Can I claim drain repairs on insurance?

Often yes for sudden, accidental damage and escape of water, including trace-and-access costs. Gradual wear and tear is usually excluded (ABI).

Drainage guide

Can I claim drain repairs on home insurance?

Reviewed by the Drainage Quotes team Last updated 7 July 2026

Homeowner reviewing a drainage report at a kitchen table

Sudden, accidental drain damage and escape-of-water claims are often covered by buildings insurance, including “trace and access” costs; gradual wear and tear is not. Subsidence caused by leaking drains is also covered — UK insurers paid £153m in subsidence claims in the first half of 2025, averaging £17,264 per household (ABI, 2025).

What is covered and what is excluded?

Buildings insurance typically covers sudden, accidental damage and escape of water, but not gradual deterioration or poor maintenance. Because most drain failures develop over time, whether a claim succeeds often turns on showing the damage was sudden rather than long-standing.

Often covered: sudden accidental damage; escape of water and “trace and access” costs; subsidence caused by leaking drains; damage from an insured event.

Usually excluded: gradual wear and tear; poor maintenance or neglect; pre-existing known defects; blockages caused by misuse such as wipes and fat.

What does “trace and access” mean?

Trace and access cover pays to locate and reach the source of an escape of water — including lifting floors or excavating — and to reinstate afterwards. It is a standard feature of many buildings policies, and exactly where a CCTV survey earns its keep.

Are subsidence and leaking drains covered?

Yes — subsidence is covered as standard on most buildings policies, and around 30% of genuine subsidence claims are caused by leaking drains (DWF / Innovation Group, 2024). Insurers paid £153m in subsidence claims in H1 2025, averaging £17,264 per household (ABI, 2025).

Climate change is increasing subsidence risk, particularly in clay-rich soils that shrink and swell with moisture (ABI, 2025).

Why does a CCTV report support my claim?

A recorded CCTV survey gives your insurer dated, visual evidence of the cause and location of the damage. This baseline is what supports escape-of-water and subsidence claims and speeds up a trace-and-access decision.

What excess should I expect?

Subsidence claims typically carry a higher excess — around £1,000 is common — while standard escape-of-water claims use your normal buildings excess (Confused.com / ABI). Check your policy schedule before you claim.

UK drainage in numbers