5 Signs It's Time to Re-Pipe Your Pasadena Home: A Licensed Plumber's Guide

If you live in an older home in Altadena, Pasadena, or the San Gabriel Valley, there's a good chance your house still has the original galvanized pipes from decades ago. I see this all the time in the homes I work on—and unfortunately, I also see the expensive damage these old pipes cause when homeowners wait too long to replace them.

After 15+ years as a licensed plumbing contractor specializing in house re-piping, I've learned to spot the warning signs early. In this guide, I'll share what I've learned so you can protect your home from costly water damage.

Why Galvanized Pipes Eventually Fail

Galvanized pipes were the standard in homes built before the 1960s. They're steel pipes coated with zinc to prevent rust—and for the first few decades, they work fine.

But here's what happens over time: the zinc coating wears away. Once that protective layer is gone, the steel pipe is exposed to water and oxygen. Rust forms inside the pipe, building up layer by layer. This rust buildup does two things:

1. Narrows the pipe, reducing water pressure throughout your home

   
   

2. Weakens the pipe walls, eventually creating tiny holes called "pinholes"

   
   

These pinhole leaks are sneaky. They start small—maybe just dampness you don't notice at first. But over time, they cause serious water damage to your walls, floors, and ceilings.

I've been in homes where a slow leak behind a wall went unnoticed for months, causing over $15,000 in mold remediation and structural repairs. The re-pipe would have cost a fraction of that.

5 Clear Signs You Need to Re-Pipe (From Someone Who's Seen It All)

1. You're Getting Multiple Leaks

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times: one leak is a problem, multiple leaks mean it's time to re-pipe.

When galvanized pipes reach the end of their life, they don't fail in just one spot. The corrosion is happening throughout the system. You might patch one leak today, but another will appear next month—and another after that.

If you've had 2-3 leaks in the past year, it's more cost-effective to replace all the pipes than to keep chasing leaks.

2. Your Water Looks Rusty or Brown

Walk over to your kitchen sink right now and turn on the cold water. Let it run for 30 seconds. What color is it?

If you see brown, orange, or yellow-tinted water—especially first thing in the morning—that's rust from your galvanized pipes. The rust flakes off the inside of the pipes and flows out your faucets.

Not only does this stain your sinks and laundry, but you're also drinking water that's been sitting in rusty pipes all night.

Many homeowners in Altadena and Pasadena tell me they've been dealing with rusty water for years. Once we re-pipe with copper or PEX, they're amazed at how clear their water is.

3. Your Water Pressure is Terrible (And Getting Worse)

Remember when your shower used to have good pressure? Now it's just a sad trickle?

This is one of the most common complaints I hear from homeowners with galvanized pipes.

The rust buildup inside the pipes gradually restricts water flow. Year by year, the opening gets smaller and smaller.

Some people think it's a problem with the water company or the water heater. But when I open up a 50-year-old galvanized pipe, I can show them the rust buildup that's reduced the interior diameter by half or more.

Re-piping restores full water pressure throughout your home—showers, faucets, appliances, everything.

4. Your Pipes Are 40+ Years Old

Here's the simple truth: galvanized pipes have a lifespan of about 40-50 years.

If your home in Altadena or Pasadena was built before 1970 and still has the original pipes, they're living on borrowed time. Even if you don't see obvious problems yet, it's worth having a licensed plumber inspect them.

I always tell homeowners: it's better to re-pipe on your schedule than on the pipe's schedule (usually at 2 AM when something bursts).

Many of the homes I work on in the foothills were built in the 1940s-1960s, which puts those pipes at 60-80 years old. At that age, it's not a question of "if" they'll fail—it's "when."

5. You're Seeing Water Stains on Walls or Ceilings

Water stains don't appear out of nowhere. They mean water is leaking somewhere—and with old galvanized pipes, the leak is usually slow and hidden.

Look for:

• Yellow or brown stains on ceilings (especially below bathrooms)

  
  

• Bubbling or peeling paint on walls

  
  

• Soft spots on walls or floors

  
  

• A musty smell that won't go away

  
  

These are signs of water damage from pinhole leaks. The longer the leak continues, the more expensive the repair becomes.

I worked on a home in Pasadena last year where a slow leak behind the bathroom wall had been going on for over a year. By the time we caught it, the homeowner needed not just a re-pipe, but also extensive drywall repair and mold remediation. What could have been a $7,000 re-pipe turned into a $22,000 project.

