Homeowners Unprepared for Emergency Repairs: 2025 Survey
Key Highlights
- Most homeowners experience at least one repair emergency annually, with heating, appliances, and plumbing issues being most common
- A significant portion of homeowners have less than $500 saved for emergencies, leading to delays and increased stress during repairs
- Homeowners fear plumbing failures and structural damage most, which are costly and require skilled contractors for repairs
- Finding qualified contractors remains challenging, with only 31% rating it as very easy, often resulting in disruptions and financial stress
NORWALK, CT — A new HomeServe survey shows most US homeowners aren’t financially prepared for home repair emergencies—even as the majority face them each year. The findings highlight growing pressure on families and reinforce the need for reliable contractors to handle essential plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work.
Most Homeowners Experience Emergencies, Few Can Afford Them
Of the 2,524 Americans surveyed (2,333 homeowners), more than 8 in 10 reported a repair emergency in the past year. Heating and cooling system failures (30%), appliance breakdowns (29%), and clogged or overflowing toilets (26%) topped the list. But nearly two-thirds of homeowners said they’ve delayed a repair due to cost, with almost a quarter waiting six months or more. One in four households has just $500 or less set aside for emergency repairs—nearly half of those with no savings at all.
Utility Bills Add to Financial Stress
Beyond repair costs, 38% of homeowners struggled to pay at least one utility bill in the past year. Electricity was the top challenge (30%), followed by water (20%) and natural gas (18%). Thirteen percent reported spending more than 20% of their income on utilities, a heavy burden that leaves little room for surprise system failures.
Plumbing and Structural Failures Are Top Concerns
When asked what repairs they fear most, homeowners pointed to plumbing and water pipe breaks (49%) first, followed by structural damage (40%), roof damage (35%), and sewer line failures (34%). These system-level problems represent both high-cost risks for families and steady demand for contractors with the skills to handle critical infrastructure work.
Finding Reliable Contractors Remains a Challenge
Only 31% of respondents said it was “very easy” to find a qualified professional when an emergency struck, while 13% found it difficult. When repairs were delayed, the biggest impacts cited were disruption to daily life (47%), financial strain (37%), and stress about locating a trustworthy contractor (33%).
Knowledge Gaps Around Infrastructure
The survey also found widespread uncertainty about basic home infrastructure. Forty-three percent of homeowners don’t know if their water service line is lead. Most are unclear on who bears responsibility for replacement, with answers split among utilities, insurers, and government. In addition, 77% experienced at least one power outage lasting more than five minutes last year, fueling concerns about grid reliability. Sixty-three percent have already considered or installed resilience upgrades such as battery storage, backup generators, or solar with storage.
About the Survey
The 2025 State of the Home Survey was conducted August 4, 2025, by HomeServe using SurveyMonkey Audience. Results reflect responses from 2,524 US adults, including 2,333 homeowners, balanced by gender and region.