Knowing why pipes fail helps you make an informed decision and prevents future issues. The common materials found in homes have different lifespans and failure modes.

Galvanized Steel Pipes (Common pre-1970)

These were the standard for decades but are now known for their shortcomings:

• They rust from the inside out, narrowing the pipe diameter until water can barely flow.
• They develop severe mineral buildup (scale), which drastically reduces water pressure.
• The rust can flake off, causing discolored water and clogging appliances.
• Their typical lifespan is only 40-50 years, meaning most homes with original galvanized plumbing are living on borrowed time.

Copper Pipes (Common from the 1970s-2000s)

While more durable than galvanized steel, copper is not without its flaws:

• They can develop pinhole leaks due to acidic water, which is a known issue in some municipal water supplies.
• They are vulnerable to freezing and cracking in unexpected cold snaps, a rare but possible event in the desert.
• Over time, the soldered joints can corrode and fail, leading to leaks inside walls.

Modern PEX and CPVC Solutions

Today’s advanced piping materials offer significant advantages, making them the smart choice for modern plumbing repiping services:

• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): Extremely flexible, resistant to scale and chlorine, and won’t corrode. Its flexibility allows for longer runs with fewer joints, reducing potential leak points. It’s also highly resistant to freezing bursts.
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride): Rigid like copper but immune to corrosion and the effects of acidic water. It is cost-effective and has excellent thermal properties.
• Both offer 50+ year lifespans and are approved by all major building codes for interior water supply repiping plumbing.

Choosing the right material is a key part of our consultation. We consider your water chemistry, local climate, budget, and long-term goals to recommend the ideal solution for your home repiping Las Vegas project.