Your homeowner’s policy might not cover a slow leak. If the damage results from a lack of maintenance, such as a poorly maintained roof or rusted pipe, you may have to pay out of pocket rather than depend on a water leak insurance claim.
You may have a broken pipe if your water bill increases without explanation. You may also have damp carpets and walls, notice unpleasant smells, hear water moving, or have soft spots in your yard.
Your homeowner’s insurance policy will probably cover water damage from an appliance that suddenly fails, but it won’t pay to repair or replace the broken appliance itself. It also won’t cover damage caused by a lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear.