Hello everyone,
My husband and I have purchased a single-family house (built in 1974). As part of the bathroom and toilet renovation, we are considering replacing the old galvanized steel pipes.
Currently, the pipes look fine from the outside, meaning the water runs clear. There are no signs of rust.
The house is in very good, well-maintained condition. It is clear that the previous owners took good care of everything. The building inspector we consulted advised us to keep the existing pipes. However, based on a quick look at the pipes in the basement, he assumed that the house has copper pipes. The construction specification from 1974 that has recently come to light states that galvanized steel pipes were installed.
Therefore, my question is: Is replacement absolutely necessary? Given the upcoming renovation, I prefer not to replace the pipes if it’s not required. I find it difficult to judge this properly and don’t want to have to deal with the pipes again in six months if a water damage occurs...
And especially: do all the pipes throughout the entire house need to be replaced? Or is it sufficient to replace only sections inside the bathroom/toilet walls and leave the risers as they are?
Thanks in advance for your help!
My husband and I have purchased a single-family house (built in 1974). As part of the bathroom and toilet renovation, we are considering replacing the old galvanized steel pipes.
Currently, the pipes look fine from the outside, meaning the water runs clear. There are no signs of rust.
The house is in very good, well-maintained condition. It is clear that the previous owners took good care of everything. The building inspector we consulted advised us to keep the existing pipes. However, based on a quick look at the pipes in the basement, he assumed that the house has copper pipes. The construction specification from 1974 that has recently come to light states that galvanized steel pipes were installed.
Therefore, my question is: Is replacement absolutely necessary? Given the upcoming renovation, I prefer not to replace the pipes if it’s not required. I find it difficult to judge this properly and don’t want to have to deal with the pipes again in six months if a water damage occurs...
And especially: do all the pipes throughout the entire house need to be replaced? Or is it sufficient to replace only sections inside the bathroom/toilet walls and leave the risers as they are?
Thanks in advance for your help!
We did the demolition ourselves. A company carried out the new installation. They also installed underfloor heating and a new oil condensing boiler. It wasn’t cheap.
The new plumbing pipes cost around 4000 € (euros), I believe. However, we are not completely finished yet. The final invoice is still pending.
The new plumbing pipes cost around 4000 € (euros), I believe. However, we are not completely finished yet. The final invoice is still pending.