Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage in Texas?

The big idea: sudden and accidental vs gradual

Most standard homeowners policies draw a line between two kinds of water loss.

Sudden and accidental events are the kind policies generally cover. Think of a supply line that bursts, a water heater that fails, or an appliance hose that splits. Something goes wrong quickly and water escapes.

Gradual or ongoing problems are typically excluded. A slow drip under a sink that went unnoticed for months, long-term seepage, or damage that came from neglected maintenance often falls here. Insurers may argue that the damage was preventable and not sudden.

This is a general pattern, not a rule for your policy. Wording differs between companies and between policy forms. Read the water damage section of your own policy and the list of exclusions.

What is often covered, in general terms

Many standard policies generally respond to sudden discharge of water from plumbing, heating or air conditioning systems, or from household appliances. That can include:

• The cost of drying out the home and removing wet materials
• Repair or replacement of damaged building materials, such as drywall and flooring
• Some personal property, subject to your coverage limits

The policy usually does not pay to fix the failed part itself, such as the burst pipe or the old water heater. It pays for the resulting damage, again depending on wording. For pipe failures, see our page on burst pipe water damage and our guide to burst pipes and Texas freezes.

What is usually not covered

Flood

Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood, meaning rising surface water from heavy rain, overflowing bayous, storm surge or similar sources. The Katy area sits in a region that saw widespread flooding during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and it is part of a drainage network that includes Buffalo Bayou and the Addicks and Barker reservoirs.

Flood coverage typically comes from a separate policy. That can be the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood policy. Learn the basics at FloodSmart.gov. Flood policies often have a waiting period before they take effect, so a policy bought after the rain starts may not help. Ask your agent about timing and about what your lender requires.

If your water came from outside, read about flood water cleanup.

Sewer or drain backup

Water that comes up through a floor drain, toilet or sewer line is often excluded unless you added a water backup or sewer backup endorsement. This is an add-on to many policies, often with its own limit. If you are not sure whether you have it, look at your declarations page or ask your agent. Our page on sewage backup cleanup covers the safety side.

Wear, tear and maintenance

Policies tend to exclude damage from wear and tear, rust, rot, or failure to maintain. A pipe that fails because it was old may be treated differently from one that froze during a storm. Wording matters.

Mold

Mold coverage is often limited or sublimited. If mold grows because water was not dealt with quickly, the insurer may question it. That is one reason speed and documentation matter.

Slab leaks and hidden leaks

Plumbing leaks inside or under a slab foundation are common in homes built on slabs. Coverage varies a great deal. Some policies cover the resulting damage but not the cost of accessing the pipe, and some have specific exclusions. Check your policy. Our slab leak guide explains the signs.

Your deductible

You pay the deductible before the insurer pays a covered loss. Texas policies often have a flat deductible, and some use a percentage of the insured value for certain perils. Look at your declarations page. If a loss is only slightly above your deductible, you may weigh whether to file. That is your decision, and your agent can talk it through with you. Keep in mind that claims can affect future premiums or renewals, which is one more reason to ask your agent before you decide.

Your duty to limit further damage

Almost every homeowners policy expects you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage after a loss. This is often called the duty to mitigate. In practice that means things like stopping the water at the source, removing standing water, and beginning drying. Many policies reimburse reasonable emergency mitigation costs, but check yours.

Do not wait for the adjuster before you do the basics. Do not throw away damaged items before you have photographed them. Our guide on what to do in the first 24 to 48 hours lays out the order.

What to document

Good records make a claim smoother.

1. Photos and video of the water, the source, and every damaged room before anything is moved
2. Notes on timing: when you discovered it, when you shut off the water, who you called
3. A list of damaged belongings with approximate age and value
4. Receipts for emergency repairs, equipment, hotel stays, and supplies
5. Records from the restoration pro, such as moisture readings and drying logs
6. Names and claim numbers for every call with your insurer

Keep damaged items you are told to keep until the adjuster has had a chance to see them, if it is safe to do so.

Calling your insurer

Call as soon as it is safe. Ask:

• What is my deductible for this type of loss?
• Do I have water backup or flood coverage?
• Do you have a preferred process for emergency mitigation?
• What documentation do you need from me and from the restoration company?
• Can I hire my own contractor? (In most cases, yes. You usually choose your own.)

Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke with.

Where to get official help

The Texas Department of Insurance publishes consumer information on homeowners insurance and how to file or dispute a claim. Start at tdi.texas.gov. For flood insurance basics, see floodsmart.gov.

How Katy Water Pros fits in

If you need a restoration company, you can request help and we work to connect you with an independent local pro. The pro's own schedule sets the timing. The pro gives you their own estimate and can usually explain what documentation your insurer may ask for. We do not handle your claim or give coverage opinions. See how it works, and for typical costs read our restoration cost guide.

Sources

• Texas Department of Insurance: tdi.texas.gov
• FloodSmart, National Flood Insurance Program: floodsmart.gov

This page is general information and not legal or insurance advice. Always check your own policy and talk with your insurer and agent.