July 10, 2007

Gratuitous Domestic Posting (TM) - "Water, Water Everywhere" Division

So this morning, for the second time in three weeks, we had to have a plumber (a different plumber) out to deal with pipes leaking through the ceiling of the living room and library.

For the second time in three weeks, the plumber found not one but two separate leaks.

For the second time in three weeks, the plumber advised that our piping is corroding to hell and that we really ought to replaced the entire workings.

For the second time in three weeks the plumber estimated that it would cost a mere eight grand or so to do the job.

For the second time in three weeks we smiled and explained that we really don't have eight grand worth of pennies buried in the peony beds.

This time, however, the plumber advised that we check out whether our insurance would cover some or all of the cost. If our current policy did not, he recommended that we buy additional coverage to pay for it.

Now, I know very little about the insurance industry, but I do know that it makes its money by getting one to pay premiums to cover events that everybody hopes will never happen. Exactly what kind of reception am I going to get if I ring our carrier and say, "Hi, I'd like to add plumbing insurance to my homeowner's policy because next week we're going to start ripping out pipes and I'd rayther you paid for most of it instead of me"?

Just wondering.

UPDATE: Funny, every time I start dealing with Orgle Manor issues, this song pops into my head:

I think it's as much the name of the band as anything else that sets off the association.

Posted by Robert at July 10, 2007 01:06 PM | TrackBack
Comments

I have a feeling they will say, "Fine. The deductible will be $8000, please!"

Just a guess . . . ;)

Posted by: Chai-rista at July 10, 2007 12:11 PM

I had the entire plumbing system in my townhouse replaced last winter. The process was traumatic, life-disrupting, and expensive, but my newfound peace of mind and the absence of any more chronic leak problems made it ultimately worth the price. Not sure how old your plumbing works are, but my plumbing was 25 years old. The PVC was dried out and cracking at the least provocation. New works are some newfangled material that is supposed to eliminate the problems with the old style PVC. We will see. Or rather, the next owner will. I plan to buy a house next year sometime. Or a new truck. Haven't decided yet. ;^)

Posted by: Hucbald at July 10, 2007 02:55 PM

You may have addressed this earlier, but is your piping made of polybutylene? If so there is a class action lawsuit settlement you need to know about.

Posted by: Mike at July 10, 2007 03:54 PM

What Mike said. My parents had their plumbing replaced a couple of years ago as part of that class action lawsuit.

As Hucbald said, it's a royal pain while you're in the process, but they are glad they did it.

Posted by: jen at July 10, 2007 04:23 PM

Alas, no, it's 35 year old copper. Frankly, the plumbers are a bit puzzled as to why it should be so leaky, but the spots of corrosion all over it are plain to see.

Posted by: Robbo the LB at July 10, 2007 04:45 PM

For replacement, get the heavier weight copper tubing - think its type L, not M. Also, check the ph of your water. Better be neutral.
Just to rub it in, my previous house was 90 years old when I sold it with the original threaded brass. Although it did have one replacement line of soft copper, which leaked just as I was selling the house.

Posted by: chuckR at July 10, 2007 06:52 PM

Copper, eh?

Well, there's your problem. Copper lasts hardly any time at all. I use good old fashioned lead and haven't noticed any wstfgl zarkfbtht plhthgrunk at all.

Seriously, though, you might want to consider piecemealing your system while increasing your insurance. Come winter you can claim a catastrophic pipe failure, with a punch awl, if necessary. Dishonest and all that, so don't let the kids know; but really, when has your insurance done anything for you?

Posted by: Uncle Pinky at July 11, 2007 09:18 AM