Kitchen or Bathroom Sink Leaks & Insurance Claims

Water damage doesn’t always start with a flood but it feels like it when comes to bathroom or kitchen sink leaks.

Under-sink leaks are one of the most common causes of water damage in homes. They often go unnoticed until cabinets swell, floors stain, or water shows up in nearby rooms. Understanding how these leaks affect your home and how insurance usually responds can help you act faster and avoid bigger damage.

Key Takeaways

• Water damage is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims in the U.S.
• Kitchen plumbing leaks, including under-sink leaks, are a leading cause.
• The average water damage insurance claim costs $11,000–$14,000.
• Many sink leaks are covered when found and addressed quickly.
• Professional water mitigation helps stop damage from spreading and supports insurance claims.

Why Sink Leaks Cause So Much Damage

Under a kitchen sink are several parts that can fail:

• Water supply lines
• Shut-off valves
• Drain pipes
• Garbage disposal connections

When one of these parts leaks, water often flows quietly inside the cabinet. Because the leak is hidden, homeowners may not notice it right away.

By the time damage is visible, water may have already spread:

• Into cabinets
• Under floors
• Behind walls
• Down into lower levels of the home

This is why under-sink leaks often cause more damage than expected. Out of sight, out of mind.

How Much Damage Can an Under-Sink Leak Cause?

Even a small leak can lead to serious damage.

Water moves quickly through materials like wood, drywall, and flooring. What starts as dampness inside a cabinet can turn into damaged subfloors, walls, and nearby rooms.

Insurance data shows that water damage claims often reach five figures, especially when moisture is not removed quickly or spreads beyond the kitchen. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing was the second most common cause of property damage home insurance losses behind wind and hail in 2022. Nearly 28% of all home insurance claims were due to water damage and freezing.

Average Cost of Water Damage Insurance Claims

Across the United States:

• The average water damage insurance claim costs between $11,000 and $14,000
• Water and freezing damage accounts for about 25–30% of all homeowners insurance claims
• Many of these claims come from plumbing failures, not storms or flooding

Kitchen leaks are a major part of these claims because they often affect multiple areas of the home. The financial impact of water damage extends beyond immediate repairs. Research shows that the average premium after filing a water damage claim is $3,106, about $180 more than the national average. This is why insurance companies recognize the importance of quick action—many policies actually require homeowners to take immediate steps to prevent further damage, and delays can impact coverage eligibility.

Are Sink Leaks Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

In many cases, yes.

Homeowners insurance often covers damage caused by a sudden plumbing leak, including:

• Wet cabinets and flooring
• Damaged walls or ceilings
• Necessary removal of materials to dry the area

Insurance usually does not cover:

• Repairing the broken pipe or valve
• Damage from long-term or ignored leaks
• Normal wear and tear

This makes fast action and proper documentation very important.

Why Fast Water Mitigation Matters

When water damage is left untreated, it continues to spread.

Professional water mitigation focuses on:

• Finding moisture you cannot see
• Drying affected areas properly
• Preventing further damage
• Documenting the damage for insurance

Quick mitigation helps protect your home and reduces the risk of long-term problems. (Read services and articles about water related services in Dover, Rochester, Concord, and Somersworth)

Common Kitchen Sink Repair Costs

One thing to know: the source of the leak must be addressed before mitigation can begin. The cost of fixing the actual plumbing issue is not a covered insurance expense, but waiting or holding off on repairs may significantly increase the cost of your claim and the overall damages to your home. Often, we can provide a referral to trusted local plumbers who can quickly repair the source while we focus on mitigating the water damage.

Understanding typical repair costs helps homeowners budget for plumbing fixes before they lead to extensive water damage.

Fixing a Dripping Faucet
Repairing a leaky faucet typically costs $125 to $350. Most repairs involve replacing worn washers or valve seats to stop the drip. Faucets with complex mechanisms or older models may require more extensive work, pushing costs toward the higher end of this range.

Repairing a Sink Surface
Refinishing or resurfacing a damaged sink ranges from $100 to $800, depending on the extent of damage. Minor issues like small chips in porcelain or ceramic sinks, or light rust and scratches on stainless steel, cost less to repair. Deep pitting, cracks, or extensive corrosion require more intensive restoration and fall at the higher end of the price range.

Replacing a Sink
A complete sink replacement costs $330 to $1,300 total, including materials and installation—or $230 to $650 for labor alone. Final costs depend on several factors: the complexity of the installation, compatibility with existing plumbing hookups, and the age of your current system. Older homes with outdated connections may require additional plumbing work, increasing overall costs.

The Bottom Line
While plumbing repairs may seem expensive, they’re a necessary first step and far less costly than extensive water damage restoration. A $200 faucet repair today can prevent $10,000+ in water damage tomorrow. Address the source quickly, then let professionals handle the mitigation—this approach protects both your home and your insurance coverage.

Working with Insurance: The PuroClean Advantage

When water damage strikes, navigating the insurance claims process can feel overwhelming. That’s where professional experience makes all the difference.

PuroClean of Strafford County works directly with insurance companies and is part of several industry programs designed to streamline the claims process and protect homeowners. The benefit of working with a professional restoration company is simple: we’ve seen this and lived this for over 8 years—we know how to ensure you get the most out of your coverage.

