What is Escape of Water? 

Escape of water is when water leaks or bursts from your home’s fixed plumbing, heating systems, or appliances, causing damage that’s typically covered by your home insurance. It’s one of the most common (and expensive) types of home insurance claims in the UK.

Let’s break it down. 

What does escape of water mean in home insurance? 

Escape of water is when water leaks or bursts from your home’s fixed water or heating systems, pipes, or appliances, causing damage to your property.

Think of it as water going rogue. One minute it’s happily flowing through your pipes, the next it’s having a party on your Persian rug. Escape of water claims are among the most frequent types of home insurance claims, which makes sense when you consider how much plumbing runs through the average home.

What does escape of water cover include?

Your home insurance policy typically covers two types of water damage, and understanding the difference can save you a proper headache when making a claim.

Buildings insurance	Contents insurance
Structural damage to walls, floors, and ceilings	Personal belongings damaged by the water
Damaged pipework and plumbing systems	Furniture, carpets, and electronics
Kitchen units and fitted bathroom suites	Clothing and household items
Fixed items like radiators and boilers	Anything that isn’t nailed down, basically

The general rule? If it’s part of the structure or permanently fixed to your home, it falls under buildings cover. If you could pack it up and take it with you when you move, it’s contents cover.

What’s not covered?

Let’s manage expectations here. Escape of water cover isn’t a magic wand for all water woes. Here’s what typically doesn’t make the cut:

• Gradual damage: If water’s been slowly seeping through dodgy grout or worn sealant over months, that’s usually considered wear and tear rather than escape of water. Insurance covers sudden, unforeseen events—not the slow march of time.
• Maintenance issues: Leaky taps, perished seals, or ancient pipework that’s given up the ghost? These fall under general maintenance, which is your responsibility as a homeowner.
• External flooding: Water coming from outside (rivers, drains, or that biblical rainstorm) falls under flood cover, not escape of water. Different beast entirely.
• Accidental damage: Left the bath running whilst you popped out for milk? That might fall under accidental damage rather than escape of water, depending on your policy.

What are the most common causes of escape of water? 

Here are the usual suspects that keep loss adjusters busy:

Burst pipes

The UK’s favourite winter pastime. When temperatures drop, water in pipes can freeze, expand, and pop, you’ve got yourself a burst pipe. Frozen pipes are particularly sneaky because the damage often doesn’t show until the thaw begins.

Appliance failures

Your trusty dishwashers and washing machines work hard, but they’re not immortal. Worn seals, loose connections, or just plain wear and tear can turn them into water fountains.

Central heating system issues

Radiators, boilers, and the maze of pipes behind your walls can develop leaks over time. Sometimes it’s gradual (hello, damp patches), sometimes it’s dramatic.

Blocked drains and pipework

Blockages can cause water to back up and overflow, especially during heavy rain or if someone’s been a bit liberal with what goes down the plughole.

DIY gone wrong

We’ve all been there. A simple plumbing job turns into a scene from Titanic. Sometimes it’s best to call a plumber from the start.

What is escape of water excess?

Escape of water excess is the amount your insurance company deducts from your claim payout when water damage occurs. 

How much is escape of water excess?

Escape of water excess typically ranges from £400 to £800, depending on what you chose when you bought your policy. You pick this amount upfront, it’s not a surprise bill that arrives later.

Here’s how it works:

• Higher excess = Lower monthly premiums + More deducted from claims
• Lower excess = Higher monthly premiums + Less deducted from claims

When does it apply?

The excess kicks in specifically for damage caused by water escaping from:

• Fixed water or heating systems
• Pipes and pipework
• Appliances like washing machines or dishwashers

But there’s a catch. If a single water leak damages both your building and contents, say, a burst pipe floods your kitchen, damaging both the floor and your furniture, you only pay one excess. The insurance company applies the highest relevant excess, not multiple ones. Sorted.

How can I prevent escape of water damage? 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as your Nan probably said. Here’s how to keep water where it belongs:

Know your stopcock

Find your main water stopcock and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is. When disaster strikes, turning off the water supply quickly can save you thousands in damage.

Regular maintenance

• Check washing machine and dishwasher hoses annually
• Look for damp patches around radiators and pipes
• Keep an eye on toilet cisterns and water tanks
• Get your boiler serviced regularly

Winter prep

• Insulate exposed pipes
• Keep heating on low when you’re away
• Know the signs of frozen pipes (no water flow, frost on pipes)

Leak detection

Consider installing leak detection devices, especially near appliances. These clever gadgets can alert you to water where it shouldn’t be before it becomes a proper flood.

How can I make an escape of water claim? 

Found yourself ankle-deep in unwanted water? Here’s what to do:

Immediate steps

1. Turn off the water supply at the stopcock
2. Switch off electricity to affected areas (safety first)
3. Move belongings to dry areas if safe to do so
4. Take photos of the damage for your claim
5. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible

What your insurance company needs

• Details of what caused the escape of water
• Photos of the damage
• A list of damaged items
• Any emergency repair receipts (keep these safe)

Most insurance companies have 24/7 claims lines because water damage doesn’t wait for business hours.

Home emergency cover: Your water damage sidekick

Many home insurance policies include Home emergency cover, which can be a lifesaver during escape of water incidents. This typically covers:

• Emergency plumber call-outs
• Temporary repairs to stop further damage
• Alternative accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable

The bottom line

Escape of water damage is one of those things that happens to other people, until it happens to you. Understanding your home insurance policy, knowing what’s covered, and being prepared can save you both money and stress.

Your home insurance is there to protect you when water goes walkabout, but the best protection is staying one step ahead. Keep those pipes happy, your appliances maintained, and your policy up to date. 

FAQs about escape of water