Surestop water switch makes controlling mains water easy
According to figures provided by the Association of Insurance Brokers (AIB) the cost of dealing with burst pipes and water leaks in the UK has doubled from £46 million in 2006 to £93 million in 2008. Escape of water now costs insurance companies more than claims for burglary. It is now the biggest risk facing insurers and the cost of dealing with an average claim is now in excess of £2000.
Many homeowners may well be unaware that many home insurers now place additional an additional excess on escape of water and this is often more than £250.
We are using more water in the homes, with dishwashers, washing machines, en-suite bathrooms and wet rooms all contributing. The average home may have half a tonne of water circulating around it every day. In the event of a water leak then this amount of water can cause massive damage with the attendant cost and disruption that accompanies it
Given the above you may be amazed to know that many of us are powerless to react in the event of a water leak. Research has shown that 30% of the population do not know where their stopcock is located and of those of us that do know where it is, very few of check it regularly to see if it's working. Brass stopcocks can seize up and they are particularly difficult for the elderly to access and use
One easy way to protect yourself against the risk of water leaks is by fitting a Surestop Water Switch in your home.
The Surestop water switch makes controlling mains water as easy as turning your lights off.
The Surestop consists of a valve which connects directly into the water supply. This is connected by two metres of flexible tubing to a remote switch, which is located in a convenient position for the user. You then simply press the switch to turn the water supply on or off.
This means that the switch can be located in an easily accessible position such as above a kitchen worktop or just inside a kitchen cupboard door allowing you to turn water off in an emergency. However as it is so easy to use it makes it easy to turn off your mains water every time you leave your home.
The Surestop can typically be fitted by a plumber in less than an hour and is operated by water pressure so it needs no batteries or electricity. While the Surestop may be a new product to many in the insurance industry, it is specified extensively by over 250 local authorities and housing associations and over 300,000 have been sold since its launch in 2001.
In the words of Noel O'Donnell Surestop Ltd's, Sales and Marketing Director, the Surestop Water Switch offers real benefits for the home owner and the insurer.
"Surestop's are easy to install, easy to use and at around £30 - £35 they are not particularly expensive. They allow a homeowner to control their water supply in the event of a leak and therefore limit the potential damage, which is good for them and good for their insurer".
Surestop Water Switches are available from all of the UK's leading plumbing merchants. For more information and details of stockists, please visit surestop.co.uk.
