HydroSentinel · AquaRisk-Analyse®
Four water-damage cases. Four practical lessons.
Anonymised accounts from Holger Holling’s practical experience. Amounts and events are based on his account; insurance information comes from those affected. These are not statistics or independently audited claim settlements. Separate damage photographs are not attributed to these cases.
Two defects. Two water-damage incidents.
2 × CHF 12'000
A dishwasher supply hose that had been kinked for years burst. In the second incident, a leaking mixer cartridge and limescale blocked the swivel spout; forcing it further broke the connection pipes.
The isolation valves were seized. According to the account, around 40 litres per minute escaped. Each incident caused approximately CHF 12,000 in damage. The customer later reported a doubled premium and a deductible rising from CHF 2,000 to CHF 4,000.
Visible anomalies and poor hose routing warrant professional assessment. A visual inspection does not confirm that isolation valves operate correctly.
Water came through the light fitting.
CHF 11'500
Six months after buying the house, water dripped from a ground-floor light fitting. A burst flexible hose inside the concealed toilet cistern was responsible, rather than the initially suspected shower connection.
Water had spread through the service wall and beneath the floor. Old, unavailable tiles damaged during leak detection led to bathroom renewal. Reported total damage: about CHF 11,500; insurance payment reported by those affected: about CHF 3,500.
Concealed components remain outside the visual scope. Further investigation must be commissioned separately.
About 15 litres. A kitchen taken apart.
about 15 litres
The sink waste screw broke as the washing-up water was released. Around 15 litres ran beneath a solid-wood kitchen.
The kitchen had to be partly dismantled, the area dried and the kitchen reassembled. No reliable damage amount is available.
Even a small volume can lead to extensive work. A visual inspection cannot guarantee a screw’s internal strength.
Away on holiday. Water behind the façade.
CHF 80'000
A basin tap hose burst while the residents were on holiday. According to the account, the hoses had been fitted twisted and kinked.
Water escaped through the older timber house and accumulated behind its new façade until the façade split. Reported damage: around CHF 80,000.
Poor accessible hose routing may be visible. This case does not prove that a particular inspection would definitely have prevented the loss.
What a visual inspection can establish, and its limits.
Only agreed, accessible and visible areas are inspected. No opening, dismantling or intervention; safety valves are not operated and pressure or settings are not changed. This is not comprehensive maintenance, specialist design, assessment of concealed components, confirmation of SIA compliance or a guarantee against future damage.
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