Discover real risk to church property associated with water damage.

Read why a water sensor system is an effective loss control measure for churches.

Water is powerful. One of the most famous stories in the Old Testament involves the parting of the waters of the Red Sea. Film and drawings have etched the divine acts of dividing and returning the waters. Big pictures tell a big story. This blog is not a big story, but it highlights an important reality for churches, which is property losses associated with water damage are common and costly. WWDD (What Water Damage Does) is real and consequential.

WWDD has a broad reach. Biblically, it is open-ended. This blog focuses on applying WWDD to identify, plan for, and allocate resources to address potential property loss related to water damage. Church stewardship commitments are not limited to outreach and ministry; they include attending to the condition and protection of church property and resources. Statistics provided by The Insurance Board (IB) Partners in Protection church-dedicated insurance program indicate more emphasis should be directed toward water damage events. In 2020, 40% of IB property claims were water damage-related totaling $4.9M in losses; the average freeze-related water claim was $30,000.

Adequate property insurance is a basic response to WWDD. Because the frequency and severity of insured water damage-related property losses are increasing, insurance companies are increasing rates and deductibles. Individual churches with water damage-related property loss histories should expect a surcharge at renewal. Another consideration respects WWDD is that not all causes of water damage are insurable. (Examples provided in the next paragraph.) Your church property is still at risk, whether insurance covers a potential property loss or not. Responsible stewardship of church assets includes scheduled property inspection and maintenance, appropriate insurance coverage, and affordable loss control measures. A recommended loss control measure that mitigates WWDD is highlighted below.

Subject to the terms, limits, and conditions of your church’s actual property insurance policy, property insurance coverage is always conditioned on the cause of loss being sudden and accidental. For example, water damage that occurs over a period of time, such as from a pipe leaking for weeks, would not be covered. Similarly, a claim for water damage caused by a roof that has not been properly maintained, i.e. wear and tear, would be denied. Both examples stem from poor maintenance, and your church’s property coverage does not cover maintenance issues. In contrast, consider the sudden and unexpected rupture of a hot water tank that saturates flooring and walls. The resultant damage to the flooring and walls would be covered. The replacement of the hot water tank itself would not be covered.

Undetected water damage is another concern with respect to WWDD. A pipe burst, a malfunctioning sump pump, sprinkler system, or toilet that is not noticed for some time is not only costly, but it may disrupt your ministry. In a matter of a few hours, water accidentally discharged where it does not belong frequently results in extensive and expensive damage. If any part of your church building becomes unsuitable for occupancy, you have two immediate problems:  1) remedying the property damage; and 2) adjusting your normal operations.

Water sensor systems are a practical, cost-effective, loss control approach to mitigate WWDD. Several options are available through different insurance companies. One recommendation offered at a discount to church policyholders through the IB Partners in Protection program features:

• Easy installation
• 24/7 professional support
• Sensors placed in areas of concern, i.e. sanctuary, utility room, possibly anywhere there is a sink or toilet or near systems where water may accidentally intrude
• Alerts sent to ministry contacts through text, email, or push notification
• Automated call sent if ministry contacts do not acknowledge alerts for water detection or significant freeze

Richey-Barrett Insurance is a Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agency with more than two decades of experience in the church insurance market.