Leading causes of water damage in the home

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Key Takeouts

Check: quick check of appliances with flexi-hoses, taking particular notice of corrosion and deterioration.

Clean: A yearly clean out of gutters, especially for high fire-prone areas or homes that are in leafy streets or surrounded by deciduous trees.

Flush (Don't Flush): A fortnightly pouring of boiling water down regularly used sinks and drains. Avoid using store-bought drain cleaners, and keep flushable wipes far away from anything that flushes.

 

Burst Flexi Hoses

flex hose water damage

One of the most frequent reasons for water damage in homes is due to burst flexi hoses, accounting for more than 20% of claims each year. You will find these hoses connected to taps, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers. Check the hose quality every few months, particularly for the washing machine and dishwasher where detergent can accelerate corrosion. A regular check of these hoses can avoid having to fork out an average of $5,000 in damages should one of them burst.

Blocked Gutters

If the gutters of your home suffer from fallen leaves or seasonal debris, then it’s strongly recommended to clear your gutters at least twice a year. A build-up of leaves in gutters is a serious risk to homes throughout the year and can create significant problems, especially for homes that are in high fire prone areas. Additionally, during heavy rainfall, leaves can condense quickly, creating compact blockages in gutters and down-pipes.

blocked gutters water damage

Clogged or overflowing gutters can not only cause excess water to collect around the foundations of your home, but they can also cause expensive structural damage to walls, ceilings and window frames, and also lead to pest infestation – the moist conditions are ideal for mosquitoes, cockroaches, and flies, all of which can carry diseases.

Repairing foundational damage can cost you upwards of $10,000, but it can be avoided with a quick gutter clean-out twice a year.

For a little extra protection, gutter guards can also be quite effective in managing fallen debris, however they aren't 100% full-proof. A yearly gutter check is still recommended.

Blocked Drains / Sinks

Most blocked drains within the home get blocked from every-day grime, but the long-term impacts can easily be avoided.
In the kitchen, grease, fat and food cause the majority of blockages. Rinsing hot fat (or oil) from pans down the drain is a big no-no as it quickly cools and eventually solidifies.

In the shower, it’s often hair – often going unnoticed, yet can create large clumps that block water flow.

By simply pouring (near) boiling water down each drain every couple of weeks is a great way to help flush through any gunk and keep the pipes clear. Adding a little baking soda and vinegar to the mix can also help in dissolving the matter.

Whatever you do, avoid using store-bought drain cleaners as a solution for any pre-existing or stubborn blockages. If the regular application of the hot water solution hasn't worked, try removing it by ‘plunging’ or ‘snaking’ the drain. Otherwise, call your local plumber. Chemical cleaners will often only damage your pipes and further solidify the blockage.

 

When it comes to the loo, there are 2 notorious cloggers that have been wreaking havoc on plumbing worldwide:

1: 'Luxury' toilet paper - The more expensive, thicker, 'luxurious' toilet paper (e.g. 4-ply). Brands may promise 'superior softness' on your bum, but they have become a growing cause for emergency plumbing services over the last few years. The more eco-friendly and less expensive options are typically easier on your home's pipes.

water damage

2: Flushable wipes - Although the packaging states they are flushable, Australia's water service providers would strongly disagree. According to CHOICE, utilities are spending an estimated $15 million a year to clear blockages they say are largely caused by wet wipes.

 

These wipes cause serious damage to sewer drains resulting in wastewater or sewerage spill, and they also greatly increase the risk of pipe blockages and overflows to local creeks and rivers. So either put them in the garbage, or avoid using them altogether.

A lot of water damage that happens to homes can often be easily prevented. It doesn't take a lot of time or effort to keep your home's plumbing running smoothly and clog free. A quick 2 minute quality check of any corrosion to flexi-hoses, a bi-annual clean-out of gutter debris, applying a regular simple DIY hot water flush to drains, or getting a plumber in once a year as a preventitve measure could end up saving you a small fortune and a whole lot of inconvenience.

Average plumber costs for unblocking drains:
1. to unblock a simple toilet or kitchen drain : $100
2. clearing a short stretch of blocked drain : $300 - $500
3. to replace a portion of your drainage piping : $3,000 - $5,000

Leading causes of water damage in the home

Leading causes of water damage in the home 

Key Takeouts

Check: quick check of appliances with flexi-hoses, taking particular notice of corrosion and deterioration.

Clean: A yearly clean out of gutters, especially for high fire-prone areas or homes that are in leafy streets or surrounded by deciduous trees.

