Escape of water: how to protect your home from leaks.
Learn how to prevent water leaks and protect your home from expensive damage. And find out about escape of water cover with Tesco Home Insurance.
Published: 8 September 2025
What is escape of water?
Escape of water is a term we use to describe water leaking from the plumbing inside your home. The leak could be coming from a burst pipe, a faulty appliance or something you can’t see. And it’s one of the most common causes of home insurance claims.
Buildings and contents insurance can help with the cost of repairs or replacement items if you get a serious leak. But, if you make some simple checks and fix things early, you can reduce the risk. And that’s a lot less hassle all round.
Does home insurance cover escape of water damage?
Escape of water can cause serious damage to your home. So it's best to check things regularly and make repairs quickly. That can help to prevent problems and make sure you’re protected when it matters most.
If you have Tesco Home Insurance, we’re here to help. But it's important to know that some things won’t be covered by your policy.
- Water damage that happens gradually over time, through wear and tear or due to a lack of maintenance, won’t be covered.Water damage that happens gradually over time, through wear and tear or due to a lack of maintenance, won’t be covered.
- General maintenance issues - like worn-out washers or blocked drains - might not be covered.General maintenance issues - like worn-out washers or blocked drains - might not be covered.
To find out more about things that aren’t covered by your Home Insurance policy, see our guide: What’s not covered by your home insurance?
To find out exactly what you’re covered for, it's always best to check your policy documents. You should also check your excess for escape of water. It's usually higher than your standard compulsory excess, so it's important to know what it is.
How to check for escape of water
Here’s what to look out for, and how to stay ahead of potential problems, with water leaks in your home.
Watch for dampness on walls and ceilings
If you see signs of dampness, and you don’t know what’s causing it, it’s best to investigate further and get it checked out.
Keep an eye out for the following on walls and ceilings:
- Water stainsWater stains
- Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaperPeeling paint or bubbling wallpaper
- Persistent damp patchesPersistent damp patches
Check for leaks in the kitchen and bathroom
It’s a good idea to check these rooms regularly, to make sure there aren’t any small drips or serious leaks you need to take care of.
Make sure you check:
- Pipes under the sinksPipes under the sinks
- Behind the washing machine, dishwasher, fridge and freezerBehind the washing machine, dishwasher, fridge and freezer
- Around toilets, baths and showersAround toilets, baths and showers
Look for drips, corrosion and pools of water. And check for gaps in tile grout and sealant that could be letting water through.
It’s important to keep all seals around water sources well-maintained. Problems caused by grout or sealant come under wear and tear, so they won’t be covered by your home insurance.
How to prevent and deal with escape of water
Here’s our top tips for preventing leaks and avoiding plumbing issues. And how to deal with an escape of water if it happens to you.
Keep your gutters and drains clear
Blocked gutters can cause an overflow of water that could leak into your home. Keep gutters clear of leaves, moss and other debris, especially in autumn and winter.
Prevent your pipes from freezing
If frozen pipes burst, it can cause major damage. To prevent this:
- insulate pipes that are exposed to the cold - for example, in attic spaces and garagesinsulate pipes that are exposed to the cold - for example, in attic spaces and garages
- keep your heating on low during cold snaps, even when you’re awaykeep your heating on low during cold snaps, even when you’re away
For more advice on preparing your home for the cold weather, see our guides:
Use a leak detection device
It’s not essential, but a smart leak detector can be handy to have. It can:
- alert you to unusual water flowalert you to unusual water flow
- automatically shut off your water supply if it detects a leakautomatically shut off your water supply if it detects a leak
Know where your stopcock is
The stopcock is the tap that turns off the water supply for the whole house. In an emergency, like a burst pipe, turn off the water supply quickly to prevent serious damage.
To be ready, make sure you:
- know where your stopcock isknow where your stopcock is
- test it occasionally to check it workstest it occasionally to check it works
It’s also a good idea to turn off your water supply when you go on holiday, to help prevent leaks while you’re away.
For more advice on keeping your home secure when you go on holiday, see our guide: Keep your home secure while you’re away
Check your home insurance
Make sure you have buildings and contents insurance and check your policy documents to see exactly what you’re covered for.
If you have Tesco Home Insurance, it might be worth thinking about Home Emergency Cover. It can give you extra protection for an additional cost and comes with:
- 24-hour support for unexpected problems24-hour support for unexpected problems
- up to £1000 worth of cover for each call outup to £1000 worth of cover for each call out
- no limit on the number of call outs you can makeno limit on the number of call outs you can make
Home Emergency Cover is suitable if you own your own home.
Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply.
Escape of water: leak prevention checklist
Here’s a reminder of the main things you should do to help prevent and detect leaks.
- Look for water stains or damp patches on walls and ceilingsLook for water stains or damp patches on walls and ceilings
- Check for drips and leaks in kitchens and bathroomsCheck for drips and leaks in kitchens and bathrooms
- Insulate pipes exposed to freezing conditionsInsulate pipes exposed to freezing conditions
- Know how to shut off your water supplyKnow how to shut off your water supply
- Keep gutters and drains clearKeep gutters and drains clear
Help for Home Insurance customers
If you already have Tesco Home Insurance, find out how to manage your policy, check your documents or make a claim.
If you need to talk to us about your cover, our friendly UK-based customer service team will be happy to help.
Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm.
If you have difficulties with your hearing or speech, you can contact us through the Relay UK app from BT. Find out how to use Relay UK.
Calls may be recorded.
*This number may be included as part of any inclusive call minutes provided by your phone operator.
Important information
Tesco Home Insurance is arranged and administered by Tesco Insurance and is underwritten by Tesco Underwriting Ltd.
You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.
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