It’s 2 a.m. A homeowner wakes to the sound of dripping, not from a storm outside, but from a cracked hose behind the washing machine. By the time they find it, the floor is soaked, the drywall is swelling, and the smell of mildew is setting in. Scenarios like this are far more common than many clients realize: Approximately one in 67 insured homes files a water damage or freezing claim each year, averaging $15,000 per loss. As a personal lines MGA, we see these everyday risks as opportunities to equip brokers with the resources and markets they need to guide their clients proactively.
For independent agents, the real opportunity comes before a claim ever happens. Clients rarely think about the small connections that can fail or the policy limitations that apply when damage stems from a lack of maintenance. When you raise the topic early and use water line leaks as a relatable example, you can set clear expectations about what a homeowners policy does and does not cover while offering practical ways to reduce risk. This proactive guidance helps clients avoid costly surprises, builds trust, and reinforces your role as a true advisor rather than just a policy provider.
Why Small Leaks Lead to Big Problems
Clients often ask what a homeowners policy will cover, and the honest answer depends on how the damage starts. A pipe that bursts suddenly and floods a room often qualifies as a covered event. A refrigerator line or washing machine hose that drips for weeks shifts the situation into maintenance, not sudden damage, and insurers may limit or deny the claim.
That difference matters. A hidden drip can soak subfloors, buckle cabinetry, and invite mold. Mold rarely falls inside coverage, and when it does, most policies cap it at a low limit. Even if a single claim gets paid, repeated water losses raise red flags across the industry. Premiums climb, renewals become harder, and the history follows your client to every new carrier.
Here’s where you can add real value. Many clients only learn the difference between an accident and a maintenance issue when a denial arrives in the mail. By building this conversation into your sales and review process, you can help to prevent this costly problem. When you position leaks as preventable and highlight the simple checks that keep a policy working as intended, you help clients sidestep expensive setbacks and strengthen their confidence in you. That confidence protects their coverage and fuels the loyalty that grows your book.
Risk-Management Tips for Clients
Once clients see how often water line leaks cause problems, the focus can turn to prevention. Shifting the conversation from a list of exclusions to a set of proactive habits leaves them with a sense of control while giving them practical steps to reduce the kinds of water losses that typically fall outside of coverage.
Some key pointers to share:
- Inspect appliance connections yearly. Encourage homeowners to check dishwasher hoses, refrigerator water lines, and washing machine connections for cracks, bulges, or corrosion. A simple visual check can reveal early signs of trouble.
- Replace hoses every five to seven years. Even reinforced hoses degrade with time and pressure. Suggest that clients keep a record of when water lines were last replaced, so they don’t get caught off guard.
- Install leak detection devices. Affordable, battery-powered sensors placed under sinks, toilets, or water heaters can provide instant alerts when a leak occurs, turning a potential $10,000 loss into a quick fix.
- Know the shutoff valve. Seconds count when water is rushing across a floor. Urge clients to locate their main water shutoff and practice turning it off so they can act immediately in an emergency.
- Look for warning signs. Discoloration on walls, musty odors, or damp flooring often indicate a hidden leak. Early intervention can prevent mold and structural damage.
- Prepare for travel. Recommend that clients turn off their main water supply before leaving for vacation, especially in regions where freezing temperatures could burst pipes.
When these habits become part of routine maintenance, clients see fewer disruptions in their homes and avoid the financial strain of costly, uncovered losses.
How To Add Value Every Day as a Broker
Discussing water line maintenance doesn’t need to feel like a formal sit-down or a hard sales pitch. In fact, it’s most effective when it becomes part of your ongoing client relationship.
- Annual policy reviews: Pair coverage updates with maintenance reminders. It keeps the conversation practical and client-focused.
- Educational resources: Provide homeowners with seasonal checklists or quick-reference guides on topics like water line maintenance and suggested maintenance schedules that they can post on the fridge or save on their phones.
- Transparency on exclusions: Clear explanations up front about what’s covered and what’s not in their homeowners policy builds trust and reduces the risk of surprises when a claim arises.
- Proactive communication: Share timely reminders before winter freezes, spring thaws, or heavy rain seasons.
These types of small but consistent actions underscore your role as a partner in protection. Clients see that you’re invested in their well-being, not only in their policies. That kind of relationship builds loyalty and opens doors to long-term growth.
Partner With a Personal Lines MGA That Supports Prevention
Cochrane & Company equips you to serve as the risk advisor your clients count on. As a personal lines MGA, we back your guidance with the strength of national carrier relationships and the confidence of proven underwriting expertise.
We also make prevention practical. You gain access to checklists, client-friendly resources, and annual review tools that turn complex coverage conversations into clear, actionable advice. These materials give you something tangible to share, helping clients understand how small maintenance steps protect their homes and preserve their coverage. When you bring these resources into everyday conversations, even a routine review becomes a chance to solve problems before they start while creating the loyalty that grows your book.
FAQ About Water Line Maintenance and Insurance
Does homeowners insurance cover water line leaks?
Coverage typically applies to sudden and accidental damage, such as a pipe that bursts overnight. Long-term seepage or gradual leaks are usually considered maintenance issues and may not be covered.
Why would a main water line leak?
Aging pipes, shifting soil, invasive tree roots, or extreme weather conditions like freezing temperatures can all cause damage to a main water line. Preventive maintenance and timely replacements are the best defense.
How often should water supply lines be checked or replaced?
Connections should be inspected annually. Supply lines are generally replaced every five to seven years, or sooner if there are visible signs of wear or deterioration.
Can repeated water claims affect coverage?
Yes. Even if initial claims are paid, a pattern of frequent water damage losses may lead to higher premiums, restricted coverage, or non-renewal. These claim histories typically follow clients to new carriers as well.
Are slow leaks considered maintenance or covered damage?
Slow leaks are generally categorized as maintenance. Sudden, accidental breaks may qualify for coverage, but clients are responsible for preventing ongoing damage caused by neglected systems.
About Cochrane & Company
For more than six decades, Cochrane & Company has been proudly at the forefront of the insurance industry. Our experience as a commercial and personal lines MGA has enabled us to innovate in powerful ways, reimagining the E&S market, and providing technology solutions that make it easy to do business with us. Licensed in all 50 states, we proudly serve clients across the nation, providing personalized and powerful solutions to help you become an even better partner for your clients. Speak to one of our experienced professionals today by calling (855) 967-0069.