# A leak in your home: step-by-step plan and what is insured

> From stopping the water to the claim: the right order of steps in the event of a leak, and which costs are generally covered.

*Gepubliceerd: 2026-06-08* · *Categorie: uitleg*

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A leak calls for swift, calm action. With the right order of steps you limit the damage and protect your claim.

## Step by step

1. **Stop the supply.** Turn off the mains water and, if the leak is at an appliance, the supply to that appliance as well.
2. **Mind the electricity.** Is there water near sockets or the meter cupboard? Then switch off the electricity in that room.
3. **Limit the damage.** Catch the water, move dry belongings, mop up and ventilate. This is your duty to mitigate — keep your receipts.
4. **Find the cause.** Call in a plumber. If the leak cannot be found, a specialist **leak detection** survey can provide the answer.
5. **Record everything.** Photograph and film before you clear up; note the date, time and cause.
6. **Report the damage** to your insurer and ask for a claim number.

## What is generally insured?

- The **consequential damage** to walls, floors, ceilings and contents caused by a sudden leak.
- The **breaking-open work** needed to reach the pipe, and the repair of that work.

## What often is not?

- The repair of the leak or the pipe **itself**.
- Damage caused by **groundwater**, **penetrating damp** or **overdue maintenance**.
- A **slowly seeping** leak that went unnoticed for a long time.

> **Please note** — The line between 'sudden' and 'gradual', and between repairing the leak and consequential damage, often determines the outcome. When in doubt, an independent assessment pays off.