Protecting your property from water leaks

Water leaks can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, and properties can take months to dry out before repairs can be completed. Severe leaks may also require you to temporarily relocate to alternative premises.

Small water leaks can escalate quickly into a much larger loss. Whilst your insurance policy may provide cover should an insured loss occur, it cannot compensate for the inconvenience and disruption you may face.

Acting fast can mean the difference between a small clean-up job and extensive damage and inconvenience.

• Pipework failure, including both compression and push fit joints: flexible hoses used to connect washing machines and dishwashers and due to corrosion to copper pipe
• Valve failure, including ball cocks in water tanks
• Frozen pipework due to a lack of heating and/or insulation
• Poor workmanship
• Faulty equipment.

• Periodically check your stopcock to ensure it turns on and off easily.
• Have pipework regularly inspected and maintained by an accredited plumber, such as a member of the ‘Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors’ or the ‘Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers’.
• Keep on top of simple maintenance such as changing washers and fixing dripping taps.
• Check water tanks and cylinders for any corrosion and arrange for central heating systems to be maintained annually.
• Lag or fit trace heating to exposed pipework where there is a risk of freezing.
• If the property is going to be vacant for an extended period, consider isolating and draining down the water supply or ensure heating to the property is maintained (Please note - this may be a condition of your insurance policy).
• Never leave the plug in water basins or baths.
• Install leak detection devices in high-risk areas. These devices will detect a water leak in the early stages and raise an alert. You can link them to building management systems, which may be able to isolate the mains water supply to the property to reduce damage.
• Flow detection devices can monitor the flow of water in the pipework to your property and isolate it if unusual conditions are detected.

If you find or suspect a leak, take immediate action.

• Turn off your water supply at the main stopcock
• Turn off the electrics and heating
• Drain the water systems by turning on your taps
• If it’s safe to do so, remove items at risk of damage to a dry area
• If water is coming through the ceiling and it is safe to do so, try to collect it in a suitable container
• Again, only if it is safe to do so, you can consider piercing a bulging ceiling to release the water and prevent the ceiling from collapsing.
• Never touch wet wiring or electrical items.

Remember - if electrical wiring or equipment gets wet, always consult an electrician before use.