What Type of Pipes Are in Your Home—and Are They Prone to Leaks?

Not all plumbing leaks are easy to spot. In many cases, the most destructive ones remain hidden until they’ve already caused serious damage. By the time you notice water spots on your ceiling, walls, or floors, the problem may have been quietly spreading for days. Water tends to follow the path of least resistance, often moving behind walls or under floors before leaving any visible trace.

One key to prevention is understanding the type of piping in your home. Older or lower-quality materials are more susceptible to corrosion, cracking, and deterioration. Taking a proactive approach—especially in aging homes—can help you avoid the need for extensive repairs. If you’re already seeing signs of trouble, it may be time to call for professional water leak repair in Gilbert, AZ from a trusted team that understands how to stop the damage before it gets worse.

Older Homes and Vulnerable Materials

If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a strong possibility it contains older piping materials that are no longer considered reliable by today’s standards. Galvanized steel and cast iron were once popular for their durability, but both have significant downsides. Over time, galvanized steel corrodes from the inside out, eventually narrowing the passage of water and leading to rust-colored water and reduced flow. Cast iron, while sturdy, is also susceptible to internal corrosion, especially in drain and sewer lines. In homes with recurring issues, water line replacement is often the safest long-term solution.

Copper piping, which became a go-to choice in mid-century homes, can still be found in many properties today. Though copper is resistant to corrosion, it’s not immune to issues. Pinhole leaks may develop as a result of aging, fluctuations in water pH, or improper installation techniques. These leaks often go unnoticed until they’ve created hidden moisture pockets behind walls or under floors.

Perhaps one of the most problematic materials introduced in the late 20th century is polybutylene. Used widely in the 1980s and 1990s due to its low cost and easy installation, it was later found to degrade quickly when exposed to common disinfectants found in municipal water. Cracking, brittleness, and sudden pipe failure are common, yet many homeowners remain unaware that this material is even present in their homes. In these cases, localized water line repair may help in the short term, but replacement is often the more reliable fix.

How Leaks Start—and Spread

It’s a common misconception that a pipe must burst to cause serious damage. In reality, slow leaks from tiny cracks, loose fittings, or deteriorating joints can be just as destructive over time. These leaks often occur behind walls, beneath flooring, or under concrete slabs, making them hard to spot without professional tools.  

Subtle warning signs like reduced water pressure, discolored spots on drywall, a musty odor, or an unexplained spike in your water bill can all point to hidden plumbing issues. Left unaddressed, even a minor leak can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage.

This is where professional water leak detection comes in. At Gold Star Plumbing & Drain, we use advanced technology to locate the exact source of leaks—without tearing up your home in the process. Early detection can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs and protect the long-term health of your plumbing system.

Repair or Replace? It Depends

When a leak is isolated to a small section of pipe, repairs can often resolve the issue quickly and affordably. However, if leaks are frequent or if your home still relies on outdated piping materials, a more comprehensive approach may be necessary. In these cases, water line replacement might be the smarter long-term investment.

Our licensed technicians evaluate not just the location of the leak, but the overall condition of your system. We’ll help you avoid band-aid solutions by recommending water leak services that balance cost, performance, and long-term reliability.

Call Gold Star for Expert Service

Whether you’re dealing with persistent leaks or simply want peace of mind about the state of your home’s plumbing, Gold Star Plumbing & Drain is here to help. We specialize in water leak detection, water line repair, and full replacement services tailored to your needs. Contact us today and let our team help you protect your home from the inside out.