Client Resources: What to Know About Home Plumbing

Do You Know How Your Water Flows?

Most homeowners take their plumbing for granted. They turn on the tap, the water flows. The shower sprays. The toilet flushes. Everything works. It’s fine.

Homeowners are often surprised by home inspection recommendations that suggest plumbing changes when everything seems fine.

Your home inspector may report on issues and make recommendations like these:

• Monitor, Repair: Evidence of standing water was noted at the basement/sub-area crawl space. It is recommended a licensed drainage expert be consulted to obtain further information on this condition (the crawl space was not fully accessible as a result of this condition).
• Repair: A non-conforming PVC plastic plumbing installation was noted (PVC pipe not approved for use inside footprint of structure).
• Repair: Leaking water supply line(s) were noted at the master bathroom sink faucet.
• Repair: Rusting (pinholed) and leaking galvanized steel supply plumbing was noted at the garage (near water heater). It is recommended a licensed plumbing contractor be contacted to further investigate this condition.
• Monitor: Oxidation and corrosion was noted at galvanized steel plumbing at the sub-area crawlspace under the kitchen. No leaking was noted at the time of the inspection.

The reason is, as your inspector pokes around, they’ll notice old or worn plumbing that could leak or burst due to rust accumulation or faulty materials. And, although this rarely happens now, hazardous exposure from long-lasting but toxic lead pipes may be discovered.

You may think a home inspection is just a part of a real estate transaction, but it’s much, much more. Your home inspector turns a professional eye on the systems in your home with an eye toward inspecting structural soundness and safety.

So, when your home inspector makes a recommendation, it’s all about ensuring the safety and soundness of the home. For example, replacing old, rusted pipes that have the potential to burst with sound copper plumbing can prevent water damage that can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention be a massive inconvenience.

Water damage can result in floor and wall replacement, possibly requiring gutting and new flooring, as well as new walls, wall coverings, cabinets, drawers and, of course, new plumbing.

The Different Types of Pipes that Carry Water in Your Home

The material of your water pipes can vary with the year your house was built and any plumbing retrofits or upgrades that have been made over the years. Pipe material varies in flexibility, durability and deterioration rates. Choosing the right pipe for your plumbing depends on a number of factors, including local building code regulations. Consult with a licensed plumber to seek advice about your choice.

Plastic Piping Options

Plastics are long-lasting and easy to install or replace. Plastic piping options are cheaper than metal, easier to work with and highly resistant to corrosion. However, the choice of materials will depend on whether a portion of the old line is to remain intact. For example, a contractor will not want to splice a PVC line between two cast iron lines.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC is commonly used for main supply lines, drainage pipes, pools, spas and irrigation piping. Normally, it is used for conducting cold water because hot water can break it down over time. Also, especially when used outside, PVC can degrade from heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. It is also a relatively inexpensive material for installation and easy to repair or replace.

PVC is a great option for:

• Sink, toilet and bathtub drain lines
• Vent stacks
• Main water supply lines
• High-pressure applications

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS is a black plastic pipe similar to PVC, but more prone to deterioration. It was once commonly used in home plumbing. It is easy to install, strong and holds up well underground. If you live in an older home with ABS, check for warping from sun exposure and loosened joints.

Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)

PEX is highly flexible and suitable for both hot and cold water supply lines. It can curve around corners and obstructions, requiring fewer connections. Flexibility includes the ability to expand and contract, making the pipe highly freeze-resistant. Although it can withstand high temperatures, it can’t be connected directly to a water heater. Use copper piping or another hot-water piping for the connection.

PEX is a good option for repiping and retrofitting and snaking through walls and small spaces.

Polybutylene

If your home was constructed between the late 1970s and early 1990s, it might have polybutylene pipes. Polybutylene is no longer used because of its tendency to leak and burst. Once considered an inexpensive plumbing solution, polybutylene piping is prone to burst, resulting in flooding and extensive water damage. If your home inspector finds polybutylene pipes, you’ll want to replace them to avoid costly damage.

Metal Piping Options

Metal pipes are used for their strength, toughness and durability. Metal piping options are more expensive than plastic, but generally last longer than plastic.

Copper

Copper pipes are heat- and corrosion-resistant and they have natural antimicrobial properties. Use copper both above and below ground. Although the materials and labor installation are more expensive than for plastic, copper may last 50 years before it begins to thin. Some soils can erode copper, so use sleeves for installation below ground.

Cast Iron

Before 1960, cast iron pipes were the main choice for drain lines. They are extremely durable, heat-resistant and good for sound reduction, but they tend to rust over time. If your cast iron pipes show signs of rust, use PVC or ABS pipes to replace the rusted sections.

Lead

Lead pipes were common in homes until the 1950s. Lead is strong and durable, but it poisons the water. Heavy-metal poisoning can lead to irreversible kidney and nervous system damage. If you have an older property, check that all lead piping has been replaced.

Galvanized Steel or Iron

These pipes have been coated with zinc to prevent corrosion. Safe for conducting water, these pipes eventually corrode and begin to leak. Replace them with copper, PVC or PEX. Galvanized pipes are rarely used in modern home construction.

Professional Assessment for Home Inspection Recommendations

Your home inspector bases recommendations on findings of the condition of your plumbing at the time of the inspection. Consult with a licensed, professional plumbing contractor to determine the best solution for retrofitting or repairs. They will determine the right plumbing materials and fittings for your home.

A professional home inspection can save you thousands of dollars in potential damage as a result of old and weakened plumbing. Consult the ASHI Find An Inspector or visit Inspect.com to find home inspectors in your area.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of ASHI. The information contained in the article is general and readers should always independently verify for accuracy, completeness and reliability.