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Should I buy a house with galvanized steel water pipes?

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Because galvanized steel water pipe has not been used in new residential construction since around the late 1960s, all the pipe that is still in place is past the end of its expected lifespan. Invisible internal corrosion of the pipe means leakage is likely soon, and most insurance companies will not issue a homeowner’s policy for a home with galvanized steel pipe. So replacement of the pipe may be necessary in order to get insurance. You should check with your insurance agent before proceeding with the home purchase. See our blog posts Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers? and What's that powdery crust on the pipe connections at the water heater? to learn more.

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about PLUMBING PIPES:

How can I protect my pipes to keep them from bursting during a hard winter freeze in North Florida?

Can galvanized steel pipe still be used for new water lines in a house? 

How can I tell if I have cast iron pipes in my house? 

Why can't a sanitary tee be used for a horizontal-to-horizontal drain pipe connection? 

What is the difference between green and white sewer drain pipes?

What is a galvanized nipple?

What are the pipes sticking out near my water valves?

How do you accurately find a broken water pipe leak under the floor slab?

What is the difference between water pipe and sewage (waste) pipe? 

Are plastic pipes (PVC, CPVC, and PEX) safe for drinking water? 

Is a hot water faucet handle required to be on the left? 

What is a dielectric union?  

If all the plumbing drains have water in them and you can still smell sewer gas, what's causing the problem?  

How can I tell what type of plumbing pipe I have?

Why is there a flexible accordion pipe under the sink? 

What is the difference between PVC and ABS plumbing pipe?

What is the difference between water service pipe and water supply pipe? 

What are the pipes on my roof? 

• How can I find out what type of water pipe runs underground from the water meter to the house (service pipe)?

What is a P-trap?

What does polybutylene pipe look like? Why is it a problem? 

• Which water pipes are an insurance problem and possibly uninsurable?

• Can you connect CPVC pipe directly to a gas water heater?  

    Visit our PLUMBING PIPE and “SHOULD I BUY A…" pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

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