P-trap leaks are one of the most common causes of hidden water damage in Florida homes — and they can quickly lead to costly repairs if not caught early. Found under sinks, showers, and bathtubs, P-traps are designed to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. But when they crack, loosen, or corrode, water can leak slowly into cabinets, drywall, and flooring — sometimes for weeks or months before it’s discovered.
So, if you’ve just discovered damage from a leaking P-trap, you’re probably wondering:
Will my homeowners insurance cover this?
The answer: It depends on how and when the leak occurred. In this guide, we’ll break down what insurance typically covers when it comes to P-trap leaks, why these claims are often denied, and how a Florida public adjuster can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Is a P-Trap, and Why Do They Leak?
The P-trap is a curved section of pipe under your sinks, tubs, or showers. It holds a small amount of water that acts as a seal to block sewer gases. Over time, a P-trap can develop issues like:
- Cracked or brittle plastic
- Corroded metal
- Loose joints or poor installation
- Improper alignment
- Worn seals
A P-trap leak may go unnoticed for weeks — especially if it’s hidden behind cabinetry or in a wall cavity. By the time the damage is discovered, it may include:
- Rotted wood or drywall
- Mold and mildew growth
- Buckled flooring
- Water stains or foul odors
Will Insurance Cover P-Trap Leaks?
In many cases, yes — but only if the leak meets the policy’s standards for coverage.
Most Florida homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. That means if your P-trap:
- Suddenly cracked or failed
- Caused water damage to nearby materials
- Was hidden and not immediately discoverable
- Then your resulting damage is likely covered.
However, insurers often deny claims for P-trap leaks, citing reasons like:
- “Ongoing” or “gradual seepage”
- “Negligence or lack of maintenance”
- “Pre-existing condition”
- “Excluded plumbing failure”
This is where it helps to have a public adjuster investigate and properly document the damage.
Example Scenario: Under-Sink Leak
You notice a musty smell in your kitchen and discover that your cabinet floor is warped and the wall behind it is soft. A plumber determines that the P-trap under your sink has been slowly leaking for weeks.
You file an insurance claim, but the adjuster says:
“The damage appears to be long-term seepage and is not covered under your policy.”
But with the help of a public adjuster, you can:
- Show the leak was not visible or obvious
- Provide moisture readings and demo photos
- Prove that the leak caused sudden damage once discovered
- Demonstrate you acted quickly to mitigate further damage
This approach has helped many homeowners reverse claim denials and recover thousands more than insurers originally offered.
How to Document a P-Trap Leak for Insurance
To strengthen your claim, collect the following:
- Photos and videos of the damage and leaking pipe
- Plumber’s invoice or statement confirming the cause of the leak
- Moisture meter readings
- A written statement of when and how you discovered the damage
- Any repairs or mitigation steps taken
If you’re unsure what to look for, a public adjuster can inspect the area and document the claim professionally.
What Does Insurance Usually Pay For?
If your claim is approved, your policy may cover:
- Water-damaged cabinets, drywall, or flooring
- Mold removal (if covered under your policy)
- Tear-out and access costs to reach the P-trap
- Temporary living expenses (if your home is uninhabitable during repairs)
However, insurers often do not cover the cost of the P-trap repair itself — just the damage it caused.
How a Public Adjuster Can Help
At Property Owner Advocates, we specialize in helping Florida homeowners recover full compensation for water damage — including hidden P-trap leaks. We can:
- Reinspect your damage with moisture and thermal imaging tools
- Provide professional estimates
- File or reopen your insurance claim
- Handle all negotiation with your insurance company
We’ve helped over thousands of clients recover far more than the insurance company’s first offer — even after denials.
Get Help with Your P-Trap Leak Insurance Claim
If your P-trap leak was denied or underpaid — or you’re not sure what’s covered — call us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your damage, your policy, and your best next steps.
Don’t settle for less than what you’re owed. Let us fight for your claim.