How to keep your home safe and dry Start here
Prevent water leaks from damaging your home Escape of water (water leakages) is one of the most common causes of home insurance claims and can cause a huge inconvenience to home owners. According to the Association of British Insurers, one in five home insurance claims are as a result of escape of water. with insurers paying out 483 million to help customers in the first nine months of 2017. Water can travel long distances and go undetected for some time, meaning even minor escapes have the potential to cause major damage to a home and contents; with the average escape of water claim costing 2,638 * How do you know if you have a water leak in your house? A water leak may not always be easily noticeable, therefore it s worth looking out for the following signs: A dramatic increase in water usage: Monitor your water bill closely especially if you re on a meter. If water usage increases dramatically in any month you may need to investigate the cause, as this could be a sign of a leak. Small damp patches in your home: If you notice small damp patches in your home seek immediate professional advice as this could imply you have a leak in your home. Your Buildings policy may provide cover for Trace and Access which can help you identify the cause of a leak in your home. Protect your home from water damage To protect your home and belongings from water damage make sure you take action if you notice any signs of a water leak. Having call out numbers readily available in the event of a leak will help minimise water damage. It is really important to know where your stopcock is usually found beneath the sink in the kitchen or in a hallway cupboard and make sure it can be turned off easily in the event of an escape of water incident. It may also be worth considering installing water detection devices or emergency shut off valves to help prevent major water leaks. If your property is due to be unoccupied for a substantial period of time it s worth leaving your loft access point open to circulate air, draining your central heating system and water tanks, and shutting off the mains stopcock. These actions can help prevent any unexpected leaks during the time in which the property is unoccupied or future leaks when the property is reoccupied. *This cost doesn't include the excesses that clients pay, which can range from 50-1000.
Household appliance leaks Incorrectly plumbed-in appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers could lead to significant escape of water. What to do if your household appliances leak? Clear up any water surrounding the appliance to prevent damage to the floor. Isolate leaking appliance and call a plumber. Preventing household appliances from leaking If you lack the confidence in installing plumbed-in appliances make sure you get help or hire a professional to ensure they are fitted correctly. Check appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers for leaks from supply pipes or blockages to water pipes. These sort of leaks can be hidden and cause extensive damage over a period of time.
Sinks, baths and drains Bath and shower trays could leak if the silicone sealant around them starts to peel away or mould could start growing which could lead to decay and cause a leak. Drains can also get blocked and burst. What to do if you have a leak in your sink, bath or drain? Look out for staining or damage to the ceiling of the room below the bathroom, staining could indicate a leak. Dry out water residue and reseal the silicone sealant if broken. If your pipe has burst isolate the leak and call a plumber. Preventing sink, bath and drain leaks Look out for signs of mould or wear and tear in the silicone tiles, bath, sink or shower edge and ensure sealant is maintained and replaced when appropriate. Don t pour fat or oil down your kitchen sink or drains this could potentially cause a larger blockage and subsequent flooding.
Frozen pipes Pipes can freeze and burst causing thawed water to release from the break. Be aware that if your heating fails, this may be due to freezing pipes. What to do if your pipes freeze? Isolate any water tanks and turn off water supply at the mains and the stop cock. These are usually located under the kitchen sink and in the attic or loft. Prevent damage by protecting or moving items near the frozen pipes. Thaw out the pipe by opening the nearest tap to the frozen pipe to allow the water to flow through once melted. Preventing pipes from bursting Insulate your loft, water tanks, outside taps and pipework to prevent them from freezing in the winter. Keep your heating on at regular intervals, even if it s on low (15 C), particularly if you are going away. Smart water detectors can help prevent a small leak becoming larger. Check your central heating system on a regular basis and ensure the thermostat is working.
Radiator/boiler leaks Boiler and radiator valves and joints should be checked. Valves and joints can leak if rusty, worn out or not closed properly. What to do if you have a leak in your radiator or boiler? Leaks can occur when the radiator valve is mid-open the leak will normally stop when you fully close the valve. Call a Gas Safe engineer if you have any issues with the boiler. Preventing boiler issues and radiator leaks Bleed air from the radiators before your heating comes on in the autumn. Check radiator valves and joints for signs of rust or wear and tear replace if worn out. Check radiator valves are fully closed. Get your boiler serviced annually by a registered Gas Safe engineer they can identify pressure points for leaks and fix them.
Gutters Backed up gutters can cause roof leaks and unnecessary damage to your roof. What to do if your gutter causes a leak? Allow the gutter dry out prior and clean away any leaves or debris. Seal any damage to the gutter with a silicone-rubber caulking substance on both the inside and out of the gutter. Preventing issues with gutters Ensure that your external gutters and down pipes are inspected and cleared at least annually. Seek professional help from your local contractor especially for safe access to high level gutters. Inspect all rainwater goods to ensure they are well maintained and functioning correctly. If you do notice a visible leak in your home, contact a plumber immediately. To discuss any aspect of this guidance in greater detail, speak to your local Zurich contact or broker.
Zurich Insurance plc Zurich Insurance plc is authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request. These details can be checked on the FCA s Financial Services Register via their website www.fca.org.uk or by contacting them on 0800 111 6768. Our FCA Firm Reference Number is 203093. 720778001 (02/18) RRD