When to Replace Old Plumbing Pipes in Denver

Quick Answers

• Most residential plumbing pipes last 40 to 100 years, depending on their material.
• Discolored water, low pressure, and recurring leaks are common warning signs that your pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan.
• Replacing old plumbing pipes before they fail helps you avoid water damage, protect your water quality, and plan for replacement on your own schedule vs. waiting for an emergency situation.
• Sanders & Johnson offers whole-home repiping and plumbing inspections throughout the Denver metro area that help you catch failing pipes early.

How Long Does Plumbing Last in a House?

Your plumbing pipes won’t last forever, and in a city with aging housing stock and major temperature swings, it’s common for pipes to wear out sooner than their 40 to 100-year expected lifespan. Knowing how long your plumbing should last and the warning signs that your pipes are starting to fail can help you replace old plumbing pipes early, before you’re dealing with a middle-of-the-night flood. 

How long your plumbing lasts often depends on what your pipes are made of. Here’s a look at the average lifespan of piping materials commonly found in Denver homes:

• Galvanized steel: 40 to 50 years
• Copper: 50 to 70 years
• Brass: 40 to 70 years
• Cast iron: 75 to 100 years
• PEX: 40 to 50 years
• Polybutylene: Prone to early failure, lasting 10 to 15 years

Many of Denver’s older homes in areas like Washington Park, Congress Park, and Capitol Hill still contain original galvanized steel pipes that corrode from the inside out and are often long overdue for replacement. If your home was built between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s, it may also feature polybutylene pipes that are known for failing without warning. Understanding the type of piping running through your Colorado home is the best way to plan ahead for replacement and avoid unexpected failures.

Warning Signs Your Old Plumbing Pipes Need to Be Replaced

When your pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan, you’ll often notice a few warning signs before they fail. Ignoring these signs can cause a small leak to turn into a burst line, so it’s important to schedule an inspection at the first sign of trouble. Keep an eye out for:

• Discolored, rusty, or metallic-tasting water: When galvanized steel and iron pipes age, internal corrosion can cause rust and dissolved minerals to enter your water supply, affecting your water quality.
• Little to no water pressure throughout your house: Over time, corrosion and mineral buildup can narrow your pipes, blocking water flow from reaching your fixtures.
• Frequent or recurring leaks: Old pipe walls thin and weaken over time, causing small leaks to repeatedly occur.
• Visible corrosion, flaking, or green marks on exposed pipes: Spotting visible signs of corrosion is often a sign your pipes are breaking down from the outside in.
• Stains on your walls or ceilings: Cracking or leaking pipes can cause water to seep into your drywall, leading to discoloration as the damage spreads.
• Spikes in your monthly Denver Water bills: When aging pipes develop hidden leaks, water can quietly escape around the clock, driving up your water usage and Denver Water bills.
• Musty smells or visible mold growth: Slow leaks from old water pipes keep your walls and crawlspaces damp, creating the ideal environment for mold and mildew growth.

While one of these warning signs isn’t always cause for a full repipe, multiple red flags combined with aging pipe material often are. A professional inspection can help you understand what’s going on with your plumbing system and whether repairing or replacing old pipes is your best next step. Consider scheduling an inspection before winter arrives, so you’re not dealing with an unexpected burst during the first freeze.

Benefits of Replacing Old Pipes Before Problems Hit

Replacing aging plumbing before you’re dealing with problems like a burst pipe or hidden leak helps you avoid unnecessary stress and repair costs. Replacing pipes in your house also helps protect against unexpected disasters and keeps your water quality clean. Repairing any hidden leaks can help reduce your water bill and restore pressure throughout your house. 

Old, corroded pipes are also more prone to bursting during a hard Front Range freeze, where temperatures drop overnight and put your entire plumbing system at risk of freezing. Replacing aging pipes before winter arrives helps reduce this risk and gives you peace of mind when the next cold snap arrives.

Planned repiping is almost always less expensive than emergency repairs and sudden failures, helping you avoid unnecessary costs. You’ll be able to budget in advance, tackle the repiping on your own schedule, and even attract more buyers if you’re thinking of selling your home.

What to Expect from a Whole-Home Repipe in Denver

Whole-home repipes involve a thorough inspection, replacement, and cleanup of your piping system. Plumbers begin by thoroughly inspecting your system, mapping out your existing plumbing, and confirming what needs replacement. The inspection helps identify which lines are failing, which are still intact, and whether a full repipe or targeted replacement makes more sense. 

Once the repiping begins, plumbers access pipes inside your walls, ceilings, and floors, making small openings in your drywall to reach and replace the old lines. Once the new pipes are installed, those openings are patched, and the work area is cleaned up. Your water will be shut off for most of the project, so expect some disruption for a few days. Denver also requires permits and a final inspection for repiping projects, which are coordinated by your contractor. 

At Sanders & Johnson, we keep you informed at each step. We’ll provide a photo and bio of your technician before they arrive, keep the area clean during the project, and make sure your new system is fully tested and working properly before leaving. 

Home Repiping Options for Denver Homes

Most Denver homeowners opt for copper or PEX when repiping their homes. Copper is a long-lasting, durable option that’s naturally resistant to bacteria and corrosion. It often costs more, but can last for decades. PEX is a flexible, easier-to-install choice that provides added durability during the city’s freeze-thaw winters and can be more cost-effective.

Deciding which repiping option is best for your home depends on your budget and home layout. A professional inspection helps you better understand your options and choose the material and method that best suit your needs. 

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection with Sanders & Johnson

Not sure how long your pipes have left? Schedule a professional pipe inspection with Sanders & Johnson today. With 49 years of experience serving Denver homes, we understand the unique challenges of local plumbing systems and help you make informed decisions for your system. We perform thorough diagnostics, offer clear explanations, and provide honest estimates without pressure or hidden fees. 

Call us or book online to schedule your plumbing inspection today. Ask us about our Happy Home Plan, which includes a free whole-home plumbing inspection, so you can catch issues before they turn into costly repairs. We proudly serve homes throughout Denver and the surrounding metro area.