We hear a lot about “liquid escape,” and how it might destroy your house. But what constitutes liquid escaping, and how can you prevent it?
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from preventing disease to what your insurance should cover.
What Is Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance in the Case of Water Damage?
Water leaks are typically covered by any good home insurance policy. Home & Contents Insurance provides coverage for loss and damage caused by a rapid escape of liquid (or a slow, unnoticed leak). So, if a pipe bursts all of a sudden or little dripping inside a wall accumulates over time, you’ll most likely be protected.
However, it is not only the loss and harm that must be compensated for. We’ll also cover the necessary costs of investigating the source of a water leak if it’s unclear. Water damage may rear its ugly head at times, but there is no obvious pipe that has collapsed. It’s critical we address the root of the problem now so that future damage doesn’t get worse.
To discover if your insurance covers water damage, always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and your Insurer.
What is the definition of ‘liquid escape’?
‘Escape of liquid’ is what it sounds like, and it’s generally a bad thing. This might be caused by a variety of factors around the house, including:
- A washing machine that breaks down
- A bathtub pipe that bursts
- A faulty heating system that leaks
- A waterbed or aquarium that bursts.
We do not cover leaks that are avoidable, such as those caused by damage to shower walls and bases owing to normal wear and tear on tile grout and silicone joints.
How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Home
If you take these simple precautions, the loss of liquid from your roof should be prevented before it has a chance to harm your house. To assist minimize the possibility of it happening, follow these easy home maintenance measures:
Inspect Your Flexi-hoses on a Six-Monthly Basis
The most common reasons for water damage in the house are flexible hoses. So, if you want to prevent liquid from leaking out, this is the place to start.
At least twice a year, run your fingertips and thumb along the length of the braided hose to check for fraying or unravelling. It should feel flat and smooth, at least in theory. If you discover anything rough, spiky, or bulging,
If you’re certain that your toilets are clogged, have a plumber/tradesperson replace them for you.
Date of Manufacture
Whether it’s ancient hoses or heating systems, if your property’s water system has a manufacturer/maintenance date, be sure you’re aware of it.
There are plenty of 5-year warranties on Flexi-hoses throughout the house. If that’s the case, it means the manufacturer only expects it to last for five years. At that point, you’re better off replacing it carefully before it leaks anymore.
Check for Signs of Water Damage Early on
Don’t overlook a few minor drops you may notice under the sink. You’re really fortunate if you’ve spotted the early indications of spilled water and caught it before any damage was done. Make sure the area is kept dry, that no water comes into contact with any cabinets or walls (if practical), and that the leak is addressed as soon as feasible.
Don’t Expect to Come Home to a Sea of Complications
If you’re going on vacation, turn off the water at the main. The main water line is generally positioned outside near the front of your home. You may prevent water from reaching your property by turning the valve handle fully clockwise.
If you continue to allow the water level to drop, it will be easier for your basement wall to bear the strain. If a pipe bursts while you’re away, the damage will be lessened when you return.