In comparison, other forms of water damage can be caused by, for instance, river flooding, coastal flooding, surface water flooding or storm damage.
Equipment in properties which utilises water (from heating / cooling systems to general pipework or waste water systems), can suffer from escape of water and there are a number of reasons why the risk of damage has increased in recent years.
These include:
- The increasing number of appliances which use water in residential properties
- Varying water pressures
- Competence of installing contractors
- Aging systems
- Modern methods of construction using materials with increased vulnerability to water damage, to name but a few.
The following type of properties are considered at higher risk:
- Multi-occupancy properties containing residential flats and apartments
- Hotels and other accommodation
- Student accommodation.
A resultant escape of water can cause extensive damage to both buildings and contents, leaving properties uninhabitable for extensive periods of time whilst repairs and drying out methods take place. For instance, an escape of water in an upper floor flat can affect multiple flats located below it. Such incidents can result in misery for residents and can also lead to serious business interruption.