Flush (Don't Flush): A fortnightly pouring of boiling water down regularly used sinks and drains. Avoid using store-bought drain cleaners, and keep flushable wipes far away from anything that flushes.

 

Burst Flexi Hoses

flex hose water damage

One of the most frequent reasons for water damage in homes is due to burst flexi hoses, accounting for more than 20% of claims each year. You will find these hoses connected to taps, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers. Check the hose quality every few months, particularly for the washing machine and dishwasher where detergent can accelerate corrosion. A regular check of these hoses can avoid having to fork out an average of $5,000 in damages should one of them burst.

Blocked Gutters

If the gutters of your home suffer from fallen leaves or seasonal debris, then it’s strongly recommended to clear your gutters at least twice a year. A build-up of leaves in gutters is a serious risk to homes throughout the year and can create significant problems, especially for homes that are in high fire prone areas. Additionally, during heavy rainfall, leaves can condense quickly, creating compact blockages in gutters and down-pipes.

blocked gutters water damage

Clogged or overflowing gutters can not only cause excess water to collect around the foundations of your home, but they can also cause expensive structural damage to walls, ceilings and window frames, and also lead to pest infestation – the moist conditions are ideal for mosquitoes, cockroaches, and flies, all of which can carry diseases.

Repairing foundational damage can cost you upwards of $10,000, but it can be avoided with a quick gutter clean-out twice a year.

For a little extra protection, gutter guards can also be quite effective in managing fallen debris, however they aren't 100% full-proof. A yearly gutter check is still recommended.

Blocked Drains / Sinks

Most blocked drains within the home get blocked from every-day grime, but the long-term impacts can easily be avoided.
In the kitchen, grease, fat and food cause the majority of blockages. Rinsing hot fat (or oil) from pans down the drain is a big no-no as it quickly cools and eventually solidifies.

In the shower, it’s often hair – often going unnoticed, yet can create large clumps that block water flow.

By simply pouring (near) boiling water down each drain every couple of weeks is a great way to help flush through any gunk and keep the pipes clear. Adding a little baking soda and vinegar to the mix can also help in dissolving the matter.

Whatever you do, avoid using store-bought drain cleaners as a solution for any pre-existing or stubborn blockages. If the regular application of the hot water solution hasn't worked, try removing it by ‘plunging’ or ‘snaking’ the drain. Otherwise, call your local plumber. Chemical cleaners will often only damage your pipes and further solidify the blockage.

 

When it comes to the loo, there are 2 notorious cloggers that have been wreaking havoc on plumbing worldwide:

1: 'Luxury' toilet paper - The more expensive, thicker, 'luxurious' toilet paper (e.g. 4-ply). Brands may promise 'superior softness' on your bum, but they have become a growing cause for emergency plumbing services over the last few years. The more eco-friendly and less expensive options are typically easier on your home's pipes.

water damage

2: Flushable wipes - Although the packaging states they are flushable, Australia's water service providers would strongly disagree. According to CHOICE, utilities are spending an estimated $15 million a year to clear blockages they say are largely caused by wet wipes.

 

These wipes cause serious damage to sewer drains resulting in wastewater or sewerage spill, and they also greatly increase the risk of pipe blockages and overflows to local creeks and rivers. So either put them in the garbage, or avoid using them altogether.

A lot of water damage that happens to homes can often be easily prevented. It doesn't take a lot of time or effort to keep your home's plumbing running smoothly and clog free. A quick 2 minute quality check of any corrosion to flexi-hoses, a bi-annual clean-out of gutter debris, applying a regular simple DIY hot water flush to drains, or getting a plumber in once a year as a preventitve measure could end up saving you a small fortune and a whole lot of inconvenience.

Average plumber costs for unblocking drains:
1. to unblock a simple toilet or kitchen drain : $100
2. clearing a short stretch of blocked drain : $300 - $500
3. to replace a portion of your drainage piping : $3,000 - $5,000

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Important Information
This article provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for you and seek advice from a qualified insurance broker before making any decisions. Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply and can vary between insurers. Need advice tailored to your business? Speak with a Midland broker.

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Jeff Price

Senior Insurance Broker

Jeff is a Senior Broker in Midland’s Sydney office, bringing over 30 years of experience across both national and international insurance markets. He specialises in complex and hard-to-place risks, structuring tailored insurance programs for clients with unique or challenging exposures.

With a practical, solutions-focused approach, Jeff works closely with clients to understand their operations and ensure their cover is designed to respond when it matters most. He provides clear, considered advice at every stage, with a strong focus on protecting client interests.

