Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

If you’re considering buying a home — especially here in Florida — understanding the plumbing system and potential hidden risks can save you thousands of dollars down the line. We often find that one topic causes a lot of questions around inspections, negotiation, and long-term ownership: when a home needs to be repiped because of aging or defective plumbing material. In many Florida homes, the culprit isn’t just old pipes, but specifically Polybutylene (often called “Poly” or “Poly-B”) plumbing. In this article we’ll explain: What “repiping” a home means and why it may be necessary What Polybutylene plumbing is, why it became such a problem, and how it affects homes How plumbers access the areas of a house in order to run new plumbing (what you’ll see during repipe work) How the fact of a repipe (or the need for one) affects the home-inspection process How this knowledge gives you, the prospective buyer in Florida, a strong advantage What Does It Mean to “Repipe” a Home? When we talk ...

When buying a home in Florida, it's easy to focus on the visible details—updated kitchens, fresh paint, or a new roof. But one of the most important components of a home is hidden behind the walls – the plumbing system. if the home you’re considering was built before the mid-1970s, there’s a good chance it might have galvanized steel pipes—a red flag you shouldn't overlook. We have evaluated thousands of homes across Florida. One recurring issue that can lead to expensive repairs and health concerns is aging galvanized piping. Here’s what you need to know. What Are Galvanized Pipes? Galvanized pipes are steel pipes coated with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion and rust . These pipes were commonly used in homes built from the early 1900s until around the 1960s and were considered a significant upgrade at the time. Why Were Galvanized Pipes Used? At the time of installation, galvanized pipes were: More durable than previously used lead pipes Resistant to rust and corrosion—at ...