I have a chance to buy a beautiful large brick ranch here in Ohio that was built in 1954. It is on a slab and probably has galvanized plumbing. Areas of pipe that are exposed, such as around the water heater, have all been updated to copper. But in the slab I imagine it may still be galvanized going to each of the 2.5 baths and kitchen and outside water bibs. One advantage is that for about the past twenty years, the source that supplies water to the town softens it. And as I undertstand it that may help in reducing deterioration of the galvanized line. Someone has advised me that the galvanized that is buried in the foundation should not be a problem.
It is a great home and a super upscale neighborhood. I wouldn’t mind a rare break down the road. But would hate to have to reroute all the lines with pex up through the attic and down to each water source.
Thanks, in adavnce for any and all help.
Cheers,
Steve/OHIO
I would check with your future homeowners Insurance agent and see if this would be covered should it fail. I would also ask seller for some price reduction (if possible) to defray this repair cost since it was built in 1954.
I am a general contractor and use all licensed plumbers. we came across a similar situation in Indiana. Buyer purchase older home, but was going to replace all carpet and floor coverings anyway. Our plumber went in and sawcut existing concrete floor about ( 120′ Lineal) total, took out concrete and ran Pex. About $3,000. He compacted new sand around pex, and poured a 4" cap of concrete. We used a company that specializes in cutting concrete. They used an air compressor with a air saw- diamond blade.
Next door in Indiana - Good Luck
July 4th, 2009 at 8:59 am
If you like the home, I wouldn’t let the pipes prevent me from buying it. There are alternatives to replacing them inside the slab should they ever leak. I have some galvanized pipes in my home with hard water that have been there before 1954. Good luck.
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July 4th, 2009 at 9:15 am
I bought a 1956 home, w/galvanized pipe. It was a great deal & beautiful home. I’ve had no major problems with the pipes and if I did, thats ok, cause I love this old house!
I say, "Go for it!"
Once a year, I do have to take the faucet handles off in the shower and use a hanger to knock the build up loss to get a heavier flow of water. I use a shower filter, but have for years, so, no biggie.
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This old house!
July 4th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I would check with your future homeowners Insurance agent and see if this would be covered should it fail. I would also ask seller for some price reduction (if possible) to defray this repair cost since it was built in 1954.
I am a general contractor and use all licensed plumbers. we came across a similar situation in Indiana. Buyer purchase older home, but was going to replace all carpet and floor coverings anyway. Our plumber went in and sawcut existing concrete floor about ( 120′ Lineal) total, took out concrete and ran Pex. About $3,000. He compacted new sand around pex, and poured a 4" cap of concrete. We used a company that specializes in cutting concrete. They used an air compressor with a air saw- diamond blade.
Next door in Indiana - Good Luck
References :
General Contractor