overflow in the wrong places, damaging fascia boards, walls, and even the foundations of a building. Overflowing water can also lead to unsightly stains and encourage mould growth around the home. Professional roofing services ensure: Thorough cleaning of gutters and downpipes to restore flow. Repairs or replacements for cracked, rusted, or sagging sections. Recommendations for guards or regular maintenance schedules. Reliable gutter maintenance and repairs help prevent costly water damage and ensure the entire roof drainage system stays effective in all weather conditions. Poor Roof Ventilation & Its Impact on Your Home Roof ventilation is critical for managing heat and moisture in roof spaces. Without adequate ventilation, a home can experience excessive heat buildup in summer, condensation issues in winter, and accelerated deterioration of roofing materials. Over time, poor ventilation can also contribute to mould growth and higher energy costs as heating and cooling systems work harder. Professionals assess existing ventilation and offer tailored solutions such as: Installing ridge vents, whirlybirds, or eaves vents to encourage natural airflow. Balancing ventilation to prevent moisture build-up that can damage insulation and structural components. Providing advice on best practices for maintaining energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Properly designed and installed ventilation improves comfort year-round and helps extend the lifespan of the roof by reducing heat stress and moisture-related damage. Ageing & Weathered Roofing Materials: When to Replace All roofing materials deteriorate over time due to constant exposure to sun, wind, rain, and temperature changes. Older roofs can develop issues like cracked or broken tiles, faded or corroded metal sheets, or weakened underlays without reliable protection. Professionals help determine when repairs are no longer enough and replacement is the better option: Detailed inspections to evaluate overall condition. Advice on the remaining lifespan and risks of delaying replacement. Planning re-roofing projects that improve protection and add value. Roofers specialise in delivering safe, efficient roof replacements using durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh weather and extend the life of the roof for years. The Value of Professional Roof Inspections & Maintenance Preventive maintenance is far more cost-effective than emergency repairs after a failure. Regular professional inspections catch small problems before they escalate, helping property owners avoid unexpected disruptions and expensive damage. Professional maintenance typically includes: Checking for loose or broken tiles, flashings, and ridge caps that can let water in or be dislodged in high winds. Inspecting sealants and joints for signs of cracking or wear that compromise waterproofing. Clearing gutters and drains to prevent blockages that cause water to overflow and damage walls or foundations. Assessing overall roof condition to identify early signs of ageing, corrosion, or structural movement. Offering expert recommendations for repairs, upgrades, or future maintenance to keep the roof performing its best. Protect Your Property with Expert Roofing in Townsville At Top to Bottom Plumbing, we know a roof is more than just shelter—it’s peace of mind for your family or business. Our roofers in Townsville deliver thorough inspections, reliable repairs, and quality installations tailored to the local environment. If you’ve noticed leaks, storm damage, rust, sagging, or other roofing issues, don’t wait for them to worsen. Get in touch via our contact page to learn more about our services.