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, and swimming.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Complex & Hard-to-Place Risks

Tailored Insurance Programs

Angus Matheson

Angus Matheson

Senior Insurance Broker

With more than 21 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Angus is a Senior Broker specialising in road freight transport. He brings a deep understanding of the sector and delivers tailored insurance solutions that reflect the operational and commercial realities of transport businesses.

Angus takes a client-first approach, investing the time to understand each business, its priorities, and its risk profile before providing clear, practical advice. He holds accreditations with NIBA, ANZIIF, CIP, and QPIB, and remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing education and professional involvement. His focus is on delivering reliable protection that supports business continuity and long-term confidence.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Transport

Personal Accident & Illness

Road Freight & Heavy Vehicles

Gary Perera

Senior Insurance Broker

With 35 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Gary is a Senior Broker at Midland with extensive knowledge across a wide range of business sectors. He specialises in breweries, distilleries, cafés, restaurants, and manufacturing, bringing practical insight and real-world understanding to every client engagement.

Known for his thorough and considered approach, Gary takes the time to understand how each business operates before delivering clear, tailored insurance solutions. A member of ANZIIF, he maintains high professional standards through ongoing education and active engagement with industry developments.

Outside of work, Gary is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys running, football, and cricket. He remains driven by a simple principle: continuous improvement and delivering the highest standard of advice to his clients.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Breweries & Distilleries

Hospitality

Manufacturing

David Peek

Senior Insurance Broker

David is a Senior Insurance Broker with over 40 years of experience across the insurance industry.

He began his career with Sun Alliance Insurance, building a strong foundation in accounts, claims, and underwriting before moving into broking. David spent 35 years with M.D. Insurance Brokers, where he developed deep expertise across all areas of insurance and built long-standing client relationships that continue today.

Following Midland’s acquisition of M.D. Insurance Brokers in 2017, David joined the team and continues to provide practical, reliable advice backed by decades of experience.

Known for his steady, relationship-driven approach, David takes pride in delivering consistent, long-term support to his clients.

Outside of work, he is a passionate supporter of the Geelong Cats and enjoys DIY projects, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Broad Insurance Expertise

Long-Term Client Relationships

Sarah Grose

Sarah Grose

Senior Insurance Broker

With more than 17 years’ experience in the insurance industry – including 16 years with Midland – Sarah brings deep expertise and a well-rounded understanding of both client needs and the broader insurance landscape. Having worked across a range of roles, including management, she offers practical, informed advice backed by real industry experience.

Sarah specialises in small to medium-sized business insurance, with particular expertise in the film and television sector, self-storage, and breweries and distilleries. Her approach focuses on making insurance clear, practical, and tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Known for her approachable, solution-focused style, Sarah builds long-term relationships through consistent, reliable service and a strong understanding of her clients’ businesses. She holds a Diploma of Insurance Broking and remains actively engaged in ongoing professional development to ensure her advice stays current and relevant.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Professional Photographers

Breweries & Distilleries

Film & Television

Self Storage Facilities

Andrew Woff

Andrew Woff

Senior Insurance Broker

With close to 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Andrew is a Senior Broker at Midland specialising in heavy vehicles, equipment, and mobile plant, as well as breweries and distilleries.

He is particularly well regarded for structuring tailored, cost-effective solutions for assets involving motors, wheels, or tracks, alongside his strong understanding of the risks unique to alcohol production businesses.

Working with clients ranging from sole traders to large-scale operations, Andrew is known for his clear communication, flexible approach, and commitment to practical, personalised advice. A QPIB-accredited broker and member of NIBA, he maintains high professional standards and stays closely aligned with evolving industry requirements.

Outside of work, Andrew is a proud father of three and an active community volunteer. His interests in music, electronics, mechanics, and brewing reflect the same hands-on, problem-solving mindset he brings to his clients.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Heavy Vehicles & Equipment

Construction

Mobile Plant

Breweries & Distilleries

Scott McMurtrie

Scott McMurtrie

Senior Insurance Broker

Scott is a Senior Insurance Broker with over 12 years’ experience supporting Australian small and medium-sized businesses. He specialises in tailored insurance solutions across the Film & Entertainment, Transport, and Manufacturing sectors, delivering advice that reflects each client’s specific risks and operations.

With a strong focus on understanding how businesses work in practice, Scott provides clear, relevant cover recommendations backed by ongoing professional development and industry engagement.

Outside the office, he enjoys AFL, soccer, and music, and values building long-term client relationships founded on trust and reliability

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Film & Entertainment

Transport

Manufacturing

Peter Stanfield

Senior Insurance Broker

Peter is a Senior Insurance Broker at Midland Insurance Brokers, bringing over 15 years of experience across a broad range of general insurance classes.

