Gray Pipe Question

[Schaumburger]

In several home listings the sentence: "Gray pipes were replaced in 20___" appears. What are gray pipes? Thanks in advance for the info.

Laura

[Barefoot]

In several home listings the sentence: "Gray pipes were replaced in 20___" appears. What are gray pipes? Thanks in advance for the info. Laura

It is my understanding that gray pipes were used for sewer connections in the old Historical area when it was a mobile home park. Some have been replaced. It is certainly a question you'd want to ask a Real Estate Agent if you're considering an older home in Historical.

You may want to try www.graypipes.yolasite.com for more information on gray pipes.

[downeaster]

In several home listings the sentence: "Gray pipes were replaced in 20___" appears. What are gray pipes? Thanks in advance for the info.

Laura

Gray (pipes gray colored) were used back in the eighties, or thereabout, for water. If I remember correctly it was not the pipes that were the problem, it was the connections. Unlike conventional PVC pipe which utilizes a quick drying cement, gray pipe used a compression device. It was much faster and easier to use. Unfortunately, those compression joints did not hold up. I had personal experience with a failure. The plumber hired by the condo association refused to repair the offending connection as the pipe no longer met code requirements. He replaced with new (white) PVC and cemented connections.

Some of the older constriction may have had gray pipe installed originally. Gray pipes, aluminum wiring and lead based paint are some of the things to look for in older construction. I would hire an inspector before closing on old construction. They know about these things.

[Schaumburger]

Barefoot and Downeaster, Thanks for the information -- makes sense since the "gray pipe" replacement references were for homes listed in the historical area.

Have a good weekend.

Laura