During the quarantine, residents suffered plumbing losses – insurers account for 50 percent. higher benefits

Aušra Jusė, head of the private client insurance department of the Ergo insurance company in Lithuania, says that the most common cases of flooding of neighbors have been reported recently as much as in the weeks leading up to the quarantine.

“It was a little surprising that the amount of flooding from the neighbors has not decreased; after all, people spend more time at home, noticing failures or other water-related incidents on time, as if it were easier.” On the other hand, we are currently using more water, often connecting washers and putting more pressure on the plumbing system. This is likely to have led to the fact that during the first 3 weeks of quarantine, the population suffered a total of more than 30,000. Since mid-March, there have been several dozen water-related incidents, “says A. Jusė.

The most common causes of such losses, according to the insurer’s representative, are broken pipes, damage to the components of the washing machine, water spills due to failure of the heating boiler and failure of the housing hose. According to A. Juse, there were also losses caused by heavy rains, when water from outside the facilities penetrates through the ceiling or walls.

“The greatest damage related to water recorded in the last month was more than 5,000 euros. It was experienced when the hot water pipe on the second floor of the house suffered serious damage, the ceilings and floors on the first floor, as well as The stairs and the decoration of the house suffered serious damage. It should be noted that not only the largest damage but also the average damage caused by water has been growing for some time. This is mainly related to more expensive materials and equipment and works of repair ”, says A. Jusė.

According to A. Juse, the average amount of water damage increased by almost a quarter (24%) compared to March this year and this year. The number of fixed claims increased by 36% during the same period.

“Water supply system accidents don’t just happen in old houses, where the plumbing hasn’t been changed and the plumbing equipment hasn’t been renewed. Such cases are common in new buildings, because sometimes when you install a apartment, showers, toilets, toilets or water taps, washing machines and dishwashers are poorly installed, it happens that low-quality materials are used, “says A. Jusė.

According to the interlocutor, it is always important not only to correctly install the plumbing system, but also to maintain it. If plumbing pipes or hoses, their joints show damage or rust, these components should be replaced without waiting for an accident.

“Often, even after noticing that the water in some places in the water supply system penetrates a little, drips slightly, residents solve the problem simply by building a container to collect running water or by wrapping the damaged area with a fiber, sealing damage with household appliances. By ignoring the problem or simulating its solution in this way, it is possible to have major inconveniences later, because if the violation increases and it is not noticed in time, you can not only flood yours but also that of your neighbors “Says A. Jusė.

The interviewee also points out that with proper maintenance of the domestic plumbing system, care must be taken to minimize the entry of sediment, thick debris, hair or grease that could clog the pipes, reduce their permeability and increase the risk of water spills or damage to the pipeline. Also, it is always very important to make sure that the water taps are open when you leave the house. It is not recommended to leave the washing machines on in empty houses. When leaving the house unsupervised for a long time, it is best to disconnect the water supply completely.