Repipe or not? Tenant complianing of water pressure

[Mark T.]

Need advice.  My tenant was complaining of water pressure in the 2nd floor bathroom.  The water pressure in the cold water side is weak, it flows but it was not a full stream at the tub spout.   Hot water is fine it has a strong flow.  I ran the shower and the water pressure was strong.   I put my hand in the shower and the water temperature seems normal.  No other faucets in the unit has low water pressure, just the cold water in the shower.  

The problem is my tenant.   The tenant complained the water was scolding hot and the cold water was not strong enough to cool down to take a shower.   It has been really hot here in the summer and  tenant says can't take a shower and has to go to a friend house for shower.  Also has been inconvenienced and wants a concession. On a side note, this tenant has a history of making problems bigger and exaggerated than what they are.    I don't agree with the tenant's evaluation of the shower so I called my plumber.

My plumber said while the cold water pressure is weak, the shower is fine.  The water temperature is fine too.    We did all the basic checking, shower head, diverter, tub faucet, they are all fine.    In his opinion, the shower is in acceptable condition, however the problem is from the tenant perspective its not.   He recommend  to do a re-pipe because otherwise tenant will never be happy.   Also galvanized steel pipes eventually get corroded  and recommends replacement.      Its expensive.  

If I re-pipe the unit, it would make the tenant happy, however in my opinion I don't think its necessary because the shower is working.    Eventually I will need to do a re-pipe, however don't think now is the time because the shower is still working, although the cold water pressure is low.   The real reason why i don't want to do it is because its expensive, however I also do not looking forward to having to deal with this tenant in the future.  

What would you do?  Would you spend big money now to re-pipe and make your tenant happy.  Or not fix it but run the risk dealing with an unhappy tenant. 

[Andrew S.]

I know you checked out the temperature by holding your hand under the shower, but did you or the plumber actually measure it?  Not everyone likes the same shower temperature and if the cold water pressure really is on the low side then there may be an issue.  One possible solution would be to lower the temperature of the water heater.  That way, you don't need to mix in as much cold water.