Escape of water are three words you might see on your home insurance policy, but what does this mean? Well, in plain English terms, it’s a water leak from a pipe, water tank, shower or bath, or water-using appliance like a dishwasher or washing machine.
An escape of water, when put in these water leak terms, is something affecting many homeowners assisted by Property Claim Assist. Sometimes several times during their property owning lives. In fact, 20% of homeowners, according to a survey by LeakBot, have suffered three or more water leaks.
Water Leak Insurance Claims
Home insurance policy excesses – the amount you yourself have to pay within any insurance claim – are now increasing. This is because the number of water leaks, and the cost of repairing the resulting property damage, is rising. Why? Well, modern open plan home design and homes with multiple bathrooms and en suites, built-in shower units and hard wood floors with a higher replacement cost than carpets, are driving up the costs of water leak insurance claims.
A water leak can easily result in damage costing over £1000 to put right. Water leak insurance claims collectively cost insurers £175m in Q1 2021 – up 30%. It pays to stay on top on any potential water leakage and have the right home insurance in place.
Trace and Access Insurance Protection for Water Leak Damage
So how do you that? Firstly, buy good quality buildings and contents insurance cover. A water leak can result in an insurance claim on both. With buildings insurance picking up structural damage costs and contents insurance covering water damage to possessions and furnishings.
On top of this, a wise homeowner will pay a little extra for ‘trace and access’ cover on their policy. Should a water leak occur, this should cover the costs of repairing damage caused when tracking down the water leak.
This could be plasterboard or wall tiling removed to get to the pipe, flooring or floor tiles, or something else. Without trace and access cover, the costs of repairing walls, floors or other parts of the home damaged to get to the leak, will not be covered by your insurance.
Next, make sure you know where your stopcock is located and can turn it, if necessary. This will shut off the water. If you have a major leak, this is essential damage limitation.
The Difference Between Major and Minor Water Leaks
A major water leak is one where a pipe or tank is damaged and a continuous flow of water cannot be contained. This results in significant flooding and damage. In fact, a burst pipe can lead to the equivalent of 48 bath loads of water pouring into the home during just one day. With a major leak, you must turn off the main water supply swiftly, using the stopcock.
A minor water leak is one that can be controlled and contained. This comes from a particular source, such as a weeping radiator valve, dripping tap or overflowing toilet cistern. Turning a radiator valve clockwise, or shutting off water to a toilet via the isolation valve, can often cut off the water supply to the ‘guilty’ unit and stop the leak.
A major leak can be caused by frozen pipes bursting, an issue with a water tank issue, or the corrosion of copper piping. DIYers could also hit a pipe by accident so should always use a stud detector before drilling into walls. To try to prevent freezing pipes, keep the heating on continually during very cold spells. Additionally, make sure loft pipework and water tank are well insulated and open your loft hatch. This is so warmer air can rise into the cold space under your roof.
Water Leaks From Appliances, Pipes, Baths, Showers and Toilets
Faulty dishwasher and washing machine pipework also causes escapes of water and internal flooding. As can leaking waste pipes under the sink. Regularly checking connections and piping is good practice, to spot any bulges in pipes or dampness. Try to only ever use these appliances whilst at home, so you can take quick action such a flood occur.
Another home water leak culprit could be failed bath or shower tray sealant. Make sure sealant is in good repair and replace it, if not. A home insurance claim is likely to be turned down, if obviously damaged sealant caused the leak. Poor maintenance is not covered.
Never pour grease or oil down your sink, as it can block your drain, causing an internal flood. Make sure you also regularly remove any hair from your shower plughole. A blocked toilet can be another reason for an internal flood, so call in a plumber if you get a blockage.
How To Make a Water Leak Insurance Claim
If your home does suffer damage from a significant water leak – one of a size that makes it worth claiming on your insurance – ensure your insurance claim is well handled from the start.
Your insurer and their appointed representative (the loss adjuster) will be keen to contain the claim costs. They may refuse to pay completely by alleging poor maintenance or workmanship. You may tread water whilst arguing your case. So get your own representative (a loss assessor) involved, to handle things professionally. If you’ve had a major water leak, structural damage and mould growth could occur; a loss assessor will ensure all is correctly addressed.
You may think having a loss assessor’s service is another cost to bear but, if you appoint Property Claim Assist, and instruct our trusted contractors to handle your repairs, it will cost you nothing. You won’t have to try to source tradespeople quotes and won’t suffer that delay in getting water leak damage put right.
To let our loss assessors help you with your water leak home insurance claim, please just call us on 0333 577 2720.
