PSA: Don’t let your plumber put a corrugated plumbing pipe under your sink!
There is a growing trend in the Southwest Florida real estate market that every homeowner and seller needs to know about. Specifically, I am seeing corrugated plumbing pipes popping up under sinks in many of my recent listings. While these might seem like an easy fix for a handyman or a quick DIY project, they are causing major headaches during the sales process.
Why Corrugated Pipes are a Deal-Killer
In Florida, insurance companies are becoming increasingly strict about 4-Point Inspections, which evaluate your roof, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. Notably, many inspectors are now flagging corrugated pipes as a deficiency. Because these pipes have ridges, they trap hair, debris, and grime much faster than smooth-walled PVC, leading to frequent clogs and potential leaks. More importantly, many insurance carriers view these as “non-code compliant” and may refuse to insure your property until they are replaced.
Watch Chris from AJF Home Inspections explain why you should not install corrugated plumbing pipes on his video:
The Real Cost of a “Quick Fix”
I am currently working with a seller where this exact issue was discovered during the inspection. To move forward with the sale, the seller had to hire a licensed plumber to rip out the corrugated pipes and install proper, smooth-walled plumbing. Consequently, a project that should have cost very little ended up costing $800. Since the buyer cannot get insurance without this fix, the seller had no choice but to pay for the repair to save the deal.
Protect Your Home and Your Sale
If you are planning to sell your home, or even if you are just doing some maintenance, please do not let a plumber or handyman use these corrugated plumbing pipes under your sinks. Instead, insist on standard, smooth-walled PVC piping. Taking this small step now prevents future insurance denials and keeps hundreds of dollars in your pocket when it comes time to close.
Choose the right agent for you
Are you preparing your home for the market? Contact your agent today for a pre-listing consultation to ensure your home is ready for a smooth closing!