Tips to avoid water leaks when you’re away from home

Coming home to water damage from a leak can really dampen your post-holiday joy — especially if the water has been left to pool for a while and the damage is quite severe. Before going away, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent water damage in your home.

It’s also worth getting familiar with your home insurance policy. Knowing what is and isn’t covered by your insurance can provide you with some peace of mind while you're away.

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Checking for water leaks inside the home

Turn off water at the mains

To help prevent water damage from leaks while you’re away, consider turning off your water at the mains.

If you live in an apartment, it may not be practical to turn off water at the mains. Instead you may be able to turn off the stop taps connected to your appliances.

You might also want to consider checking your hot water system requirements before you head off on your holiday. If it needs a low level of water to keep it running, then you may want to safely need turn it off too.

Inspect flexi hoses

Flexi hoses generally connect appliances, sinks, and toilets to your water mains and can be a common source of household water leaks. Inspect them regularly and consult a licensed plumber if you're unsure about their replacement schedule.

Check the condition of your plumbing regularly

Inspect all tap fittings and visible pipes, especially those under sinks. If you see any signs of water leakage or hear hissing noises, which can also indicate leaks, contact a licensed plumber immediately.

Look for signs of mould and water damage

Examine ceilings, walls, and floors for any signs of leakage. Water damage often appears as brown or rusty stains.

Check behind your fridge, inside cupboards in your laundry and under your sink for dampness. If you identify any signs of black mould spores, consider calling in a professional to remove them. 

Clean your air conditioner

Dirty air conditioner filters can block airflow, causing ice to form and subsequently melt, leading to leaks. Clean your split system air conditioners in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check your water meter

To help detect leaks using your water meter, turn off all taps and water-using fixtures in your home, including dishwashers and washing machines. Record the numbers on the meter, wait at least one hour, and then check again. If the numbers have changed, you may have a leak.

Tips to avoid water leaks from outside the home

Keep your gutters clean

Blocked gutters and downpipes can cause water to build up and damage your roof or foundations. Clean your gutters and downpipes regularly to remove leaves and other debris.

Maintain trees and shrubs

If not maintained, roots from trees and shrubs can grow into your pipes, which can cause breakages and blockages. Avoid planting near utility pipes and consider consulting a plumber if existing plants pose a risk.

Roof maintenance

Roof maintenance can be crucial for keeping water out. Overgrown moss, debris, and fallen branches can damage your roof and cause leaks. Consider hiring a professional to inspect and maintain your roof, including if it’s covered in wet leaves or moss.

Are you covered?

Having suitable home and contents insurance may help you repair or replace items affected by water damage.

GIO Home and Contents Insurance combines Home Building Insurance with Contents Insurance and can insure your house and the valuable items within it.* For an additional cost, our optional GIO Home Assist cover can provide for an emergency assistance callout from a plumber if needed^ — you’ll just have to wait 24 hours after adding the option to a new or existing policy.

And remember, proactive maintenance of your appliances and plumbing can be key to preventing water damage.

We don't cover wear, tear and gradual deterioration or loss or damage as a result of a gradual process of liquid leaking, splashing, dripping or overflowing. Read the PDS for details of what we don’t cover.*

Explore GIO Home & Contents Insurance

Read more:

• How much should I insure my home for?
• Choosing the right optional covers for your home insurance
• Reducing your risk this flood season

^ Limits and exclusions apply, please refer to the PDS and read the GIO Home Assist T&Cs for more information.

* Limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Read the PDS for details.

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. 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.