10 tips to reduce the risk of water damage

Many homeowners install locks, alarms and smoke detectors to safeguard their properties against theft and fire – yet they often leave their homes vulnerable to a more common and costly risk: internal water damage.

Currently one of the leading causes of property loss in Australia, internal water damage has surpassed fire and burglary in both frequency and cost.  At the heart of this issue is the failure of an often overlooked, but critical component: the flexible plumbing hose, or 'flexi-hose'.

Flexi-hoses connect water supply lines to a variety of household fixtures such as sinks, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, fridges, and water filters.  These hoses – often braided metal, hard plastic or thin tubing – operate under constant mains water pressure.

A ruptured flexi-hose can release up to 1,500 litres of water per hour. If the rupture occurs on an upper level of a home or while the property is unoccupied, water can cascade through the building, causing extensive damage in a matter of hours.

In addition to burst flexi-hoses, faulty appliances, blocked gutters, and clogged drains are also major contributors to water damage in Australian homes.  Beyond the financial burden, the disruption can be significant, with many families having to vacate their homes for extended periods while repair work takes place.

To minimise the risk of internal water damage and avoid the potential inconvenience and cost of repairs, consider these 10 proactive steps to protect your home:

Plumbing supply systems are a primary contributor to internal water damage. Regular inspections help identify potential issues such as leaks, damage and corrosion.  Chubb has established a panel of reputable licenced plumbers who are trained in conducting thorough Plumbing Health Checks.

If you notice any signs of leakage or corrosion on your flexi-hoses, they need to be replaced immediately. Even minor wear can lead to a sudden burst, which has the potential to flood your home.  When replacing a flexi-hose, always choose a high-quality product that meets the Australian Standard Certification AS 3499:2022.  All hoses should be installed by a licensed plumber to ensure proper fitting and compliance with regulations.

Flexi-hoses should be replaced every 5-10 years – even if they appear to be in good condition.  Proactive replacement is far less costly than emergency repairs and the potential disruption of a flooded home.

Shut-off valves, particularly the automatic models, detect unusual water flow – a sign of a leak or burst pipe – and instantly shut off the main water supply.  These can be particularly useful when you are away from home.

To help prevent water damage while you are away from home, it is important to turn off the water supply at each wet area.  Depending on the nature of your plumbing configuration, you may be able to isolate the water supply by shutting off stop taps found under your sinks or on connected appliances.  In the same way we turn off the lights and activate our home alarms, this is a simple step you can do before going on vacation which will significantly reduce the risk of leaks.

Water pressure at any outlet should not exceed 500kPa, as required by Australian Plumbing Standard: AS/NZS 3500.1:2021.   Excessively high water pressure can cause pipes and appliances to fail, increasing the risk of leaks, property damage and unnecessary water wastage.

Storing cleaning products under sinks can accelerate the corrosion of the metal braiding in flexi-hoses.  Many household chemicals, particularly chlorine-based chemicals, create hydrochloric acid when exposed to humidity.  This acidic environment corrodes the stainless-steel braiding, increasing the risk of hose failure and in turn potential water damage.

Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to keep your AC unit running effectively and to prevent leaks.  A major air conditioner leak can damage walls, floors and ceilings, promote mould growth and even compromise the structural integrity of your home.  To reduce the risk of these leaks, routinely check for cracked pipes, faulty pumps, and ensure that drip trays are clean and drain lines are clear and unobstructed.

Checking and resealing the areas around baths and showers is another simple yet effective maintenance step which can prevent water damage.  A poorly sealed area may allow water to seep into the surrounding walls, floors, below ceilings and nearby fixtures.  This can lead to mould growth and gradually weaken supporting structures.

Regularly inspect your home’s foundation walls and surrounding garden areas for signs of excessive moisture, as this may indicate a problem with your stormwater drainage.  Left unaddressed, poor drainage can undermine the structural integrity of your home’s foundation and lead to other forms of water damage.

Water damage can be both financially and emotionally disruptive, often striking unexpectedly and spreading quickly.  The good news is that these 10 proactive measures can significantly lower the risk – and in many cases, prevent incidents entirely.

Chubb’s Masterpiece policy provides superior levels of cover for homes, contents, fine art and jewellery, family protection and personal liability.  To determine the right level of coverage for you and for more expert advice on water damage, fire and theft, please visit Masterpiece Homeowners Insurance.