How can I sell my Atlanta house with galvanized plumbing?
What is galvanized plumbing, and why isn’t it used in Atalnta anymore?
Galvanized pipes are made of steel that’s been dipped in zinc to provide a protective coating. This coating is meant to help prevent rust and corrosion. Galvanized plumbing was used frequently before 1960 as an alternative to lead pipes or cast iron plumbing. It’s less expensive than copper and more durable than plastic, and because steel is more malleable than iron, it’s easier to work with during manufacturing. This type of plumbing was extensively used in Atlanta houses built prior to the 1960s.
Galvanized plumbing isn’t used now for a few reasons. Mineral deposits will accumulate over time inside the pipes, causing low water pressure and polluting the house’s water supply. Despite the zinc coating, the pipes also often rust as they age, leading to leaks that can go unnoticed for a long time and cause mold and structural damage. Once the pipes start to rust and corrode from the inside out, drinking water from them can be hazardous because heavy metals like lead and cadmium from the zinc coating can begin to leach into the water supply.
How to identify galvanized plumbing and whether it’s in bad shape
There are a few ways to tell if your house has galvanized plumbing. Galvanized pipes are gray and slightly larger than copper pipes. They make a pinging noise when tapped, while cast iron pipes make more of a thudding sound. If you scratch a galvanized pipe with something like a screwdriver, it will reveal a gray or silver color, and a strong magnet will stick to it. Make sure you test pipes at multiple locations in your house since you may have more than one type of piping.
Depending on who you ask, galvanized plumbing can have a life expectancy of anywhere between 40 to 100 years. If your Atlanta house was built with galvanized piping before 1960, the plumbing may be reaching the end of its lifespan.
Some signs of galvanized pipe corrosion can be found in the home’s water. It may be discolored and have rust in it, as well as an unpleasant odor or taste. If the water pressure is low, it could mean that there’s a leak at one or more points, or that there’s mineral or rust buildup inside the pipes.
Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners insurance won’t cover galvanized plumbing because it’s known for corroding and rusting. You can get in touch with your insurance agent to check whether your plumbing is covered or not.
Should galvanized plumbing be repaired or replaced?
If you’re experiencing leaks, low water pressure, or discolored water, you can sometimes have galvanized pipes repaired by a professional for a temporary fix; however, corrosion will continue to happen, and rust will keep building up over time. The most permanent and most often recommended option is replacing the galvanized pipes with better materials. Three of the most popular choices are copper, CPVC (rigid plastic) and PEX (flexible plastic).
The cost of a full house repiping in Atlanta depends on a number of factors, including the house’s size, the number of plumbing fixtures, how easy it is to access the piping, and the kind of pipe you’re using to replace the galvanized plumbing.
According to 2024 data from Angi, the cost can range from $1,500 to $15,000, with an average price of $7,500 for whole-home pipe replacement. About 70% of the price tag is the cost of labor, and the remaining 30% includes materials, drywall repairs, permits, and inspections. Copper is the most expensive option, costing as much as 4–8 times more than CPVC or PEX.
How to sell your house with galvanized plumbing
In Atlanta, a home seller is required to disclose any known house defects to the buyer, or they may face legal consequences down the road. If you know that your galvanized plumbing system is defective due to leaks, corrosion, or rust buildup, there are several options available to you.
You can have the issues temporarily fixed by plumbing specialists, though you should still disclose the defects when you sell the house. Alternatively, you could opt to replace the entire plumbing system before selling. This could make the home an attractive option to buyers who want to know that it has some brand-new features that they won’t have to deal with for a long time.
If you don’t want to spend time on repairs or repiping, you can offer concessions like paying for the buyer’s closing costs or covering the buyer’s real estate agent commission. You could also reduce the selling price to offset the future cost the buyer will be taking on.
Selling your house in Atlanta to an off-market home buyer
Another option is to sell the home “as is” to a direct home buyer like HomeVestors®. We can buy your Atlanta house with galvanized plumbing in its current condition—no need for pipe repairs or replacement. You can save time and the effort of dealing with plumbing problems, and instead begin the next chapter of your life with less stress and worry from selling your house.
We typically offer a discounted price for your house in exchange for a convenient, easy, and quick sale. We’ll take care of any issues with the home, and we’ll even deal with any unwanted items you need to leave behind. You won’t have to list the house or have showings and open houses.
Simply get in touch with us, and we’ll schedule an in-person, no-obligation consultation to check out the property and answer your questions. We can sometimes provide a fast offer for your house on the same day! If you accept our offer, you’ll get the benefit of The HomeVestors Advantage, a 3-day option period to reconsider your decision after signing the contract. If you decide not to move forward with the sale, simply contact your property specialist. We want you to feel great about selling your house to us.
Contact us today for a free consultation in Atlanta.