Asbestos in pipes under the house - red flag?

[David Smith]

A B&B I am planning to purchase has Asbestos in oil pipes under the house only. Should this be a red flag? Can a B&B even legally operate with this?

[Greg Scott]

I've had asbestos training for supervisors (but not in PA).

Almost every property built before 1975 has asbestos in it.  The more important question is how dangerous it is. Pipe insulation tends to become friable (crumbles and can become airborne) which is more dangerous than asbestos in tile flooring or shingle roofing which tends to retain its cohesiveness.   I would definitely consider this a concern.

I would check on two things.  1) Talk to an asbestos abatement company to get their take on your situation. They may also be able to get you a quote on remediation.  If the deal still makes sense, you may want to get it done to avoid issue later.  2) I'd talk with your insurance company.  Last thing you want to do is find out they will require you to remove it and you were not expecting that.