[TX] Should I contact the plumber or my insurance for buckled floors caused by moisture after gas line work under my home?

TX Consumer Protection

Legal Eagle

133,377 satisfied customers

View context

Solved

The moisture likely came from poor backfilling or improper drainage after the plumbers dug under your foundation. When trenches aren’t sealed or vented correctly, trapped moisture rises into the wood and causes warping. Since this happened soon after the gas line work, it’s reasonable to connect the damage to the plumbers’ excavation methods. That's the short answer.

Here is the long answer:

The plumbers are the first place to start. They had a duty to return the site to a stable, dry condition after the work. You can file a property damage claim directly with the plumber’s liability insurer, and their coverage should pay for the repairs if they’re found responsible.

Your own insurer might also help under “accidental discharge or leakage” coverage, then seek reimbursement from the plumbing company through subrogation. Make sure everything is well-documented, including photos, dates, and contractor statements.

Here is what you can do, step-by-step:

Get written statements or inspection reports from the two contractors who said the plumbing work caused the issue, plus clear photos of the damage.
Contact the plumbing company in writing, describe the situation, include the contractor's findings, and ask for their insurance information.
Notify your homeowner’s insurance right away so they can inspect and advise whether to file a claim.

Breach of Contract Demand Letter

Create Document

Full Conversation

I had plumbers replace gas lines under my 100yr old home. The floors all buckled due to moisture within two months of work being done. I had two contractors say it was a result of something the plumbers did. They did have to dig under foundation to work. Do I contact plumbers or my insurance? What is the next step? It is at least 10k in damage and that does not make me whole. I spent almost $15k on restoring hardwood floors and fixing foundation during covid. The floors can't be saved.

Lexi, Chatbot

I'm sorry to hear about the damage to your home; that must be very frustrating. Have you already contacted the plumbers to discuss the issue and their potential responsibility?

No.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you filed a claim with your insurance regarding the damage caused by the plumbing work?

No.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your plumbing issue.

Yes.

Legal Eagle

Hello, I’m Legal Eagle. I’m an attorney who works in your area of law and I’ll help you sort this out today. I’ve read what you shared so let’s go over what’s happening and what your best next steps look like. Have you obtained a written report or photos from the contractors showing how the plumbers’ work caused the moisture damage?

They just gave me an estimate on what it will take to fix it.

These were local contractors not a restoration team.

Legal Eagle

Thanks for clarifying that. Could you let me know where you're located? This can help determine the legal steps available to you.

Crawford, TX

Legal Eagle

Got it, thanks! Have you had any communication with the plumbers since the damage occurred?

No. I have renters in the home. They did not advise how much damage had occurred. I had a handyman go over for something else and found this.

Legal Eagle

Here is the long answer:

Here is what you can do, step-by-step:

Get written statements or inspection reports from the two contractors who said the plumbing work caused the issue, plus clear photos of the damage.
Contact the plumbing company in writing, describe the situation, include the contractor's findings, and ask for their insurance information.
Notify your homeowner’s insurance right away so they can inspect and advise whether to file a claim.

Perfect. Thanks.

Legal Eagle

For sure! Did I thoroughly address your question? Did I provide top-tier service to you? If the answer is no to either, please let me know so I can help! I know it's a lot.

Yes.

Legal Eagle

You bet. I'm sorry to hear about your situation! Thank you for trusting me with your question.

Legal Eagle

133,377 satisfied customers

Criminal law, employment law, family law, landlord-tenant, and real estate law.

Welcome! Have a similar question?

By messaging AskALawyer, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Queeneth E. Esq

Commercial Contracts Attorney

4.61 (5,738)

Is a borrower protection clause enforceable in a personal loan agreement, and how should it be drafted?

Answered 2 hours ago

TJ, Esq.

4.68 (17,778)

[WI] Can I send a demand letter through an attorney to a customer who has ignored multiple payment requests?

Answered 4 hours ago

Clay G., Esq.

Attorney

4.67 (5,260)

[FL] What legal actions can I take against a contractor who refuses to pay for materials after being paid?

Answered 3 days ago

Disclaimer

By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.

The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.

Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.