Expert: Dana Bostick - 11/2/2009

Question
I live in Houston, TX. I am a first time home buyer and have found a home that I really like.  The home was built in 1970.  The inspector has identified the plumbing to be cast iron and will state in the report that a Static Leak Test is recommended.  If that shows a leak, then he also recommends I get a test with a snake/camera to check all the plumbing lines.  

The seller disclosure has no mention of any plumbing or foundation repairs and bought the home in 1992. However, we can see where piers were installed.  There is little to no sign of movement or cracking other then back patio where piers were installed. At 39 years old, the house seems fairly solid.

Question:
1] Is this a show stopper in general? Even if the static leak test shows no leak now, I am trying to find out what level of risk I may be putting myself at for the future based on having cast iron plumbing.

2] If there is a leak, the Inspector said it will cost approx $200/ft to dig under the foundation plus repair costs.  So every 5 ft = $1000.  Seems to me this could be very costly down the road and places me at high risk.  However, friends of mine have galvanized steel and said all the homes in their neighborhood have the same.

I am trying to take advantage of the $8K tax incentive but don't want to get that just to lose it to leaky plumbing and ultimately possible resulting foundation repairs.

Any general sense of what level of risk I'm entering here would be very helpful.

Thanks!  

Answer
Hi km_bac

I highly recommend the sewer scope.  It's the only way to see the condition of the underground piping. Not so sure that a static leak test is called for.  Cast Iron is good to 60-80 years at least.  The line outside the foundation is likely not cast iron, probably vitrified clay pipe.
Clay pipe is not allowed inside the footprint of the building.
Good Luck,
Dana