Does Insurance Cover Cast Iron Pipe Leaks?

Does insurance cover cast iron pipe leaks? It depends. This article highlights some of the practical issues surrounding this common problem.

If your home was built before 1972, your plumbing system could be a ticking time bomb waiting to blow. Why? The reason is simple—cast iron was the material of choice for most home plumbing.

As you may know, cast iron pipe of this age will have its normal wear and tear and can suddenly fail on you without notice. After 40 or more years of pumping water out of your home, your cast iron pipes are failing to the point that they can no longer carry the water without leaking.

In a worst-case scenario, you could be looking at a complete plumbing replacement. In a best-case scenario, you could be experiencing regular backups, foul odors, and issues with your plumbing system that lead to water damage in your home. Needless to say, both scenarios can be expensive, which is why you are probably wondering whether or not insurance will cover the cost.

In short, it all depends on your insurance policy, when the first occurrence happened and when the failure occurred. If your policy does cover damage from a leaking cast iron pipe, then you need to know a few other things to protect your claim.

Here’s what you need to know.

Does Insurance Cover Cast Iron Pipe Leaks If I Repair the Damage Before Making a Claim?

You might think that if you try to repair damage from a leak, it could invalidate your insurance claim. You’re probably right because the insurance company needs to be made aware the moment an occurrence has taken place. By notifying the carrier immediately, you are meeting your responsibility of allowing the carrier to inspect the damage before any repair measures are made. You can make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, but you should not make major changes until the carrier has had the opportunity to inspect the loss.

If you do not fix the conditions that led to the damage, at least temporarily, your claim could be denied. So as a responsible homeowner, use a licensed plumber to determine the loss.

The important thing to remember is this: you need to notify your insurance provider of the damage in a timely manner. What that means, exactly, depends on your policy, so don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help if you have questions.

What Should I Do If I Discover a Leak?

If you discover that your cast iron pipes have failed and you’re experiencing a backup, the first thing that you should do is not use that plumbing fixture until you have identified what is causing the loss.

The devil is in the details. If the water backup causes damage or has the potential to cause damage, take pictures to document it. You should also contact a plumber as soon as possible.

Does insurance cover cast iron pipe leaks? Talk to an experienced public adjuster today for more information.

My Claim Was Denied. Now What?

If your claim was denied, you have the right to fight back. Insurance carriers have seen this type of loss many times and they know exactly what is going on in your home. Get in touch with us today as we have the experience, knowledge and support teams to help you fight for your rights to get this complex type of loss covered.