Starting his career with Midland at 22 within the Claims team, Peter developed a strong understanding of how policies perform when it matters most. He later transitioned into client-facing roles, where he has spent the past five years delivering tailored insurance solutions backed by practical, real-world insight. He holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Peter has particular expertise in financial lines, breweries and distilleries, and self-storage facilities, while maintaining broad capability across all areas of insurance.

Known for his straightforward, down-to-earth approach, Peter makes insurance easy to understand and manage. A loyal supporter of the Richmond Tigers, he’s always up for a conversation – whether that’s over a coffee or a beer.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Professional Photographers

Self-Storage Facilities

Breweries & Distilleries

Financial Lines

Beau Runnalls

Beau Runnalls

Senior Insurance Broker

Beau is a senior insurance broker at Midland with seven years of industry experience supporting businesses across Australia. He works across a broad range of sectors, with particular expertise in earthmoving, heavy equipment, trades, and the winery industry.

Known for his attention to detail and measured approach, Beau focuses on delivering insurance solutions that are clear, practical, and free from unnecessary complexity. He remains actively engaged in professional development, ensuring his advice reflects current industry standards and best practice.

Beau places strong value on collaboration and long-term client relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and football, reflecting his team-oriented mindset and active approach both professionally and personally.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Earthmoving & Heavy Equipment

Trades & Contractors

Wineries

Breweries & Distilleries

Pubs & Bars

Alex Petkovic

Alex Petkovic

Senior Insurance Broker

With 27 years of experience in the insurance industry, Alex is a senior broker at Midland, recognised for his depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and straightforward approach. While he works across a broad range of businesses, he has a particular focus on clients in the construction and building sectors.

Committed to keeping insurance clear and practical, Alex places a strong emphasis on honesty and client-first advice. He remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing professional development and research, and is also a natural mentor, regularly supporting and guiding emerging brokers within the team.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Construction & Building

Strategy

Clear, Practical Advice

Joshua-Kerr

Joshua Kerr

National Sales Manager

Joshua is Midland’s National Sales Manager, with more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry. His expertise spans a wide range of insurance solutions, with particular depth in the winery and brewery sectors.

Taking a considered, people-focused approach, Joshua works closely with clients to understand how their businesses operate and the risks they face, allowing him to deliver insurance solutions that are both practical and relevant. He is known for his ability to make complex insurance concepts clear and approachable.

Outside of work, Joshua has a strong connection to community, having spent several years coaching junior basketball and serving as Vice President of a children’s basketball club. Staying closely attuned to industry developments, he is committed to helping clients make informed insurance decisions that support their long-term success.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

SME Clients

Wineries

Breweries

Pubs & Bars

Strategic Insurance Advice

Justin Lane

Director

Justin is a Director at Midland and has been part of the business since 2003. With more than two decades of experience, he works closely with small businesses across Australia, helping them secure insurance solutions that genuinely reflect the way they operate.

Known for his practical, solution-focused approach, Justin places strong emphasis on clarity, reliability, and long-term client relationships. His depth of industry knowledge and consistent, hands-on service have seen him become a trusted adviser to many business owners over time.

Areas of focus

Business Insurance

Professional Photographers

SME Clients

Practical, Solution-Focused Advice

Self Storage Facilities

Jeff Price

Senior Insurance Broker

Jeff is a Senior Broker in Midland’s Sydney office, bringing over 30 years of experience across both national and international insurance markets. He specialises in the design, placement and ongoing management of complex and hard-to-place risks, delivering tailored solutions for clients with unique or challenging exposures.

Known for his practical approach and depth of knowledge, Jeff works closely with clients to understand their operations and ensure their insurance program is structured to respond when it matters most. He is committed to putting clients’ interests first and providing clear, considered advice at every stage.

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, and swimming.

Gary Perera

Senior Insurance Broker

With 35 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Gary is a Senior Insurance Broker at Midland with extensive knowledge across a wide range of business sectors. He specialises in insurance for breweries, distilleries, cafés, restaurants, and manufacturing businesses, bringing a depth of practical insight to every client engagement.

Known for his thorough and considered approach, Gary takes the time to understand how each business operates before delivering clear, tailored insurance solutions. A committed professional, he has completed numerous industry qualifications and is a proud member of ANZIIF, maintaining his expertise through ongoing education and regular engagement with industry developments.

