6 Signs It’s Time to Replace the Pipes in Your House
Like most other things in your home, pipes won't last forever, even if they're made from quality materials. Over time, pipes corrode, clog, or weaken, leading to leaks, low water quality, or full-blown plumbing failures. Catching these warning signs early can help you avoid expensive water damage and emergency repairs. Keep in mind that there are two types of plumbing pipes in your home: water supply pipes and drainage pipes.
With that in mind, let's take a look at a few signs that it's time to replace pipes in a house.
1. You’re Noticing Frequent Leaks or Water Damage
An occasional drip isn’t always a red flag. But if you're calling a plumber more than once a year for leaks, it may be time to think about replacing pipes in your house. That's especially true if you have multiple leaks in different parts of the home. This often points to aging, brittle pipes that are deteriorating from the inside out.
Small leaks can lead to mold growth, drywall damage, and higher utility bills over time, especially if they go undetected behind walls or under floors.
2. Your Water Looks Rusty or Discolored
If your tap water runs brown, yellow, or cloudy, corroded pipes might be to blame. Rust buildup inside old galvanized steel or iron pipes can flake off and mix with the water supply, leading to poor taste and staining on sinks or laundry.
Discoloration that persists across multiple faucets is a clear sign your pipes need replacing. Learn more about what discolored water might be telling you.
3. Your Pipes Are More Than 50 Years Old
Pipe lifespan varies by material, but most plumbing systems installed before the 1970s are near or past their expected life. Certain materials that used to be common, like clay pipes, aren't even used anymore, but clay used to be the most common type of material used for sewer pipelines.
Here are common materials and how long they typically last:
- Galvanized steel: 40-60 years
- Cast iron: 60-75 years
- Brass: 50+ years
- Copper: 50+ years
- PVC: 50-70 years
If your home is older and hasn’t had a plumbing overhaul, it may be time to start thinking about replacing the plumbing in the house. This is especially true if you’re already dealing with bathroom plumbing problems.
4. You Hear Unusual Noises Coming From Your Plumbing
Rattling, banging, or whistling pipes could mean air is trapped in the line. It might also mean fittings have come loose or mineral buildup is restricting water flow.
While a single noisy pipe might be a minor issue, frequent noises throughout your home may signal that your plumbing system needs closer inspection. Try these water pipe noise repair tips to rule out quick fixes first.
5. You’ve Experienced Frozen or Burst Pipes
If your pipes have frozen in the past, they may have microcracks or weak points that increase the risk of future leaks or even a pipe burst. Poor insulation, pipe location, and material all play a role in freeze vulnerability.
You should replace plumbing pipes before winter to protect your home from catastrophic damage. Otherwise, you'll want to brush up on what to do if your pipes freeze again.
6. You’re Planning a Major Renovation or Already Need Sewer Pipe Replacement
This isn't necessarily one of the signs your pipes need replacing, but more so, a good opportunity to do so. While you're in the process of knocking down walls and clearing out old flooring for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you might as well replace water pipes in your house.
Replacing sewer or drain lines while walls or flooring are open can save time, money, and labor costs. Since replacing plumbing isn't something you can usually do on your own, saving every bit goes a long way.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Pipes in a House?
The cost to replace drain pipes in a house varies depending on a number of factors, including:
- The type of pipe you have and the type of pipe you're replacing it with.
- Accessibility — that's why many people deal with changing pipes in the house during renovations. If you need to open up walls or floors, labor costs will rise.
- Whole-home vs. partial replacement.
- Drainage pipe replacement vs. sewer pipe replacement.
Don’t Wait Until It Bursts: Schedule a Plumbing Evaluation Today
If you’re seeing signs that your pipes are failing or you're planning a remodel, it’s worth getting a professional opinion on whether or not to replace plumbing. Roto-Rooter offers full inspections, drainage pipe replacement, and customized plumbing upgrade plans.
Let us help you protect your home with modern, reliable pipes that last. Schedule your appointment with Roto-Rooter today.