3 Ways To Prevent Flooding In Blocks Of Flats
Flooding in blocks of flats is always a serious risk and one that we are seeing more frequently. Not only is flooding a risk to to the occupiers and their belongings, but to all leaseholders, freeholders, and block management companies, too.
Flooding can be a result of various different causes, both internal and external to the block. Internal causes could be faulty plumbing or broken roofs. External causes are things like flash flooding that occur in the local area.
While there are things developers and freeholders can do to help with flood risk, it’s not possible to completely eliminate the risk of flooding. We’ve put together some tips on preventing flooding in a block of flats to help anticipate flood causes and act quickly in the case of an emergency.
Want more information on property risk management for your block? Our Risk Management Service is full of resources to help and is free for all of our clients, so please get in touch for access.
What are the main causes of flooding in a block of flats?
- Bathroom and kitchen burst pipework and plumbing leaks
- Stopcock failure
- Boiler failure
- Flash flooding in the area
- Accidental flooding from human error (e.g. someone overfilling a bath)
How can you prevent flooding?
- Carry out regular plumbing inspections
Some blocks are simply more prone to plumbing failure than others, particularly where the pipework is plastic. This can be due to how the block was originally developed, or issues may have accumulated over time. Ultimately, landlords/leaseholders are responsible for making sure that reasonable steps have been taken to prevent flooding. This is to ensure the safety and security of occupants.
By booking regular plumbing inspections throughout the block, you can help prevent the risk of flooding by finding issues before they even arise. Particular areas of weakness that should be closely monitored are washing machine hoses, boilers, and bathroom fittings (such as under the bath, sink, and toilet).
At Flats Direct, we have our own free online property risk management service available for owners and block management companies. This has helped many property owners reduce their premiums.
- Install flood notification alarms
Flood notification alarms are fitted devices that alert the keyholder, usually by phone or text message, when a water leak is detected. Alarms such as floor-mounted notification devices are attached to the floor of a property and detect floods from the ground level up.
Multiple water sensors can be added to one system, so a wider area is covered. Flood alarms can be purchased and installed easily and cost-effectively by property owners and are an invaluable resource for detecting leaks or floods early.
The health and safety of the occupiers is of the utmost importance, so you can help put tenants’ minds at ease by installing alarms like this.
- Turn off the stopcock
If leaving your property empty for any extended period of time, it is always worth turning off the stopcock on each water supply and draining down your water system to prevent flooding.
Did you know that ‘escape of water’ is one of the most common claim types on home insurance and block of flats policies that we see? By turning off the stopcock on the rising main while you are away from the property, you reduce your risk of having to make a claim.
Insuring Against Flooding
Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, accidents can happen. Flooding in blocks of flats is something that property owners and managers must be wary of.
One of the best things you can do for your block is to take out comprehensive flats insurance for the protection of yourself and your tenants.
Get in touch with us at Flats Direct today to enquire about what type of cover is best for your property and get tailored advice from our expert team. As specialist insurance brokers, we’re here to help you find your ideal cover at the ideal price. Just give us a call on 0800 731 6242 for a no-obligation conversation, or email info@flatsdirect-uk.com. Or, get a quote free of charge.