Burst Pipe Insurance Claims
A burst pipe can cause serious damage to a property in a very short space of time, often affecting multiple rooms or floors before it is discovered. UK Property Claims manages burst pipe insurance claims on behalf of homeowners, landlords and businesses across the UK, helping you secure a fair settlement for the full extent of the damage. We work for you, not the insurer.
Burst Pipe Insurance Claims: Expert Support When You Need It Most
Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of escape of water claims in the UK, particularly during cold weather when frozen pipework is more likely to crack or split under pressure. Even after the immediate leak has been stopped, water can spread into walls, floors and ceilings, causing damage that is not always visible straight away.
This page focuses specifically on burst pipe claims. For wider escape of water guidance, including leaking appliances and heating systems, see our main escape of water claims page.
Common Causes of Burst Pipes
- Freezing temperatures causing pipework to crack or split
- High water pressure within the plumbing system
- Ageing or corroded pipework, particularly in older properties
- Poorly installed or poorly maintained plumbing
- Physical damage to pipework during building work or renovations
What Can Burst Pipe Damage Affect?
- Walls, ceilings and plasterwork
- Flooring, carpets and floor coverings
- Kitchens, bathrooms and fitted furniture
- Electrical systems and wiring affected by water ingress
- Personal belongings and contents
- Structural timber and building materials if water is left untreated
How UK Property Claims Can Help
Every claim we manage follows the same structured process, so you always know what is happening and why.
What Our Burst Pipe Claim Service Includes
- Assessment of the source and extent of the burst pipe damage
- Leak detection where the source of the burst is not immediately obvious, see our leak detection service
- Moisture surveys and drying reports to support your claim
- Preparation and submission of your insurance claim
- Direct communication and negotiation with your insurer
- Coordination of drying, repairs and reinstatement works where required
First Steps After the Damage
- Turn off your stopcock to stop the flow of water if it is safe to do so
- Switch off electricity to any affected areas if it is safe to do so. Do not touch the consumer unit if it is wet or you are standing in water.
- Photograph and video the damage before any non-urgent repairs or clean-up
- Keep any damaged items that may need to be assessed rather than disposing of them immediately
- Arrange a professional assessment before accepting any settlement offer
- Notify your insurer promptly, as delays can affect your claim.
Why Burst Pipe Claims Need Expert Handling
- Water can spread further than is visible at first, and hidden moisture behind walls or under flooring is easily missed
- Left untreated, trapped moisture can lead to damp and mould, adding further cost and complexity to a claim
- Insurers may query the cause of the burst pipe, particularly where gradual wear or poor maintenance is suspected
- Drying, repair and reinstatement costs need to be properly evidenced to be included in the settlement
- Excess and policy wording can vary significantly between insurers, affecting what is actually covered
Start Your Burst Pipe Claim
Tell us about your burst pipe damage and our team will contact you to discuss your claim, the extent of the damage and the support you may need.
Our Service Options
We offer three levels of support, depending on how much of the process you would like us to manage.
We Deal Directly With Your Insurer
Once appointed, we take over communication with your insurer, responding to queries, providing supporting evidence and challenging any offer that does not reflect the true extent of the damage caused by the burst pipe.
Rated Excellent by Property Owners Across the UK
Read our most recent reviews
UK Property Claims Reviews
Burst Pipe Insurance Claims FAQs
Does home insurance cover burst pipes?
In many cases, home insurance policies cover damage caused by burst pipes, including resulting water damage to walls, ceilings, flooring and other parts of the property. Cover may also extend to drying, repairs and reinstatement works, depending on the terms of your policy.
Does buildings insurance cover burst pipes?
Most buildings insurance policies include cover for sudden and unforeseen damage caused by a burst pipe. The exact level of cover, and any exclusions relating to gradual damage or lack of maintenance, will depend on your specific policy wording.
What should I do immediately after a pipe bursts?
Turn off your stopcock to stop the water flow if it is safe to do so, switch off electricity to any affected areas if there is a risk to wiring, and photograph the damage before starting any clean up or repairs.
Will my insurer cover the cost of finding the burst pipe?
Many policies include trace and access cover, which can help pay for the work required to locate the source of a hidden burst pipe. See our leak detection page for more information.
How long does a burst pipe insurance claim take?
Timescales vary depending on the extent of the damage and how much drying and reinstatement work is required. Straightforward claims may be resolved within weeks, while more extensive damage can take longer.
Can I claim for drying and redecoration costs after a burst pipe?
Many insurance policies provide cover for reasonable drying, repair and reinstatement works following a burst pipe, including redecoration where required. These costs should be properly documented as part of your claim.
What if my insurer says the burst pipe was caused by wear and tear?
Gradual damage caused by wear and tear is often excluded from standard cover, which is why properly evidencing the sudden and unforeseen nature of a burst pipe is important. We can help present the evidence needed to support your position.
Do I need a loss assessor for a burst pipe claim?
A loss assessor works for you rather than the insurer, helping to assess the damage, prepare your claim and negotiate a fair settlement. This can be particularly useful where the extent of the damage is significant or where an insurer disputes part of the claim.
Need Help After a Burst Pipe?
If a burst pipe has caused damage to your home, rental property or business premises, contact UK Property Claims today. Call us on 0800 121 4452, or get in touch online to arrange a free claim assessment.