Burst Pipe Insurance Claim Tips for Home and Business Owners

Water is a threat to your home or business. If allowed to leak uncontrolled, it can cause enormous and expensive damage. A burst pipe can be especially costly. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that a pipe burst occurs when a pipe ruptures it “causes water to gush out uncontrollably.” Are you preparing a burst pipe claim? Here, our New Orleans burst pipe insurance claim attorney provides a list of tips for homeowners and business owners who are dealing with the aftermath of a burst pipe.

Pipe Bursts Can Cause Major Damage

There are pipes running all throughout your home or business. Sinks, showers, toilets, and any other source of running water are supported by internal pipes. A problem with a pipe is a big deal.

Indeed, pipe bursts can cause major damage to homes and businesses. They can lead to very costly repairs. A burst pipe often leads to quick flooding of the nearby area—the damage can include walls, floors, furniture, and even electrical systems. Pipe burst damage can also cause mold growth. Mold can pose a very serious risk to the health and safety of the occupants of the affected building.

Understanding the Most Common Causes of Burst Pipes

Why do pipe bursts happen? The answer depends on a wide range of different factors. Indeed, pipes can burst for many different reasons—and pinpointing the fundamental cause of the issue can be key to determining whether or not the resulting damage is covered by property insurance. Here is an overview of some of the leading causes of pipe bursts in New Orleans:

• Extreme Weather (Storms): Severe weather—such as hurricanes or heavy rain—can cause pipes to burst. Flooding and shifting soil from heavy rainfall can put pressure on underground pipes. That is a serious threat as it may cause or contribute to cracks or breaks. Stressed pipes can burst and cause major damage. 

• Blockages and Clogs: When pipes become clogged, the water flow is obstructed, and pressure can build up behind the blockage. Whether caused by grease, debris, or mineral buildup, this pressure can cause the pipe to rupture. In some cases, tree roots penetrating underground pipes can also lead to bursts.

• High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure places significant strain on pipes, leading to cracks or bursts. Normal residential water pressure should range between 40-60 PSI. If the pressure exceeds this range—potentially because of a flaw related to local water systems —pipes can fail.

• Cold Weather (Frozen Pipes): Cold weather is one of the leading causes of burst pipes—even in regions where winter storms are less common. When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside pipes can freeze and expand. The expansion increases pressure within the pipe. The pipes located in unheated areas are the ones at the highest risk.

• Corroded and/or Aging Pipes: Over time, pipes deteriorate due to natural wear and tear—particularly so in older homes or buildings. Corrosion caused by chemical reactions between water and pipe material weakens the structure of the pipe. Older pipes may burst. Unfortunately, getting coverage for a burst caused by corrosion can be more difficult.

Are Pipe Bursts Covered By Property Insurance?

It depends. Whether pipe bursts are covered by property insurance in New Orleans will depend on a number of different case-driven factors—including the cause of the burst and the specifics of the policy. In most standard homeowners and most commercial property insurance policies, sudden and accidental pipe bursts are typically covered perils. However, coverage may be denied if the pipe burst resulted from neglect or lack of maintenance, such as failing to repair old, corroded pipes. A pipe burst should be thoroughly investigated to determine the cause and the scope of the damage.

Note: What is covered after a pipe burst will also depend on the cause and nature of the damage. Indeed, in many cases, the resulting water damage from a burst pipe may be covered, while the cost of repairing or replacing the pipe itself may be excluded.

Four Burst Pipe Insurance Claim Tips

     1. Take Immediate Action to Prevent Additional Water Damage

Water can cause serious damage to your property. If a pipe has burst in your home or your commercial property, it is imperative that you take action to prevent additional damage. When a pipe bursts, the first priority is to stop the flow of water. That is the best thing that you can do to prevent further damage. You should shut off the main water supply immediately. If you can, take some quick photos of the water, but then remove standing water with towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to limit damage to floors and furniture. If it is safe, turn off electricity to affected areas.

     2. Contact Your Property Insurance Company and Notify Them of the Pipe Burst

You should obtain a copy of your property insurance coverage. Most likely, your policy—whether it is a homeowners’ insurance policy or a commercial insurance policy—will include a provision that requires you to notify your insurance provider in a timely manner. Indeed, most insurers require prompt reporting of incidents, and delays could complicate your claim or even result in a denial.

     3. Thoroughly Document the Damage Before Cleaning or Restoration

You need to comprehensively document all of the damage caused by the burst pipe. The more documentation that you have regarding the cause of and damage caused by the failed pipe, the better positioned you will be to maximize your property insurance benefits. Before you begin any non-emergency cleanup or restoration, you should record the damage caused by the burst pipe. Take clear photos and videos of the affected areas, including floors, walls, furniture, and personal belongings.

You should also keep detailed notes describing what was damaged, including its approximate value. Be sure to save receipts for any emergency repairs or supplies—such as the cost of a plumber or any equipment rentals. That documentation is critical evidence.

     4. File a Claim for a Pipe Burst

Once you have notified your insurer and gathered evidence, formally file your claim. You should submit all required documentation—from photos to videos to repair estimates to receipts. A well-documented and timely claim increases the likelihood of receiving the maximum payout to cover repairs and restore your property. If you run into any problems with your pipe burst claim, an experienced New Orleans property insurance attorney can help.

Why Trust Our New Orleans Burst Pipe Insurance Attorney

Pipe burst claims are complicated. It is imperative that a burst pipe is dealt with immediately so that you are in the best position to protect your property from damage and to get the financial compensation that you need to make repairs. At Insurance Claim HQ, we know what it takes to hold property insurance companies accountable for paying claims. With a proven record of case results in a wide range of insurance claims—including pipe burst cases—our New Orleans attorneys are always ready to go the extra mile to help you secure the best possible outcome.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our New Orleans Pipe Damage Lawyer

At Insurance Claim HQ, our New Orleans property insurance lawyers have the knowledge, skills, and legal experience to handle pipe burst claims. Did your home or business sustain major property damage due to a burst pipe? We are more than ready to help. Contact us now to arrange your free, no-obligation case review. Our law firm represents policyholders in burst pipe damage claims in New Orleans, Louisiana, and throughout the entire Gulf Coast region.