Escape of water

Escape of water is a common home insurance claim. In fact, 26% of all MORE THAN home insurance claims between January and March 2023 were for escape of water.

Unfortunately, even the smallest leak can cause significant damage to your home. To help protect your property (and your bank balance!) this guide will show you what to look out for and provide you with tips to prevent a damaging leak.

What is escape of water?

‘Escape of water’ is how insurers describe a claim where water has escaped and caused damage to your home. Causes include worn pipe joints and valves and leaks from home appliances.

Is escape of water the same as flooding?

Escape of water and flooding have different causes and different levels of damage. This is why insurance companies distinguish between them.

An external water source, such as a river bursting its banks or heavy rainfall may lead to flooding. This can be very destructive and can cause widespread damage to homes and businesses.

Escape of water is usually caused by an internal water source, such as a burst pipe or leaking appliance. Not as destructive as flooding, but it can still cause significant damage.

It’s important to check your policy for escape of water and flooding cover and exclusions.

Is escape of water covered by buildings or contents insurance?

This depends on what the escape of water has damaged.

If escape of water damaged the structure of your home, buildings insurance may cover this. For example, your wooden floorboards become soaked and warped.

If escape of water damages your belongings, such as carpets or TV, contents insurance may cover this.

You'll need buildings and contents insurance to cover your belongings and your home.

What does escape of water insurance cover?

MORE THAN Home Buildings and Contents insurance covers you for the following:

freezing of fixed water or fixed heating systems such as burst pipes
water leaks from washing machines and dishwashers
water leaks from fixed water or fixed heating systems such as pipes and boilers

Cover can vary between insurers, so it’s important to check what a policy does and doesn’t include.

The following escape of water exclusions apply with MORE THAN Home Insurance policies:

the escape of water excess that applies to your policy

damage that occurs while your house is unoccupied or unfurnished for more than 60 days in a row

damage to the appliance or system the water escapes from, unless freezing was the cause

Common causes of escape of water

The following are some of the most common causes of escape of water in a home:

blocked sink and bath drains caused by a build-up of cooking fat, oil, coffee grounds, food, soap suds and hair

leaks from showers or wet rooms

leaks from loft tanks when ballcocks stick causing overflow

defective appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers and their associated pipework

leaking central heating system

worn pipe joints/valves

frozen and burst pipes in the roof space due to insufficient insulation

overflowing gutters or down pipes

How to prevent escape of water damage

Reduce the risk of damage from from escape of water by addressing the common causes.

Here are some ways to prevent water-related problems in your home:

Burst water pipes caused by freezing conditions, normal use or ageing, or damage:

ensure proper insulation of pipes, especially in colder areas
if your home will be empty for a few days, keep the central heating on low, at around 15 degrees Celsius. If you’re going away for more than 14 days, turn the mains stopcock off and drain the water system completely
get a frost stat fitted to your central heating system in cold areas where pipes are vulnerable. This will switch your heating on when the temperature falls below a set level

Blocked sink and bath drains caused by a build-up of cooking fat, oil, coffee grounds, food, soap suds, and hair:

clean and maintain drains regularly to prevent blockages
avoid disposing of cooking fat, oil, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the sink or drain
use drain guards or strainers to catch debris and hair

Leaks from showers or wet rooms:

ensure proper installation by qualified professionals
inspect seals, grouting, and caulking for signs of damage or wear
quickly address any leaks or water damage

Leaks from loft tanks when ballcocks stick causing overflow:

inspect ballcocks for proper functionality on a regular basis
ensure proper maintenance of the ballcock mechanism
replace faulty ballcocks to prevent overflow

Defective appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers and their associated pipework:

inspect and maintain appliances regularly to ensure proper functioning
check hoses and connections for leaks or signs of wear
replace damaged or worn-out components

Leaking central heating system such as radiators or boilers:

schedule regular maintenance and inspections for your heating system
address any leaks or issues right away
maintain appropriate water pressure and ensure proper installation of components

Worn pipe joints/valves:

inspect pipe joints and valves regularly for signs of wear or damage
replace worn-out or faulty joints and valves as soon as possible
consider professional installation or repair for complex plumbing connections

Insufficient insulation of pipes in the roof space:

consider putting fibreglass at least 6 inches (150 mm) thick, or non-combustible granules in any loft area. Plus, get all the pipes and tanks lagged by a professional
if it’s very cold, consider opening the loft trap door to let warmer air from other parts of the house circulate in the loft
inspect insulation and address any issues right away

Overflowing gutters or down pipes:

arrange for regular clearing of gutters and down pipes, removing debris and blockages
ensure proper installation and alignment of gutters and down pipes
consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris accumulation

How to detect a leak

The earlier you detect and deal with leaks, the less the damage caused.

Here are 3 ways to check for leaks:

check your water meter: turn the water off inside and outside the home by checking the stop valves. Record the water meter reading, wait for 15 minutes then check the meter again. If the meter shows water usage during the test, investigate for a possible leak
inspect your pipes: examine your pipework for deterioration, cracks or bulges. Investigate any damp patches on ceilings as soon as possible
check behind kitchen fittings and cupboards: look for signs of water such as small puddles or leaking pipe joints

Early detection and quick action can help prevent potential issues that could lead to water damage.

Leakbot - what is it?

There are various high-tech solutions available to help you detect and prevent leaks in your home.

Leakbot is one example. This gadget aims to alert you to drips, so that you can address the problem before it becomes a bigger issue.

Clip the box to the pipe near your stop tap and Leakbot will detect any change in the flow of water through your pipes. You can even receive alerts to your phone for 24/7 peace of mind.

What to do if you have a leak

Before calling a plumber and your insurer, there are steps you can take to help reduce the damage:

turn off the main water supply to stop the flow of water and prevent further damage
turn off the power and avoid electrical appliances. Get in touch with an electrician first if you have to stand in water to turn off the mains electricity
place buckets or towels to catch dripping water, preventing further spread
take photos or videos of the leak and any damage, for insurance purposes
call our 24/7 home emergency helpline* if further damage is likely, you can't stay in your home, or your safety is at risk

*Home Emergencies aren't covered during the initial 7-day period after the policy is taken out. Exclusions and restrictions apply.