Is Your Older Home’s Plumbing a Problem?

Many older homes in South Florida have cast-iron pipes that can cause unwanted plumbing problems leading to costly home repairs. Here’s what you need to know.

Our homes should be our solaces, our shelters from the stresses of the world. But within many older homes in the area, there lies a hidden danger: old cast-iron pipes that can corrode, crack, break and leak. All of this takes place behind your walls, so by the time you know there is a problem, it may be too late.

The good news is there are many signs you can be on the lookout for to identify and fix plumbing problems before they get worse. Michael J. Cordo of CMC Claim Consultants, Inc. sat down with us to explain the risks of old cast-iron pipes, and why homeowners should work with a public adjuster for these problems rather than just their insurance company.

Which homes and properties typically feature cast-iron plumbing?

Prior to 1975, the vast majority of Florida properties used cast-iron pipes due to its longevity and durability. Over time, however, these pipes proved to be susceptible to corrosion and deterioration. If your home was built before 1975, chances are you have cast-iron plumbing.

What warning signs should a homeowner be on the lookout for?

If you are concerned that your home is suffering from plumbing issues, there are a few signs to look for:

High water bills. An issue as small as a pinhole leak in a water supply line can raise a consumer’s water bill drastically. Making it a prudent option to look for a service similar to queen charlotte plumbing, even in the first instance, you notice such a change. Services like these can locate plumbing problems like dripping faucets and leaks, and offer viable repair options.
Discolored water. Yellowish or brownish water that pours when you turn on your faucet may indicate rusting and decaying pipes.
Slow drainage or backups. Breakage in cast-iron pipes can create a buildup or blockage that will slow your drain. Usually, a professional plumbing company (like makeitdrainplumbing.com/west-hollywood-plumbing-services/) can sort this issue without much delay.
Foul smells. Cast-iron pipes with cracks and holes can create an opening for sewage gasses to climb through your pipes and into your home.
Wet walls and floors. If your pipes have cracks or breaks, water will escape and find places to settle. Depending on the location of pipes, this could cause the development of damp spots on the floor or walls of your home, or even outside. You may even see the development of puddles.
Mold. Lack of proper ventilation and moisture is all that is needed for mold to develop and start growing. That can happen between 48 and 72 hours after a water incident.

What can happen if these issues are allowed to persist without repairs?

Currently, there are over 2 million homes in Florida with cast-iron pipes that are failing. Left unmitigated, these damages can lead to total failure, resulting in major sewage leaks and devastating water damage to structures, lawns, and other property. If you don’t make repairs to cast-iron plumbing at some point, water can cause erosion and deterioration over time and lead to water escaping to other parts of your home. This can eventually harm your concrete foundation, and you might need to look for a foundation repair expert to fix it.

If a homeowner notices issues such as these, what should they do?

Cast-iron pipes have become obsolete, and homeowners dealing with these issues would typically need to contact plumbers in Canton or elsewhere and have the existing pipes replaced with PVC plumbing. If you are a homeowner and you notice these issues, you should take pictures immediately and start documenting your damages.

Second, get in touch with an experienced public adjuster like CMC Claim Consultants, who will protect your rights as a claimant and fight your insurance company to get you the money you deserve. If you contact your insurance company directly, chances are they will try to lower your compensation or even deny your claim.

As experienced public adjusters, we will compile and provide you with an estimate of damage and explain your policy coverage, so that you’ll have a firm grasp on exactly what your insurance policy covers and what you’ll be owed if you do file a claim against your insurance company.

How can CMC Claim Consultants help homeowners with these plumbing problems?

Damage from leaking pipes can sometimes cost over $100,000 and create a total loss of your home. The cost to replace a sewer line itself in Florida can range from $5,000 to $40,000, leaving the homeowners with costly repair fees or a struggle they are unprepared to undertake. Our mission is to get you the money you deserve in a timely fashion, so that you can make repairs to your property and get back to your daily lives as soon as possible.

If you think your home or property has cast-iron plumbing, don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Visit cmcpublicadjusters.com or call 305.668.3335 for a free inspection.

This is a solicitation for business. If you have had a claim for an insured property loss or damage and you are satisfied with the payment by your insurer, you may disregard this advertising. License number E134952

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