Avoidable Disasters: Leaking Pipes and the Hidden Costs of Water Damage
Causes of water damage
Leaking pipes are one of the most common and costly causes of water damage, accounting for more than half, around 60%, of all damage. A third of these damages are due to leaking waterproofing, while dishwashers that are incorrectly connected to water pipes, for example, account for around 10% of cases.
Costs and insurance
According to the water damage survey, Swedish insurance companies paid out just over SEK 3 billion for completed water damage. This figure is only a part of the total cost, which is actually 50-60% higher if you include the policyholders' deductibles and the decrease in value of the replaced building parts.
Kitchen vs. bathroom - what is most vulnerable?
Kitchens are more vulnerable to water damage than bathrooms. Over the past 12 years, the number of damages in kitchens has increased by 10%. According to the 2015 water damage survey, 33% of damages occurred in kitchens, which is an increase from 2014, when damage in kitchens exceeded damage in bathrooms for the first time.
Advantages of water circuit breakers
A wise investment to reduce the risk of water damage is to install a water circuit breaker. This also has financial benefits as some insurance companies, such as Folksam, offer up to a 10 percent discount on the building portion of your home insurance if you have an approved water circuit breaker installed.
New information about water damage
Another important aspect to consider is the latest insights into water damage. According to recent research, the number of water damage incidents in kitchens has increased by 10 percent in the past twelve years, highlighting the growing risk in this area of the home. It is also important to note that water damage is not only costly for insurance companies - it can also cause significant personal and emotional distress for property owners. Being aware of these risks and taking proactive steps to prevent water damage is crucial to protecting both your property and your peace of mind.
Let's explore together how we can minimize the risks of these avoidable disasters and protect our homes and properties from the devastating effects of water damage.

VIWA Watersafe
The villa package
Secure your home with our Villa Package – the perfect solution for larger installations in multiple rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms/WCs and utility rooms. The Villa Package includes 3 high-quality sensors, tailored to protect your home from water leaks and other potential hazards.
In addition to the sensors, a convenient door switch is included, strategically placed for easy access at the front door. With this switch, you can conveniently turn off the water when you leave home, giving you peace of mind and security. Our systems come pre-programmed, making installation quick and easy. Choose the Villa Package for a comprehensive and reliable solution for your home.
Optimize the security of your home with our Villa Package – protect your most important rooms with ease and convenience.

VIWA Watersafe
Wired system
Protecting kitchens in commercial properties is easily forgotten. If the coffee machine starts leaking when no one is in the premises, it can cause major damage, avoid the damage and the long time it takes today with our wired system.
Optimize your water control with the Viwa Watersafe wired system – the perfect choice for point installations. With a focus on monitoring and immediate shutdown in the event of a water leak, this system is ideal for specific areas such as:
- Refrigerator/Freezer
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Coffee machine
Give yourself peace of mind by securely monitoring and limiting the risk of water leakage in these key areas with our reliable wired system from Viwa Watersafe.
* Water damage caused by water-connected appliances is constantly increasing and according to the Industry Regulations Safe Water Installation 2021:1, a water-connected appliance outside the kitchen and in spaces without a waterproof floor must be connected to a leakage switch or water fault switch.
