Water is the most important substance humans need to survive, but what good is it if the cast iron pipes in your home are contaminating your water? Many people in Florida have to deal with this on a daily basis but no one should have to put up with unsafe drinking water coming out of their tap.
Many homes or commercial properties in Florida were built prior to 1975, and many of those structures feature degrading cast iron pipes. These pipes are notorious for failing prematurely, sometimes as early as 25 years after installation. A cast iron water main lasts an average of 50 years before breaking, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Mr. Crump recognizes the hazard corroded pipes means for you and your loved ones. Contact our offices today for assistance. We may be able to investigate your home and determine if you can file a claim.
What Causes the Failure of Cast Iron Pipes?
Cast iron pipes are susceptible to a variety of influences, particularly corrosion. Corrosion may occur if your pipes are exposed to:
- Construction activities
- Clay soil, organic growth, or other natural interference
- Chemical spills, pesticides, or other leakages
- Acidic sewage
- Household products containing sulfuric acid or other corrosive chemicals
This list isn’t exhaustive, and while corrosion is one of the greatest influences on pipe degradation, it certainly isn’t the only one. Your pipes may fail for a variety of reasons, and we may be able to help you learn more.
What Do Defective Pipes Look Like?
- There are several warning signs to pipe failure, including:
- Loose, broken, raised, or water-stained floor tiles or grout
- Roach infestations
- Water-stained carpets, rugs, and mats
- Warped wood flooring
- Foul smells from sewer gases or sewage
These are just a few telltale ways to detect cast iron pipes failing. Bad pipes harm your home, its value, and the Florida aquifer. Each month, over 200 million gallons of raw sewage leaks into the water supply from residential homes. You can help put a stop to this, and fix your home.
How Many Homes Have These Pipes?
Piping incorporated cast iron for decades, until the rise of PVC, which became the material of choice around 1975. Nationwide, around 76 million homes have cast iron pipes that must be replaced. In Florida alone, 2.4 million homes have suspected cast iron pipe failure.
In an ideal situation, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates cast iron piping can last for quite some time. But, the external influences mentioned above plague many water systems, and may be affecting your home. The rich moisture in Florida, combined with a high concentration of salt accelerates the corrosion process.
Identifying defective cast iron pipes can be difficult without the proper hardware, but there are some telltale signs in your house.
Get a Review of Your Cast Iron Pipes Today
Water damage is one of the more routinely denied claims of an insurance company in Florida. Even when you can prove your pipes are damaged, you may receive a lowball offer that leaves unable to replace your cast iron pipes. Worse, you could get no relief at all. Don’t let an insurance company tell you it can’t do anything.
Mr. Crump may be able to help you, if you meet the following requirements:
- You live in Florida;
- Your house was built before 1975, and you previously received an insurance claim denial or got a lowball offer; and
- Your house was built before 1975 and you haven’t filed an insurance claim yet.
Should you choose Ben Crump to represent you, he and his associates will have a professional inspect your home’s pipes to evaluate their condition. Contact us today to learn more.
