Key Takeaways:
- Supply pipes: Galvanized steel 40–60 years (often sooner in Pasadena); Copper 40–60+ years; PEX/CPVC 40–50+ years; Polybutylene replace now.
- Drain and sewer pipes: Cast iron 50–80 years; Clay 50–75 years; ABS/PVC 50–100 years (condition-dependent).
- Water heaters: Tank 8–12 years; Tankless 15–20 years with annual service.
- Shutoff valves and supply hoses: Angle stops 10–15 years; Toilet and faucet supply hoses 5–7 years (stainless braided preferred).
- Pressure regulator (PRV): 7–12 years.
- Fixtures: Toilets and faucets can last decades, but internal parts may need replacement every 5–10 years.
If your home is 30+ years old or you’re seeing frequent leaks, discolored water, sewer odors, or low pressure, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Our Pasadena plumbing experts at Pershing Plumbing can assess pipe material, age, and local conditions to build a smart replacement plan.
Why replacement timelines vary in Pasadena
No two homes age the same. Pasadena’s mix of historic homes and newer builds, tree-lined streets, hillside pressure changes, seismic movement, and hard water all affect plumbing lifespan. That’s why Pershing Plumbing bases recommendations on what we see in your specific system—not just the calendar.
What lasts how long: a closer look
- Supply piping
- Galvanized steel: Common in mid-century homes. Prone to internal corrosion that reduces flow and causes rusty water and leaks. Many Pasadena homes need repiping once these pipes hit 40+ years, often sooner.
- Copper: Durable and widely used. Hard water and high pressure can cause pinhole leaks over time. Expect 40–60+ years with proper pressure and water quality control.
- PEX/CPVC: Modern plastics with strong longevity. Sensitive to UV and extreme heat; quality fittings and proper installation are key.
- Polybutylene: Installed in some homes from the late 1970s to mid-1990s. Known to fail—our Pasadena plumbing experts recommend proactive replacement.
- Drain, waste, and vent (DWV)
- Cast iron: Solid and quiet but corrodes from the inside. Watch for slow drains, odors, and foundation-adjacent leaks around 50–80 years.
- Clay: Common on older sewer laterals and vulnerable to tree root intrusion—especially in Pasadena’s leafy neighborhoods.
- ABS/PVC: Long service life when properly installed. Joints and slope matter; camera inspections catch issues early.
- Water heaters
- Tank: 8–12 years is typical. Hard water shortens life unless you flush annually and maintain the anode rod.
- Tankless: 15–20 years with yearly descaling and maintenance. Gas venting and combustion air must meet code.
- Valves, hoses, and controls
- Angle stops (under sinks/toilets) and main shutoff: Replace every 10–15 years or when stiff, corroded, or leaking.
- Supply hoses: Swap every 5–7 years; upgrade to stainless braided.
- PRV (pressure regulator): Replace about every 7–12 years. High pressure accelerates leaks throughout the home.
- Backflow/expansion control: Inspect annually; replace per condition and code.
Signs it’s time to replace, not repair
- Discolored or metallic-tasting water
- Low or uneven water pressure, especially at multiple fixtures
- Frequent pinhole leaks or slab leaks
- Recurring drain clogs, gurgling, or sewer odors
- Water heater over 10 years old with inconsistent temperature or rusty water
- Flakes or rust in aerators; blue-green staining (copper corrosion)
- Angle stops or main shutoff won’t turn or seep when operated If you’re seeing any of these, schedule a Pershing Plumbing inspection. Our Pasadena plumbing experts use pressure tests, leak detection, and drain cameras to pinpoint what’s failing—and why.
A practical replacement schedule for Pasadena homeowners
- Every year
- Test and exercise shutoff valves.
- Flush tank water heaters; descale tankless units.
- Check toilet flappers, supply hoses, and under-sink connections.
- Every 3–5 years
- Inspect anode rod in tank water heaters; replace as needed.
- Camera-inspect main sewer line if you have large trees, older clay/cast iron, or recurring slow drains.
- Every 5–7 years
- Replace faucet and toilet supply hoses proactively.
