1. Minimise the leak damage
by Admin
Posted on 28-03-2023 12:22 PM
Some steps you can take to minimise the chances of an incident happening this winter are outlined below:
the best ways to maintain your pipes all year round are:
1. Stopcocks – know where these are and make sure that you test them regularly as they often seize up. If there is an escape of water / water leak in your home, turning off the stop cock asap can help to limit the level of damage caused. Find out more about stopcocks here.
2. Consider fitting a leak detection device which will monitor your usual water use and turn off the water if it suspects a leak.
https://www.pdla.ie/water-damage
Luckily, there are ways to prevent or minimise water damage. Here are some things you can do to avoid a costly claim: check for cracked tiles, damaged or missing bath and shower sealant, and grout and replace them if needed check for any visible signs of leaks, like damp patches or brown marks on ceilings. Don’t leave taps unattended when they’re running lag pipes which are vulnerable to freezing (like those in the loft). Know where your stopcocks are, and test them so you know they’re working if you need to turn them off if there’s a leak get a professional to fit a leak detection device which can monitor your water use and turn off the water if it suspects a leak.
2. Record evidence for your insurance firm
Although not essential, there are some other tips that can help increase your chances of a successful water leak insurance claim.
Always obtain photographic and video evidence of the damage caused to your property. Use your mobile phone and ensure that you mention the date and time when you are recording the video. This is additional proof of the damage, and although not 100 percent irrefutable, it will undoubtedly assist your case. Never start the process of repairing the damage until you are 100 percent confident that the leak has been dealt with and is no longer a problem.
3. Contact your insurance company
When your home is flooded, you need to report flood damage to your home insurance company. But you shouldn't return to you home until it's safe. You should keep a record of dates and times you contact your insurer.
A phone call is usually the first contact when making an insurance claim. In our experience, this call is often a point where confusing information is exchanged, and it is the primary cause of most future problems our customers experience. 1. Read your documents before contacting your insurance company 2. Understand what they will and will not cover before you call 3. When you call, take notes & refer to the relevant parts of your documents your insurance company will have an array of policies; covered in yours may not be available to the operative when you call; often, they will err on the side of caution and tell you something is not covered that you later find is.
Escape of water claims come in all shapes and sizes and each one is unique. That’s why we tailor our service to your specific circumstances. The most common causes of water damage are due to: frozen and burst pipes. Asbestos sampling, testing & removal – found in artex coatings, marley/vinyl composition tiles and bitumen adhesive. Structural repairs – water damage that’s affected the structural safety of the building. Leak detection service – we use non invasive equipment to find hidden leaks behind walls, floors and ceilings. Trace and access claims – get assistance claiming for the cost of; finding the source of the leak, exposing it and repairing any damage caused during the process.