Home insurer NFU Mutual is urging households across the UK to be aware of the signs of leaks from pipes, as it reveals it received almost 6,500 escape of water claims in 2023 at an average cost of £9,670.
What the insurance industry calls ‘escape of water’ damage, usually caused by a burst or leaking pipe, will often go undetected until it has caused significant damage to the external area. Not only is this disruptive to the homeowner, but it also greatly increases the cost of the damage caused, with costs often exceeding £10,000 and even £100,000. Instead of just replacing the broken fixing or pipe, extensive repairs and structural work are often required to make the property good again.
A leak can be caused by any one of a number of things, including the water in pipes freezing and thawing, old or faulty fittings or pipes, broken seals, excessive water pressure, clogs or blockages, or physical damage.
Because water or other materials are constantly moving through plumbing, a small leak which goes unnoticed can become a large escape of water, forcing the homeowner to leave their property so an extensive repair can be undertaken.
Phil Cooper, a home insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said:
“The problem with escape of water is that it can be hard to detect in its early stages. Plumbing is generally hidden away and so we don’t become aware of damage until it becomes visible, at which point the cost can run into the tens of thousands – not to mention being highly disruptive for the homeowner.
“Although it’s not something most homeowners immediately think of, this hidden danger caused more damage to our customer than storms last year, so it’s well worth taking steps to reduce the risk.
“Luckily, there are some telltale signs which can help nip escape of water damage in the bud, including a change in water pressure, any visible sign of damp or moisture, errors on your boiler or cracks or bubbling appearing on your walls or ceiling. If you spot any of these signs, it’s a good idea to turn your mains water supply off and investigate the issue.
“That is also why we’ve partnered with LeakBot to offer home insurance customers a device which can detect small leaks before they become a big problem.”
To help identify leaks before they become too damaging, NFU Mutual has partnered with LeakBot to offer small devices which alert homeowners to leaks as soon as they appear, allowing them to take action before it’s too late. The partnership will begin with 16,000 devices sent to NFU Mutual members across the UK, with the intention to provide LeakBot devices to all members following a successful trial.
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