KJ McElrath  |  August 10, 2021

Category: Insurance

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A man scrubs a patch of mold on a wall.Although Florida homeowners may believe that their homeowners’ insurance will cover the cost to repair or replace their pipes, many consumers who have dealt with leaky pipes in Florida have reported that insurers are reluctant to cover the cost of these repairs.

What Causes Leaky Pipes in Florida?

Although cast iron pipes have a lifespan of around 75 to 100 years, these pipes may still eventually degrade and fail, leading to serious issues for homeowners. If your home was built prior to 1975, it is likely that cast iron pipes were used in the construction of your water line. Homes that were built after 1975 are more likely to have pipes made of copper or heavy-duty plastics.

Cast iron pipes may fail for a variety of reasons, including age, and extreme changes in weather, such as storms and floods. Additionally, the type of soil and water quality will also affect them. Tree roots may grow into cracks in the pipes, causing further damage.

Signs and Symptoms of Pipe Disintegration and Failure

Symptoms that your pipes may be failing may include:

  • Discolored yellow or brownish water. When cast iron piping begins to rust, it may cause the water to change color.
  • Foundation problems. Repeated water exposure due to a broken or leaky pipe may eventually compromise the structural integrity of your home’s foundation. This may lead to sagging or uneven floors.
  • Slow or blocked drains. Cast iron pipes that have cracks or weak spots may develop blockages that cause water to flow more slowly down the drain.
  • Bad odors. Cracks in the pipes may lead to the release of sewage, causing water to develop an odor.
  • Wet floors and walls. Often, the most visible symptoms of a cracked or failing pipe are wet spots or puddles due to water leaking from the pipes.
  • Mold. Due to the humidity and moisture often caused by leaky pipes, mold may quickly develop in damp areas.

Can Leaky Pipes Be Prevented?

There are a number of ways in which the useful life of cast iron pipes can be extended. One step is to reduce the water pressure as it travels through the pipes. Leaks can begin to form when pipes move and shift under pressure, particularly when the pressure is greater than 60 psi (pounds per square inch) for long periods of time. Normal water pressure for residential pipes is between 30 and 50 psi; if you get a reading that is greater than 60, you may need to contact a professional in order to adjust the water regulator valve on your property or install a pressure valve along the mainline. At no time should residential water pressure be greater than 80 psi.

Another way to extend the life of cast iron pipes is to invest in a water softener. “Hard” water contains a high level of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These can create a build-up along the inner surfaces and speed up the corrosion process. A way to tell is if you notice a white buildup on plumbing fixtures, such as showerheads and faucets.

A water softener is an ion exchange device; it uses negatively-charged resin beads to pull positively-charged calcium and magnesium molecules, which are then removed in brine and flushed down the drain. Hard water is less of a problem in Florida than it is in the Southwest and Northeastern regions of the country, but can occur anywhere – particularly if you obtain your water from a well. However, if you get water from the city, it is a simple matter to obtain a recent water test report to determine the level of hardness in the supply; anything exceeding 140 ppm (parts per million) indicates hard water.

Will My Home Insurance Pay for Leaky Pipes in Florida?

Although many homeowners expect their homeowners insurance to protect them from damage to their pipes, insurance companies may attempt to deny claims, delay the disbursement of benefits, or offer lowball settlements amounts. Another complication with water damage from leaky pipes is that homeowners insurance often only covers water damage that is both sudden and internal. Damage caused by pipes leaking over a long period of time might not be covered by the typical homeowners insurance policy. Hiring a qualified attorney to represent you may aid you in receiving compensation from your insurance company to fix your leaky pipes in Florida.

Basic home insurance policies generally cover property damage caused by fire, smoke, lightning, hail, wind, aircraft, explosions, vandalism, and theft. A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover flood damage. Due to Florida’s extreme weather, hurricanes, floods, and storms may result in additional damage to your pipes.

People who have insurance in Florida may have several options, even if their initial claim for pipe repair or replacement is denied. A qualified attorney may be able to review your legal options and assist you with negotiating with your insurance company. Having someone on your side who knows the laws regarding Florida home insurance policies may make it more likely for you to receive the maximum compensation you are owed.

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Learn more by filling out the form on this page for a free case evaluation by a Florida property damage lawyer. 

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