Pipe Damage
As with most property, maintenance is the key to its longevity.
That includes items that we often take for granted, like plumbing and sewer pipes.
Inspecting, identifying, repairing, and maintaining worn or damaged water pipes requires vigilance. Their integrity can be compromised over time, causing severe leaks and even pipe bursts that lead to flooding behind walls, under floors, and in crawl spaces that are hard to identify before significant water damage occurs throughout homes, condos, and businesses throughout the State of Florida.
At The Morgan Law Group, our Florida insurance claims attorneys do more than assist our clients in pursuing the financial recovery they deserve from their insurance policy’s coverage, we also provide tips that may help prevent those claims altogether.
What are the Main Causes of Water Pipe Failure in Florida?
Unfortunately, water pipes do not last forever, and over time they can break down and cause damage that is difficult to financially overcome without filing a successful insurance claim.
The most common causes of pipe damage in Florida includes, but is not limited to:
- Diminished pipe diameter caused by the accumulation of grease, slime, and other materials on the pipe walls that cause severe blockages
- Corrosion caused by rust, hydrogen sulfide gas, or age
- Physical damage caused by cracks that are common in lead, clay, plastic, and cast-iron pipes
- Pipe misalignment caused by pipe deformation over time
- Poor workmanship caused by inadequate installation or improper maintenance
- Tree root intrusion caused by overgrown trees outside the home
- Collapse of an outside sewer line from construction, roadwork, or age
- Frozen pipes caused by below-average temperatures, although rare, they are typically more common in Northern Florida
When pipe damage goes unnoticed, it can cause expensive damage to your home and property that requires hiring experienced plumbing professionals to repair or replace — often at an emergency rate, which can become a significant financial burden.
What are the Most Common Signs of Pipe Damage in Florida?
Pipe damage can be difficult to diagnose on your own, but several signs may alert you that it is time to call a professional plumber.
They include, but are not limited to:
- Unexplained moisture under cabinets, inside closets, or in basements
- Brown stains on the ceiling or walls
- Mold damage
- Higher water bills than usual
- Discolored water
- Lack of water pressure
- Clanging, grinding, or rumbling sounds during water use
- Unpleasant odors emitting from faucets and drains
Because of the salt and moisture-rich environment in Florida, homes, condos, and commercial properties are consistently at-risk for pipe damage, which brings us to the best approach for avoiding water damage: Inspections and maintenance.
How Can I Prevent Pipe Damage in My Florida Home, Condo, or Business?
The annual inspection of your plumbing by a professional may help identify undetected water leaks before they cause damage.
Plumbing services may provide leak and damage inspections or relining and replacement solutions that are worth the initial investment, to avoid a much bigger emergency cost later.
If you were unable to detect damaged pipes before they caused significant harm to your home, condo, or business and are having trouble filing a successful claim with your insurance company, contact our experienced Florida insurance claims attorneys at The Morgan Law Group
today at (305) 569-9900 for help.
