Plumbing Education & Homeowner Resources

Your home’s plumbing system may contain a mix of materials depending on its age, previous repairs, and renovations. Different materials have different lifespans, strengths, and risks.

Copper

• Lifespan: 50+ years

• Durable and long-trusted material

• Handles heat well

• Can corrode in highly acidic water

• Requires soldering and precision installation

Copper is still widely used and considered a premium material when properly installed.

PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

• Flexible and freeze-resistant

• Faster installation

• Lower labor cost compared to copper

• Requires proper crimp or expansion fittings

• Cannot be exposed to prolonged UV light

PEX is commonly used in modern homes and repipes.

PVC (Drain, Waste & Vent)

• Used for drain and sewer lines (not pressurized supply lines)

• Lightweight and corrosion-resistant

• Requires proper slope to function correctly

• Improper installation can lead to drainage issues

Cast Iron (Common in Older Homes)

• Often used for main drain and sewer lines

• Extremely durable but very heavy

• Can rust internally over decades

• Replacement often requires cutting, structural access, and proper vent reconnection

Many homes built before the 1970s may still have cast iron drain systems.

Galvanized Steel (No Longer Used)

• Common in homes built before the 1960s

• Coated steel pipe that corrodes from the inside out

• Interior buildup reduces water pressure over time

• Prone to leaks and rust contamination

• Not used in modern installations

Galvanized piping is one of the most common causes of low water pressure and repeated leaks in older homes. When we find galvanized systems, we often discuss long-term replacement options rather than repeated patch repairs.

CPVC

• Rigid plastic supply pipe

• Common in homes built 1980s–2000s

• More brittle than PEX

• Can crack with age or temperature stress

Polybutylene (PB) 

• Used in homes from late 1970s to mid-1990s

• Known for failure at fittings

• Subject to past class-action lawsuits

• Often recommended for full replacement

People will often believe when looking that this is PEX. When doing repairs homeowners will fix it like PEX and use incorrect fittings. This is often the root cause of failure at the fixture after repairs. 

Water Heater Replacement

Most tank water heaters last 6–12 years.

We typically recommend evaluation if:

• The unit is over 10 years old

• It’s coming up on the end of a warranty 

• Rust-colored water appears

• There are rumbling noises

• Repeated pilot or heating issues

Replacing before failure can prevent water damage and emergency disruption.

Pipe Insulation (Seasonal Prep)

In Oklahoma, freeze events can cause burst pipes in uninsulated areas.

We recommend:

• Insulating exposed pipes in garages or crawlspaces

• Disconnecting outdoor hoses before winter

• Identifying your main shutoff valve location

Small preventative steps can prevent large repair costs.

Severe Weather Preparation

After heavy rain or freezing temperatures:

• Check for standing water near foundation

• Listen for sump pump irregularities

• Inspect hose bibs for cracks

• Monitor water pressure changes

Early detection prevents larger failures.

Know Your Main Water Shutoff

Every homeowner should know how to stop water flow in an emergency.

Most homes have two shutoff points:

1 - Utility-Side Shutoff (at the meter):

This is typically owned by the city or water provider. It may require a special key and is not intended for regular homeowner use.

2 - Homeowner Main Shutoff Valve (Master Shutoff):

This is installed after the meter and allows you to shut off water to the entire house without accessing the utility main.

If your home does not have a properly functioning master shutoff valve, we can install one. This gives you full control during emergencies like burst pipes, failed supply lines, or major leaks without needing city access.

Recommended homeowner steps:

• Locate your master shutoff valve

• Test it once per year to ensure it turns properly

• Make sure everyone in the household knows its location

In an emergency, seconds matter.

Test Individual Fixture Shutoff Valves

Under sinks and behind toilets, most fixtures have small shutoff valves.

We recommend:

• Turning them off and back on once per year

• Ensuring they fully stop water flow

• Replacing old or stiff valves before they fail

Many emergency calls happen not because of the original leak but because the shutoff valve does not work when needed.

Check for Early Leak Signs

Small signs often appear before major damage.

Once a month, look for:

• Water stains under sinks

• Soft drywall near plumbing walls

• Musty odors

• Cabinet warping

• Slow, unexplained pressure changes

Early detection can prevent costly structural damage.

Water Pressure Awareness

Water pressure that is too high can shorten the life of:

• Water heaters

• Washing machine hoses

• Toilet fill valves

• Supply lines

If you notice unusually forceful water flow, banging sounds in pipes (water hammer), or repeated fixture failures, it may be worth having your system evaluated.

We can check and evaluate your home’s water pressure as part of a $65 service visit. Professional evaluation ensures your system is operating safely and within proper range.

Flush Sediment From Your Water Heater (If Comfortable)

For tank-style water heaters:

• Turn off power or gas before servicing

• Connect a hose to the drain valve

• Drain a few gallons annually to remove sediment buildup

Sediment reduces efficiency and shortens the life of your water heater.

If you are unsure about performing this safely, please call us. Improper handling can damage the unit or create safety risks.

Inspect Washing Machine Hoses

Washing machine hose failures are one of the most common sources of home water damage.

We recommend:

• Replacing rubber hoses every 3–5 years

• Upgrading to braided stainless steel supply lines

• Checking for cracks, bulging, or corrosion

A small preventative step can prevent major damage.

Label Irrigation & Exterior Shutoffs

If your home has:

• A sprinkler system

• Outdoor hose bibs

• Detached garage plumbing

Clearly label shutoff valves and test them seasonally.

Knowing which valve controls which area prevents confusion during freezing weather or sudden leaks.

Know the Age of Key Plumbing Components

Keeping simple records helps you plan instead of react.

Track:

• Water heater installation year

• Repipes or major plumbing repairs

• Sewer line replacements

• Pressure regulator installation

Understanding age and condition helps determine whether maintenance or replacement makes the most sense.

Practice Smart Drain Habits

Many drain problems are preventable.

Avoid:

• Pouring grease down kitchen sinks

• Flushing wipes (even those labeled “flushable”)

• Letting hair accumulate in shower drains

Use:

• Drain strainers

• Regular manual cleaning

• Hot water flushes for light buildup

Chemical drain cleaners can damage piping over time and often provide only temporary relief.

While many maintenance steps are safe for homeowners, structural pipe replacement, gas line work, sewer repair, and code-required installations should always be handled by a licensed professional.

If you are unsure at any point, it is always safer to consult a professional.