WAtERDAmAgE


In a block of flats a water leak or burst pipe cancause devastatingdamagetothe structureofthe building,electricalwiring, fixturesand fittingsaswellasdamageto contents.


Unfortunately,most waterleaks do not inconveniencethe leaseholderwiththe leak, but usually the blameless occupier below.Watermanagementdevices such as Sure Stopwww.surestop.co.uk andLeaksafe www.leaksafewater.comhave become popularwithflat andapartment owners - with themere flick of a switch, water flowis restrictedwhilst you are out or away.


ACtIoNS to tAkEoN DISCovERy of A lEAk


nTurn off thewater supply stop cock.Make


sure you knowwhere it is. nIf thereisnoshutoffstop cock located inside the flat then itmay have a shared watersupply, somake sure youcan getto thestop valve-thisisnormallylocated wherethe waterentersthe building, then tell your neighbours,astheir watersupply


maybeaffected. nIf appropriate,turnoffcentral heating


andany otherwater heatingsystems. nDrain waterpipes andtanks.Oncethe waterheating systemshavebeenshut down,turnonthe taps to help drain the systemfully of theremainingwater to minimise damage.


nTurn off theelectrics if theescapeof waterisnearyourelectricalwiringor appliances. If any live electrical equipment is wet, do nottouch it –sendfor aqualified


electrician nWarn the occupiers of the flats directly belowsothatstepsmaybetaken to reduce thelikelihood of anydamagetotheir


properties. nIf water starts to seep through the ceiling in the flat belowtry and collect it in a suitable container. Should the ceiling begin to bulgeconsiderpiercingthe plasterwitha wooden broomhandle or similar implement to release the water and prevent the ceiling fromcollapsing.Caremay need to be taken againstdisturbingany asbestos contained


in artexcovered ceilings. nNotify your Insurer, Residents’ Management Companyandmaintenance company, as appropriate,assoonas possible andfind areputable plumber to effectrepairs.Yourinsurance companyor Residents’Management Companymay be able to provide youwithdetails of preferred andcompetent contractors.


Afterwards, always remember tomake sure that your hot water systemis completely refilledagain withoutairlocksbefore switchingonboilers,orswitching on immersion heaters in tanks etc.


Waterdamagecan cost tens of thousands of pounds. Suitablemeasures such as thoseoutlinedabove will help controlyour insurancecosts.


Flat Living GUIDETO INSURANCE 15


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