Anyone in the market for a new home knows that you should be as informed as possible of as many aspects to the home as you can. Between square footage, prior damage, and structural concerns, there is a lot to consider. One of the most important systems in your new home to inquire about is the plumbing. Without a good plumbing system, you are susceptible to contaminants in your water supply, possible leaks which can damage your home, and possibly most detrimental of all is inferior piping that could necessitate replacement sooner than you would like. When purchasing a new home, you should always check your pipes to get a better understanding of what exactly you are signing up for.
What to Look For
When inspecting a home before purchasing, a major concern should be the piping material. Despite the fact that copper is often advertised as lasting 50-70 years, in Florida copper pipes last closer to 15-25 years. Unfortunately due to copper pipes not lasting long, you will need to have your pipes replaced several times over the years throughout the lifespan of your home which is quite costly. You can identify copper pipes as they will have the same coloring as a penny. If the home was built between the 1930s and 1960s, it most likely has a copper piping system. Polybutylene pipes are common in homes built between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s. Due to their incredibly high failure rate, insurance companies won’t even insure houses with polybutylene pipes. Oxidants within the water supply wear down the fittings these pipes use, making them not suitable for usage. Once you notice a leak from a polybutylene pipe, the damage has already been done.
Piping You Can Trust
You can better identify your piping by checking under your sink, by your water heater, and in some cases in your attic. You don’t want to purchase a home with substandard pipes that will just cost you in the long run. At Jeff’s Kitchen Bath & Beyond, we exclusively work with cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) which is cheaper than copper and resistant to corrosion. We are one of the foremost plumbing experts in central Florida, so call us at 407-968-1801 for a free estimate and always upfront pricing.