Outside of work, Gary is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys running, football, and cricket. He remains driven by a simple principle: continuous improvement and delivering the highest standard of advice to his clients.

Angus Matheson

Angus Matheson

Senior Insurance Broker

With more than 21 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Angus is a Senior Insurance Broker specialising in Road Freight Transport insurance. He is recognised for his deep understanding of the transport sector and his ability to deliver tailored risk solutions that address the operational and commercial challenges faced by transport businesses.

Angus takes an empathetic, client-first approach, investing the time to understand each business, its priorities, and its risk profile before providing advice. A committed professional, he holds accreditations with NIBA, ANZIIF, CIP, and QPIB, and remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing education and professional involvement. His focus is on delivering reliable protection that supports business continuity and long-term confidence.

Sarah Grose

Sarah Grose

Senior Insurance Broker

With more than 17 years’ experience in the insurance industry -including 16 years with Midland - Sarah brings deep expertise and a genuine commitment to helping clients protect what matters most. Having held a range of roles across the business, including management positions, she has a well-rounded understanding of both client needs and the broader insurance landscape.

Sarah specialises in small to medium-sized business insurance, with particular expertise in the film and television sector, self-storage, and, more recently, breweries and distilleries. Her approach is focused on making insurance clear, practical, and tailored to each client’s circumstances. Known for her approachable and solution-focused style, Sarah builds long-term relationships grounded in trust, reliability, and understanding.

She holds a Diploma of Insurance Broking and remains actively engaged in ongoing professional development to ensure her advice stays current and relevant.

Andrew Woff

Andrew Woff

Senior Insurance Broker

With close to 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Andrew is a Senior Insurance Broker at Midland specialising in heavy vehicle and equipment insurance, as well as cover for breweries and distilleries. He is particularly well regarded for his ability to secure tailored, cost-effective solutions for assets involving motors, wheels, or tracks, alongside his strong understanding of the risks unique to alcohol production businesses.

Andrew works with a wide range of clients, from sole traders through to large-scale operations, and is known for his clear communication, flexible approach, and commitment to personalised service. A QPIB-accredited broker and member of NIBA, he maintains high professional standards and remains focused on delivering practical, well-considered advice.

Outside the office, Andrew is a proud father of three and an active community volunteer. His interests in music, electronics, mechanics, and brewing reflect the same curiosity and hands-on mindset he brings to his professional work.

Scott McMurtrie

Scott McMurtrie

Senior Insurance Broker

Scott is a Senior Insurance Broker with over 12 years’ experience supporting Australian small and medium-sized businesses. He specialises in tailored insurance solutions across the Film & Entertainment, Transport, and Manufacturing sectors, delivering advice that reflects each client’s specific risks and operations.

With a strong focus on understanding how businesses work in practice, Scott provides clear, relevant cover recommendations backed by ongoing professional development and industry engagement.

Outside the office, he enjoys AFL, soccer, and music, and values building long-term client relationships founded on trust and reliability.

Beau Runnalls

Beau Runnalls

Senior Insurance Broker

Beau is a senior insurance broker at Midland with seven years of industry experience supporting businesses across Australia. He works across a broad range of sectors, with particular expertise in earthmoving, heavy equipment, trades, and the winery industry.

Known for his attention to detail and measured approach, Beau focuses on delivering insurance solutions that are clear, practical, and free from unnecessary complexity. He remains actively engaged in professional development, ensuring his advice reflects current industry standards and best practice.

Beau places strong value on collaboration and long-term client relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and football, reflecting his team-oriented mindset and active approach both professionally and personally.

Alex Petkovic

Alex Petkovic

Senior Insurance Broker  |  Development & Service

With 27 years of experience in the insurance industry, Alex is a senior broker at Midland, recognised for his depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and straightforward approach. While he works across a broad range of businesses, he has a particular focus on clients in the construction and building sectors.

Committed to keeping insurance clear and practical, Alex places a strong emphasis on honesty and client-first advice. He remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing professional development and research, and is also a natural mentor, regularly supporting and guiding emerging brokers within the team.

Damien Lane

Director

Since 2001, Damien has been central to Midland’s evolution, bringing more than two decades of industry experience and a strong commitment to client-focused service. His expertise spans a wide range of sectors, with recognised depth in the brewery and distillery space.

Working with independent brewers across Australia, Damien helps clients navigate complex operational risks with practical, grounded advice. He is known for his industry knowledge, clear communication, and ability to build enduring client relationships.

Areas of focus

Commercial Insurance

Breweries & Distilleries

SME Clients

Complex & Hard-to-Place Risks

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