Shut off the main water, cut power to wet areas if it's safe, and photograph everything before cleanup. Call your insurer or agent the same day, take reasonable steps to stop further damage, and keep every receipt. Most Indiana homeowners policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe, but not the pipe itself or damage from a slow leak that went on for a long time. Get the leak's location and cause documented.
A burst pipe can put hundreds of gallons of water into a house in an hour, and in central Indiana winters it’s one of the most common homeowner claims. What you do in the first few hours affects both the damage and the claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Indiana homeowners, from shutting off the water to talking to the adjuster.
Right now: stop the damage
- Shut off the main water valve. Note the time.
- Turn off power to wet areas at the breaker, only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot.
- Turn off the water heater (breaker for electric, vacation or off for gas) if the water will be off for a while.
- Open faucets to drain the lines and relieve pressure.
- Move belongings out of the water.
The full first-hour checklist is in water leak emergency: what to do first.
Document everything before cleanup
- Photos and video of the water, the damage, the broken pipe if visible, and every damaged item
- Wide shots and close-ups, with a sense of scale
- The date and time you found the leak and shut off the water
- Damaged belongings: keep them if you can, or photograph them with brand, model and age
- The cause: a photo of the split pipe, the frozen section, or the failed fitting
Call your insurer or agent the same day
Report the loss promptly and ask:
- Is this covered, and what’s my deductible?
- Can I start water removal and drying now? (Usually yes; policies expect you to prevent further damage.)
- Do you want me to use a particular mitigation company, or can I choose?
- When will an adjuster contact me?
- Does my policy include additional living expenses if we can’t stay in the house?
Write down the claim number and the name of everyone you talk to.
What’s usually covered, and what isn’t
| Usually covered | Often not covered |
|---|---|
| Sudden water damage to walls, ceilings, floors, cabinets | The broken pipe or fitting itself |
| Damaged belongings (personal property coverage) | Damage from a slow leak over weeks or months |
| Water removal and drying | Wear and tear, corrosion, lack of maintenance |
| Tearing out and replacing materials to reach the pipe (often) | Freeze damage in a vacant or unheated home (often limited) |
| Temporary housing if the home is unlivable (if in the policy) | Mold beyond a policy’s mold limit |
Every policy is different. Read yours, especially the water damage, freezing and mold sections.
Start drying fast
The U.S. EPA advises drying water-damaged materials within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth (EPA mold guidance). Insurers expect reasonable mitigation, so don’t wait for the adjuster to start removing water. Save every receipt: pumps, fans, dehumidifier rentals, the water mitigation company, hotel stays.
When the leak is hidden
Not every burst pipe is obvious. A pipe can split inside a wall, a ceiling or a crawl space, and the only sign is a stain or a moving meter. Guessing where to open walls adds cost and delay. A thermal imaging inspection and hidden water leak detection help your claim by:
- Locating the leak so only the right area is opened
- Mapping how far moisture has spread behind walls and under floors, with thermal images and moisture readings
- Documenting the cause and the date, in a photo report you can give your adjuster
If a pipe froze, see frozen pipe leaks for where to check after a thaw; a frozen pipe often leaks in more than one place.
Working with the adjuster
- Walk the adjuster through the damage and give them your photos and any leak detection report.
- Ask for the estimate in writing, line by line.
- Compare it with your contractor’s estimate, and ask about anything missing, such as matching flooring or drying costs.
- Don’t sign a final release until you’re satisfied the repairs are covered.
If you disagree with the decision
Ask the insurer to explain the denial or low offer in writing, citing the policy language. If talking to the company doesn’t resolve it, the Indiana Department of Insurance takes consumer complaints through its online portal or its consumer hotline, 1-800-622-4461 (IDOI complaints). Insurers must respond to the Department in writing.
For slab leaks specifically, see does homeowners insurance cover slab leaks.
Get the leak located and documented
We find hidden leaks after a burst or frozen pipe across Bargersville and Johnson County, including Greenwood, Franklin and Center Grove, and provide thermal images, moisture readings and a written report for your insurer.
Still can’t find it?
Our thermal imaging inspection pinpoints the leak without tearing things up, so the repair starts in the right spot.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe in Indiana?
Most standard policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe, such as damaged walls, floors and belongings. They usually don't pay to replace the pipe itself, and they often exclude damage from slow, long-term leaks or neglect. Read your own policy.
Is a frozen pipe covered by insurance?
Usually, if you took reasonable care to keep the home heated. Many policies limit or exclude freeze damage when a home was left vacant or unheated. Keep the heat on and the water off or drained if you'll be away.
How soon should I file a burst pipe claim?
As soon as possible, ideally the same day. Policies require prompt notice and reasonable steps to prevent more damage, like shutting off the water and starting to dry out.
Should I clean up before the adjuster comes?
Take thorough photos and video first, then start protecting the home: stop the water, remove standing water and start drying. Keep damaged items or photos of them, and save every receipt for the cleanup.
What can I do if my Indiana claim is denied?
Ask the insurer for the reason in writing and which policy language it relies on. If you still disagree after talking to the company, the Indiana Department of Insurance takes consumer complaints online or at 1-800-622-4461.