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All About Lead Pipes
Lead pipe is
softer than galvanized pipe. It produces a duller sound and,
when scratched, reveals a silver-gray color. Because it is so
soft, lead pipe is not threaded together. Instead, the piping
has wiped lead joints. These appear to be a spherical bulge
within the pipe. 
Lead pipe was used as the supply line from the water main to the
house up until the
mid 1950s (and is still in use, in some houses). Many old lead
pipes are connected to a
steel pipe or galvanized nipple which is in contact with
the soil. Unfortunately, this piping is subject to exterior
corrosion and interior
rusting. Once a leak occurs, this section of pipe will have to be
replaced. The condition of a
supply pipe is difficult to ascertain, since it is not
easily viewed by an inspector.
In earlier years, lead was used as a component in solder for
copper pipes, but this solder has been
banned since the 1980s. Today, most solder is lead-free or 95/5
(tin-to-lead ratio). Solder
containing lead is not as risky as lead piping itself. With age, a
build-up of such things
as oxides or minerals in the pipe’s surface reduces the risk of
contamination.
There are various ways a homeowner can minimize the amount of lead
contamination coming
through his pipes. First, he should run water three to five
minutes before drinking. He
should never use hot water for drinking or cooking, as hot water
leaches lead from the pipe
or solder. He should also have the water analyzed for lead
content.
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Roof Replacement
One of
the most predominant features of a house
is its roof, so potential buyers are sure
to have it inspected before signing that purchase
agreement. A wise
homeowner will replace a worn or shoddy
roof before putting the home on the market
to assure his dwelling’s marketability. There
is no "set age" at which a roof should
be replaced. However, there are several
clues that indicate a roof has passed its
prime in terms of serviceability. One
obvious clue is leaking. If a roof has numerous
leaks, water damage is quick to follow.
As soon as the leaks start dripping, a smart
homeowner will have his roof replaced.
The condition of the
shingles is another indication
of the condition of the roof. If there
are numerous shingles missing, or if those
in place are loose, broken or curled, a new
roof may be in order. Likewise, if the mineral
surface of asphalt shingles has worn
through to the backing, it may be time
to call the roofer. Even
when the aging isn’t so obvious, homeowners
should routinely check the health
of asphalt shingles. A simple method of doing this is to bend
a corner or one or two shingles
on the sunniest side of the house. If the roofing material
does not flex, and it crumbles or
breaks, the roof needs to be replaced. Of course, the
structure of the dwelling precludes the necessity
of a quick replacement. If the home has a steep roof, the worn
roofing will last longer than
similar roofing on a shallow-sloped roof. Of course, when the
home is on the market, it will
be an easier sell if the roof is in its best condition — or
replaced.
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