Homebuilder used substandard copper plumbing. Pipes badly corroded and leaking. Substantial damage. Do I have any recourse?

Maybe. But at 9.5 years, you may be out of time. The absolute maximum time to bring a claim for construction defect is 10 years. Find a construction defect attorney in your area asap, or you may lose out on any potential claims.

I agree that your time for filing a lawsuit based on a latent defect is running quickly since it must be filed within 10 years of substantial completion of the project. You should consult with an experienced construction attorney as soon as possible. Best of luck.

I hope that you will heed the advice to QUICKLY see a construction defect lawyer to discuss your claims. Do not be misled by promises made by the home builder, its insurer or your neighbors. Waiting on this claim will likely make it impossible to recover anything. If you are too late on the claim, you might still have recourse to your own homeowner's insurance. Your policy likely requires that you report all known claims or risk losing coverage.

If this a production home (tract housing) or Subdivision, I recommend you run some immediate researches for existing lawsuits. There are many good plaintiff's firms in SD that specialize in this area. Your Statute of Limitations are dangerously close and its 10 years from "Substantial Completion" which typically can be an NOC, COE, or Notice of Occupancy. If this is a subdivision, your neighbors may have an attorney already. Remember, corroded pipes may not be a plumber's liability as much as builder. Several builders are suing the water districts for a chemical that is used in the pipes, but I am not sure the viability of these suits by them and its status. Lastly, don't forget that you may be subject to Civil Code 895, et seq. (SB 800) on a Builder's right to Repair. Lots to consider. Tim Broussard Kring & Chung, [email protected] 949-261-7700