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GALVANIZED PIPE QUESTION: Our property has galvanized pipes that are starting to leak. The board is patching the lines as they leak but refuses to consider replacing the entire system. What is their duty?
 copper with galvanized can
lead to galvanic corrosion between the dissimilar metals which
will speed the deterioration of the pipes.
As a result, partial replacement of galvanized lines is not a permanent solution
to the problem.Insurance. Many insurance carriers will not
pay for damage from water leaks if it determines that the damage was due to the board's failure to
replace the failing lines. Insurance will normally pay for
sudden unexpected losses but not losses where the board knew about the problem
and took no action to correct it. RECOMMENDATION. Your board should immediately set aside monies in reserves for the complete replacement of the galvanized steel water lines with copper pipes. Otherwise, your association will face potential litigation and large special assessments when the leaks start to accelerate in the coming years. Updated by ADAMS KESSLER 8/21/2007 | |
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ANSWER.
Your board should immediately start a reserve for replacing the pipes with
copper.
Water pipes in condominium projects are generally projected to last the life of
the project, i.e., more than 30 years and are, therefore, not listed in most
reserve studies.
Even
so, properties that were built with galvanized pipe cannot ignore the fact that their
water lines are subject to thinning walls, pin-hole leaks and sediment build up.
Other carriers will pay for the damage but by the third or fourth leak, they
will cancel the policy. Once cancelled, the premiums for new insurance will be
significantly higher.