Escape of Water
What may look like a small leak on the surface, could be extensive damage behind the scenes!
If water has escaped from a fixed water or heating installation within your property and this has caused damage, your insurer is likely to deem it an escape of water claim.
What may look like a small leak on the surface, could be extensive damage behind the scenes!
If water has escaped from a fixed water or heating installation within your property and this has caused damage, your insurer is likely to deem it an escape of water claim.
Restoring your home or business
Water damage caused by a burst or leaking pipe and water escaping from fixed appliances are the most common type of claim handled by Aspray. Our experience with these issues has taught us that, what may look like a small leak on the surface, could be extensive damage behind the scenes.
Whilst these types of claims are common, they are not as straightforward as you may expect. Often people find themselves having to argue their case, particularly if the insurer believes better maintenance may have prevented an issue or the policy wording is somewhat unclear.
The insurance company frequently asks the customer to obtain three quotes from local tradespeople to fix the damage, however, without knowing the extent of the damage, how can the customer know what repairs are needed? Aspray takes away this hassle.
The most common type of claim handled at Aspray is an escape of water and within a commercial property, these types of claims can be an expensive affair. Should you discover a water leak in your premises, it is important to mitigate losses as quickly as possible by turning off your water supply at the mains. Find out more about why it pays to have trace and access cover on your buildings insurance policy if you experience an escape of water here.
Leak Detection
In some instances, the leak may originate from an unknown source. We work with specialist contractors, such as leak detection companies, who use the latest technology to locate a water leak with minimal disruption.
Drying
At Aspray, we use advanced drying equipment during the reinstatement process following an escape of water. This ensures we eradicate all the moisture related to the initial peril.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the main causes of escape of water claims throughout the winter period. When temperatures drop, your home could be at risk of damage and the low temperatures could cause water pipes to freeze. Simple precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
Hidden Damage
Water can travel to many parts of the building, causing damage to areas you may not consider looking and the longer the leak is left unattended, the more problems it can cause, often a thorough investigation is required.
Has your property suffered damage due to an escape of water? Contact Aspray
Water categories
When assessing water damage, the BDMA has traditionally referred to three categories that will indicate which procedures should be followed to ensure the property is restored correctly.
When assessing water damage, the BDMA has traditionally referred to three categories that will indicate which procedures should be followed to ensure the property is restored correctly.
Category 1
White water commonly comes from internal pipe work, central heating pipes, radiators and shower/bath overflow scenarios. White water is less than 72 hours old and has not travelled through materials/voids and has not come from a source of contamination.
Category 2
Grey water can be potentially harmful to humans, and typically comes from electrical appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. Water is categorised as grey If the ingress is more than 72 hours old and has been exposed to other materials/voids.
Category 3
Black water contains pathogenic agents that are harmful and can cause sickness if exposed to humans. Black water is typically sewage and flood water and can contain pathogens such as Hepatitis B and C, Norovirus, Tetanus and more.
Each of these categories of water require a different approach.
Each of these categories of water require a different approach.
Preventing further damage
In a water damage claim, it is important that measures are taken to prevent secondary damage, where possible.
This could include removing any furniture that is at risk of absorbing moisture to a dryer environment. Removing un-restorable saturated items, like carpets, and removing damp items such as papers and books that could stain wood surfaces.
The drying process varies depending on the amount of water, the length of time the water has stood, and how porous the material is. It is crucial that sufficient drying time is given depending on the material, as this will alleviate the risk of fungi appearing in hidden voids, and therefore causing future damage.
Wood/Gypsum
Quick drying
Less than 7 days
Thermalite/Lathe/Plaster
Moderate drying
7 to 14 days
Clinker Block/Concrete
Slow drying
14 days+
Insulated Floors/Walls
Specialist drying
Complex constructions
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