Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Water damage costs twice as much as burglary

Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:57 PM

Water damage is now a bigger problem than burglary in British homes, according to Legal & General.

The insurance company has launched a "Stop the Drop" campaign to improve awareness and help reduce the risks of water damage in future.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) estimates that escape of water cost insurance companies £730 million in 2010 – almost double the £370 million cost of burglary. The average claim cost £2,000.

Legal & General says changes in family spending explain the increase. In 1970 only 30 per cent of UK homes had central heating. Now almost 95 per cent of us do.

Almost all of us have plumbed-in white goods like washing machines and dishwashers. In 1970 only 65 per cent of us did.

Meanwhile recent bitterly cold winters have caused an increase in burst pipes, especially if preventative action has not been taken.

Malcolm Cooper, director of general insurance at Legal & General, said: "An important part of keeping the cost of household insurance cover down in the future is to improve awareness of the preventative measures that we should all take to reduce the risk of damage from an escape of water happening in the first place."

Legal & General's ‘Stop the Drop' tips to help protect and minimise water leaks in the home include:

- Check insulation and lagging on any water pipes and tanks. Don't forget any pipes outside or in a loft.

- Between November and March, make sure a property is at least 12ªC during day and night, particularly if away from home, even if only overnight.

- If going away, on holiday or for work reasons, keep the loft hatch open so that warm air can get to any pipes in this space.

- Find out where the stop tap is located. This is the first thing needed to stop water escaping if a pipe does burst.

- Consider fitting a device to detect water leaks which then cut off the water supply.

- Check radiator valves regularly for leaks.

- Check the sealant around a bath or shower and replace if loose or damaged.

- Check washers on taps and replace them as soon as they start to drip.

- Check the plumbing connections on a washing machine, dishwasher or fridge if it is plumbed in, particularly those with icemakers and replace valves that show any signs of
leaking.

- Check the overflows on toilets, water tanks and central heating header tanks regularly.

- Check and clear gutters regularly and repair any damage so water is not able to seep into a property.

- If any patches of damp, mildew or mould appear, get them checked immediately as they might be caused by a gradual leak. Getting them fixed as soon as possible will prevent more serious damage happening later.

Want to be the first to know when we break a story? Follow @AboutProperty on Twitter and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.

 

Related stories

Getting insurance for houses near rivers is likely to become even more difficult in future. Image:Baca

UK's first amphibious house

Britain's first amphibious house will be built on the banks of the Thames later this year.

 Problems with damp can be extremely expensive. Image:Thinkstock

Owners warned to watch out for damp rip-off

Magazine investigation finds firms failing to spot problems and recommending unnecessary work.
Getting somebody out to fix leaking pipes can be difficult in winter when they are busiest.

Winter tips for landlords

Cold weather can be a big problem for landlords and their tenants. Here's our guide to help you dodge the usual issues.

 Homeowners should remember flood risks

Weather damage 'more devastating than burglary'

Weather damage is harder to predict and guard against than burglary, homeowners have been warned.
Naughty dog

In the doghouse: Pet damage costs owners £3.3bn

A new survey has revealed that damage caused by pets costs owners a lot more than the monthly supply of Pedigree Chum. Are you insured?

 Putting in cavity wall insulation is probably not an option. Image:Rightmove

Property of the week: The water tower

Dating back to 1780 our property of the week is thought to be the second oldest water tower in the UK.
The cost of buildings cover rose 14.3 per cent in the last year according to the AA British Premium Index

Buildings insurance costs soar

Harsh winters and severe weather events drive up premiums to record high.

 Getting a house nearby might set you back a bit. Image:Thinkstock

How much extra do you pay to buy near the tube?

Homes within 500m of a London tube or train station cost £27,000 more than those 1.5km away, finds Nationwide.

Not turning appliances off properly costs the average household £30 a year. Image:Thinkstock

Top ten tips: Cutting costs in your home

Is your new year's resolution to save a bit more money? Here's a few tips from Abacus Estates.

 RICS are warning that the effect of snow is often not seen until it melts. Image:Liquid Library

Look out for winter weather damage

Owners warned to check their property inside and out in case of more freezing weather.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

A guide to finding the right kitchen sink

When redesigning a kitchen or giving the room a makeover, it is important not to forget about the less obvious aspects of the space. Kitchen sinks are an essential fitting, but often overlooked, despite the fact there is a wide choice of styles available.

Useful tips to help find a flat in London

Looking for flats in London can be a frustrating process, given the capital's size, demand for rental accommodation and varying prices. It is vital, therefore, that you do plenty of research and act quickly to ensure you get the place that you want.

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.