Escape of water, the insurance term for water leaking from pipes, tanks or appliances, is the single most common home insurance claim in the UK. A burst pipe under a floor or a slow leak behind a wall can soak through plaster, joists and flooring before anyone notices. Here is how a claim is handled from the first leak to a fully reinstated home.
What counts as escape of water
Escape of water covers sudden and gradual leaks from your plumbing and water systems: burst pipes, failed washing machine hoses, overflowing tanks and leaking heating systems. It is different from flooding, which comes from outside the property. Most buildings policies cover both, but they are assessed differently.
Why drying comes first
The biggest mistake on a water claim is rushing to redecorate before the structure is properly dry. Trapped moisture leads to mould, lingering damp smells and ruined finishes that have to be redone. Professional structural drying, using monitored equipment to bring moisture levels back to normal, is an essential first stage, and a legitimate part of the claim.
Only once readings confirm the building is dry should reinstatement begin.
The reinstatement stage
Reinstatement puts the property back to its pre-loss condition: replacing damaged plaster, flooring and joinery, repairing or renewing affected electrics and kitchens or bathrooms where needed, then replastering, decorating and finishing. Matching existing finishes so repairs blend in seamlessly is part of doing the job well.
How long does it take
A minor leak might be a few weeks including drying; a major escape of water affecting several rooms can take a few months. Clear scheduling and progress reporting keep everyone informed. You can read more about how we manage claims end to end on our insurance reinstatement page.
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Whether it is an insurance claim, a new build or an extension across Somerset and Devon, we are happy to give honest, expert advice.
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