BURST PIPES AND ESCAPE OF WATER CLAIMS

Every household can experience the unfortunate occurrence of frozen or burst pipes. Without adequate insurance coverage, even a minor leak can lead to substantial repair costs for homeowners.

DOES BUILDINGS OR CONTENTS INSURANCE COVER WATER DAMAGE?

Indeed, water damage is typically included in home insurance policies, which also cover the repair or replacement of damaged pipes. According to Defaqto, 95% of the 292 buildings insurance policies surveyed provide coverage for pipe damage.

This type of damage may be referred to as either ‘water damage’ or ‘escape of water damage,’ both of which describe harm caused by a water source within your home, such as a burst pipe or a leaking washing machine.

Water damage claims are among the most frequently filed; the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports that insurers pay out an impressive £1.8 million daily due to escape of water incidents.

KEY POINTS

If a pipe bursts and you lack insurance, you will be responsible for accessing the leak, repairing it, and rectifying any resultant water damage.
Coverage and excess amounts can vary, and these may be in addition to your standard home insurance excess.
Your insurance may not provide compensation if your pipes are not adequately insulated.

IS ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE INCLUDED IN WATER DAMAGE COVER?

Accidental damage is considered a separate component of home insurance but is not commonly included as a standard feature.

Only 22% of the 292 buildings insurance policies examined by Defaqto offer accidental damage coverage as standard, while 77% provide it as an optional addition.

Be cautious, as claims arising from accidental damage during DIY projects can often lead to disputes with insurers. If you undertake a significant DIY task and it goes awry due to inexperience, you may find yourself responsible for the costs incurred.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF BURST PIPES AND WATER DAMAGE?

Clogged pipes can elevate water pressure, increasing the risk of bursts. Additionally, cold weather is a prevalent cause of water damage, as water expands when frozen, which can lead to pipe failure.

HOW TO PREVENT ESCAPE OF WATER AND WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOME

Regularly inspect your plumbing, including pipes, boilers, washing machines, dishwashers, showers, baths, taps, and toilets, to ensure everything is functioning properly.

If you suspect a blockage or have a pipe that may freeze, contact a qualified plumber for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

For more tips on preventing plumbing leaks in your home, consult additional resources.

HOW TO DETECT A LEAK IN YOUR HOME

Early signs of a leak can include damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors. Other indicators may be low water pressure, unusual noises in the plumbing, and the appearance of mould or mildew, accompanied by a musty smell.

Review your water bill as well; an unusually high bill could suggest a leak.

HOW CAN I CLAIM ON MY HOME INSURANCE FOR WATER DAMAGE?

Once you receive a report from a plumber, contact your home insurer to discuss your claim.

Your insurer will require details about the incident and the extent of the damage. This is where the plumber's report, photographs, and any recorded information from the time of the incident will be invaluable.

An insurer may send a loss adjuster to assess the damage to ensure that repair costs are fair and justified.

After agreeing on the repair costs, work can commence. Documenting this process is wise, as unexpected issues may arise.

Once the repairs are complete, you will likely need to sign a confirmation of satisfaction, and your claim will then be finalised. Your insurer will handle payments to either the repair company or directly to you, as outlined in your policy.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN ESCAPE OF WATER

Turn Off Your Water Supply Locate and turn your stopcock to shut off your mains water supply. This is usually found under the kitchen sink, in a downstairs bathroom, or in a utility room. If you’re unable to locate it, ask a neighbour for assistance, as theirs may be similarly positioned. If you are a tenant, consult your landlord.

To turn off the stopcock, rotate it clockwise until it is tight. Then, run your taps to drain any excess water from the system.

Switch Off Electricity and Move Electrical Appliances
If the water is near electrical sockets or fittings, switch off the electricity using the main switch on your fuse box.
Avoid touching wet electrical fittings
an electrician should inspect them for safety. Unplug electrical items and turn off appliances at the mains, ensuring they are moved away from the affected area.
Switch Off Your Heating System
If you suspect the leak is linked to your heating system, it’s prudent to turn off both the water and power supply. Locate the valve on your heating system to stop the water supply, and open a hot tap to drain the system.

For combination boilers, a leak may cause water pressure to drop and flow to cease. Avoid attempting to re-pressurise the system until the leak is resolved.

