Insurance for Plumbers

Coverage that keeps your business flowing.

Get comprehensive plumber insurance that protects against water damage claims, covers your employees, and meets contractor requirements.

Licensed agents who understand plumbing deliver fast quotes, instant COIs, and expert support for plumbers nationwide.

Illustration of a plumber performing pipe maintenance, used in a 1-800-INSURANCE guide to help plumbing businesses understand insurance needs for job sites, tools, and water damage risks.

Talk to a business insurance specialist

Licensed agents who understand your industry and get you competitive quotes fast.

Why Plumber Insurance Matters

Protect your business from the risks of working with water

Plumbing work involves constant water damage risk. A single pipe connection failure can flood a building, destroying floors, walls, furniture, and electronics. Whether you're a residential plumber, commercial contractor, or service and repair specialist, the right insurance protects your business from the property damage claims that can devastate your finances.

Most plumbers need General Liability to cover water damage and injuries, Workers' Compensation for employees (required in most states), and Commercial Auto for service vehicles. Completed operations coverage is essential—it protects you if a leak develops weeks or months after you've finished a job.

Your rates depend on the type of plumbing work you do, your claims history, and your revenue. New construction work typically costs more to insure than service and repair. Working with agents who understand plumbing classification codes helps ensure you're not overpaying for coverage.

Coverage Checklist

Recommended coverage for your business

The policies you need to protect your business and meet client requirements

General Liability

Required

Covers water damage, property damage, and bodily injury claims from your plumbing work.

Avg. Cost
$700-$3,000/year

Workers' Compensation

Required

Required for employees. Covers injuries from slips, cuts, back strain, and exposure to hazardous conditions.

Avg. Cost
$3-8 per $100 payroll

Commercial Auto

Protects your service van and tools. Covers accidents and liability while traveling to jobs.

Avg. Cost
$1,200-$2,500/vehicle

Business Owners Policy

Bundled coverage combining liability, property, and business interruption at a lower cost.

Avg. Cost
$500-$1,800/year

Industry Risks

Common risks you need to protect against

1
Water damage from pipe failures or installation errors
2
Flooding that damages client property and belongings
3
Sewer backup claims and contamination cleanup
4
Employee injuries from slips, cuts, and heavy lifting
5
Completed operations claims after job completion
6
Tool theft from vehicles and job sites

Real risks plumbers face

See how the right insurance protects you when things go wrong

Risk

A water heater connection you installed fails, flooding a finished basement and destroying $40,000 in personal property.

General Liability

Pays for water damage, property replacement, and legal defense—protecting you from a claim that could bankrupt your business.

Risk

Your technician slips on a wet floor while replacing a toilet and injures their back, requiring surgery.

Workers' Compensation

Covers all medical bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and partial lost wages during recovery.

Risk

A sewer line you repaired three months ago backs up, contaminating a restaurant kitchen.

General Liability (Completed Operations)

Pays for contamination cleanup, equipment replacement, and business interruption claims.

Why Choose Us

Why plumbers choose 1-800-INSURANCE

  • Instant certificates of insurance (COIs) for GCs and property managers
  • Coverage for residential, commercial, and new construction plumbing
  • Completed operations protection for post-job claims
  • Tools and equipment coverage for theft and damage
  • Agents who understand plumbing contractor classification codes
  • Fast quotes and same-day coverage when you need it
Illustration of a man shaving and practicing personal grooming, used in a 1-800-INSURANCE guide to help personal service business owners understand insurance needs for daily services and customer safety.

Ready to protect your business?

Get quotes from top carriers, instant COIs, and coverage that keeps you working.

Common questions

Plumber Insurance FAQs

What insurance do I need as a plumber?

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Most plumbers need General Liability (with completed operations), Workers' Compensation if you have employees, and Commercial Auto for your service vehicle. Tools coverage through Inland Marine is also recommended.

Does plumber insurance cover water damage I cause?

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Yes. General Liability covers property damage from your work, including water damage from burst pipes, faulty connections, or installation errors. This is one of the most important coverages for plumbers.

Am I covered for work I did months ago?

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Yes, if you have completed operations coverage (standard in most GL policies). This protects you if problems arise after you've finished a job—like a leak that develops weeks later.

How can I lower my plumber insurance costs?

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Maintain a clean claims history, implement safety programs, bundle your policies, and work with agents who understand plumbing classification codes. Some carriers offer discounts for licensed plumbers with proper training documentation.

Protect Your Business Today

Our commercial insurance specialists understand your industry and can help you find the right coverage at the best price.