garden tub corroded pipes

[Mary]

My 1974 double wide has a garden tub (one that could seat three people or so; I think that's what they're called) and the faucets leak when turned on.

A plumber (who was here for something else) looked at them, and said the pipes are very corroded and would have to be replaced. He wasn't sure if one came up from under the home or through the adjoining kitchen wall to do so. Going under the home to access under the tub seemed logical to me, but may not be.

I thought that he ought to know this, so I am leery of using him. His company has a great reputation, though.

Does anyone have any idea of the cost for such a project? Also, what if one just doesn't use the tub? Can the corroded pipes just "sit there" for years and not harm anything? (There are two showers, so the tub is not a priority.) Should the plumber have known how to do this project?

Thanks for anyone's help and advice.

[Tom]

The pipes may indeed be in the adjoing wall. In a home of that vintage I would think at one time they have been accessed before. You may see an access panel aleady cut out behind where the faucet is located. If its butted up against the wall that is. Modern garden tubs have access panels to the plumbing built in. But regardless if the pipes are corroded he is probably still going to end up under the home anyway. It all depends on how much of the pipe he is planning on replacing.

My only thoughts are this, if he is not experienced in doing MH plumbing, you might be better off finding one who is. Its your call really. If you are comfortable with his assesment, than go for it. It would be difficult to give an estimate due to the fact we dont know how far out the corrosion goes.

You will not have any damage from not using the tub. It could develop leaks just from normal water pressure, but that would happen anyway, even using it.

But let me say this also, if you have copper pipes in other parts of the home, the likely hood is that they will corrode also in time. Tom

[Mary]

Thank you, Tom. Your advice is always so helpful.
I'm sure we'll just let the tub sit. I do worry about the other pipes in the home.... I can't even imagine having to replace everything....
I feel stupid purchasing such an old place, but the price was right and there wasn't anything else for sale in the park, and it's paid for.... but instead of a house payment, we will have repair payments, I suppose.
Anyway, thanks again.