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Plumbing & Water

The pipes behind the walls decide whether you face a quiet repipe or a sudden flood — and some materials are now insurance and health issues. Know the material before you buy.

Polybutylene (poly-B) plumbing

Grey plastic pipe that can fail without warning — and that insurers increasingly refuse.

$4,000–15,000Address before purchase

Lead water service line

The pipe bringing water into older homes that may be lead — and how to test it.

$2,000–8,000+Address before purchase

Galvanized steel supply piping

Pre-1960 steel pipe that corrodes shut like a clogged artery.

$4,000–12,000Address soon

Water heater age & end of life

An 8-12 year part most buyers never check the age of — read it off the label.

$1,200–2,500Address soon

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