What Happens If You Ignore These Signs?

I understand the temptation to put off a re-pipe. It's a big project, and nobody likes the expense or disruption.

But here's what I've seen happen to homeowners who wait too long:

The "small leak" scenario: A tiny pinhole leak drips inside your wall for months. By the time you notice water damage, you're looking at thousands in drywall repair, mold treatment, and structural fixes—on top of the re-pipe you still need.

The "burst pipe" scenario: You're away for the weekend when an old pipe finally gives out completely. You come home to water damage throughout the house, ruined flooring, damaged furniture, and an insurance claim headache.

The "selling nightmare" scenario: You decide to sell your home and the inspection reveals old galvanized pipes. Buyers either demand a massive price reduction for the re-pipe, or they walk away entirely.

I've been called out to all three scenarios, and they're never fun. Re-piping proactively is always cheaper and less stressful.

What Re-Piping Actually Involves

(And How Long It Takes )

A lot of homeowners tell me they've been putting off a re-pipe because they're worried about the disruption. I get it—nobody wants their house torn apart.

Here's the reality: re-piping is more straightforward than most people think.

The process:

1. Inspection and planning (1 day): I inspect your current plumbing, plan the new pipe layout, and give you a detailed estimate.

   
   

2. Material selection: Most homeowners choose either copper pipes (extremely durable, traditional) or PEX pipes (flexible, easier to install, cost-effective).

   
   

3. Installation (3-5 days for most homes): We carefully remove the old galvanized pipes and install the new system. Yes, we need to make access holes in some walls, but we patch and repair all of them.

   
   

4. Testing and inspection (1 day): We pressure-test the entire system to ensure there are no leaks, then arrange for final inspection if required.

   
   

For a typical 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Altadena, the entire project usually takes about a week from start to finish. You can continue living in your home during most of the work.

The Benefits You'll Notice Immediately

Homeowners who re-pipe their homes tell me the same things:

✅ "The water pressure is amazing!" - No more sad, dribbling showers.

✅ "The water is so clear!" - No more rust stains on clothes and fixtures.

✅ "I sleep better knowing I won't have leaks!" - Peace of mind is worth a lot.

✅ "My home inspector said the new plumbing adds value!" - Modern plumbing is a major selling point.

One customer in La Cañada told me she'd been living with low water pressure for 10 years because she thought that was just how old houses worked. After we re-piped, she said it felt like she was living in a brand new house.

Should You Re-Pipe Your Home? Here's How to Decide

Schedule a plumbing inspection if:

• Your home has galvanized pipes that are 40+ years old

  
  

• You've had multiple leaks in the past year or two

  
  

• Your water is consistently rusty or discolored

  
  

• Your water pressure has gotten noticeably worse

  
  

• You're seeing water stains or signs of hidden leaks

  
  

• You're planning to sell your home in the next few years

  
  

As a licensed plumbing contractor, I can inspect your current pipes and give you an honest assessment. Sometimes a home's galvanized pipes are still in decent shape and can last a few more years. Other times, they're ready to fail at any moment.

I'll never pressure you into a re-pipe you don't need—but I'll also be straight with you about the risks of waiting.

Cost Considerations (And Why It's Worth It)

I know cost is on everyone's mind. Re-piping isn't cheap—but it's an investment in your home that pays off in multiple ways.

Typical costs for homes in Altadena and Pasadena:

• Small home (2 bed, 1 bath): $4,500-$8,000

  
  

• Medium home (3 bed, 2 bath): $6,000-$12,000

  
  

• Large home (4+ bed, 3+ bath): $10,000-$18,000

  
  

This includes removing old pipes, installing new copper or PEX pipes, repairing drywall, testing, and cleanup.

Compare that to:

• One major water damage repair: $10,000-$30,000

  
  

• Mold remediation: $2,000-$10,000+

  
  

• Lost home value from old pipes: $15,000-$25,000 (or losing a sale entirely)

  
  

When you look at it that way, re-piping is actually the cheaper option.

Many homeowners also finance the work through their home equity or take out a home improvement loan. The monthly payment is often less than they were spending on plumbers patching leaks every few months.

