Water is the Enemy

22 Oct Water is the Enemy

IMPORTANT CLAIMS HANDLING UPDATE
Any blog post in the Metropolis Solutions Blog Archive that includes any direct or indirect reference to insurance claims handling of any nature whatsoever, including any reference to existing and/or potential claims, was posted prior to 01.07.21, is for general information only and may also no longer be applicable due to recent changes in Federal Financial Services laws concerning claims handling. Please note that Metropolis does not hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) Licence for claims handling and therefore qualified expert assistance on any insurance related matter, including Victorian Plumbers Warranty, should now be sought from a suitable lawyer or other expert holding an AFS claims handling licence. Metropolis Solutions can still consult on insurance claims handling matters, but only in the instance where we are directly engaged to do so by your authorised legal representative.

Water is a powerful force.  It’s responsible for the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls.  We humans capture it in reservoirs and pipe it into our homes, so we feel like we have it tamed.  We may have it caged, but it is no more tamed than the lions in Melbourne Zoo.

Water can be the destroyer of buildings if a building is not water tight.  Inadequate box gutters, eaves gutters, downpipes, flashings, internal balconies and stormwater drainage are just some of the potential threats to homes and buildings – with the ability to destroy ceilings, walls, timber flooring, carpets, cabinets, your contents and much more.

Water doesn’t only damage buildings and contents –  it can also impact the health of the building occupants.  Leaks create damp areas and dampness promotes the growth of mould and other organisms.  This increases the risk of serious health problems.  Mould exposure can aggravate allergies and asthma, especially in children, the ill and the elderly.  It can also increase the risk for respiratory diseases and other health problems.

The Building Code of Australia is clear that it is the responsibility of plumbers and builders to achieve a water tight building which is safe from potential water damage.   But often this is not achieved (particularly with contemporary design buildings) and you need to look out for these symptoms of leaky building syndrome:

• Gutters that overflow regularly
• Persistent musty or foul smells
• Box gutters or rain-head systems overflowing or not working properly
• Persistent, recurrent mould and stains on walls and ceilings
• Stormwater pooling on your property
• Leaks from plumbing within walls, floors and ceilings
• Leaks from internal balconies

To the average person, these things can seem like a nuisance, but not necessarily a threat to their home or the health.  But – like chest pains – they’re early warning symptoms that there could be serious non-compliant plumbing problems embedded in the building, slowly destroying it.

Don’t take a chance on water damage to your home.  Find out what’s really going on and whether your plumbing is actually compliant.  If you suspect problems, contact us today for an independent plumbing health check on your property.