Every state has laws regarding the care and maintenance of certain mechanical pieces of equipment that potentially pose a greater risk to residents/occupants/guests in a sorority chapter house. This exposure is often referred to as boiler and pressurized vessels. We generally think of the steam operated boilers that heat a house; however, even hot water heaters in some states are also included.

Generally speaking, these laws require: (1) an operating permit to be obtained from the State Department or jurisdiction prior to operating a regulated boiler or pressure vessel; (2) all operating permit inspections to be performed by a boiler or pressure vessel inspector licensed by the Department; and (3) the Department to perform operating permit inspections on all regulated boiler or pressure vessels owned by the state.

Your insurance coverage for boilers and pressurized vessels is part of your property insurance coverage. In addition to paying for a claim should one of these items explode, the coverage also provides extensive safety engineering and inspection services which will ultimately minimize the potential for a loss.

As the law prescribes, inspections must be performed on a regular basis as determined by the state law. These could be anywhere from a quarterly to an annual inspection. As part of your insurance premium, these inspections are done by your property insurer Travelers Insurance Company, and they are free of charge. 

The jurisdiction however should they be asked to inspect by the building owner would have a fee attached to that service, thus why we encourage our clients to rely exclusively upon your insurance company to fulfill this role.

There are basically two separate transactions with this exposure:

The process is as follows:

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

March 2022: Topics include property claims trends, spring weather resources, FAQ on hiring contractors, 2022 MJ Housing Forum recordings and more!

January 2022: Topics include winter weather reminders, Covid-19 updates, accounting best practices, renting your chapter house for events, and insurance limits.

The milder days of spring are a perfect time to do a thorough spring cleaning and perform routine maintenance. After a long winter, it is a good idea to spend time on preventive measures to help maintain your property throughout the year. Tasks such as cleaning out your gutters, checking for dead trees and branches and cleaning and inspecting facility mechanical and plumbing systems, such as heating and air conditioning equipment, can help make spring a season of safety.

Cleaning and maintenance of your chapter house should be done inside and out. Although the tasks are different, checking to see if all the elements of your property are in good working order can help keep your members and employees safe and your maintenance expenses lower over the long run.

Here are a few things inside your facility that should be inspected to determine if they are in good condition:

The cold winter months can do damage to your property as well. Here are a few things outside your facility that should be inspected to ensure they are in good condition:

A little home maintenance in the spring can go a long way to help keep the chapter house safe and secure throughout the rest of the year.

Unofficial Houses: What, Why, & How – In this episode, Allison and Sara discuss what we call “unofficial houses.”

October 2021: Topics include Leak Protection, water damage, COVID-19, & wellness rules overview.

In the MJ Sorority Program, 55% of property claims are due to water-related issues. The most common reasons for water damage are: water pipes bursting, frozen pipes thawing, and sewage and drain backups; but burst pipes, roof leaks, overflowing toilets and leaking appliances can also cause significant damage. These types of water damage can also result in business interruption, relocation costs, lost rents and can negatively impact your reputation as a business.

Though you do have broad water damage insurance protection, as the property owner, you should consider all types of tools to help you prevent water damage events and/or reduce the impact of a water claim. Installing leak detection and flow monitors also make your property eligible for a 5% credit at renewal, applied to your property insurance premium.

One of the best things that you can do to reduce and prevent water damage is to install a flow-based water leak detection device. The most comprehensive tool available is a leak protection system, which includes both a flow-based monitoring system and detectors or water sensors.

Below we explain the components of a comprehensive leak protection system. You can find specific technology and partner recommendations in this article.

How does a flow-based water shut-off device work?

Installed by a plumber directly onto your water line, a flow-based water leak detection device monitors the flow of water throughout your chapter house. If an unusual activity or flow of water is detected – probably caused by a leak somewhere in your plumbing or pipes – the device will alert you first, and then shut off your water supply to help minimize damage.

How do water sensors work?

The water sensors, placed throughout your property, can detect the presence of water, often by measuring the electrical conductivity of the water present and completing a circuit to send a signal to either an email or text.

Where should water sensors be placed?

Water sensors should be placed strategically throughout the chapter house to maximize detection. Performing regular maintenance and checking for rusty, corroded, or damaged water supply lines before you have a leak is one of the best ways to help prevent water damage.

You might want to install water sensors in areas near:

If you are having a professional plumber install your sensors, they will be able to provide advice on how many to install and where to install.