My Professional Recommendation

After 15+ years specializing in house re-piping—starting with 5 years of intensive training at a professional re-piping company—I've developed a simple rule of thumb:

If your galvanized pipes are over 50 years old, re-pipe now.

If they're 40-50 years old, get an inspection and plan for a re-pipe within 1-2 years.

If you're getting leaks and rusty water, don't wait.

The homes I service in Altadena, Pasadena, La Cañada, and throughout the San Gabriel Valley were built in an era when galvanized pipes were the standard. They served well for decades—but decades have passed.

Modern copper and PEX pipes will last another 50-100 years with no corrosion issues.

That's a long-term solution that protects your home and your family.

Ready to Schedule an Inspection?

If you're experiencing any of the signs I've described—or if you just want peace of mind about your older home's plumbing—I'd be happy to help.

As a licensed plumbing contractor (CA #1025813) with 15+ years of experience specializing in house re-piping, I offer free estimates for re-piping projects in Altadena, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

Here's how to get started:

📞 Call or text: (626) 240-9551

📧 Email: info@altadenahandyman.com

📸 Text me pictures of your plumbing issues or concerns, and I can often give you preliminary guidance right away.

I've helped hundreds of homeowners in the area replace failing galvanized pipes with modern, reliable plumbing. I'd be honored to help you too.

Don't wait until a small leak becomes a big problem. Let's talk about your options and find the right solution for your home.

About the Author

Ruslan Atanasov is a licensed plumbing contractor (CA License #1025813) specializing in house repiping, water heater installation, and plumbing repairs. After moving from Bulgaria, Ruslan spent five years (2010-2015) working for a professional re-piping company, where he mastered the specialized techniques required for complete home re-piping. In 2015, he founded Altadena Handyman LLC to serve homeowners throughout the San Gabriel Valley with professional, licensed plumbing services.

With 15+ years of hands-on plumbing experience and 10 years serving the Altadena community, Ruslan has completed hundreds of re-piping projects in homes throughout Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and surrounding areas.

Altadena Handyman LLC Licensed Plumbing Contractor CA #1025813 Serving Altadena Since 2015120+ Five-Star Reviews on Yelp | 39+ Reviews on Google Fully Licensed & Insured

📞 (626) 240-9551📧 info@altadenahandyman.com🌐 www.altadenahandyman.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Re-Piping

Q: How long does a typical re-pipe take?

A: Most homes can be completed in 3-5 days depending on size. You can stay in your home during the work, though water will be shut off during certain hours.

Q: Will you have to tear up all my walls?

A: We make strategic access points where needed, but we keep wall damage to a minimum. All drywall repairs are included in the re-piping service—we patch, tape, and texture everything to match your existing walls.

Q: Copper or PEX—which should I choose?

A: Both are excellent choices. Copper is traditional, extremely durable, and has been proven over 100+ years. PEX is newer (but well-established), more flexible, and often more cost-effective to install. I'll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your home's specific situation.

Q: Do I need to replace ALL the pipes, or can you just fix the problem areas?

A: If your galvanized pipes are 40+ years old, replacing all of them is usually the smarter long-term choice. Patching one section while leaving old pipes elsewhere means you'll likely have more failures soon. A complete re-pipe solves the problem once and for all.

Q: How much does re-piping cost in Altadena?

A: Every home is different, but most residential re-pipes range from $5,000-$15,000 depending on home size, pipe material chosen, and accessibility. I provide free estimates with no obligation.

Q: Will my homeowner's insurance cover this?

A: Insurance typically covers water damage caused by a sudden pipe failure, but they usually don't cover the cost of replacing old pipes proactively. However, if a burst pipe causes damage, insurance may cover repairs while you handle the re-piping separately. Check your specific policy.

Q: Can I finance a re-pipe?

A: Many homeowners use home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, or cash-out refinancing to cover re-piping costs. Some see it as an investment in their home rather than an expense—because it genuinely increases home value and prevents costly damage.

Q: How soon can you start?

A: I typically have availability within 1-2 weeks for inspections and estimates. Once we agree on a plan, re-piping projects can usually begin within 2-4 weeks depending on current schedule and any needed permits.

Ready to get started? Call (626) 240-9551 for your free estimate today.

This article was written to help homeowners in Altadena, Pasadena, and the San Gabriel Valley make informed decisions about their home plumbing. For personalized advice about your specific situation, contact Ruslan Atanasov at Altadena Handyman LLC.