Water damage to apartments costs Brits thousands

Leaking water pipes are causing billions of pounds worth of damage to flats and apartments as domestic water leaks are not repaired, according to new research by HomeServe.

New figures from the home emergency and maintenance experts reveal that around 1.67 million people have seen leaks from their flats cause damage to neighbouring properties – or vice versa – in the last five years.

HomeServe estimates that the average cost of repairing water damage per flat or apartment is around £1,933. That means that landlords and flat owners have spent as much as £2.09 billion on repairs caused by leaks in the past five years, approximately £419 million every year.

The HomeServe research shows that the most likely causes of water damage to a neighbouring property or adjoining flat are leaking pipes, washing machines and toilets.

According to HomeServe as many as 100,000 people have been living with a leaking toilet or cistern for more than a year. Water from flooded bathrooms can seep through ceilings to damage the rooms below, or in the case of flats, adjoining properties. A dripping tap alone can waste 140 litres of water a week and over 1.1 million Britons have encountered this problem in their homes in the last year.

Jon Florsheim, CEO of HomeServe Membership, said: “Water leaks can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to a neighbouring property if they aren’t sorted promptly and professionally. Often they seem innocuous or are even out of sight – if left unresolved the damage can be severe.”

The HomeServe research also showed that almost a quarter of a million flats owners (220,000) have been forced to pay between £2,500 and £25,000 for property repairs caused directly by leaks in the past five years. The company warns that while household budgets are stretched as a result of the recession, many families are putting off vital home repairs.

Jon Florsheim added: “People must be vigilant. If not caught early leaking pipes can cause significant damage that will cost a lot of money to put right. Left unchecked leaking water can cause damp, rot through joists and floor boards and compromise household electrical circuits, amongst other problems.”

HomeServe’s Apartments and Flats product offers flat owners an effective solution to deal with household emergencies. The product provides an emergency response for problems with plumbing and drainage, electrics, boiler and central heating issues and even covers glazing and locks emergencies. The new products have been specifically designed for people living in flats.

For more information, visit homeserve.com