◇　Points to note when purchasing a used condominium: Determine whether pipe replacement work is necessary　◇

 

 

When purchasing a used condominium, plumbing is often the cause of problems.

Although the exterior and interior can be visually checked, the condition of the pipes cannot be checked because they are hidden under the floor.

We will explain in detail the lifespan of pipes in used condominiums, the cost of replacing them, and precautions.

Piping such as water pipes and hot water pipes can cause problems such as water leaks and low water pressure due to deterioration and deterioration over time.

In order to avoid the need for unexpected repairs or replacement work after purchase, it is important to check in advance and take appropriate measures.

Let’s take a look at the important points regarding plumbing when purchasing a used condominium.

 

 

table of contents

 

１　Be careful of deterioration over time! ! Aging pipes and the importance of replacement work

 

Plumbing in condominiums plays an essential role in our lives, including water supply, hot water supply, drainage, and gas supply.

However, over time, pipes deteriorate and can cause various problems.

Water pipes are especially susceptible to deterioration over time.

Water supply pipes play the role of supplying fresh water, but as they age, water leaks and a drop in water pressure may occur.

The same goes for drain pipes, which must be in good working order to properly drain used water and wastewater.

Additionally, hot water pipes and gas pipes may become damaged due to aging.

These aging and deterioration issues require special attention when purchasing a used condominium.

Although the exterior and interior can be visually checked, the pipes are hidden under the floor or inside the walls, and their condition cannot be directly assessed.

Therefore, in order to understand the condition of water supply pipes, drainage pipes, hot water pipes, and gas pipes, it is necessary to rely on the advice of experts and the results of building inspections.

Plumbing replacement work is a large and expensive undertaking, so thorough research and consideration is required before making a purchase.

If you are aware of signs of aging pipes and problems, and if it is determined that replacement is necessary, you need to take early measures to avoid future problems.

When purchasing a used apartment, we recommend seeking professional advice to assess the condition of the plumbing.

In addition, pre-purchase inspections and appropriate maintenance will allow you to live in an apartment with peace of mind.

 

 

 

 

 

There are various types of plumbing in condominiums, each with different lifespans and characteristics.

Some piping materials and their characteristics are introduced below.

There are various types of piping in condominiums, including stainless steel pipes, hard PVC pipes, and polyethylene pipes.

Older homes also use different types of piping, such as iron pipes, lead pipes, and copper pipes, and each type of pipe has a slightly different lifespan.

The general approximate lifespan of piping is as follows, but it may vary depending on usage and maintenance conditions.

 

・Iron pipes: 15 to 20 years
・Lead
pipes: 15 to 20 years ・Copper pipes: 20 to 25 years
・Stainless steel pipes: 30 to 40 years
・Hard PVC pipes: 20 to 25 years
・Polyethylene pipes: 30 to 40 years

 

Modern homes rarely use iron, lead, or copper piping.

Instead, highly durable materials such as stainless steel pipes, hard PVC pipes, and polyethylene pipes are becoming mainstream.

It is reasonable to assume that the lifespan of pipes in a typical condominium is around 30 years.

However, this is only a rough guide, and the actual condition of the pipes must be confirmed through regular inspections and advice from experts.

It is important to perform regular maintenance and inspections on the plumbing in condominiums in an effort to detect deterioration and problems early.

By understanding the condition of your pipes and replacing or repairing them as necessary, you can maintain a comfortable and safe plumbing environment.

 

 

３　Protect yourself from water leakage problems! Piping history and points to consider for replacement work

 

Water leaks are a major concern when purchasing a used condominium.

Especially if the plumbing is in poor condition and has deteriorated over time, water leaks and other plumbing problems may occur frequently.

In order to protect yourself from water leakage problems, we will check the history of the piping and explore points to consider for replacement work.

First, it is important to understand the plumbing history of a used condominium.

If there is a history of water leaks or problems in the past, there is a high possibility that similar problems will occur again.

Gather information from the association and previous owners to learn more about plumbing issues and repair history.

In addition to the piping history, the following points to consider are also important.

 

Signs of aging

The risk of deterioration over time varies depending on the age of the condominium and the material of the piping.

Check the appearance of the pipes, water pressure, color and odor of the water for any abnormalities, and check for signs of deterioration over time.

 

Expert inspection results

It’s also important to get an expert’s opinion on plumbing.

Evaluate the condition of your plumbing by referring to the results of regular inspections and building diagnosis.

A professional can provide an estimate of the timing and cost of any necessary replacement work.

 

management association plan

If the condominium management association has set aside an appropriate repair reserve fund, they can plan to replace the pipes.

Consider replacement work based on the management association’s plans and budget.

 

Additional equipment updates

Along with replacing the piping, we also recommend renovating equipment such as water heaters, toilets, and sinks at the same time.

By replacing them all at once, you can reduce future troubles and achieve efficient maintenance.

Determine whether pipe replacement work is necessary by considering the history of the pipes and the points to consider above.

Accurately understanding the condition of the plumbing before purchasing an apartment is essential to avoid problems in the future.