Understanding What’s Covered

Most property policies cover water damage arising from a plumbing system leak as long as the damage has not occurred over a period of weeks, months, or years. In other words, repeated seepage and leakage is typically not covered.

However, some policies may cover hidden water damage if the loss is reported promptly upon discovery—proof, once again, that insurance is not a commodity. Coverage details vary significantly between policies, and knowing how to document and report damage correctly can mean the difference between a covered claim and a denied one.

How We Help Maximize Your Coverage

With over 8 years of experience working with insurance companies, PuroClean of Strafford County understands:

We don’t just dry your home—we partner with you through the entire insurance process, providing detailed documentation, moisture readings, and professional assessments that give your claim the best chance of approval.

The Cost of Waiting

Insurance policies require homeowners to take immediate action to prevent further damage. Delays can jeopardize coverage, even for legitimate claims. When you call PuroClean of Strafford County right away, you’re not only protecting your home—you’re protecting your insurance coverage.

Our local team responds quickly, documents thoroughly, and works directly with your insurance company to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Because at the end of the day, our goal is simple: get your home back to normal and help you get the coverage you deserve.

Water Damage Risks in New Hampshire Homes

Homes in New Hampshire face added challenges:

• Older plumbing systems
• Cold winters that stress pipes
• Multi-level homes where water travels downward

Water can spread quickly in these conditions. Acting early helps limit damage and repair costs. Learn more about Kitchen Water Leaks: Identifying Causes and Effective Solutions.

Why Local Ownership Matters in Water Damage Restoration

PuroClean is a nationally recognized restoration brand — but PuroClean of Strafford County is locally owned and operated.

Owner Tyson Bostrom lives and works in the same communities he serves. Being local means understanding New England homes, seasonal risks, and the importance of doing the job right for neighbors and families.

Local ownership brings:

• Faster response times
• Knowledge of local building styles
• Accountability to the community

The PuroClean Way: Professional Water Mitigation

Water damage restoration is not just about drying what you can see.

The PuroClean approach includes:

• Moisture checks in walls, floors, and nearby areas
• Professional drying and dehumidification equipment
• Careful removal of materials only when needed
• Clear documentation throughout the process

This step-by-step approach helps ensure water damage is handled properly and thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my homeowners insurance pay for water damage under the sink?

In most cases, yes—but with an important distinction. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers the water damage itself when caused by a sudden, accidental leak (like a burst pipe or failed connector). However, your policy won’t cover the actual plumbing repair or gradual damage from a slow leak that went unnoticed. We recommend reviewing your specific policy and documenting all damage thoroughly for your claim.

How quickly do I need to act when I discover under-sink water damage?

Every minute counts. Water damage becomes significantly worse within the first 24-48 hours as moisture spreads into flooring, cabinetry, and wall cavities. Mold can begin growing in as little as 24 hours in the right conditions. Starting the drying process immediately—even before calling your insurance company—helps minimize both damage and restoration costs.

Can a minor under-sink leak really turn into a major problem?

Absolutely, and this surprises many homeowners. What starts as a few drops can saturate subflooring, travel behind baseboards, and wick up into drywall all while remaining invisible on the surface. By the time you notice warped cabinets or floor discoloration, moisture has often been spreading for days or weeks. This hidden damage is exactly why professional moisture detection is so valuable.

Should I hire a professional water damage restoration company for a kitchen leak, or can I dry it myself?

While you might handle surface water with towels, professional water mitigation offers critical advantages. Our technicians use specialized moisture meters and thermal imaging to find water you can’t see, industrial drying equipment that works faster than fans, and provide detailed documentation that insurance companies need for claims. Professional restoration also helps prevent mold growth and structural issues that emerge later—often costing far more than the original mitigation would have.

How common is water damage in kitchens compared to other rooms?

Kitchens rank among the top three most common areas for water damage claims in homes, alongside bathrooms and laundry rooms. The combination of multiple water sources (sink, dishwasher, refrigerator lines), constant use, and aging plumbing connections makes kitchen leaks particularly prevalent. Regular inspections of under-sink areas can help you catch problems early.

Do you provide water damage mitigation for commercial properties and multi-unit buildings?

Yes. PuroClean serves commercial properties, apartment complexes, condominiums, and property management companies with the same rapid response we offer homeowners. For property managers, quick mitigation is especially critical it helps protect your investment, minimizes tenant displacement, reduces liability exposure, and keeps multiple units operational. We understand the unique challenges of commercial water damage, including after-hours emergencies, coordinating with tenants, and providing detailed documentation for property owners and insurance carriers.

Does PuroClean handle the reconstruction after water damage mitigation?

Yes. Once the mitigation and drying process is complete, our team can rebuild and restore your kitchen to its pre-loss condition—or better. This includes replacing damaged cabinetry, flooring, drywall, baseboards, and even countertops if necessary. Working with a single company for both mitigation and reconstruction streamlines the process, speeds up your timeline, and eliminates the hassle of coordinating between multiple contractors. We work directly with your insurance adjuster throughout the entire process, providing a seamless experience from emergency response through final walk-through.

Get Help After a Sink Leak

If you’ve found water under your sink or anywhere in your home — don’t wait. Water damage spreads quickly, but early action can make a big difference.

PuroClean of Strafford County provides professional water damage mitigation for homeowners and businesses throughout southern New Hampshire.
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When water damage happens, having a trusted local team matters.