Experiencing Plumbing Leaks?
Your Property Damage Claims
Many types of plumbing damage can occur on a property, from small leaks to complete backups. Cast iron pipe leaks and polybutylene pipe leaks are two of the most common, under the slab leaks can also be very damaging.
Cast iron pipe leaks or under the slab leaks can often be difficult to detect, as they may not cause any immediately visible damage. However, there are a few signs that may indicate you have a cast iron pipe leak.
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Signs of possible plumbing damage?
Water Stains on the Baseboards or Floors
Water stains on the baseboards or floors can be an indicator of a plumbing leak. Often, if these leaks are in the middle of the floor, it could be a leak in the drain lines running through the slab of the property. Closer to the walls could indicate water is leaking from supply lines running through the walls.
Tenting or Hollow Floor Tiles
Hollow floor tiles or tenting tiles could be a sign of a leaking pipe that is causing damage. If you see any tiles that are loose or look like they’re about to fall off, it’s possible that there is a water leak underneath. If tiles become de-bonded, they can also much easier crack under a person’s weight.
A Sudden Increase in Your Water Bill
If you have a sudden increase in your water bill, it could be an indication that you have a leaky supply line. A leaky supply line can cause a lot of damage very quickly and can often go undetected.
Rust or Corrosion Around the Pipes
If you see rust or corrosion around the pipes, it might mean that there is a plumbing leak. A plumbing leak can cause a lot of damage very quickly, so it’s important to address any potential leaks as soon as possible.
A Metallic Taste in Your Water
If your water tastes metallic, it might mean that you have a water leak. Water leaks can cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to address any potential leaks as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Plumbing Leaks
01. Sewer Line Backups
Sewer line blockages can be caused by several things. A build-up of grease or fat can clog the lines. Items being flushed down the toilet that shouldn’t be like baby wipes can slowly build up.
02. Tree Roots Growing in Drain Lines
One of the most common causes of plumbing failure is tree roots growing into the pipes. Tree roots are attracted to the moisture in the pipes, and they can grow into them, causing a blockage. This can lead to a backup or even a full-blown plumbing failure.
If you have trees on your property, it’s important to keep an eye on their roots. If you see any that are growing close to the pipes, it’s best to have them trimmed back.
If you already experienced regular backups or other plumbing problems, it’s possible that tree roots are the cause. In this case, it’s best to call a plumber to clear the blockage and repair the damage.
03. Leaking Polybutylene Pipes
Polybutylene were once a popular choice for plumbing because they are cheap and easy to install. However, polybutylene pipes are now known to often leak.
If you have leaking polybutylene pipes in your home, it is important to get them fixed as soon as possible. A small leak can turn into a big problem if not addressed.
One way to find out if you have a leaking polybutylene pipe is to get a water test. Water tests are performed by professionals and can help identify the location of the leak. This can help you fix the problem before it becomes too costly.
If you suspect that you have a leaking polybutylene pipe, it is always best to call a plumber for help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently. They can also document the leak and repair so that an insurance claim can be made and supported.
04. Leaking Supply Line Pipes
Supply line pipes are often forgotten about, but they can be just as susceptible to leaks as other types of plumbing. A supply line pipe is the pipe that brings water into your home and appliances. Supply line leaks can happen from appliances like a dishwasher or hot water heater or to a sink. If this pipe leaks, it can cause a lot of damage very quickly and is usually noticeable.
If you have a supply line leak, it’s important to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to find the source of the leak and fix it quickly and efficiently. They can also document the repair so that an insurance claim can be placed for the resulting damage. Always make sure to take plenty of pictures.
What should you do?
Generally, most plumbing damage and backups are covered by insurance, but there may be a deductible or exclusion for certain types of damage. For example, if a tree root grows into the pipes and causes a backup, that may or may not be covered by insurance depending on different factors. It’s important to have a professional read and interpret the policy.
If you experience any type of plumbing damage or backup, it’s always best to action as soon as possible.
