Published 23 August 2024
Protecting your home from escape of water
Published 23 August 2024
What does escape of water mean?
You may have seen the term ‘escape of water’ in your insurance documents. It’s used to refer to a type of claim where your home’s been damaged by water getting out (escaping) from somewhere it shouldn’t. This could be down to an issue with your valves or pipe joints or any kind of leak, e.g. from washing machines, dishwashers or sinks.
What causes escape of water in the home?
Every home is prone to leaks. Dozens of pipes often run through walls and floors for plumbing and central heating, and they can be temperamental - especially in frosty weather.
Usually, the first signs of a leak in your home are a sudden loss of water pressure, mysterious puddles or damp patches appearing on a floor, wall ceiling. Sometimes though, the damage appears more dramatically - like a floor or bulge in the ceiling. When that happens, reacting quickly can help prevent further damage.
Common causes of escape of water in the home include:
- Pipes freezing in winter when the temperature drops.
- Faulty or ageing grout or sealant around showers and baths.
- Appliance failures, such as washing machines or dishwashers.
- Above-ground pipes cracking, splitting or leaking.
- Plumbing issues, including loose fittings or failed joints.
We only cover water escaping from:
- Domestic appliances
- Fixed tanks
- Pipes
What’s the difference between escape of water and a flood claim?
You’d claim under escape of water when it’s to do with something inside your house, like a pipe leaking. A flood claim is when water has entered your home from the outside, for example when a water main bursts or heavy rain causes a river to flood.
How can I keep escape of water to a minimum?
The simplest way to prevent escape of water is to stay on top of your home maintenance. Make sure any household appliances that use water, for example, are in good working order and rust-free. These tips can help you lower the likelihood of escape of water:
Keep pipes in a good state of repair and don’t let a cold snap get the better of them! Use insulation to reduce the risk of bursting.
Keep your fixtures and fittings properly maintained and make sure your appliances are behaving as expected.
Keep an eye on the rooms using water, like kitchens, bathrooms and toilets. Check floor and wall tiles for any damage and pay close attention to old grouting or any seals that are falling apart.
You’ll want to know where these internal taps are so you can turn off your water supply in case of ahome emergency. It’s also important to check they work!
If you’d like more home maintenance tips, here’s how you can help keep your gutters clean and check for blockages.
What should I do if I discover escape of water?
Remember, your safety is the most important thing and water and electricity don’t mix! If there’s water on the floor, don’t try to turn the electrics off yourself at the mains. Call an electrician. If you find a leak in your home, there are a few things you can do but you should only try them if you’re not putting yourself in any danger.
- Use your stopcock to turn off your water at the mains.
- Run your cold taps until the water stops flowing to empty your system.
- Turn your power off, and don’t touch anything electrical.
- Soak up leaked water with a mop or old towels and open up your windows.
- Keep your furniture and valuables away from the leak.
- Let your home insurance provider know, report it to your water supplier or call a plumber to get the problem fixed.
Is escape of water covered with Allianz Online Home Insurance?
Our home insurance covers you for escape of water or oil, which includes leaks from any fixed tank, domestic appliance or pipe.
The cover limit will vary between our bronze, silver or gold options, so it’s always worth referring to your policy documents for more information and to see what’s covered.
What escape of water claims are not covered?
Some causes of water damage aren't typically covered under 'escape of water'. These include:
- Wear and tear - like faulty grout or sealant that's cracked or deteriorated over time.
- Water leaking in external guttering, rainwater downpipes, roof valleys or gullies.
- Overflowing water from a shower, bath, sink, bidet or basin when taps are left on (may be covered under 'Enhanced accidental damage' if you've selected this)
if you're not sure what your cover includes, it's worth checking your home insurance documents.
