Copper and Pex Plumbing in FL

[Chris C.]

Hey all - Relatively new to the scene and have been watching the Orlando market for about a year. 

Something I've heard about recently is that copper piping is highly susceptible to corrosion in FL, something to do with the soil/water content? I'm still reading more, but thought I'd ask the experts as well. Has anyone experienced this in their properties?

I'm looking at relatively old properties that may still be using copper instead of say, Pex, which seems to be the preferred plumbing. Do you think I really need to worry about copper or re-piping the whole property? I've read that this can be expensive, and since this would be a first property for me, I want to minimize risks and maybe shoot for a newer single-family instead of an older duplex/triplex.

[Michael Seeker]

Hey @Chris C. - my wife and I just moved from SW FL about 5 mos ago.  Our house was built in 1998 and we had to replace the copper with PEX due to a leak under the foundation.  We found a highly reputable company and spent about $3K.

You should always know what you're dealing with and account for any expected upcoming expenses at the time of purchase.  I don't know if Orlando is as bad as Ft Myers area, but I wouldn't count on copper lasting too long if you find it in an older building.