Preventing burst pipes and leaks
Mitigating burst pipes and leaks requires regular inspection, insulation, and maintenance to safeguard plumbing and minimise water damage
‘Escape of water’ is consistently the most common claim we see at Total Landlord and is also the most common reason why landlords make an insurance claim across the UK.
‘Escape of water’ is defined as ‘when water has entered the property by the mains water supply and caused damage’.
It usually refers to a leak within the property that is caused by something like a burst pipe, a faulty washing machine or a leaking toilet.
Even a small leak can cause significant damage, leading to flooding and mould.
The highest claim we ever paid out for escape of water was for £145,855 after a slow leak underneath a bath rotted the flooring in a building.
Around one in three escape of water claims at Total Landlord are due to a burst pipe, and this can be expensive and time-consuming to fix.
The average claim for burst pipes at Total Landlord was £2,596 between 2019 and 2023, but recent figures from the British Association of Insurers show that the average cost of weather-related home insurance claims for burst pipes was £9.300.
A severe snap of cold weather can lead to a surge in claims – the ‘Beast from the East’ in 2018 led to a tenfold increase in pipe claims compared to the previous year.
Fortunately, there are some simple preventative steps landlords can take to reduce the risk of a burst pipe.
Check for leaks during periodic inspections
Lag internal pipes in colder areas and insulate external pipes using foam sleeving
Seal air leaks for example around dryer vents
Get the boiler serviced every 12 months before winter to prevent breakdowns during cold weather and arrange an annual gas safety check
Set the thermostat to 13 °C between November and April if the property is unoccupied
Ask tenants to contact you if they spot a leak or the toilet is blocked, and make sure they have your plumber’s details in case of an emergency
Ask tenants to turn off the water mains at the stopcock if they are leaving the property empty
For more advice, read our guide, ‘How to avoid burst pipes in your rental property’.
Watch our short video, which is packed with practical tips to help you and your tenants avoid burst pipes.
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