Take Temporary Measures to Manage Excess Water
Position a bucket beneath the leak and wrap a cloth or towel around the leaking pipe. Move furniture away and use towels or a mop to remove water from surfaces.
Ensure the space is well-ventilated
Open doors and windows. A dehumidifier can also be effective in reducing excess moisture, thereby lessening the risk of damp and mould.For significant leaks, consider hiring a water pump or consulting a professional who can utilise specialised drying equipment.
Inform Your Insurer
Promptly inform your insurer about the incident, detailing the origin of the leak, often termed ‘escape of water.’

Note that some insurers may not cover the costs associated with locating and repairing the source of the leak, focusing only on the damage incurred. If your policy excludes coverage for leak repairs, you will need to hire a plumber.

Contact a Plumber
Unless it is an emergency, refrain from arranging repairs until you have discussed the situation with your insurer. If your policy includes home emergency cover, utilise the 24-hour helpline to access a plumber for immediate assistance.

If you lack this cover, you will need to source a plumber independently. Visit watersafe.org.uk for a list of approved and accredited plumbers in your locality.

After assessing the damage, you will need to contact your insurer to discuss your claim. They may prefer to employ their own approved contractors for repairs.

Document the Damage and Keep Records
Take photographs and video footage of the leak and any visible damage prior to initiating repairs.
Retain all correspondence
with your insurer regarding the leak, including letters and emails. Record the date, time, and names of any representatives you speak to, as this information may be useful later.
Keep receipts
for any emergency repairs and maintain a record of past maintenance activities to provide to your insurer if necessary.
Report External Leaks to Local Authorities
Your water supplier is accountable for the pipes leading up to your property boundary. If a leak is detected near your property, notify them as soon as possible so they can arrange for repairs.

While you, as the homeowner, are responsible for the pipe that runs from the street to your internal stopcock, some water suppliers may offer free repairs in this area, so it’s worth inquiring.

Protect Against Future Leaks Prevention is always preferable to remediation. To mitigate the risk of future leaks, consider implementing the following regular maintenance practices:

Schedule boiler servicing once or twice annually.
Monitor your water pressure; excessively high pressure can strain pipes.
Insulate pipes to prevent freezing and cracking.
Ensure gutters and downpipes are kept clean and free of debris.
Turn off your water supply before extended absences from home.
Regularly inspect pipes for loose fittings, leaks, or drips.
Maintain seals around baths and showers, and routinely check taps and sinks.
Familiarise yourself with the location of water pipes prior to any DIY work or drilling.
Use your water meter to identify leaks by turning off the water and monitoring the reading over one to two hours.

Consider Trace and Access Cover and Accidental Damage Insurance Not all causes of leaks are covered by standard home insurance policies, so reviewing your policy's exclusions is advisable.

Accidental damage coverage can often be added as an optional feature and may prove invaluable. For instance, if a tap is accidentally left running or a hole is inadvertently drilled into a pipe.

Trace and access cover assists in covering the costs associated with locating the source of a leak. However, it may not always be included as standard, making it essential to check this when evaluating home insurance options.

WHAT IS TRACE AND ACCESS COVER?

Trace and access cover may be part of your home insurance policy, covering the costs involved in identifying the source of a water leak before it can cause significant damage to your property. An expert will be dispatched to locate the leak’s origin, facilitating repairs.

Various techniques are available for tracing escaped water, such as thermal imaging cameras or other specialised equipment to inspect tight or enclosed areas, like a boiler cupboard or behind a washing machine. In some cases, it may be necessary to dismantle walls or flooring to reach the source.

While trace and access cover can help with detecting a leak, it does not typically include the costs associated with repairing the leak itself or any resulting damage. These costs would usually fall under a different section of your buildings insurance.

KEY POINTS

Trace and access cover is not universally included in home insurance policies, and levels of coverage can vary.
It can fund the identification and exposure of leaking pipes and repair any damage caused during the access process.
Ensure your policy covers pipes that are buried beneath your garden in addition to those within your home.

HOW DOES TRACE AND ACCESS COVER WORK?

Trace and access cover proves invaluable when leaks occur behind walls or under floors. Insurers often require photographic evidence of damage, so keeping detailed records of any issues can expedite the claims process.

An experienced plumber or leak detection expert will assess your home, looking for signs of dampness or moisture. They will employ specialised equipment such as thermal imaging cameras to identify water leaks.

After locating the leak, the technician will prepare a report that outlines the source and necessary repairs. It is vital to retain this report as it will support your insurance claim.

DO I NEED TRACE AND ACCESS COVER?

Although not mandatory, trace and access cover can provide considerable peace of mind, especially in homes with older plumbing systems or where leaks have occurred previously.

If you're concerned about the possibility of future leaks and the potential costs associated with them, consider adding this coverage to your insurance policy.