Cast Iron Pipe Damage

Millions of property owners in the U.S. are vulnerable to expensive damage caused by premature corrosion of cast iron pipes.

If you’re a homeowner dealing with property damage from faulty cast iron pipes, the Insurance Adjuster at Your Property Adjuster is here to assist you in filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance and obtaining compensation for replacement costs.

Additionally, we can support you in pursuing a lawsuit related to cast iron pipe issues in the event of an insurance dispute.

Many older homes in the United States, including those in Florida, feature cast iron plumbing systems, which were commonly installed before 1975. Despite these pipes being expected to last 80 to 100 years, numerous homeowners are now experiencing cast iron pipe failures much earlier than anticipated, primarily due to premature corrosion. This failure can lead to drain backups, slow drains, severe leaks, and costly replacement expenses.

As a result, many Americans are filing insurance claims for cast iron pipe failures and replacements. Unfortunately, some insurance companies complicate the process, acting in bad faith by wrongfully denying claims or underpaying policyholders.

At Your Property Adjuster, our dedicated insurance adjusters work to ensure that homeowners receive the compensation they deserve for replacing damaged pipes and addressing related issues. If you are struggling to obtain a fair claim from your insurer for cast iron pipe damage, our adjusters can review your case and investigate for any unlawful tactics employed by your insurance company.

While modern homes typically use PVC pipes for their plumbing systems, cast iron pipes were the standard for much of the 20th century due to their affordability and expected longevity. An estimated 76 million homes built before 1975 still utilize cast iron pipes, and a concerning number are already facing premature damage or are at risk.

In Florida, homeowners have reported cast iron pipe failures within just a few decades, exacerbated by the state’s high humidity and salt-rich soil. All homes require regular maintenance to function correctly, but when systems fail prematurely, it can lead to costly consequences for homeowners, often resulting in thousands of dollars in damages.

The primary culprit behind cast iron pipe failures is corrosion, which can occur internally or externally, leading to cracks, leaks, and ruptures. Over time, this deterioration can cause severe blockages and water leaks, both inside and outside of the home.

If your home was built before 1975, it likely has cast iron plumbing. Given the rise in reports of cast iron pipe failures, homeowners need to recognize the signs of deterioration early to avoid costly water damage and expenses that many others are facing.

Signs of cast iron pipe failure include:

• Leaks
• Blocked drains
• Water stains on flooring
• Sewer or drain backups
• Foul odors in the home
• Mold growth
• Insect infestations
• Discolored water
• Cracked floor tiles

An initial indicator of pipe failure is a noticeable slowdown in drainage, which may result in backups in sinks, showers, and toilets. You might also notice increased water bills due to leaks caused by corrosion. If you suspect your cast iron pipes are deteriorating, it’s advisable to have them inspected promptly.

Your insurance company will require an inspection to determine your eligibility for property damage and replacement coverage, but you may also want to seek an independent inspection.

The total costs associated with water damage and hiring a plumber for pipe replacement can exceed $50,000, especially for properties that have sustained significant damage to concrete, walls, and floors. This expense is often unaffordable for many homeowners. Those with property damage insurance policies may be eligible to file claims for cast iron pipe damage.

Most property insurance policies provide some level of coverage for damages from failed plumbing. However, the extent of this coverage varies by insurer and the specific terms of each policy. Before contacting your insurance company, consult an experienced insurance claims lawyer who can assess your policy and protect your rights if your insurer attempts to deny or underpay your claim.

Given the high costs associated with replacing damaged cast iron pipes, insurance companies may attempt to undervalue or deny claims, leaving homeowners in a difficult and unfair situation. Insurers are legally obligated to explain their coverage calculations and must investigate claims disputed by policyholders.

Common reasons for claim denials include:

• Missing or late premium payments
• Filing for uninsured losses
• Insufficient evidence to support your claim
• Errors made by the insurance adjuster
• Inadequate inspection of piping

Insurance policies often contain complex language that can be challenging for homeowners to navigate. Some adjusters may exploit this complexity to mislead policyholders disputing their cast iron pipe claims, interpreting the policy language in a way that justifies low payout offers.

Additional tactics used to deny or underpay claims may include:

• Incorrectly claiming the policy does not cover pipe-related damage
• Failing to conduct proper inspections
• Undervaluing the claim with low offers
• Refusing to perform inspections or investigate claims

These misleading or unlawful tactics fall under bad faith actions. If your insurer has denied or underpaid your claim, you may be eligible to take legal action against them while seeking compensation for the replacement of your failing cast iron plumbing systems.

At Your Property Adjuster, our team has a proven track record of recovering compensation for victims of bad-faith insurance practices. Whether you are in the process of filing a claim for faulty cast iron pipes or are facing challenges with your insurer, our adjusters can provide an initial assessment and evaluate the extent of your water damage.

Many homeowners across Florida and the country have begun filing lawsuits against insurance companies for denying claims related to pipe damage or capping payments that should be fully covered. If you suspect your insurer is acting in bad faith, our Insurance Adjusters can assist you by:

• Providing a free initial evaluation of your case
• Setting up an inspection to determine the full extent of water damage
• Consulting with plumbing and engineering experts
• Estimating the value of your case
• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Advocating for a fair settlement covering your total losses
• Assisting with legal action against your insurer if necessary

Voted one of America’s top law firms, the award-winning adjusters at Your Property Adjuster have extensive experience holding insurance companies accountable for wrongful denials and underpayments. Choosing the right representation is crucial for defending your rights as a property owner. Our Insurance Adjusters possess the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to secure the compensation you are entitled to under your policy.

Your Property Adjuster serves clients throughout the United States, including:

• Clearwater
• Jacksonville
• Miami
• Orlando
• The Tampa Bay Area
• Tallahassee

After a thorough review of your case to ensure your claim is eligible, we work to settle it quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on restoring your property.