Avoiding escape of water - protect your club this winter

Gallagher, the RYA’s official club insurance partner, has provided tips to help keep your club protected from escape of water damage.

British weather can be unpredictable, which means that as well as mild weather, a cold snap can occur without warning.

Pipes are vulnerable to changes in the weather, and in winter, they run the risk of freezing, leading to burst pipes and potential escape of water damage, which can be costly.

What damage can escape of water cause?

The consequences of a water leak should not be taken lightly. The resulting damage can be extensive, causing damage to buildings and contents. Equally damaging is the disruption to sailing events, as there may be need to find alternative venues and equipment.

Structural damage: If water leaks into the building structure, it can weaken the materials and cause the building to become unstable.
Electrical damage: Water can damage electrical wiring and appliances, which can be dangerous and cause electrical fires.
Mould and mildew: Water can create a moist environment that can lead to mould and mildew. This can impact a tenant’s health as well as damage the building and its contents.
Damage to furniture and belongings: Water can cause damage to furniture, carpets, and other belongings, sometimes to the extent that they need to be replaced.

Tips to avoid escape of water in your club

Regular periodic inspections can help to avoid escape of water, including when the premises are unoccupied. Here are some tips to help reduce this risk and the need to make a claim on your insurance:

Turn the main stopcock off
Ensure pipes are insulated
Look for leaks - slightest gaps in plastic pipes can cause a major leak and green colouring on copper pipes might be sign of a leak
Fix any leaks you do find straightaway
During periods of cold weather (below 3°C) leave the heating on low – this can help to prevent water freezing in pipes
Test your taps periodically

Escape of water signs

Looking for any warning signs such as leaks, cracks or noises, can help to identify a problem before it escalates.

Here are some signs to look out for:

Water stains: Look for water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors. These may appear as discolouration, peeling paint, or bubbling wallpaper.
Musty smell: If you notice a musty or mouldy smell, this could be a sign of water damage.
Dripping sounds: If you hear dripping sounds, this could be a sign that water is leaking somewhere.
High water bills: If you notice an unexplained increase in your water bill or your water metre is rising, this could be a sign of a leak.

Find suitable insurance to help provide cover

Gallagher is the RYA’s official Club Insurance partner, providing tailored cover to RYA affiliates and recognised training centres.

For further assistance on how Gallagher can support your organisation with insurance matters and additional advice, contact the specialist RYA Gallagher team.

Email: rya@ajg.com

The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited and Royal Yachting Association, an Introducer Appointed Representative of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.

Royal Yachting Association is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Spectrum Building 55 Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909.