Additional Tips to Consider

Choose a flow-based leak detection device. While individual sensors that detect the pressure of water are acceptable, they cannot test for microleaks, monitor water usage, or detect burst pipes in walls or under foundations. The flow-based devices provide enhanced protection, functionality, durability, reliability, accuracy, and great value for the cost.

Several MJ Sorority clients have installed flow-based devices and the cost for a typical sorority chapter house range from $2,500-$4,000 per location. As mentioned before, when leak detection and flow monitors are installed, your property will be eligible for a 5% discount to your property insurance premium at renewal.

Select a device that automatically shuts off the water when a pipe ruptures or another water anomaly occurs. These preferred flow-based devices not only detect trouble, but also help mitigate the problem itself.

Hire a plumber to professionally install your flow-based leak detection device. Your devices should be installed on your domestic water main pipe near where it enters your chapter house. These devices will need access to a power outlet and a wi-fi router signal.

Determine your water main pipe size to order the right produce size. Ask your licensed plumber, contractor or product vendor to assist you in picking out the best device for your chapter house.

As we mentioned in above, roughly 55% of MJ Sorority property claims are water damage-related. Any preventative action will certainly reduce, not only the amount of damage, but the disruption to chapter operations. Even when the claim is handled expediently and thoroughly, it often requires your member residents to have to relocate to other lodging, which impacts their member experience and causes additional headaches for the House Corporation volunteers and/or property managers.

For a more in-depth explanation of the leak detection technologies available and specific companies that we recommend, please refer to this resource.

For further reading on preventing water damage, refer to our printable infographic or this resource for additional tips. For further information on water damage claims for the MJ Sorority book of business, refer to this infographic.

In the event of flooding or a higher-than-normal water table due to heavy rains, sewage could back up through floor drains or plumbing fixtures located in a basement or lower level. When rising storm waters are expected, it is vitally important to establish a watch system to monitor your property drainage system to quickly identify and address any issues such as back-up, flooding, etc. Being prepared and responding quickly often minimizes the damage potential. The following are some methods to help minimize sewer backup into a building.

If sewage starts to back up into a home or business from the floor drains, it is possible to plug these drains. Floor drains are often at the lowest point in your facility and, as a result, may be the first entry point for sewage backup. Rubber or wooden plugs, purchased at many hardware stores, may be used to close off drains during heavy rains. If plugs are used, mark them prominently if they protrude beyond the floor level so they don’t become a tripping hazard.

After plugging floor drains, if the sewer water level becomes high enough, it may fill and overflow other plumbing fixtures located in the basement or lower level. Plug these drain openings with stoppers or plugs. A string mop can be used to help plug toilet openings. Be aware that ceramic plumbing fixtures such as toilets may be fragile.

Plugging of drains or fixtures should only be done where the condition of the sewer piping below the floor is considered to be strong and tight. Otherwise, heavy rainstorms or flooding may cause a build-up of water pressure within the house or business’ sewer system great enough to rupture pipe joints or damage basement floors.

Some properties may have backwater valves installed on sewer lines. Some are manually closed gate valves, while others are automatic check valves.

Remember that while the valve is closed and protecting your home or business from sewage backup, normal sewage flow from the building to the sanitary sewer is also cut off. This means that plumbing fixtures cannot be used unless a pump bypass is provided.

Many towns also have a comprehensive website with information and advice regarding prevention techniques. You should also refer to your local municipality for assistance.

Leak detection devices are a great way to prevent a sewer backup from doing more significant damage. Click here for further reading.

We have seen a dramatic increase in claims arising out of frozen pipes over the last two years. Frozen pipes can present an invisible threat – one that you might not recognize until the weather starts to warm. By then, the water damage can be significant and costly. Fortunately, keeping your home warmer, at a consistent temperature, and better insulated can help protect your pipes from freezing this winter.

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?

Pipes that are most exposed to the elements, including those outdoors and along the exterior walls of your home, likely need extra protection during winter months. These include the following:

Before winter:

During winter:

Why is a Frozen Pipe a Concern?

When water begins to freeze, it expands. This can cause both plastic and metal pipes to burst, possibly leading to significant water damage to your home.

What Do You Do if You Have a Frozen Pipe?

How to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
We have created a printable infographic with these reminders for your use.

In addition, make sure you complete MJ’s Winter Weather Checklist prior to the onset of winter weather. More detailed tips to manage the risk of frozen pipes is available here.

Event Planning: All About Contracts – Ruth and Allison are back to discuss the ins and outs about insurance contracts: what are contracts, why are they important, what to look for when dealing with contracts, and why all of this matters to our clients.