Water Intrusion Pre-Planning

RISK MANAGEMENT ALERT

Water intrusion losses from domestic, process, and sprinkler piping have become one of the leading causes of claims in the insurance industry.

Water damage can lead to costly repairs and interruptions to your business operations. These losses can be attributed to aging or damaged piping systems, and cold weather.

To help mitigate the chance of a severe water intrusion event, we recommend the following pre-planning strategies.

• Implement water shut-off training. Ensure multiple employees on each shift have been trained on how to shut off the water to your domestic water and sprinkler piping systems. Not knowing how to shut off the water or the locations of your water shut-off valves can dramatically increase the size of the loss.
  
  Note: Sprinkler protection should only be shut off in non-fire conditions. If you need to take the sprinkler system out of service because of a leak, ensure no hot work is permitted in the building and notify your local fire station. Sprinkler protection should be restored as soon as possible.

• Label water shut-off valves. Domestic water and sprinkler control valves should be clearly labeled for quick identification.
• Ensure easy access to the key (for street-side water shut-off valves). If the only water shut-off valve is located near the street, ensure you have a key that can turn that valve. If you do not have one, it could take the water company, plumber, or local municipality a significant amount of time to show up and turn it off for you. The longer the leak runs, the greater the damage it can cause.
• Periodically test water shut-off values. Ensure your domestic water shut-off valves are exercised at least quarterly to help ensure they are not stuck in the open position.

• Include shut-off valves on your facility’s map. The location of your shut-off valves should be clearly marked on a map of your facility (see example below). Post the map in the workplace to help direct employees to the water shut-off valves in the event of a leak.
  

• Prepare spill response kits. Spill response kits are critical at containing a water leak to a small area. Have a kit onsite that includes:
  • Absorbent Mats and SOCs
  • Shop-Vac
  • Squeegees
  • Portable Air Blowers
  • PVC Pipe
  • Mobile Trash Can
  Note: If a sprinkler head were to accidentally break, and can be reached, a PVC pipe can slide over the sprinkler head, directing the flow of water into the mobile trash can.
• Convert all rubber water supply hoses to braided metal. Rubber water supply hoses for appliances such as washing machines, dish washers, toilets, ice makers, and other point-of-use appliances are susceptible to drying out and breaking over time.
• Establish winter freeze preparedness plans. If possible, keep your building warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Determine if and/or when water lines should be shut and drained or dripped. Alternative heat sources can pose a potential fire and should be UL or FM approved. Alternative heat sources that produce a flame, or require gas or propane, should not be used indoors. For additional tips, click here to read a Risk Management Alert on Preventing Burst Pipes.
• Identify key contacts in case of a leak. To prevent mold growth, all water damage remediation should be performed by a qualified contractor. Prior to starting any water damage remediation, take extensive photos and videos of the damaged area for claim purposes. A report should be made to your independent agent, or to Utica National online at uticanational.com/claims or by phone at 800-216-1420.

For additional information or other resources, please visit uticanational.com, or contact your local Risk Management Representative.