Most insurers exclude coverage for pipe repair or new pipes, but they may pay for damage resulting from deterioration, with one major rule: you did not have prior knowledge of the issue when you bought the home. You may have a claim for damages if you suffered financial losses or health problems caused by water damage from bad pipes. However, you may have a legitimate claim for damages if you suffered financial losses or health problems caused by water damage from bad pipes. Protect Your Rights as a HomeownerĬoverage for water damage is a sticky area in the fine print of homeowners insurance policies. For good home maintenance practices, homeowners should routinely inspect exposed tubing for signs of deterioration. The problem is that household plumbing is often hidden behind walls or in neglected crawl spaces or utility rooms, so problems can go unnoticed for years. Pipe corrosion is ubiquitous in American cities irrespective of climate, but salt and moisture-rich environments-such as Florida-can accelerate the problem. Experts suggest checking the ingredients on household drain cleaners, as many brands contain sulfuric acid, which accelerates pipe corrosion. Sulfuric acid is a recipe for disaster it is corrosive to cast iron. Waste running through pipes can cause hydrogen sulfide gas buildup, which oxidizes and produces sulfuric acid. External rust is not necessarily a cause for concern, though it may indicate more serious problems in the internal piping.Īnother, more common problem- internal corrosion-occurs within the pipes themselves, and is usually caused by the acidity of the actual sewage running through the pipes. Soil often contains high levels of acidity, stray electric currents, and toxins, all of which can cause cast iron pipes to rust. ![]() One reason is external corrosion caused by materials found in soil. Underground waste pipes fail for a variety of reasons. A broken plumbing system also lowers property value. Leaks can cause serious health problems, including coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, and fatigue. Water-stained/discolored carpet or rug/mat.Rather than patch and replace segments of damaged pipes, a full (and costly) replacement may be in order. Sporadic leaks are a cause for concern they may lead to a more serious flood of water or raw sewage backup in the future, causing foul smells and attracting pests into your home. ![]() If pipes appears rusted, decayed, discolored or cracked, owners should have a plumber determine if the entire piping system needs replacement. An estimated 76 million American homes have failed cast iron pipes that must be replaced. ![]() Deterioration of cast iron pipes is normal after just 25 years, so homeowners should conduct routine inspections. However, it may be time to replace cast iron pipes long before their lifetime is up. One frequently asked question is “How long do cast iron drain pipes last?” Cast iron waste pipes last anywhere between 50 and 100 years. Wear and tear is normal in residential pipe systems. You don't want to end up like this family, which was forced to move out of their home because of sewage backup.ĭeterioration of cast iron pipes is normal after just 25 years. Your pipes may be hidden underground or in the basement, but an ounce of prevention will be worth a pound of cure. If you live in a home built before 1975, your pipes are probably made of cast iron, and you should check them for damage.
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