You think a burst geyser is just a mop-up job? Think again. One little geyser leak can cause chaos that would make even a Hollywood disaster movie director proud. We’re talking ceilings collapsing, carpets soaked, wooden floors buckling, TVs short-circuiting, and office laptops fried. Suddenly, your “quick fix” is running into hundreds of thousands of rands—sometimes even millions.
And geysers aren’t the only culprits. Insurers have seen some wild claims: a multi-storey home flooded by a runaway washing machine upstairs, a priceless painting destroyed when a guest tripped with a glass of Pinotage, even a moustache so valuable it was insured for millions (we’re still not sure how you file that claim).
The point is: when the unexpected shows up, it hardly ever comes alone. It brings friends.
Now here’s the fine print in bold: while insurance is designed for the sudden and unforeseen, it doesn’t cover what we call wear and tear. In other words, you’ve still got to do your part. A geyser that rusted quietly for years or gutters blocked with last autumn’s leaves? That’s not going to fly in a claim. The same goes for dodgy electrical wiring left unchecked, or a roof tile that’s been broken since last summer. When those loose wires spark a fire or the shifted tiles let in the rain, the damage is sudden, yes—but the cause was years in the making.
That’s why a bit of TLC for your home (and office) goes a long way. Think of it like this: you can’t act surprised when the engine of your car blows if you haven’t serviced it for five years. Same with your property.
Here’s a quick and easy checklist to keep disasters from multiplying:
- Clear your gutters before the rains hit. Dried leaves and muck are a flood waiting to happen.
- Check your geyser every few years—it’s cheaper than replacing the whole ceiling.
- Inspect your roof tiles—especially after a heavy storm. One loose tile today can mean water damage tomorrow.
- Keep an eye on wiring—flickering lights and tripping plugs aren’t “quirks,” they’re warning signs.
- Call a pro when plumbing or electrics go wrong. If your screwdriver still has the price tag on it, DIY isn’t the answer.
At Howdie, we know that life has a wicked sense of humour. It waits until you’re away on holiday or hosting a braai before a pipe bursts, a storm rolls in, or an electrical fault lights up the night sky. That’s why we’re here. We make sure when the unexpected knocks (and brings its friends), you’ve got cover that keeps the chaos manageable.
Do your bit with the maintenance basics, and we’ll have your back for the rest.