- Every 7–12 years
- Replace the pressure regulator if pressure exceeds 60 psi or fluctuates.
- At 20–30 years
- Replace aging angle stops and supply lines.
- Evaluate copper for pinhole leaks, especially if you’ve noticed staining or pressure swings.
- At 40+ years
- Plan for a whole-home repipe if you have galvanized steel, brittle copper, or recurring leaks.
- Inspect cast iron and clay sewer lines; consider spot repair or full lateral replacement if roots or corrosion are evident.
Local insights from the field
- Hard water: Much of our region has hard water that accelerates scale buildup in water heaters and fixtures. Maintenance matters. Ask Pershing Plumbing about filters or conditioning if you’re seeing frequent mineral buildup.
- High pressure: Hillside zones and regulator wear can push pressure above 80 psi, stressing pipes and appliances. Our Pasadena plumbing experts can test, set, or replace your PRV to extend the life of everything downstream.
- Tree roots: Beautiful streets, busy roots. If multiple fixtures drain slowly or you hear gurgling, get a camera inspection before using chemicals that can harm pipes.
- Older remodels: Past DIY fixes or mismatched materials (like push-to-connect fittings in inaccessible spaces) can create weak links. We’ll identify and prioritize these during an assessment.
Proactive vs. reactive: the real cost Waiting for a failure often means:
- Emergency callouts and after-hours rates
- Water damage to cabinets, floors, and walls
- Mold remediation and insurance headaches
- Replacing finishes alongside plumbing Planned replacement with Pershing Plumbing lets you phase work, choose materials, and protect finishes—often saving money overall.
What a Pershing Plumbing replacement plan includes
- Comprehensive assessment: Material identification, age mapping, pressure and flow testing, and camera inspection of drains/sewer.
- Clear options: Targeted repairs, phased repipes (by zone), or full-system upgrades, with pros and cons for each.
- Code compliance: Permits, water heater strapping and pans, proper venting, backflow/thermal expansion control, and final inspections.
- Minimal disruption: Clean containment, strategic wall access, and coordinated patching. We treat your home with care and communicate daily progress.
Copper vs. PEX for repipes: which is right for you?
- Copper
- Pros: Long history, high heat tolerance, adds resale confidence.
- Considerations: Susceptible to pinholes with aggressive water; requires more wall access; higher material cost.
- PEX
- Pros: Fewer fittings behind walls, faster installs, quieter lines, excellent for seismic movement.
- Considerations: Must be protected from UV and installed to manufacturer specs; choose high-quality pipe and fittings. Our Pasadena plumbing experts will recommend the best fit based on your home’s layout, water quality, and budget.
FAQs our Pasadena customers ask
- Do I have to replace everything at once? Not always. We can prioritize the worst sections, starting with leak-prone areas, then plan phases that match your budget.
- Will insurance cover repiping? Policies vary. Insurance often covers sudden damage from a burst pipe, not the cost to replace old pipes that caused it. Proactive replacement can reduce risk and claims.
- How long does a repipe take? Most single-family homes take 2–5 days depending on size and access, plus time for inspections and patching.
Simple steps to extend plumbing life today
- Keep pressure between 50–60 psi; install or replace a PRV if needed.
- Use stainless braided supply hoses and replace on schedule.
- Flush water heaters annually; service tankless units yearly.
- Use strainers in sinks and showers; avoid flushing wipes and pouring grease down drains.
- Operate shutoff valves twice a year so they don’t seize.
- Track your water bill; unexplained spikes may indicate hidden leaks.
When to call Pershing Plumbing
- Your home has galvanized or polybutylene pipes
- You’re seeing recurring leaks, discolored water, or low pressure
- Your water heater is over 10 years old
- Drains gurgle or back up repeatedly Get ahead of costly surprises. Pershing Plumbing’s Pasadena plumbing experts can evaluate your system, outline a practical timeline, and complete replacements that protect your home for decades.
Ready for a clear plan and upfront pricing?
Contact Pershing Plumbing today. We’ll assess, prioritize, and replace what’s needed—no more, no less—so your Pasadena home’s plumbing runs reliably year after year.