Did you know that homes used to have lead pipes? Back in the day, it was common for houses to be built with plumbing that contained lead. Once we knew more about the risks of using lead, we started using galvanized plumbing. Galvanization is the process of coating steel pipes with zinc.
Nowadays, galvanized plumbing isn’t considered as safe as it used to be. If you’re trying to sell an older house, you should know how to find out whether your house has galvanized pipes and what you can do about it.
What is galvanized plumbing?
If you have galvanized plumbing, it means that your house was installed with steel pipes that have been coated with a layer of zinc. The zinc coating was intended to prevent corrosion and rust, which, in theory, would extend the life of the pipes.
Galvanized pipes were a popular choice for plumbing from the mid-1800s until the early 1970s. During this time, they were considered a durable and cost-effective option for both residential and commercial plumbing systems.
Eventually, the use of galvanized plumbing declined because it became clear that, over time, these pipes tend to corrode and accumulate rust build-up. This corrosion can lead to several issues, including reduced water flow, leaks, and even the presence of harmful contaminants such as lead in the water supply.
Is galvanized plumbing safe?
While galvanized pipes were initially thought to be safe, the corrosion and build-up that occur over time can lead to significant safety concerns. As the zinc coating erodes, lead from the pipes can leach into the water supply, posing serious health risks. According to the CDC, lead exposure, especially in children, can cause irreversible damage to brain development, kidneys, and the nervous system.
Drinking water from galvanized pipes carries potential risk, particularly if the pipes are old and corroded. Rust and lead contamination are common issues with galvanized plumbing, making the water potentially unsafe for consumption.
How to find out if your Denver home has galvanized pipes
The lifespan of galvanized plumbing can vary, but these pipes typically last between 40 to 60 years. To discover whether your home has galvanized plumbing, look for signs like:
- Decreased water pressure
- Rust-colored water
- Frequent leaks
- Difficulty with temperature adjustments
- Rust around your pipe joints and rust spots on your pipes
- Ruptured pipes and pin-hole leaks
- Visible signs of corrosion
You can also determine if your home has galvanized plumbing by performing a simple scratch test. Use a sharp object, like a screwdriver, to scratch the surface of the pipe near your property’s water line. If the scratch reveals a silver or gray color, it is likely galvanized steel. If a magnet sticks to the pipe, then you have galvanized plumbing.
Galvanized pipes: Should you repair or replace?
If your home was built before the 1970s, it is likely time to consider replacing the galvanized plumbing, especially if you are experiencing issues such as low water pressure, rusty water, or frequent leaks. Repairing galvanized piping can be a temporary fix, but it is generally recommended to replace the entire plumbing system to avoid ongoing issues and potential health risks. Replacing the pipes provides you with a more reliable and long-term solution.
The two types of pipes commonly installed in homes today are copper pipes and PEX pipes. According to Forbes, copper pipes cost about $4 to $12 per linear foot, and PEX piping costs around $1.50 to $4 per linear foot.
The cost to replace galvanized plumbing can vary based on several factors, including the age and the size of your home, as well as the complexity of the job.
In Denver, the average cost to replace galvanized plumbing is around $15,000, according to HomeAdvisor. This includes the removal and disposal of old pipes, installation of new pipes, permit costs, and any necessary wall or floor repairs.
Can you sell a house with galvanized pipes?
When you sell a house, most buyers are looking for a move-in ready home. When you’re working with a buyer who needs financing, lenders will prefer a house that carries minimal risk. This means that lenders and insurers may require you to repair or replace your galvanized pipes before you sell your house. This is because many loans or policies won’t cover homes with galvanized plumbing, and your buyer won’t be able to qualify for a loan.
You may also need to offer seller concessions to potential buyers. These are incentives that make the sale more attractive. Concessions can come in the form of offering funds for future repairs or paying buyer closing costs.
When you sell a house that has issues like galvanized plumbing, you will want to provide disclosure to any potential buyers. This is a document that details the materials and conditions of your property and its features. In Denver, providing disclosure is mandatory.
How to sell your Denver house to We Buy Ugly Houses®
When you want to sell a house with galvanized plumbing, you can sell your house to We Buy Ugly Houses®. Finding a buyer can be a hassle, and many buyers may not want to buy a home that will need a pipe replacement in the near future.
Selling a house to We Buy Ugly Houses is straightforward with our 3-step home-buying process.
Other Denver house buyers may ask you to make repairs or offer concessions, but we won’t. And since we can secure our own financing, you don’t have to worry about lenders or insurers. You can skip spending time and upfront money on repairs and instead sell your Denver house “as is.”
Ready to skip the stress of dealing with your galvanized plumbing and simplify your home sale? Reach out to We Buy Ugly Houses in Denver to receive a free consultation toward getting a fast offer.
