Insurance for plumbers

Whether you’re self-employed or manage a large plumbing company, it’s important to protect your business with the right plumbers insurance.

Working as a plumber requires attention to detail, proficiency with the tools of the trade, and the ability to troubleshoot problems. But no matter how careful you are, unexpected problems can still happen. For example, if you make a small mistake that accidentally causes a pipe to burst, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in damages to your client’s property.

Why plumbers trust us

Federated Insurance has been protecting Canadian businesses of all sizes for more than 100 years. Our expertise among skilled trades in the contracting industry, including plumbers, is defined by our relationships with the leading industry associations including the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA), Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario (MCAO), and more.

We offer solutions for:

Master plumbers

Self-employed plumbers

Plumbing companies

Resident and non-resident plumbing contractors

Pipe fitters

Septic tank installers

Sprinkler installers

Home builders and renovators

Insurance designed for plumbers

With a century of experience under our belts, we understand the risks you’re exposed to every day. Our insurance for plumbing businesses is designed to deal with a wide range of risks, so whether you own a small business or run a large company—local or national—we’ll provide you with an insurance solution that suits your unique business needs. We also put you in control with tools to help you manage your risk, handle claims efficiently, improve your insurance knowledge, and protect your bottom line with confidence.

At Federated Insurance, we provide:

  • Customized insurance solutions designed for plumbers
  • Dedicated advisors who work with you directly
  • Expanded coverage options
  • Flexible payment and deductible options
  • Quick, no-hassle renewals

Common claims for plumbers

Whether you run a residential or commercial plumbing business, you face a number of risks on (and off) the job. Whether you’re working in residences, office buildings, or industrial complexes, you’re required to drive to client sites to install, repair, and maintain complex plumbing systems, using your own tools and equipment. That exposes your business to a number of liabilities, including:

Property liability

Liability is a big risk when you’re working in other people’s homes and businesses. For example, say an apprentice accidentally uses the wrong wrench and damages a pipe, which causes water to flood a client’s bathroom. If this happens in a high-rise, water damage could also spread to lower floors. The client could sue you or you may have to pay out of pocket for damages—either way, you’ll face unexpected costs and possible reputational damage.

Professional liability

Long after you’ve completed a job, a former client could still take you to court, claiming that you did faulty work that resulted in personal or property damage—such as a leak inside a wall that resulted in mold and related health issues. Even if you’re found not at fault, lawsuits can be costly, time-consuming, and damaging to your reputation.

Vehicle losses

Your vehicle gets you from job to job, transporting both equipment and employees. Whether you have a fleet or use a personal vehicle, your wheels represent a risk to your business. If your vehicle breaks down or is damaged in an accident, it could impact your ability to get to jobsites—and you could be liable for damages involving employed drivers and other passengers.

Equipment breakdown

Plumbing is a skilled trade that requires specialized tools and equipment to get the job done, such as tubing cutters, plumbing torches, snake machines, press fitting systems, and an array of wrenches. If a tool is broken or damaged, it could be costly to repair or replace. And, if there’s a long lead time for repair or replacement, it could create delays and missed deadlines.

Tool theft

Theft of tools and equipment continues to plague the construction industry, and plumbers are no exception. Tools left inside trucks or vans—even while you’re on an emergency call in the middle of the night with your vehicle parked outside a client’s home—make you a target for thieves. Without the right insurance, you’ll be on the hook to cover the cost of replacement.

Accidental fire

As a plumber, your job could involve the use torches and welding tools that are potentially hazardous. For example, if you’re soldering metal pipes and accidentally ignite a fire in a client’s home, you would be responsible for any resulting property damage.

Cyber risk

While much of your work is done in the field, you’re still a business owner—and that means you store sensitive data such as credit card numbers on your computer. Canadian businesses are a growing target for cybercriminals, who use malware, ransomware, social engineering, and other techniques to steal data or hold it hostage.

Risk management tips for plumbers

Tip #1:

Do a safety check on the jobsite before work begins and after work is complete. For larger jobs, do a risk assessment before you begin work.

Tip #2:

Make sure your crew has the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job, including eye protection, respirator masks, ear plugs, heavy gloves, and skid-proof boots.

Tip #3:

Avoid trip hazards by keeping your jobsite clean and tidy. Store tools not in use and mop up any water spillage immediately.

Tip #4:

Ensure your tools are well maintained and in good working order. Replace any tools that are worn out as soon as possible.

Tip #5:

Don’t leave tools or equipment in your vehicle overnight. Store in a secure location, and track inventory being used on each jobsite.

Tip #6:

Protect your computer systems with anti-malware, and train employees to recognize phishing scams and other social engineering techniques that could lead to a data breach.

Tip #7:

Make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your plumbing business, so if the unexpected happens, you can protect your business.

Tip #8:

If you’re performing hot work (welding, soldering, etc.), make sure to perform intermittent fire checks for 1-2 hours after completion. Fires resulting from hot work aren’t always instantaneous.

Plumbers insurance coverages

In addition to providing you with coverage for liability, property, and employee benefits coverage, our toolbox is filled with customized options to ensure your plumbing business is properly protected:

Commercial general liability insurance

CGL insurance can help protect your business against lawsuits and other financial liabilities caused by onsite accidents and other unforeseen circumstances while on the job.

Commercial property insurance

Accidents happen, but property insurance can help your business recover from the costs of accidental property damage.

Professional liability insurance

Should a customer ever claim that the plumbing advice they received from your business resulted in a financial loss, this coverage can help you recover from the financial consequences.

Equipment breakdown insurance

If you work with a variety of specialized tools and equipment, equipment breakdown insurance may help cover the cost of replacing damaged or stolen tools and equipment.

Commercial auto insurance

Whether you have just one vehicle or a whole fleet, our commercial auto insurance can help protect you, your employees, and your vehicle(s) while driving between job sites.

Business interruption insurance

If you’re forced to temporarily shut down your plumbing business, this coverage could help supplement any lost income during that time and ensure your business gets back on track.

Cyber insurance

Cyber insurance can keep your business safe with coverage that can assist with the costs associated with e-commerce threats, data recovery, and customer breach communications.

Employee protection insurance

A plumbing company may want to consider employee protection coverage. This can help attract the best talent by offering to protect them and their loved ones with group benefits—like life insurance, health coverage, and dental coverage.

Managing risk

At Federated Insurance, our risk services specialists will work closely with you to analyze potential risks to your operations and provide advice, support, and training. Knowing the exposures your plumbing business could face can go a long way in helping you avoid future losses.

Our risk services specialists are available to help you create a customized action plan that will address those issues and ultimately help you improve your bottom line. Whether it’s sharing our risk management observations or providing you with timely tools and resources, we’re here to help you be as successful as possible.

Value-added services for your plumbing business

Once you become a customer, you’ll have access to an array of value-added services for your plumbing business that include:

Superior claims handling

With 24/7 claims support, we can resolve your claim and get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.

Dedicated advisors

Our commercial insurance specialists can design tailored insurance programs to fit the unique needs of your plumbing business, while also providing expert advice and support along the way.

Loss prevention expertise

Our team of highly trained loss prevention consultants can answer your questions and provide you and your employees with valuable risk management advice.

Safety programs

Complimentary safety programs can help keep your business and employees safe.

Trauma assistance

Confidential one-on-one counselling services can help you through an insured traumatic loss.

Ready to learn more about how Federated Insurance can help your business?