[quote=UCguy] . . . But what if the plumbing is all polybutilene (or whatever) and wasn’t replaced? . . . [/quote]

UCGuy, DO NOT even make an offer on a property that has this problem. ASK the LA first if their listing had or currently has PBT plumbing.

If you are working with a competent agent who is intimately familiar with the area(s) you are seeking to buy in, you can tell them you are not interested in a property built with PBT plumbing and they should KNOW COLD which tracts are subject to this issue. If a seller can PROVE their property was ENTIRELY re-plumbed, you want to see the invoices for work performed BEFORE making an offer and also have a thorough plumbing inspection done if your offer is accepted.

Many replumb jobs are NOT entire replumbs. Some are just fixes at where there was a previous burst or leak, that drywall only and all the “visible” plumbing to the naked eye.