Key points
- Source and timing decide coverage: a sudden pipe burst is treated very differently from a slow leak over months.
- Flood and surface water are generally excluded from homeowner and commercial property policies and covered only by separate flood insurance.
- Many policies cover the cost of tearing out and replacing part of the building to reach a leaking system, even if they don’t cover the failed pipe itself.
- Mold coverage is usually limited, so mitigation and documentation start immediately.
Water damage we help recover
- Storm-created openings: wind- or hail-damaged roofs, flashing and windows letting in rain;
- Plumbing and appliance failures: burst supply lines, water heaters, washing machines, freeze-related breaks;
- HVAC and drain issues: condensate overflows and backups (backup is often a separate endorsement);
- Resulting damage: drywall, flooring, cabinetry, insulation and framing; and
- Secondary effects: mold and odor, within policy limits.
Common reasons water claims are denied
| Denial reason | How it’s challenged |
|---|---|
| “Continuous or repeated seepage or leakage” | Evidence of a sudden event, plumber and leak-detection reports, and moisture mapping. |
| “Wear and tear / deterioration” | Distinguishing the failed component from the resulting damage, which is often covered. |
| “Flood / surface water” | Showing water entered from above or from inside, not rising water. |
| “No storm-created opening” | Roof and envelope inspection tying the leak to wind or hail damage. |
| “Failure to mitigate” | Records of prompt water shut-off, extraction and drying. |
Act fast, then document.
Stop the water, call a mitigation company, photograph everything, and keep the failed part. Then talk to us before the insurer’s investigation hardens into a denial.
Evidence that supports a water claim
- Photos and video of the source and the damage before cleanup;
- Plumber, roofer or leak-detection reports identifying the cause;
- Moisture meter readings, infrared imaging and drying logs from the mitigation company;
- The failed pipe, fitting or appliance part, preserved; and
- Invoices for mitigation, tear-out and repairs.
How we help
We work with plumbers, building scientists and mitigation experts to establish source and timing, analyze the policy’s water, mold and exclusion language, present a complete claim, and pursue the insurer under the policy and the Texas Insurance Code when it won’t pay. If the water entered through storm damage, see wind or hail claims. For defects in new construction, see construction defects.