Imagine finding a dream home and making an offer that’s accepted, only to find out a few weeks later that the plumbing requires a major repair or replacement. This could cost you thousands of dollars. It pays to know the potential issues with the different types of plumbing systems before purchasing a home. Let’s take a closer look at what copper pipes have to offer:
The Pros and Cons of Copper Piping
People started routinely using copper pipes in the 1960’s. They’re reliable for everyday use because they’re durable and not prone to leaks. Their fittings stay sturdy and tight. Their long lifespan of 50 or more years makes them a popular choice.
The pipes are heat tolerant and don’t pollute your drinking water. However, the pipes used in homes built before 1986 may contain lead-based solders, which can introduce lead into your water. Copper piping is also very expensive to install.
Buying a House with Copper Piping
If the house you’re eyeing has copper pipes, make sure the seller tells you how old the plumbing is. That’s because an old plumbing system can fail and cause floods and water damage. If the house was built more than 50 years ago, the copper piping might be past its prime and needs replacement.
If the pipes are more than 20 years, you should be wary of them having the potentially dangerous lead solders. Have the water tested to establish the lead content. If it’s found to be at 15 parts per billion (15ppb) or higher, you’ll need to have the pipes replaced with new copper or CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipes.
You should ask the seller to install new pipes. If that’s not possible and you’re not willing to put up with the cost and hassle of replacing the piping, it’s better to pass on purchasing that house.
A plumbing professional can help you identify any potential problems with a home’s plumbing system to help you make your final decision. To learn more about copper pipes, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve the Lorain area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about copper pipes and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area