I toured a potential rental property today with an inspector and was told that there were galvanized pipes all throughout the property. Additionally, there were blockages that prohibited the kitchen sink, bathroom sink and toilet from operating a full capacity. There were also water pressure issues. The property was listed for $209,000 (3bed 2bath built in 1975)
Is it worth purchasing? If I purchase, how soon will I have to get the pipes replaced? Have any of you bought a property with galvenized pipes?If so, what was your experience?
Realtor · Houston, TX · Member since 2019 · 351 posts · 174 votes
1y
Hello Leyha,
I bought multiple properties with galvanized piping before. I usually don't change it unless is actually making me problems, but on all my houses with galvanized piping I am planning to have to update within next 5 years or so, so I budget accordingly.
If the pipes are exposed in the attic, I would try to inspect them as much as possible to find out if you see a lot of rust on the outside also. If you do see a lot of rust on the outside, most likely you're better off to just replace them from the get go as they will keep leaking and will keep giving you problems. Also, if you see a lot of patching that was done to the pipes and on the celling, is probably a sign that you need to change it.
If the exterior of the pipes looks pretty good, you may get away with just cleaning the aerators for all the faucets and that will fix the pressure issue for a while. But that will be to just prolongate the life-spam of your pipes for a few years.
In my opinion this is not a deal breaker, just make sure you account for it and get a price reduction. For reference, for a 1 tory 1500sqft 3/2 house was about 5k to update the pipes to PEX.
I hope this helps. Let us know if you end up buying it and how it goes.
You should replace the galvanized plumbing immediately. Galvanized pipes are steel pipes that are dipped in a zinc coating. After years of use, the zinc/galvanized coating diminishes, and corrosion begins. When that happens, the mineral deposits start accumulating in the piping, which reduces water pressure (what you are witnessing). Next (if it has not already happened), leaks could begin and harmful water pollution.
Houston, TX · Member since 2015 · 261 posts · 170 votes
1y
I would look to find out how much it would cost to remedy this issue and make your offer based on that. If you get pushback from the seller, which you will, make sure you communicate that this issue will come up again with any other potential buyer
Realtor · Houston, TX · Member since 2019 · 351 posts · 174 votes
1y
Hello Leyha,
I bought multiple properties with galvanized piping before. I usually don't change it unless is actually making me problems, but on all my houses with galvanized piping I am planning to have to update within next 5 years or so, so I budget accordingly.
If the pipes are exposed in the attic, I would try to inspect them as much as possible to find out if you see a lot of rust on the outside also. If you do see a lot of rust on the outside, most likely you're better off to just replace them from the get go as they will keep leaking and will keep giving you problems. Also, if you see a lot of patching that was done to the pipes and on the celling, is probably a sign that you need to change it.
If the exterior of the pipes looks pretty good, you may get away with just cleaning the aerators for all the faucets and that will fix the pressure issue for a while. But that will be to just prolongate the life-spam of your pipes for a few years.
In my opinion this is not a deal breaker, just make sure you account for it and get a price reduction. For reference, for a 1 tory 1500sqft 3/2 house was about 5k to update the pipes to PEX.
I hope this helps. Let us know if you end up buying it and how it goes.
Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
1y
Check with a local experts. My mom’s entire neighborhood was built in the 50’s with galvanized plumbing. I don’t know of one home that’s had it replaced. You could easily have 20-40 years of life left. And you will add almost zero value by replacing them if nobody else has.