Cast Iron Pipe Water Damage and Lawsuits

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Iron pipes could have corrosion on the inside that can reduce water quality and slow the flow of water.

In Florida, there are increasing numbers of homeowners filing a lawsuit related to cast-iron plumbing in their homes that have failed, leading to water damage, leaking sewage, drain clogs, and even pest infestations. These are homes that were built before 1975 with cast iron pipes that have since deteriorated. Unfortunately, many homeowners who have filed claims with their insurance company are being denied coverage or receiving far less than the damage caused because the company claims the problem was “normal wear and tear” or that damage caused by water is not covered under the policy.

The Problem with Cast Iron Plumbing

Today, homes are built with PVC piping which are pipes made of a hard plastic material known as polyvinyl chloride. However, before 1975, Florida homes were built using cast iron plumbing, which was supposed to have a lifespan of up to 75 years. When these pipes were installed, builders did not take into account the extreme humidity in Florida which has led the pipes to fail much sooner than they should have. Humidity speeds corrosion and leads to damaged pipes. In fact, homeowners began having problems with the cast iron plumbing within 25 years, half the expected lifespan of the plumbing. It is estimated that over two million homes in Florida have this type of piping and all of them will need to have the cast iron pipes replaced in the near future.

Signs Your Pipes are Failing

There are telltale signs that will let you know if your pipes are failing. You may notice that your sinks or tubs drain slower than normal or that your plumbing has developed leaks. If water backs up in your toilet or drains, your pipes may be starting to fail. Broken, cracked, discolored, or raised floor tiles are also a sign that you may have a leak due to faulty piping. Water stains on your carpet or pest infestations are also symptoms of pipe problems. If you notice foul smells in your home, you may want to have your piping checked as well.

Pest Infestations

Many homeowners are unaware that there are pests that can access your plumbing which can result in an infestation in your home. If your pipes are leaking, standing water can accumulate and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies, and dragonflies. Standing water is also a great place for parasites and bacteria to thrive. Hidden plumbing leaks can create a perfect environment for other types of pests as well. Rodents and bugs like dark, damp spaces which means a plumbing leak under your home could provide them with the perfect place to lay eggs or build a nest. Termites are attracted to damp wood and could cause tremendous damage. Cockroaches are also attracted to water as well as organic debris. They have been known to actually clog sink traps by getting into the plumbing system. Rodents like squirrels, gophers, rats, and mice can enter your home through vents in the roof, your sewer system, or gaps in your crawl space. Once they are inside, they can easily climb plumbing pipes and leave debris inside, leading to clogs. A rodent can also die inside a pipe, leading to a serious backup and expensive repairs. If your pipes are failing, gaps and leaks provide access to your plumbing system by all types of pests.

Cast Iron Pipe Issues

The average homeowner understands that they are required to perform regular maintenance on their home. For most, this means cleaning gutters regularly, replacing HVAC filters, repairing visible damage, and replacing roof shingles. However, when it comes to a cast-iron plumbing failure, the average homeowner may have no idea that the pipe even has a problem. Because the majority of a home’s plumbing fixtures are hidden, you may have no idea that you have cast iron pipe in your home. In addition, being able to see the outside of the pipe may not be enough. Iron pipes could have corrosion on the inside that can reduce water quality and slow the flow of water.

Insurance Company Denials

One of the reasons homeowners are filing lawsuits is because their insurance companies are denying claims related to cast-iron pipes. Water damage is a tricky subject for insurance companies. Most will cover damage caused by a water problem that could not be foreseen, such as a broken toilet or washer hose. They usually do not cover damage that can be related to homeowner negligence or water that seeps for a significant period. That means a pipe that bursts in your home suddenly may be covered but not one that failed simply because it was old. Insurance policies often do not cover flood damage, like when a river overflows and they usually do not cover sewage backups or water seeping into your basement from the ground. You want to read your homeowners policy to see what clauses exist. If yours states that it will not cover “losses due to wear and tear on pipes,” they will more than likely not cover damage caused by a faulty cast iron pipe and you may need to talk to a lawyer about a lawsuit. However, there is a chance your policy may have a loophole that will work in your favor, but it may take an attorney to find that loophole or the threat of a lawsuit to get the insurance company to cover the damage.

How to Deal with Water Damage

If you suffer water damage, you need to take immediate action. First, try to remove excess water by mopping and blotting. Unplug and remove all electrical appliances, such as lamps. Remove furnishings and prop cushions in a dry location. Turn on ceiling fans, unless the ceiling is wet, and, if you have them, window or floor fans, making sure to keep them away from standing water. You do not want to leave the wet fabric in place, you need to remove it to a dry area as quickly as possible, Books, magazines, and colored rugs should also be removed. Never use your household vacuum to remove water. If you have a wet-dry vacuum, you may use that to remove excess water. Do not enter rooms if the ceiling is sagging from water damage. It is critical to get the water cleaned as fast as possible in order to minimize the damage and reduce the costs of repair.

Water damage can be devastating. A water leak on your second floor could result in damaged ceilings on lower levels as well as damaged floors on the level where the leak occurred. If your home was built before 1975, it is possible that the leak was caused by a faulty cast iron pipe. If your insurance company denies your claim, you should contact an attorney to discuss the possibility of a lawsuit. You may also want to reach out to a company that will help you deal with the aftermath of a water leak. SERVPRO of Winter Park offers 24/7 emergency service and can get a technician out to minimize your damage as much as possible. We use advanced equipment and techniques designed to dry your property. Not only will we address your water damage quickly, but we will also deodorize and sanitize the area as well. Contact us today by calling or visiting us online to learn more about the many services we offer, including water damage, sewage backup cleanup as well as mold remediation.