Alexandria, VA · Member since 2016 · 5 posts · 0 votes
Hello everyone, i have an interest in a multi-tenant property that was built in the early 1900. It has a recent history of water leaks contributed to the existing galvanized steel pipes. These leaks were repaired by the current owner. However, to be on the safe side, i think it's best to replace them all if i were to purchase. The property has 4 levels including a basement level. There are 4 units with 4 bathrooms within the property. 3 out of 4 units have tenants in them. Can anyone provide feedback on costs, time, and impact to the current tenant to have the pipes upgraded to plastic pipes? Thanks.
Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2012 · 108 posts · 49 votes
10y
@Tri Phan. I don't think anybody here can give you feedback on this. You need to have a licensed plumber take a look and give you a bid. Cost and time will depend on many variables.
Investor · Bryan, TX · Member since 2016 · 165 posts · 82 votes
10y
I am a plumber and can tell you that a bid is almost impossible to do without seeing the lay out of the building. I have re piped many houses using pex. Material is relatively cheap and can be measured in 100$ on a 2 bath sfr. The man hours and what has to be cut open/repaired is where the money comes in and is bid case by case.
I would suggest that you replace what you can see and get to easily the make repairs as needed.
Alexandria, VA · Member since 2016 · 5 posts · 0 votes
10y
Just as an update on this, I got an estimate last week from a plumber who has done this before for similar row houses in my area. He estimated that it was going to run around 8K for the interiors and another 1K to 2.5K for the main water line (depending on accessibility). This does not include any drywall repairs where walls were opened to gain access to the pipes. Certainly not a simple and inexpensive project to deal with :(