Pipe bursts, plumbing leaks, sprinkler failures, and appliance/machine leaks can cause severe damage to buildings, tenant improvements, contents, and business operations. Water also travels—behind walls, under flooring, through chases, and into areas you can’t see—creating hidden damage, mold risk, and major repair costs.

Lundquist Law Firm handles one thing only: property insurance disputes for policyholders. If your insurance company is delaying, underpaying, or denying a pipe burst or water damage claim, we can help you pursue full payment under your policy.

Commercial owners: For a commercial-focused resource (business interruption, multi-tenant properties, “tear-out,” and freeze losses), see:
https://www.lundquistlawfirm.com/pipe-burst-attorneys

Common causes of pipe bursts and plumbing leaks

Water losses can be caused by many issues, including:

• Freezing temperatures

• Sprinkler system leaks or failures

• Faulty workmanship or failed joints

• Rust/corrosion and pipe deterioration

• Cracks in piping

• Clogged lines or backups (policy dependent)

• Unregulated water pressure

• Failed equipment (water heaters, HVAC drains, mechanical room components)

No matter the cause, insurers often try to re-label a sudden event as “maintenance” or “long-term seepage” to limit payment. How the loss is documented early matters.

What to do after a pipe burst or water loss (claim-protecting checklist)

1) Stop the water and mitigate safely

Shut off the supply, protect occupants, and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

2) Preserve evidence—especially the failed pipe/component

If a pipe, joint, valve, or fitting failed, save it if possible. It can become critical evidence later.

3) Document everything

Take photos/video of:

• the source area (before repairs if possible)

• water migration paths (walls, ceilings, floors)

• affected contents and equipment

• affected units/tenants (commercial)

4) Keep records insurers often demand

• mitigation invoices and drying logs

• moisture maps/readings

• daily job notes

• receipts for temporary repairs and mitigation

• for businesses: revenue/occupancy/reservations, payroll, and extra expense records

5) Report the claim promptly and calendar deadlines

Policies vary. Many require prompt notice, and some contain strict suit-limitation provisions. Waiting can create denial arguments and causation disputes.

Coverage issues that commonly lead to underpayment or denial

Water damage disputes often involve:

• Scope fights (“we only owe what’s visible”)

• Tear-out/access disputes (opening walls/ceilings/floors to reach failed plumbing)

• Mold/containment disputes (what was necessary vs. “excessive”)

• Category 3 water (sewage/contaminated water) handling disputes

• Business interruption/extra expense pushback (commercial claims)

• Carrier arguments about “wear and tear,” “maintenance,” or “repeated seepage”

Large losses frequently involve competing “experts.” The insurer’s paid consultants may recommend less drying, less tear-out, and less replacement than an independent water damage professional would.

Commercial claims: business interruption and extra expense

For many commercial owners, the biggest financial impact is not just the building repair—it’s the disruption:

• lost income

• displaced tenants or guests

• temporary relocation costs

• expedited shipping/materials

• overtime and emergency labor

Insurers often demand very specific documentation. Getting the business interruption portion framed correctly early can materially change the outcome.

Frequently asked questions

Is water damage usually covered by property insurance?

It depends on the policy and facts. Many policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe, but coverage disputes often arise over exclusions, limitations, and what the insurer claims was “long-term” or “maintenance.”

What should I do if my business or home has suffered water damage?

Mitigate reasonably, document thoroughly, preserve the failed component if possible, and keep receipts and logs. Early documentation often determines whether the insurer later claims the scope is “minimal” or “unrelated.”

How long do I have to file a pipe burst or water damage claim?

Deadlines vary by policy. Many policies require prompt notice, and some contain contractual suit-limitation language. If you are anywhere close to a deadline—or if you received a low estimate, “below deductible,” or denial—get the policy reviewed promptly.

Why choose Lundquist Law Firm?

• This is all we do: property insurance disputes for policyholders

• Our attorneys previously defended carriers in these exact disputes—so we know the playbook

• For over two decades, we’ve helped policyholders in disputed property claims, including water losses, and have obtained significant confidential settlements for clients

• We prepare cases as if they will go to trial, using qualified experts when needed to prove scope, causation, and damages

Want a proven track record? Since 2017, in addition to our co-counsel, we are the only law firm who successfully went to trial on a commercial property insurance claim against any insurance company stemming from a denied Hurricane Harvey claim—obtaining a record-setting verdict in the process.

With over 60 years in combined experience, we have helped policyholders with a variety of claims, collecting almost $320 million in confidential settlements for policyholders. As a smaller firm, we provide greater attention to detail and a hands-on approach—because claims are won or lost in the details. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you owe us nothing if we are unsuccessful.

Contact a Pipe Burst Insurance Claims Lawyer

If your business or home was damaged by pipe bursts or water damage from an appliance leak and your insurance claim is being denied, underpaid, or put on hold, contact the insurance claim lawyers of Lundquist Law Firm. Challenging an insurance company can be intimidating, but our experienced lawyers are committed to helping clients fight for compensation. For more information and a skilled assessment of your claim, call (346) 704-5295 or Contact us.