Protecting your home from water damage

Escaping water from a broken pipe or a leaking drain could cause significant damage when you least expect it.

Your cabinetry, floors and furniture could all suffer water damage – possibly leading to expensive and inconvenient repairs. Even your personal contents, such as precious photographs, may not be safe.

Water damage can also affect on your health, as homes with water damage run a greater risk of developing things like mould and vermin infestation.

Ways to reduce risk of water damage in your home

Your insurance policy may cover such damage already, but prevention is always better than a cure – or in this case, a repair. Luckily, there are some simple ways that you can reduce the risk of water damage in your home.

Regular checking of taps, hoses under sinks, and plumbed appliances is essential. If you notice any signs of leaking or wear and tear, it may be a good time to call in a pro.

How regular maintenance affects your insurance

General wear, tear or deterioration isn’t covered by an AAMI Home Building Insurance policy, so getting on top of these issues before they become bigger problems can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.

This also goes for loss or damage caused to, or by, a leaking shower floor, base, cubicle walls, or shower glass.

For more detail on what is and isn’t covered by AAMI Home Building Insurance, refer to the PDS.

Risk of damage from flexi-hoses

What are flexi-hoses?

Also known as flexible braided hoses, flexi-hoses are a commonly-used style of plumbing fitting, used to connect fittings like taps to the main water supply. These rubber hoses are reinforced externally with stainless steel webbing and fitted with clamped stainless steel fittings on each end.
They’re a common feature of kitchens and bathrooms in Aussie homes. This is because of their low cost, flexibility and ease of installation.

What are the risks of using flexi-hoses?

Flexi-hoses may leak or burst for many reasons, such as:

• kinks or crimps in the hose from incorrect installation, and
• ageing of the hose through gradual wear and tear.

More about AAMI Home Building Insurance claims

How can I lower the risk of damage from broken flexi-hoses?

It’s really pretty simple – checking on them regularly is the most effective and easiest way of reducing the risk of damage from burst hoses.

Long before they reach the bursting or leaking stage, there will probably be signs of corrosion on the steel as visible spots of discolouration. If you or a plumber discover these spots, then you know your flexi-hose is up for replacement.

If you are a DIY-minded home-owner you might be tempted to have a go at this yourself, but a licensed plumber may be able to provide professional help. They can also put your mind at ease that the new flexi-hose is installed correctly, without crimps or kinks.

What do I do if water damage does occur in my home?

If you’re an AAMI Home Insurance customer and your home or contents have been damaged, lodge a claim with us ASAP .

Unsure about whether the damage is covered? Feel free to get in touch and chat to us today.
Not yet an AAMI Home Insurance customer? Read about our cover options and find out whether they’re right for you.

Get a Home Insurance quote

Read more:

• Common maintenance issues linked to home insurance claims
• Does my home insurance cover me for flood damage?
• How to make a home insurance claim 

Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as AAMI. Any advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before you make any decision regarding this product. The Target Market Determination is also available.