Don’t let a burst water pipe dampen your holiday
Before heading away this summer homeowners should check their taps and turn off their main water supply or risk coming home to a very wet surprise.
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New data from Suncorp reveals that on average throughout December and January, six households return from holidays per day to find water damage in their home.
Suncorp Insurance Head of Consumer Property Claims Paige Vincent said each year Suncorp sees a consistent rise in the severity and frequency of water damage claims over the summer months.
"Our experience tells us that an unexpected escape of water while away on holidays can cause significant damage and in some instances, thousands of litres of water to flood your home,” Ms Vincent said.
"Water damage intensifies the longer it is left and when households are away on holidays, even for a few nights, this damage can result in mould forming and the home being unlivable when the household returns."
Claims data from Suncorp confirms that when water damage occurs while people are away, it causes more than $17,000 worth of damage on average.
"An escape of water has the potential to ruin walls, floors, furniture, electricals, valuables and in the most extreme scenarios, the entire house. They are not only messy, but if you don’t have the right household insurance, they can be costly,” Ms Vincent said.
"If you are planning on going away this holiday season, consider turning off the main water supply to your home to avoid any unexpected water damage when you return,” she said.
#According to Suncorp, the most common cause for water damage claims are:
01
Leaks
which account for over half (55 per cent) of water claims.
02
Burst water pipes
which account for a quarter of water damage claims.
Burst pipes occur suddenly and when they do, usually cause a huge amount of damage.
"Burst or broken pipes can be difficult to spot but the longer they aren’t fixed, the more damage they cause, which is why it’s important to turn off your main water supply before heading on holidays,” Ms Vincent said.
"If you do notice a leak coming from any pipes, it’s important you get it fixed as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the worse the damage will be and depending on your insurance policy, there is potential that not reacting quickly could mean it’s not covered.”
"Throughout the year, it’s important to keep an eye on the plumbing in your home by checking your tap fittings, visible pipes, ceilings, floors and walls for any signs of water leakage or damage. If you spot anything unusual, it’s always a good idea to call in a licensed plumber to check it out,” she said.
Burst pipes are often caused by corrosion, movement or a change in water pressure. Meanwhile common causes of water leaks include from air conditioners, dishwashers, kitchen sinks, showers and toilets.
