Escape of water is one of the most significant risks that
many property owners will face – with insurers paying out £2.5m every day for
these types of claims. According to the ABI, 21% of all property insurance claims
were caused by water in 2014, ABI Key Facts Report 2015.
Escape of water can present many complications, however if
the risk is managed the damage could limit the problem for building owners,
occupiers and managers.
There are a range of influencing factors that could cause an
escape of water:
1) Contemporary Lifestyles – with people upgrading
their properties with increasing the number of showers and toilets it means
that there are increased water hazards. Additionally, older properties with
corroding pipes are a risk and should be replaced to limit the escape of water
risk.
2) Consumer Climate – Escape of water may occur in
winter when a frozen pipe is left un-lagged and bursts when the water starts to
thaw. The implications can be extensive, with damage to the surrounding walls,
floors and furniture all possible.
3) Construction and workmanship – Poor construction
in a building can heighten the risk of escape of water and includes incorrect
installation of modern plumbing methods and the failure of joints in pipework.
How can escape of
water risks be mitigated?
It is important to understand how you can minimise your
escape of water risk. Ways in which this can be done are to:
1) Ensure regular inspections are carried out on
cold water tanks and pipework
2) Inspect and maintain sealant around showers
3) Repair dripping taps as soon as possible
4) Check for dripping or leaking overflows
5) Be aware that if heating fails, this may be due
to freezing pipes
6) Quickly isolate appliances if leaking
7) Be aware and do not ignore signs of water leaks
8) Ensure emergency call out numbers are available
Devices to minimise
escape of water risks
The use of technological devices such as a remote meter
reading and leak warning devices can provide useful assistance in identifying
water leaks in a supply system. They have the ability to analyse water
consumption and recognise abnormal usage trends, facilitating an early warning
of water leaks.
In addition to this, devices can be designed for individual
buildings and linked to a smartphone to enable a notification if a leak occurs
when the property is unoccupied. Some devices also have the ability to cut off
the water supply automatically.
If you would like more information on how to mitigate escape of water, please do not hesitate to call us on 01789 766 888.