Is My Hot Water Tank Covered by Home Insurance?

February 7, 2023

You count on having hot water every day — and your home insurance plays an important role if something goes wrong.

You probably don’t think about your hot water tank unless there’s a problem, but regular maintenance is essential to keep it working efficiently and safely. What happens if your hot water tank is 10 years old or more?

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Does home insurance cover hot water tanks?

Not only is it a hassle to replace a hot water tank unexpectedly — and potentially repair water damage — your home insurance may not cover these repairs.

Many home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by a hot water tank that is more than 10 years old.

Check with your insurer to confirm age limits, deductibles, and exclusions related to hot water tanks in your home insurance policy.

Why are older hot water tanks not covered by home insurance?

The “insured perils” listed in your home insurance policy are sudden, accidental, and unexpected events — such as wind, lightning, fire, vandalism, falling objects, and theft.

If an insured peril causes damage — for example, a fire damaging your hot water tank — your home insurance would typically cover both the resulting water damage and the tank itself.

However, hot water tanks often fail after 10–12 years due to wear and corrosion. Because this type of failure is predictable and preventable, insurers view it as a maintenance issue rather than an insured peril.

Minerals in water can corrode tank walls and valves over time. Although components like an anode rod help prevent corrosion, they require regular maintenance to remain effective.

Check your home insurance policy and your hot water tank

Review what your home insurance policy says about coverage for water damage caused by hot water tank failure and whether replacement is required after a certain age.

Determine how old your hot water tank is. Most tanks have a certification plate showing the manufacturing year and sometimes the installation date.

If you install a new water heater, keep the receipt and record the installation date — insurers may request proof.

How to extend the life of your hot water tank

You can help extend the life of your tank with routine care, such as flushing sediment, checking safety valves, and scheduling professional maintenance.

It’s also important to confirm with your home insurance provider whether coverage continues once the tank exceeds 10 years of age.

Signs your hot water tank needs repairs

Your hot water tank may need servicing or replacement if:

• You’re not getting enough hot water for showers or appliances.
• Your water pressure is reduced.
• Your water looks cloudy or smells unusual.
• The tank makes popping, banging, or rumbling noises.

Hot water tank maintenance you can do yourself

While most maintenance should be handled by a professional, there are a few steps homeowners can safely manage.

• Inspect your hot water tank once or twice a year for leaks or corrosion.
• Keep the area around the tank clear to allow safe operation and inspection.
• Install a drain pan and moisture sensor if the tank is not near a floor drain.
• Perform a partial flush every 6–12 months if you’re comfortable doing so.
• Test the temperature and pressure relief valve annually.
• Schedule professional maintenance to inspect valves, rods, ventilation, and sediment buildup.
• If leaving home for an extended period, shut off the main water supply and consider draining the tank.