A Guide to Old Plumbing Pipes: Types, Care, and When to Replace Them

There is no denying the appeal of an older house. From aesthetic elements like ornate woodwork to functional features like laundry chutes, many homeowners enjoy the charm of bygone eras that come with older homes.

Common household plumbing problems impact older homes more than newer houses. You can’t control how your home was built or altered over the years, what plumbing codes existed during its construction, or what materials were used, but you can get to know your older plumbing a little better to help prevent common problems.

You’ll find that most plumbing issues in older homes begin with the skeleton of your plumbing system—the pipes. As recently as the 1960s, cast iron and galvanized pipes were used for indoor and outdoor plumbing. We’ll explain the different types of old plumbing pipes commonly found in older homes, their associated problems, and how to tell when to replace your pipes. 

Common Types of Old Plumbing Pipes

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes were used as a durable, cost-efficient plumbing solution in the early to mid-20th century, particularly between the 1940s and 1960s. Steel pipes were coated with zinc to protect against corrosion. 

Galvanized steel worked well, but copper and plastic piping eventually became the norm. If you have old galvanized pipes in your plumbing system, they are long past their 40 to 50-year life expectancy, making them prone to scaling, leaks, and blockages. Corrosion from galvanized steel pipes can also negatively impact water quality. 

Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes have a royal lineage: they were first used in the 17th century in Versailles, France, for water irrigation. The first cast iron pipes in the United States were laid in New York City in 1799. By the 1970s, lighter and more affordable PVC and galvanized steel had replaced cast iron. Depending on your local environment, cast iron pipes can remain serviceable for a century, although most need replacing after 25-50 years. 

Lead Pipes

Lead pipes have an even longer history than cast iron. The Ancient Romans favored lead for their plumbing due to the metal’s resistance to corrosion and malleability. In the US, lead pipes were used extensively in the late 1880s and early 1900s. As we learned about the health risks associated with lead exposure, it became apparent that it was a poor choice for plumbing pipes, and the US banned new lead pipes in 1986. Efforts to remove and replace old plumbing pipes made with lead remain underway in many US cities. 

Copper Pipes

Copper is another metal with a long history. The ancient Egyptians used copper pipes for irrigation as far back as 2,500 BC. Copper pipes became popular in the 1920s with the development of copper tubing that was easy to solder to fittings. By the 1990s, copper was the primary material used for plumbing. Durable and corrosion-resistant, copper piping has a lifespan of 50 to 70 years and remains in use today. 

Polybutylene Pipes

If you have old, gray plumbing pipes, they’re likely made from polybutylene. A popular choice for plumbing in the 1970s and 1980s, polybutylene was sold as a cost-effective alternative to copper pipes. However, the pipes degrade when exposed to chlorine, a common water disinfectant, and are prone to leaks, ruptures, and sudden failures. If you have old, grey plastic plumbing pipes, call Roto-Rooter to determine their origin. If they’re polybutylene, they should be replaced. 

Orangeburg Pipes

Metal was in short supply during WWII, and alternatives to copper and cast iron pipes were needed. One such alternative was Orangeburg pipe, made from compressed wood pulp and coal tar pitch. Orangeburg pipes were used for sewer and drain lines, but were vulnerable to tree root infiltration and moisture, leading to blockages and collapsed pipes. If your home dates from WWII, you may have an Orangeburg sewer line that needs replacing. 

Clay Pipes

Clay is another plumbing material with a venerable history: archeologists have found clay pipes used in Babylonia in 4,000 BC. Clay pipes were used in the US as late as the 1970s when PVC plastic replaced the older material. Some homes still have old plumbing pipes made from clay. 

How to Care for Old Plumbing Pipes

If you’re not ready to replace older pipes, there are things you can do to help keep pipes clear and prevent clogs or leaks:

• Put a strainer over the bathtub, shower, and sink drains to catch as much hair as possible.
• Once a month, pour one or two gallons of boiling water down the drain. Doing so breaks up soap scum and flushes it down the line. Warning: Do not pour boiling water down sinks made of composite or natural stone. The intense heat can cause these materials to crack. Boiling water is safe to pour into stainless steel, copper, or porcelain over steel sinks, tubs, and shower pans.
• Once a month, use an environmentally safe drain cleaner to dissolve any remaining grime and coat the walls to prevent future buildup from accumulating. Enzyme-based drain maintenance products like Roto-Rooter Pipe Shield are ideal.
• When you notice a slow drain, address the problem immediately by using a plunger to dislodge the clog before it grows.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Pipes

Mineral Calcification

Cast iron and galvanized steel pipes are susceptible to mineral buildup (scale) and calcification along the pipes’ interior edges. Over time, this buildup thickens and reduces water-carrying capacity. In addition to slowing water flow, mineral buildup means non-liquid particles are more likely to get stuck and cause clogs.

Pitted Walls

Old cast iron or galvanized pipes corrode and rust over time. The interior surface of these pipes becomes pitted and rough, snagging hair, food particles, grease, and other waste products. These materials accumulate to form clogs. Pits in the metal can lead to breaks or leaks.

Your Modern Replacement Options

The most common materials for pipes today are copper and PEX for water supply lines, and PVC for sewer and drain lines. These products are very durable and far superior to cast iron pipes. Modern plumbing pipes provide a smooth surface that does not corrode, rust, or become pitted. If you have old plumbing pipes, especially those that clog or leak frequently, replace them with new pipes as soon as possible to avoid potentially catastrophic plumbing failures.

If you are facing a drain clog that you can’t seem to clear, give Roto-Rooter a call anytime, day or night. In addition to addressing your plumbing problems, our expert plumbers can advise you on when to replace old cast iron or galvanized pipes with new ones and build a plan for bringing your older home’s plumbing into the modern age.

Call the Roto-Rooter Plumbing Professionals Today!