Cozen O’Connor recently provided a detailed presentation and power point on CPVC pipe failures. Here are a few of the slides documenting why this issue is important for subrogation professionals. To arrange the complete presentation or if you have any questions, please Mark Mullen.

Did you know?

• US homeowners file claims for burst pipes 5 times more than for fire damage.
• Pipe Break Claims cost the US Insurance Industry $4.2 Billion during the decade of 1996-2006. (Insurance Journal - January 2006)

What is CPVC?

• CPVC = Chlorinated PolyVinyl Chloride
• Typically considered more chemically resistant than PVC
• Attached by using “solvent cement”

All plastic fire sprinkler pipe is made of CPVC :

Failure types for CPVC:

• Installation issues
• Chemical attacks
• Shipping & handling problems

Things to consider:

• Everything that went into making the CPVC
• Everything that went into designer the piping system: building plans, mechanical drawings, sprinkler drawings
• Everything that was on the CPVC
• Brand of CPVC and its age
• Everything that was inside the CPVC
• Identification for all relevant players - MFR, GC, designers, installers, service companies
• All contracts, drawings, maintenance records, and service records