Massachusetts homeowner's leaking jacuzzi tub sparks $30K dilemma: 'Insurance won't pay'

A Massachusetts homeowner's leaking jacuzzi tub raised a painfully familiar question for anyone hit with an unexpected repair bill. 

They took to Reddit's r/Homeowners community to ask: Is this what homeowners insurance is for, or will filing a claim only make an expensive problem worse?

Here's what to know

According to the homeowner's post on Reddit, the trouble started almost as soon as they moved into the home after buying it during the pandemic. But after six years of "no issues," the ceiling leak returned, and the homeowners suddenly found themselves facing a possible $30,000 repair.

This time it was because the plumbing underneath the jacuzzi tub was leaking. The original poster added, "My husband is hesitant to bring in the homeowners insurance … because he doesn't think they'll do anything but raise our rates."

OP then asked the forum, "What's your take? Isn't this the type of repair the insurance will/should cover?"

Commenters were blunt in response to the insurance question. One replied, "A leaky pipe is considered a maintenance issue, and insurance won't pay for its replacement." Another said the problem would likely be "ruled a 'maintenance' issue and is not an insurable loss."

A third user wrote, "Insurance will not cover leaks due to possible long term maintenance problem. Best to get rid of hot tub & have ceiling repaired."

More background

Several commenters said homeowners insurance is generally more helpful for major, accidental damage than for ongoing plumbing defects or failed installations. One commenter summed up that distinction this way, adding, "This is not something you make a claim for unless the pipe has burst and flooded your house (think thousands worth of damage)."

Still, water damage can get expensive quickly. Even when the plumbing repair itself is manageable, the surrounding fallout, like opening ceilings, drying out materials, patching walls, repainting, and replacing finishes, can rapidly push up the total cost.

Where can I learn more?

These articles look at coverage losses, non-renewals, and rising insurance costs.

• In Colorado, an insurance company drops coverage over wildfire-area risk, driving estimates higher.

• Across Florida, home insurance policies are being non-renewed as costs push owners out.

• Nationwide, the insurance industry is shifting as climate risks reshape coverage and prices.

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