Why Plumbing Should Be a Top Priority for Brooklyn Buyers
Buying a brownstone in Park Slope? A row house in Bed-Stuy? A condo conversion in Williamsburg? No matter where you’re buying in Brooklyn, one thing’s certain: the plumbing system matters more than you think.
New homeowners often focus on kitchens, flooring, or curb appeal — but behind the walls could be decades-old pipes, corroded drains, or illegal work that will cost you thousands down the line.
Brooklyn Homes Come With Plumbing History
Brooklyn is home to some of the oldest and most diverse housing stock in NYC. From pre-war co-ops to 1890s brownstones, these buildings often have legacy plumbing systems that have been patched, altered, or ignored for years.
Common hidden issues we see in Brooklyn homes:
- Galvanized steel or lead piping
- DIY plumbing that’s not up to code
- Undersized water service lines
- Cracked or root-damaged sewer lines
- Inaccessible or illegal gas piping
Most of these don’t show up in a standard home inspection. Only a licensed master plumber can properly assess your system.
What a Professional Plumbing Inspection Includes
At A Good Plumber, we offer pre-purchase inspections that go far beyond a visual check. Our team investigates:
✅ Water Supply Lines
We check for old galvanized or lead pipes and test water pressure to ensure your showers, sinks, and appliances will function correctly.
✅ Drainage and Sewer
Using drain cameras, we inspect your main line for clogs, cracks, or root intrusion — a common issue in older Brooklyn neighborhoods with mature street trees.
✅ Gas Lines and Boiler Systems
Is the gas piping up to code? Is the boiler on its last leg? We verify connections, pressure test, and inspect for potential safety hazards.
✅ Radiator and Heating System
Especially important in brownstones and pre-war buildings, we evaluate radiator valves, bleeding points, and circulation for steam and hot water systems.
NYC Code Compliance: Know Before You Close
If any part of your future home’s plumbing is not up to NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) or Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) standards, it could delay your closing — or worse, leave you responsible for costly upgrades.
Plumbing violations can include:
- Illegal gas work
- Unpermitted water heater installs
- Improper backflow protection
- Unregistered RPZ valves
Having a licensed plumber inspect your property before you sign gives you the leverage to negotiate with the seller — or walk away before it becomes a money pit.
Cost of Common Plumbing Repairs in Brooklyn Homes
| Issue | Typical Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Replacing lead or galvanized piping | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Sewer line repair or replacement | $7,000 – $20,000+ |
| Radiator repair or upgrade | $500 – $2,000 per unit |
| Boiler replacement | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Gas line correction (DOB-violation) | $3,000 – $8,000+ |
A $350–$500 plumbing inspection can uncover tens of thousands in hidden costs — and give you peace of mind when buying your Brooklyn home.
Want to Know What’s Really Behind Those Brownstone Walls?
If you’re buying one of Brooklyn’s iconic brownstones, you’re not just getting original crown molding and stoop appeal — you’re also inheriting decades-old plumbing systems that might be hiding behind beautiful brickwork.
We break it all down in our deep-dive:
👉 Old Brooklyn Brownstones and Plumbing: What’s Lurking Behind the Walls?
Learn about lead lines, outdated radiators, and why brownstone renovations always start with a licensed plumber.
Work With a Brooklyn-Based Plumbing Team You Can Trust
At A Good Plumber, we’re a third-generation, family-owned business with three licensed NYC master plumbers on staff. We’ve inspected and repaired plumbing systems in homes across Brooklyn for over 30 years — from Bay Ridge to Bushwick.
Buying a home? Don’t gamble on what’s behind the walls. Book a plumbing inspection with A Good Plumber before closing day.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your Brooklyn plumbing inspection.
