I would like to add an informational note about maintenance or partial/future replacement.
Does anyone have good comment they can share?
Basics of what i am thinking:
"Cast iron and/or galvanized pipes were primarily used prior to the 1970s.
Over time, the interior of these pipes corrode due to exposure to air and water.
This can lead to reduced functionality/flow capacity and/or leaks.
Recommend to regularly inspect and be prepared for maintenance and/or replacement.
And how exactly do they do that?
well Jeff first You have to get really small, and then You have to find a suitable access, say a faucet ( non mixer valve type) then it is just a matter of suiting up and going in… 
“Rick Moranis” small??
Or
“Dennis Quaid” small??
obviously that depends on if You are talking about drain or supply piping…
So far you’re speaking above your knowledge level, and about two different types of pipe for different uses.
Are you a professional inspector? Member of a training organization?
Its always interesting how people choose to respond.
I post a question to other professionals asking for feedback and instead of sharing advice and feedback, I receive questions and am told im speaking above my knowledge level.
My family has been in construction for 4 generations. I have been in the industry since i was 5…
I have built and renovated more than homes than i can count. I now inspect houses.
I of course know that galvanized and cast pipes are different-- but they both suck and fail over time.
How can you inspect them? Many times people can look around in exposed areas such as a basements and under sinks and see the start of leaks as i just did inspecting their house and included pictures for the multiple problem areas i found.
And Yes i understand to truly understand you would need to have a camera scope etc etc.
By me- that’s around $1000 and still not going to be able to check all pipes or predict failure.
So- I was asking if someone has any language that can be helpful. If i am buying a house that has cast/galvanized waste pipes- I would appreciate someone helping to educate me on what i am buying.
This forum is for us as professionals to help each other/share info/etc.
So pls share and if you have nothing…thats ok too…
I agree. Dont get me wrong, there is a lot of great knowledge in these fourms. A lot of guys on here are veterans and have probably forgotten more than some of us know, but at times these boards can become a bit of dick contest. I try not to play with feelings and let things get to me, but ideally
the comments should all be productive. Remember a wise man talks because he has something to say, a fool talks because he has to say something.
Rick with all that experience and knowledge that you have, why are you asking what is a very simple question? 4 generations and you can’t come up with a comment about pipe maintenance.
Don’t blame the folks on the forum when they get snarky and read this.
I think you have said it pretty well actually. Let the client know that cast iron and galvanized plumbing is likely reaching (or beyond) the end of its expected service life and it should be closely monitored and probably replaced with modern materials soon.
Small edit to Ryan’s narrative:
“Let the client know that cast iron and galvanized plumbing is likely reaching (or beyond) the end of its expected service life and it should be closely monitored and probably replaced with modern materials soon.”
I can go along with that, lol.
Here is the comment I use. But this is geared toward my area (Florida, no basements)
Feel free to borrow from it.
All of the water supply lines in the home are Galvanized, which has an average life expectancy of 50-80 years. These pipes can rust from the inside out, and gradually corrode, closing up the inside pipe diameter. If the water pressure in the home seems to be getting lower, or there are visible rust or metal fragments in the water, this could be an indication of interior corrosion. Eventually, these pipes may leak, and if inside walls or ceilings, can cause significant damage. This would require a plumber to run new plastic water lines from the main, through the attic, and to the interior locations.
This may also cause issues with the insurance companies, as the 4 point specifically asks what type of water lines the home has, and some insurance companies will not insure galvanized plumbing, or they charge higher premiums.
Here’s my standard “old plumbing” comment that has served me well over the years. Admittedly, it could be more descriptive but gets the message across.
The majority of the visible plumbing pipes (supply and waste) are original and past their typical service life. Heavy corrosion and signs of past leaks were noted in several areas. Clogs, leaks and generally poor performance are common with materials of this age and should be expected throughout both systems until the materials are replaced. Updating both of these systems in the near future should be planned for.
Thanks- appreciate it!
You charge $1000 for a sewer scope inspection? I bet clients don’t order it. Completely way too much.
BINGO! (thus my question above)!!
Also, considering the current age of the piping, (50+ years old if 70’s install), I’d be curious to see what was included in the referenced inspection report he just delivered!
“Cast iron pipes have a life expectancy between 50-100 years. Have a plumber video scope the inside of the pipes to learn more about the condition of the drain lines and the need for replacement.” is my general canned statement and I add more information as needed depending on the house. I will always call for a video scope and test of Cast Iron sewer pipe when I suspect it is present. ALL cast iron is suspect here. Even the most recent installations in residential are approaching the point of failure just on age alone. Since the vast majority of everything here is a slab foundation, this is a big, expensive issue. I do not do sewer inspections since only a small portion of the drain lines are able to be seen and state law precludes anyone but a licensed plumber from performing a Sewer leakage test (hydrostatic test.) I tell them of the potential problem and send them on their way to someone who can provide both tests and likely an idea of how much to expect to replace or reline.
Cast iron is routinely used in new residential installations in my area, for its superior noise characteristics. And, plastic pipe is not allowed in commercial applications and MF.
