With flood warnings currently in place across various parts of the country, there is growing concern for the potential impact heavy rainfall and burst river banks could have on businesses and residential properties.
But it’s not just flooding that can cause water damage, with cracked pipework and plumbing complications recently revealed to have affected approximately 52% of homeowners according to a recent survey.
One in 10 have encountered a major incident where water has caused extensive damage inside the home.
A third of homeowners haven’t checked the state of the boiler and pipes in their home in last year.
And nearly two thirds would rate their basic plumbing skills and knowledge as below average.
A spokesperson for Sykes Pumps Hire said: “It seems inevitable that at some point, whether through inclement weather, a burst river bank, or just some dodgy plumbing, homeowners are going to need to deal with some major water damage.

“Even for those who don’t live in at-risk areas below the water table, being prepared for a flood or unexpected water issue can help to limit the damage which can be done to your home.”
A water-related mishap has the potential to be costly and causes, on average, £976 to recover from when a burst pipe or flood strikes.
Unsurprisingly, the kitchen is the room in which we are most likely to suffer water damage, followed by the bathroom and the living room.
When asked to identify the culprit of the worst water damage they have experienced, one in four homeowners said a leaky pipe was to blame.
Fifteen per cent have had a pipe completely burst in their home, and one in 10 have suffered from a leaky roof.
Despite the high chance of a plumbing-based blunder, 42 per cent of homeowners would have no idea how to stop the water flow should a faulty pipe start flooding their home.
One in 10 homeowners surveyed believe they are currently living in an area at risk of flooding.

But only six per cent have any kind of flood preparation, such as pumps and sandbags, ready in their home in case of disaster.
Of those who have suffered water damage to their home, only a third went through their insurance policy to get their repairs done, and 38 have no idea if their insurance covers water damage
Fifty-two per cent paid outright for the damage to be sorted, and nine per cent said there are still repairs which need addressing in their home after their most recent experience of water damage.
A spokesperson for Sykes Pumps Hire, which commissioned the study, added: “We were surprised at the sheer number of people who have suffered water damage to their home, while still lacking the skills and knowledge to prevent further damage if disaster were to visit them again.
“Knowing your plumbing basics, and having some flood preparations to hand should the weather turn, can really make all the difference.”
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