What is Repiping and When is it Necessary?
Repiping means replacing the water supply lines throughout your home with new copper or PEX pipes. Most homes in Los Angeles built before 1990 have galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes that have reached or exceeded their design lifespan. Galvanized steel pipes typically last 40–70 years, and many are now corroding from the inside out — causing a cascade of problems that minor repairs can no longer fix.
1. Rusty or Discolored Water
If your hot or cold water comes out with a brown, orange, or reddish tint — especially first thing in the morning — that is rust from corroding galvanized pipes. The inside of these pipes scales and rusts, and chunks of rust break loose and flow through your tap. Discolored water is not just unpleasant — it is a health concern and a clear sign that pipe replacement is urgent.
2. Low Water Pressure Throughout the House
If you have persistently low water pressure at multiple fixtures — not just one faucet — galvanized pipes are often the culprit. As these pipes corrode, the corrosion builds up inside like plaque in an artery, choking the flow of water. Unlike a clogged aerator (which only affects one fixture), this type of pressure loss is systemic and cannot be fixed without replacing the pipes.
3. Frequent or Recurring Pipe Leaks
Have you called a plumber multiple times in the past few years for leaking pipes? When galvanized pipes begin to fail, they do not fail in one place — they fail everywhere at once. Patching individual leaks on aging pipe is like putting a bandage on a sinking ship. At some point, a full repipe becomes far more cost-effective than repeated emergency repairs.
4. Visible Corrosion on Exposed Pipes
Check the visible pipes under your sinks, in your garage, or in your crawl space. If you see green, blue, or white mineral deposits on copper pipes, or orange/brown rust on galvanized pipes, the same corrosion is happening inside your walls. Visible corrosion is always a sign that the pipe is deteriorating.
5. Your Home Was Built Before 1985
Age alone is not a reason to repipe — but it is a strong reason to get a pipe inspection. Homes built before 1970 almost certainly have galvanized steel pipes. Homes built between 1970 and 1995 may have polybutylene pipes, which were recalled due to widespread failure. A plumber can inspect your pipe material and recommend the best course of action.
6. Strange Noises from Your Pipes
Banging, clanking, or rattling sounds from your pipes (called 'water hammer') can indicate aging pipe brackets, excessive pressure, or pipes that have shifted over time. While not always a sign of pipe failure, it often accompanies other signs of aging plumbing.
7. You Are Planning to Sell or Renovate
If you are planning to list your home, a professional pipe inspection and potential repipe will increase your home's value, help it pass inspection, and attract buyers who want a home with modern plumbing. In the Greater Los Angeles market, repiped homes command significantly higher offers.
What to Do Next
If you recognize two or more of these warning signs, call Plumbing 405 for a free whole-house pipe assessment. We inspect your existing pipes, test your water pressure, and assess your water quality — then give you an honest recommendation on whether repairs or a full repipe is the right choice for your home. Our repiping teams serve all of Greater Los Angeles and Orange County.