If your plumbing system is cast iron pipe, your home may be a disaster waiting to happen.
Most homes built prior to 1975 used cast iron pipe plumbing, which was the standard up until that time. Unfortunately, these pipes are subject to the build up of corrosion and rust on the inside of the pipes. If these iron pipes fail, leaks and other water damage may cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home.
As sewage and waste flows through the cast iron pipe, a chemical interaction causes the creation of hydrogen sulfide gas. This hydrogen sulfide gas will then oxidize and produce sulfuric acid, which is highly corrosive to the interior walls of the iron pipe. Many drain cleaners also contain sulfuric acid, and the use of these products can greatly accelerate the reduction in the lifespan of iron pipes.
The thickness of the cast iron pipe walls may also vary widely due to the manufacturing process. The sulfuric acid will cause damage most quickly on the portions of the pipe with the thinnest walls.
Although you may not have much warning prior to the failure of these iron pipes, there are several signs which may indicate the buildup of rust or other corrosion in your pipes. These signs include:
- Visible Leaks
- Backups or Slow Draining
- Bad Odor
- Discoloration of Water, Sinks or Other Fixtures
- Cracks in your Foundation
- Rodent or Insect Infestation
- Puddles of water
- Mold Growth
- Abnormal Lawn Growth
If your home has cast iron pipes, you should immediately check for any damage or visible leaks in your plumbing system. If you have any doubt whatsoever regarding your cast iron pipes, you should contact a professional to fully evaluate your plumbing system for leaks, corrosion or other issues that could cause a plumbing failure. Understand that it is not a question of “if”, but a question of “when” your cast iron pipes will fail due to corrosion and rust.
Although policy language varies, most property insurance policies provide coverage for the replacement of your damaged pipes and the cost to access your plumbing system. This is important because the damaged pipes may be under your foundation.
Lastly, you should always consult with an insurance claim lawyer prior to placing your pipe damage claim. Insurance companies often try to deny pipe damage claims based on carefully worded exclusions, so it is crucial to fully understand the nature of your claim prior to speaking with the insurance company.
Our firm has over twenty years of making insurance companies pay claims to their policyholders. Contact our office today for a FREE strategy session regarding the best way to obtain coverage for the replacement of your failing pipes.
Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim in Florida?
If your insurance company is dragging their feet regarding your property damage claim you should speak with an experienced insurance claim lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Tampa, Florida law office directly at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents just like you fight the big insurance companies who fail to abide by their own policies. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.
