An escape of water claim is a home insurance claim for damage caused by water escaping from pipes, tanks, appliances or the heating system — burst pipes, leaking showers, failed washing machine hoses and similar. Most claims follow the same steps: stop the water, record the damage, tell your insurer, find the cause, dry the property, then repair.
What usually counts as escape of water?
- Burst or leaking pipes, including frozen pipes.
- Leaks from water tanks, cylinders and radiators.
- Leaks from washing machines, dishwashers and other fixed appliances.
- Leaking showers and baths (depending on the policy wording).
Rain coming in through a roof is usually treated as storm damage, and overflowing baths or sinks are often treated as accidental damage. Wording varies between insurers, so always check your own policy.
What is often excluded?
- Gradual leaks that have been going on for a long time.
- Wear and tear and lack of maintenance, such as failed grout or sealant.
- The cost of repairing the pipe or appliance that leaked (some policies).
- Damage to properties left unoccupied for longer than the policy allows.
Step-by-step: making an escape of water claim
- Stop the water and make the property safe.
- Take photos and video of the damage and the source before anything is moved.
- Call your insurer or broker and get a claim reference. Ask whether they will send their own contractor or want you to arrange the work.
- Find the leak. If your policy has trace and access cover, the cost of finding and accessing the leak may be covered. See leak detection.
- Prevent further damage. Insurers expect reasonable steps, such as removing standing water and starting drying — see water damage drying.
- Keep records: receipts, moisture readings, drying reports and meter readings for the electricity used by drying equipment.
- Repairs start once the property is confirmed dry.
Useful evidence for your claim
| Evidence | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Photos of the source and the damage | Shows cause and extent before anything was changed |
| Leak detection findings | Confirms the cause and that it was a sudden escape |
| Moisture readings over time | Shows the spread and proves the property was dried |
| Invoices and receipts | Supports what you paid for emergency work |
| Electricity meter readings | For reimbursement of drying equipment running costs, where covered |
Tenants and landlords
Tenants should tell their landlord or agent in writing straight away. The landlord’s buildings insurance usually covers the structure; tenants need their own contents insurance for belongings. Landlords should check whether their policy covers loss of rent and alternative accommodation.
Flats and leaks from neighbours
If water came from another flat, report it to that occupier and the building’s managing agent. Who claims on which policy depends on the cause and the lease. Keep a written timeline.
How we help with claims
We aren’t your insurer and can’t decide your claim, but we can find the cause, carry out drying, and give you clear photos, readings and reports that insurers and loss adjusters commonly ask for. That’s part of our water damage restoration service in Liverpool, alongside help with burst pipes and ceiling leaks.
When to call a professional
As soon as the water is off. Early drying limits the claim and the disruption. Phone 07777 659786.