Are Blocked Drains Covered By Home Insurance?

It’s every Brisbane homeowner’s nightmare – a sudden blockage, a dramatic overflow, a foul stench, a gurgling drain turning into a mini flood. After calling a plumber, the next question usually is – are blocked drains covered by home insurance?

The short answer?:

Sometimes.

So let’s go a little deeper – whether your home insurance covers a blocked drain depends on:

• How it happened
• Where it occurred
• And the exact terms of your policy.

In Queensland and beyond in Australia, insurers tend to distinguish between sudden, accidental damage and gradual wear and tear. Let’s break down what that really means – and where you might be able to make a claim.

When are blocked drains covered by insurance?

The key factor in this is the cause. Why? Most policies will cover damage that’s sudden and accidental – for example, a burst pipe under your floor that floods your property.

But if the blockage developed gradually from years of build-up, tree roots, or poor maintenance, it’s usually not covered. Insurers expect homeowners to take reasonable care of plumbing systems – including arranging regular cleaning or inspection when early warning signs appear.

If a drain backs up suddenly and causes water to enter the house, though, many policies will cover the resulting damage (like soaked carpet or wall repairs) – even if they don’t pay for the plumbing fix itself.

Are tree roots in sewer line covered by insurance?

This is one of the most common questions in Brisbane’s leafy suburbs. And the answer:

Generally, no.

Tree root intrusion is considered a maintenance issue because it develops gradually over time. Insurers see this as preventable with regular drain inspections.

However, some policies may cover secondary damage caused by the event – for example, if a root blockage bursts a pipe and floods your home, you may be able to claim for the water damage to the property, even if not for the actual pipe repair.

Is a broken sewer line covered by insurance?

This one depends on whether the damage was sudden or progressive. For instance, if the pipe collapsed suddenly due to:

• Shifting soil
• Heavy vehicle pressure
• Another accidental event.

In these cases, some insurers might cover the repair or replacement.

If, however, it cracked over years due to age or corrosion, that’s classed as wear and tear – not typically claimable. A professional CCTV drain inspection helps you document the cause, which your insurer may require when you lodge a claim.

Does home insurance cover plumbing problems in general?

Another very common question – with a familiar answer. Home insurance normally protects against damage caused by plumbing failures – not the plumbing failure itself. So, things like water damage to:

• Walls
• Floors
• Ceilings.

If this damage was caused by, say, a burst pipe, it may well be covered – but actually fixing the pipe is usually your responsibility.

Some policies offer optional add-ons – often called ‘escape of liquid’ or ‘accidental damage’ cover – that broaden this protection. So it’s worth checking your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Does home insurance cover water line breaks?

It’s certainly worth asking your insurer about, because in many cases the answer is yes – insurers may pay for the cost of:

• Locating the leak
• Repairing affected walls or floors
• Drying out your property.

But as always, gradual leaks or corrosion that have gone unnoticed for months and months may be excluded. That’s why Brisbane homeowners are encouraged to monitor their water bills and call a licensed plumber at the first sign of dampness or mould.

Does homeowners insurance cover tree roots in sewer line?

This question is often asked after a nasty overflow. The answer is typically no – for the same reason as earlier. Insurers see roots as a predictable, preventable issue.

Preventative maintenance, such as periodic hydro-jet drain cleaning or root inhibitor treatments, can help you avoid costly out-of-pocket repairs later.

Does home insurance cover tree root damage?

But what about the damage caused by those tree roots – like the foundation cracking, or pipes shifting. Well, again, it really depends on the cause.

Damage from sudden ground movement due to storms or accidents might be covered, but slow structural shifts or root growth usually aren’t.

Regular drain inspections and garden planning – like avoiding large trees near sewer lines – are the best defence against these costly problems.

Can you claim plumbing repairs on insurance?

Surely if plumbing repairs after a burst pipe or leak are covered, if the bill is particularly hefty? Well, as we’ve outlined, the insurer will usually cover water damage cleanup – but not the repair of the pipe or fixture that failed. Unless, of course, your policy specifically includes accidental damage or escape of liquid coverage.

That said, it’s always worth notifying your insurer promptly. Some insurers will reimburse reasonable repair costs if they determine the cause was sudden and unavoidable.

Does building insurance cover plumbing for units?

How about unit or townhouse owners? Strata or body corporate policies often cover common property plumbing (like shared stacks or underground mains) – but not the pipes inside your own unit.

If you’re in a strata property, it’s wise to confirm which lines belong to you and which are the body corporate’s responsibility.

Are underground pipes covered by home insurance?

Buried pipes are expensive to repair, so it’s a natural question to ask. The truth is that most policies exclude underground pipe damage caused by wear, corrosion, or tree roots. However, accidental damage or pipe collapse from sudden movement can sometimes be covered – especially if the event causes surface damage, like driveway subsidence.

If eligible, a licensed plumber can provide CCTV footage and reports to support your claim.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken drain pipes under slab?

Finally, how about broken pipes buried deep under your foundations? These are among the hardest to access and repair, so some insurers cover damage caused by a sudden break if it results in water escaping into the home.

But gradual cracking or deterioration of under-slab pipes is typically not covered. Pipe relining technology, though – which repairs pipes from the inside without excavation – can be a cost-effective solution even when insurance doesn’t apply.

When insurance might help – And when it won’t

To sum it all up:

Covered: Sudden, accidental breaks or overflows causing property damage.

Not covered: Gradual wear, corrosion, or tree root intrusion.

Sometimes covered: Resulting water damage, even if plumbing repairs aren’t.

Always check your PDS, take photos, and request a plumber’s written report before lodging a claim.

Need a report or repair for your claim?

Do you suspect a hidden leak, a collapsed pipe, or a root blockage? Brisbane Drain Cleaning can help. Our licensed plumbers provide CCTV footage and detailed reports that insurers often require – plus fast, guaranteed repairs to get your system flowing again.

Call or book online now for expert drain inspection and plumbing repairs across Brisbane. We’re your trusted specialists in drainage, diagnostics, and honest advice – so put your faith in us today.