The impacts of water damage at home

If water is let loose in your home – say, from a burst pipe – the damage can be significant. Even a small leak can cause a large amount of damage over time. 

Water can damage parts of your property like cabinetry, flooring and more, potentially leading to costly and inconvenient repairs. It can also damage your contents – perhaps even irreplaceable items like photographs. 

Your health can also be impacted, with water-damaged homes carring a greater risk of developing problems with things like mould. 

How to reduce the risk of water damage at home

Even if your insurance policy covers damage like that mentioned above, prevention is usually preferable to repair. The good news is, it’s pretty simple to reduce the risk of water-related damage at home. 

Regular checks are key. Inspect things like plumbed appliances, hoses under sinks, taps, and so on. Don’t forget to check outside too, as things like your gutters and roof can also wear over time. Any leaks or signs of wear could be a good indicator to inspect further, or call in a professional for help. 

The impact of regular maintenance on your insurance 

Regular checks don’t just mean you’ll be less likely to experience water damage; they also mean you’re more likely to be able to claim if damage does occur. 

With a Suncorp Home Insurance policy, damage caused by wear, tear and gradual deterioration isn’t covered. The same is true of damage caused by or to, for example, a leaking shower floor or base.

So, getting on top of these things before they become bigger problems can save you a lot of money and hassle. 

For more detail on what is and isn’t covered by Suncorp Home Insurance, refer to the PDS. 

The risk of damage from flexi-hoses

What are flexi-hoses?

Flexible braided hoses – often called flexi-hoses – are a common style of plumbing fitting. They’re a rubber hose reinforced externally with stainless steel webbing, fitted with clamped stainless steel fittings on either end. 

They’re especially common in bathrooms and kitchens, where their flexibility, low cost, and ease of installation make them a popular choice for connecting taps and other fittings to the main water supply. 

What are the risks presented by flexi-hoses?

Flexi-hoses can leak or burst for a variety of reasons, such as the following:

• Gradual wear and tear associated with ageing.
• Incorrect installation, leading to a kink or crimp in the hose.

More about Suncorp Home Insurance claims

How can I reduce my risk of damage from burst flexi-hoses?

It’s pretty straightforward – just checking them regularly is the best thing you can do. 

The corrosion that results in burst hoses usually occurs gradually, visible as a spot of discolouration before the hose fails completely. If you spot this corrosion – or a plumber you’ve called in spots it – you know it’s time to replace your flexi-hose. 

DIY-minded home owners might have a go at this themselves, but a licensed plumber can provide professional help. They’ll also be able to provide assurance that the installation is correct, with no kinks or crimps. 

What if an incident of water damage does occur in my home?

If you’re a Suncorp Home Insurance customer and your home has been damaged, lodge a claim ASAP. The sooner water damage is dealt with, the better. If it’s left too long, further damage – such a mould – can occur, which could impact your insurance cover for these claim types.

If you’re not sure whether the damage is covered, or you want to discuss your options, feel free to get in touch. 

If you’re not yet a Suncorp Home Insurance customer, feel free to read about our options and get to know whether they’re right for you. 

Learn about Suncorp Home Insurance

Read more:

• Hazards and risks in the home
• The most common Suncorp Home & Contents Insurance claims in Australia
• How to make a storm damage insurance claim

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.