All the usual chemical treatments tried were useless.I have no idea what they put down there but it was the consistency of bunker C oil.The basement was finished in the area under the sink & tearing the old pipes out from below would have caused way too much damage/cost.Finally I cleaned it out with a small $99 power washer I got from Home Depot to do other things.

It isn't worded that harsh, but the point is made.

You can use a chemical de-glosser instead of sanding.Some varnishes back then had lead in them too, not just the paint. http://www.diylife.com/2010/03/08/how-to-degloss-a-surface-for-paint-prep/You need to use a contractor that is RRP certified.

I have found chemical treatment effective.

Fourth, I’m probably being a little harsh in my use of the term “junker” to generally describe functionally obsolete, non-liquid properties.

ok, so the scammer thing is a bit harsh.

@Taylor Shields Wow, a little harsh.

( unfortunately many tenants in america fall into this category- so i understand you but you are a landlord and you look from the landlord's perspective....want it or not), other reasons are illness, divorce, chemical adictions, loss of employment due to ****** economy, e.t.c. to name just few..........ohio is particularily affected with high unemployment rate.

Apparently the pex absorbs chemicals.

@Lucas A DavidsonI’m from a harsh winter area.