Overview
Plumbers — skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair water supply and drainage systems — faced significant asbestos exposure throughout the 20th century. Working with insulated pipes, asbestos-containing joint compounds, and in buildings filled with asbestos materials put plumbers at elevated risk for mesothelioma.
Asbestos Products Used by Plumbers
| Product | Application | Exposure Level |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe insulation | Hot water pipes | High |
| Joint compound (oakum) | Cast iron pipe joints | High |
| Pipe dope/thread compound | Threaded connections | Moderate |
| Gaskets | Water heaters, boilers | Moderate |
| Packing materials | Valve stems | Moderate |
| Cement pipe | Sewer lines | Low-Moderate |
How Plumbers Were Exposed
Pipe Work
Plumbers frequently encountered asbestos when working on hot water and heating systems:
- Cutting through insulated pipes
- Removing old insulation to access pipes
- Working near deteriorating pipe insulation
- Installing pipes that would later be insulated by others
Residential Work
Even residential plumbers faced exposure:
- Replacing water heaters with asbestos-insulated jackets
- Working near asbestos-wrapped heating pipes
- Accessing pipes through walls containing asbestos
Asbestos-containing oakum and joint compounds were widely used to seal cast iron drain pipe joints. Plumbers handled these materials directly, creating fiber release during application.
Work Environments
Plumbers worked in many settings with asbestos:
- Residential buildings: Hot water systems, older construction
- Commercial buildings: Larger mechanical systems
- Power plants: Extensive pipe systems
- Shipyards: Ship plumbing systems
- Industrial facilities: Process water and drainage
Related Occupations
Plumbers often worked alongside:
- Pipefitters — Industrial piping
- Steamfitters — Steam systems
- Insulators — Pipe insulation
- Electricians — Building systems
- HVAC workers — Mechanical systems
Health Risks
Plumbers with asbestos exposure are at increased risk for:
- Mesothelioma: Cancer of the chest or abdominal lining
- Asbestosis: Progressive lung scarring
- Lung cancer: Especially combined with smoking
- Pleural disease: Thickening of lung lining
Plumbers today still face asbestos exposure when working in older buildings. Any building constructed before 1980 may contain asbestos pipe insulation and other materials.
Legal Options
Plumbers diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Manufacturers of plumbing products containing asbestos:
- Johns-Manville Trust (pipe insulation)
- Various gasket and compound manufacturers
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits: Against responsible manufacturers
- Premises liability: Against building owners
- VA benefits: For military service exposure
- Workers’ compensation: Through employer coverage
An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation based on your specific work history and product exposure.