Turn off the water to the affected area. It is important to turn off the water to the affected area as soon as possible. This will help minimize the damage and prevent further water from entering the pipes.
Remove furniture or belongings from the area. If the plumbing backup is in a room with furniture or belongings, it’s important to remove them from the area as soon as possible. The water and any sewage will likely cause damage to the furniture and belongings, so it’s best to move them to a safe place until the issue can be fixed.
Call a plumber to stop the leak. If you experience a plumbing backup, it is important to call a plumber to clear the clog and repair the damage. A plumber will be able to diagnose the cause of the backup and fix the issue.
Get a Leak Detection Test. One way to find out if you have a plumbing leak is to get a leak detection test. Leak detection tests are performed by professionals and can help identify the location of the leak. This can help provide a convincing claim for the insurance company to review.
Damages You Can Receive Compensation For
Plumbing
Mold
Floors
Walls
Paint
Additional Living Expenses
Get Compensated For
Plumbing
Water damage can occur from water supply lines that run through the walls. Especially pipes such as polybutylene are susceptible to sudden leaking.
Mold
Backup from drain lines with standing water are very common causes of significant water damage.They can result in overflowing and backup of water.
Floors
Leaking of drain lines in the slab are especially common with cast iron lines that were very commonly used in Florida homes.Water damage can easily damage floors and walls
Walls
Water supply lines such as to a refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, or ice makers can see water seeping over time, damaging surrounding property.
Paint
Rain can enter the home, often driven by wind through open windows, porous building materials, or cracks in the exterior of the siding or room.
Additional Living Expenses
Appliances can malfunction and leak.A common example of this float switch on an air conditioner malfunctioning and causing the water drip pan to overflow.
Are you getting the most out of your Claim?
Before you contact the insurance company, it’s important to know if you have a strong claim and what it is that you are asking the insurance company to pay for. In plumbing claims, having experts such as a Public Insurance Adjuster to coordinate your claim is important. They can read and interpret the policy is important to ensure a maximum settlement for your plumbing claim. A Public Insurance Adjuster can bring in experts, document the damages, prepare a strong and defensible claim file, and negotiate with the insurance company.
Call Us NowCommonly Asked Questions
A. If you think you have a leak in your slab, the first thing you should do is call a plumber or leak detection company. They will be able to find the source of the leak and fix it quickly and efficiently. Water damage can be expensive to fix, so it’s important to address any potential leaks as soon as possible.
A. Cast iron pipe leaks can be a serious and costly problem. Cast iron is a very durable material, but it can corrode over time. It is important to read the policy to get a good idea of what the insurance company would be responsible to pay for, however these are oftentimes lucrative claims.
If you think you have a cast iron pipe leak, it’s important to call a plumber or leak detection specialist to assist right away. They will be able to find the source of the leak and fix it quickly and efficiently.
A. If you placed a claim for water damage resulting from leaking pipes and the insurance company responded with a payment to reroute the plumbing rather than access it through the slab or walls, they are likely trying to minimize the settlement. The insurance company owes enough money to repair the property in the exact manner it was before the loss. Contact a Public Insurance Adjuster to review the claim and provide advice.
A. If you experience a plumbing loss or backup loss and were not paid enough money for the repairs you did, you are likely eligible to file for a supplemental payment. Contact a Public Insurance adjuster to review the claim details, and payments that were made, and help determine if there is an opportunity to file a supplemental claim.
A. Insurance companies will often deny claims if they think they can get away with it. Denied claims can always be challenged and turned around. Engaging a Public Insurance Adjuster to look at the details of your denied plumbing leak or water back claim can help determine if it was a good claim that deserved to get paid.
A. Mold damage is covered when it’s the result of a covered loss. If you have a plumbing leak claim or water backup claim, you will need to submit a claim file that includes mold damages as well. A mold test and report, along with an estimate for remediation and repairs, will tell the insurance company what damages you have incurred and are expecting them to pay.