What is Water Damage?
When you glance at your homeowner’s insurance policy, you might see that it includes coverage for “water damage,” and it’s easy to assume that means any kind of water damage. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The truth is, insurance companies make very specific distinctions between what types of water losses they’ll cover and what they won’t.
Your policy spells this out in detail, but the language can be confusing terms like “surface water,” “flood,” or “seepage” aren’t exactly what most of us use in everyday life. So before we talk about the kinds of water damage that are typically covered, let’s start with a quick breakdown of the ones that usually aren’t.
Exclusions
Flood: Most homeowner’s policies exclude what you might call “nature-related” water damage. Things like flooding from heavy rain, rising water from a nearby canal or lake, or storm surge from a hurricane. These are all considered “flood” events and are only covered under a separate flood policy.
Backup: Another common exclusion is water that backs up through drains or septic systems. For example, if your shower drain or toilet overflows because of a sewer blockage, or if your drain field floods your yard.
Overflow: Most policies also exclude water overflow from sump pumps, sprinklers, or irrigation equipment. So if your sprinkler line bursts underground and floods a room, or your sump pump malfunctions, that typically falls outside your homeowner’s coverage.
What’s Actually Covered?
Now that we’ve covered what isn’t included, let’s look at the types of water damage that are typically covered by your policy and how to recognize the signs before the problem gets worse.
You’ll often see this under a section called “Accidental Discharge or Overflow of Water or Steam.” In simple terms, this refers to sudden, unexpected water damage that comes from inside your home.
Water Supply Lines / Angle Stops: You’ll find these under your kitchen sink, behind your refrigerator, dishwasher, or bathroom vanity. These small hoses or pipes carry pressurized water to your fixtures and appliances and when they leak or burst, it happens fast.
Signs you might have damage:
Swelling, delamination, stains or soft spots in cabinets or baseboards.
Buckled, warped, uneven flooring.
A musty odor that doesn’t go away after cleaning.
Water stains (brown) on your wall or bubbling paint.
Shower Pan: The shower pan (the waterproof base beneath your tile floor) can fail over time, especially in older bathrooms. When it cracks or separates from the drain, water can escape beneath the tile each time you shower.
Signs you might have damage:
If your shower is on the second floor, you’ll see water stains on the ceiling below the shower.
Damp baseboards, walls in adjacent walls.
Missing grout or cracked tile around the shower floor.
A/C Drain Overflow: Your air conditioning system produces condensation as it cools your home. That water normally drains through a small pipe to the outside, but when the line clogs with dirt or algae, water has nowhere to go and can back up into the ceiling or closet where the unit is located.
Signs you might have damage:
Water stains on surrounding walls in the closet beneath the furnace.
Swollen, buckling flooring near the furnace.
A drip pan that is overflowing.
Burst or Leak Pipes Inside Walls: A pipe that breaks inside a wall cavity is often out of sight and not something you’ll notice right away. These types of losses start hidden behind drywall, under flooring, or within the framing. It can take time before any visible signs appear.
Signs you might have damage:
A sudden jump in your water bill.
A section of wall that feels soft to the touch.
Stains on walls, baseboards, etc.
Musty smell or mold growth in surrounding areas.
What To Do?
First and foremost, contact Cavalry Public Adjusters. When you call us, we’ll schedule a free inspection right away to identify the source of your damage and review your policy to see if your loss is covered. We’ll guide you through the process step-by-step and help you avoid the common mistakes that could hurt your claim.
That being said, your insurance policy is a contract and as the policyholder, you have certain duties after a loss that you’re required to perform. One of the most important duties is to protect your property from further damage.
For example, if you have a leaking water supply line, you can’t simply allow water to continue running. Here’s what you should do:
Shut off the main water valve to your home immediately. This stops the flow of water and prevents additional damage.
Call a licensed plumber to repair the broken line or fitting. Once repaired, you can safely turn the water back on for normal use.
Arrange for water mitigation services. Most homeowner’s policies include a separate limit of coverage called “Reasonable Emergency Measures.” This coverage helps pay for the cost of drying out your home after a water loss. A water mitigation company will use dehumidifiers, fans, and moisture meters to remove excess moisture and prevent mold growth. Taking these reasonable steps not only protects your property but it also protects your claim. If an insurance company believes you didn’t take action to minimize additional damage, they could try to deny or reduce your coverage due to negligence.
Water damage can be stressful and confusing, especially when it’s unclear what’s covered under your policy. Cavalry Public Adjusters is here to make sure you don’t have to face the claim process alone. Whether you just discovered a leak or already filed a claim and feel underpaid, call the Cavalry. We’re Your Adjuster and we represent you, the policyholder, and make sure you receive the fair settlement you’re entitled to.