Copper corrosion and plumbing system failures are nothing new to homeowners, nor to the insurance agents who handle their property damage claims. Investigations into the causes of leaking metallic pipes often disclose the presence of corrosion and pitting, which can be accelerated by corrosive water or soil conditions.
Unfortunately for homeowners and the insurance industry in general, premature system failures are becoming more common as water utilities face an unprecedented number of reports of problems with corrosion and leaks. The problem is escalating faster in areas such as Washington, D.C., Tennessee, Florida and Ohio. Some of these areas, including various counties in Florida, have responded by banning copper altogether for plumbing applications.
