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How to prevent water damage
This article highlights how to prevent water damage in your home and discusses what signs you need to look out for.
A report by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) states that water damage is the most expensive type of claim for insurers in the UK. This accounts for 30% of the total claim’s costs. The report also found that the average cost of an escape of water claim in the UK is around £2,600.
Impact on your Home Insurance?
Water escaping is the leading cause of home insurance claims in the UK, accounting for 30% of all domestic claims! The financial impact of water leaking from or into a neighbouring property is significant, with the damage estimated at £2.8m per year.
The list of leading causes of Home Insurance claims are:
- Escape of water 30%
- Fire & explosion 17%
- Theft 14%
- Domestic subsidence 6%
- Other domestic claims 13%
- Accidental damage 11%
- Weather 11%
Key figures for Home Insurance Claims
- Escape of water is the leading cause of home insurance claims in the UK.
- 1.23 million home insurance claims are made per day
- Insurers pay out £1.8m per day for home insurance claims
- Home insurance claims have an 82% acceptance rate
- Almost a third of claims are escape of water related
Click here to find out more information about how to choose the right home insurance against water damage.
What are the dangers of a water leak?
- Structural Damage – If you do not pay attention and fix the water leakage, the foundation may settle down unevenly leading to cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings. It could make the whole structure unstable.
- Mould Growth – When it comes to health issues due to water leakage, mould and mildew growth is one of the most common health issues. Mould and mildew need moisture to grow. Once they start growing, they can quickly spread to all areas of your house including your floors, walls and furniture. In many cases, mould isn’t toxic but it will definitely cause respiratory issues.
- Increased Utility Bills – Since water keeps leaking, you will obviously have inflated utility bills. The damage to insulation will also lead to higher energy consumption.
- Fire Hazard – when water reaches any area with electrical wiring, it can lead to short-circuits. This may start electrical fires leading to serious damage.
- Pest Infestation – If there is hidden water leakage, you will soon find parts of your house infested by pests due to the availability of water.
How to prevent escape of water and water damage in your home?
- Check your stopcock – Know where the stopcock is in your home, so you can access it quickly, should there be a leak. Test that you can easily turn it on and off as sometimes taps can seize up.
- Home maintenance – Regularly check all visible pipework for leaks or drips. Take time to periodically check hidden pipework, like pipes behind bath panels. Look for damaged or mouldy sealant around baths and showers.
- Maintain appliances – Have your boiler serviced regularly and check your washing machine hoses, as they can become brittle and corrode.
- Avoid using appliances when you’re not at home – There’s a risk that a leak could occur when you’re not at home and cause a lot of damage.
- Know where pipes are before you do DIY – Invest in a stud finder to locate pipes behind walls or under floorboards, so you can avoid drilling into them during DIY.
- Turn off the water supply when on holiday – This may be a condition of your insurance policy if you leave your home unoccupied for longer than the period stipulated in your terms and conditions. This is usually between 30 and 60 consecutive days.
How can you be proactive in preventing a water damage leak to your home
By far the most effective way to prevent water damage to your home is to be vigilant and check and maintain your appliances regularly. This is especially true in preparation for the winter where water pipes are more likely to burst. Explore this link from the Met Office for more comprehensive insights on ‘Keeping your home warm this winter’.
However, this is not always possible when you are busy with work and family commitments. An alternative solution is to invest in a Water Leak Detection Alarm.
Benefits of installing a Water Leak Detection Alarm: Effortless Leak Identification
For large Flats and Apartments, we would recommend installing our Water Leak Watch (WLW). This water leak alarm utilizes advanced technology to ensure effective water damage prevention. By continuously monitoring the flow of water entering your building, it quickly detects any unusual patterns. Upon detection, the system promptly raises an alarm and automatically shuts off the water supply. A useful feature of the Water Leak Watch is the ability to enter the unit into ‘Holiday Mode’. This allows you to significantly reduce the water flow to the property when you are absent from the property for an extended period. This will reduce the chance of a water leak, but still top up you water heating tank if needed.
Our latest RFWD Wireless Water Leak Alarm can now detect water leaks in up to eight different areas. We have designed the main alarm panel to communicate with our wireless water leak sensors. You can place these leak detectors in various rooms, up to 60m away from the main alarm unit. Each sensor is equipped with a one-meter length of water detection cable, which can be easily cut to fit its specific environment. Additionally, you have the option to include a water shut-off valve into the system. This automatically turns off the water supply upon detecting a leak. Mitigating water damage and safeguarding your property. For added security and peace of mind, the unit can be fitted with an optional SMS text messaging unit. This feature will send an alarm in the event that no one is in the property at the time of the water leak.
For any further information on our water leak products and how we can help you meet your specific requirements, click below to get in touch with us here at CMR Electrical or phone 01825 733600.
