Here at Triumph Consulting we hope that you and your family never have to deal with burst pipes. The damage to your home or business could be financially catastrophic and emotionally draining. Pipes can break in the wall or under the concrete slap of your home or office.
Types of Pipes with Lawsuits
Polybutylene was a common pipe material from the 1970s to mid-1995 because they were cheaper then copper and durable. These types of pipe begin to deteriorate after 20 years. In 1995 there was a class action lawsuit against polybutylene manufacturers, the plaintiffs received $950 million. Builders no longer use polybutylene pipes, if your home was built before 1995 it could have them. Unfortunately a claim for this type of pipe needed to be filed before May 9, 2009 to receive funds. The best option is to file a claim with your insurance and contact a professional public adjuster. There are certain items that the insurance company will look for in order to pay your claim.
Location of broken pipe
Is the pipe or sewer line that broke under or inside your home? The insurance company is unlikely to cover a break that is outside of the home or not directly under the home depending on where the pipe is located . Under most circumstances water damage due to broken pipe causes would be covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies. If the damage was sudden and accidental it is more likely to be covered for water damage. The broken pipe itself may not be covered.
Why did the pipe break?
Why the pipe broke is also very important in the coverage of the insurance claim. You may have problems with the claim if the pipe broke because of age or wear and tear. The insurance company could argue that regular maintenance should have been done to prevent the damage.
What should you do?
Stop the water by finding the closest shut-off valve and turning it off if the water is coming from a burst or leaking pipe. Then call your insurance company. Remember Triumph Consulting Corp., Florida Public Adjusters will fight for your rights to make sure you get the most money you deserve when filing an insurance claim. We get you paid. Call us at 954-592-7162 or Request a Free Inspection