Investing in a property with Galvanized Pipes

[Barshay Graves]

Is it a good idea to buy a home with galvanized pipes?

What are some of the issues that can arise? 

Is this a deal breaker? 

[Roy N.]

@Barshay Graves

Galvanized pipes on either the supply side or waste side of your plumbing will eventually deteriorate from the inside out.   Around here, galvanized pipes were used from the 1920s/30s trough to the 1960s, though less frequently post WWII.  This makes them *at least* 45-50 years old, and frequently near their end of life 70 - 90 years old.

On the waste side, the spalling and rust on the inside of the pipe creates a rough surface and constrictions which lead to easily plugged drains.   On the supply side, you will eventually see flakes of rust and particulate in the screens on faucets.  Pipes can eventually start to weep (similar to aged cast iron).

Buying a property with galvanized plumbing, or old cast iron drains, is not a deal breaker, but you need to budget their {maybe not immediate, but near to mid-term} replacement into your cost modelling of the property.