What should you do if faced with a burst pipe?
Find out the steps you should take in the event of a burst pipe in your property
Knowing what to do if the worst happens can help reduce both the spread of water damage and the size of your claim. We have put together the following steps to follow if this occurs in your property.
Turn off the water mains at the stopcock (often found under the kitchen sink)
If there is a risk of water reaching electrical equipment, turn off electricity at the fuse box. Keep away from light switches and sockets
Your insurance will not cover your tenant’s possessions
Check the property for water damage, for example a bulging ceiling which could indicate that water is pooling above
Collect the water into large containers and mop up any excess water to help prevent secondary damage
Provide your tenants with a dehumidifier as this will help remove any water or dampness from the property (which will also help prevent condensation, damp and mould).
If the moisture is contained within a specific room, close the windows and doors as dehumidifiers work best in enclosed areas
If the pipe is concealed a plumber may be needed to locate and repair the leak
If making a claim take lots of photos of the damage
In case of an emergency make sure you provide your tenants with information on how to turn off the water and who to contact (agent, housekeeper, plumber)
Prevention is the key to minimising the likelihood of pipes bursting. By carrying out regular maintenance and inspections of your rental property, you will reduce your risk and mitigate against the extent of damage in the worst case scenario that you are faced with a burst pipe.
But despite thorough preparation, burst pipes can and do happen. And the sooner you are able to rectify the issue the better. It is vital to urge tenants to inform you as quickly as possible if they spot any damp patches, leaks, bulges or blockages that could indicate that there is a problem, and that they are clear on what to do in the event of an emergency.
If a pipe bursts in the ceiling or floor it can take time before the problem becomes apparent. The first thing your tenants may notice is when a bulge appears in the ceiling or water is flowing down the walls.
The potential water loss from burst pipes can be as much as 400 litres, the equivalent of two full baths an hour. In a full day that equates to 9,600 litres of water or 48 baths of water in your property from burst pipes.
Clearly prevention and early detection are key to minimising damage and protecting your property from costly and disruptive water damage that can occur from burst and faulty pipework.
Our guide, property maintenance tips for all seasons, offers lots of useful advice to help landlords carry out key maintenance checks all year round.
And in Get winter ready: everything you need to protect your property, you will find detailed guidance on the specific measures you need to take to prepare for the colder weather, saving you time and money, as well as promoting a good relationship with your tenant.
The first is by being vigilant and spotting potential problems with pipework early. The earlier you identify potential problems, the quicker you can address them before they become catastrophic. The second, in the event that a leak does occur, is taking action as quickly as possible to minimise the amount of water that escapes to reduce the impact. However, this can be difficult for residents to do alone without assistance.Landlords, in particular, may not access their properties regularly and tenants may not be as attentive as you would like. That is where technology can help. In our experience, leaks are manageable, and even avoidable, with the correct leak detection and prevention devices in place. They can shut off water supply immediately when a leak occurs and alert you to the problem via your mobile phone. Smart meter technology can also help identify dripping taps and leaking tanks, allowing you to resolve the problem, reducing unnecessary water waste that can lower bills and make your property more environmentally friendly.
Top tip: As a landlord it may be worth investing in a leak detection and prevention device and smart meter technology.
If you discover that your rental property has been damaged because of a burst pipe and you need to make a claim, it is important to notify your insurers at the earliest opportunity so that they can rectify the damage as soon as possible.
At Total Landlord, our claims team report a higher incidence of ‘escape of water’ claims in winter, when pipes freeze.
Escape of water continues to be the most pressing concern for landlords across the UK.
Making sure that you have comprehensive landlord insurance in place provides peace of mind that you are protected in the event that your rental property is damaged by a burst pipe this winter.
A policy like Total Landlord Insurance’s Premier policy will not only cover the cost of repair work but also loss of rent and alternative accommodation.
