Phoenix Plumbing Pipes - Expert Pipe Repair, Replacement, and Repiping

Types of Plumbing Pipes in Phoenix Homes

Copper Pipes

Copper has been the standard plumbing pipe material for decades. Most Phoenix homes built between 1950 and 2000 have copper supply lines. Copper pipes are durable, resist bacteria growth, handle hot water well, and last 50-70 years in ideal conditions—though Phoenix's hard water reduces that lifespan to 40-50 years.

Copper pipes come in different types. Type M copper is thinnest and least expensive—commonly used in residential plumbing. Type L copper has thicker walls and costs more but lasts longer. Type K copper is thickest and used for underground applications or where maximum durability is needed.

Phoenix's hard water is copper's enemy. The minerals in our water cause pinhole leaks in copper pipes, particularly in hot water lines where heat accelerates corrosion. We see copper pipes develop pinhole leaks after 30-40 years in Phoenix homes. Once pinhole leaks start appearing, they typically multiply because the entire system's copper has reached the same corrosion stage.

Copper pipe repair involves cutting out damaged sections and soldering in new copper pipe. For isolated leaks in otherwise sound copper systems, repair makes sense. For pipes with multiple leaks or extensive corrosion, replacement with copper or modern alternatives is more cost-effective than continuous repairs.

PEX Pipes (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

PEX is flexible plastic pipe that's become the preferred material for residential plumbing over the past 20 years. Most new Phoenix homes and repiping projects use PEX because it costs less than copper, installs faster than rigid pipe, resists corrosion from hard water, handles freezing better than copper, and has fewer connection points where leaks can develop.

PEX comes in different colors—red for hot water, blue for cold water, and white for either. The color coding helps identify lines during installation and future repairs but doesn't affect pipe performance.

PEX connection methods include crimp fittings using copper crimp rings, clamp fittings using stainless steel clamps, and expansion fittings (PEX-A) that expand to fit over fittings and contract for watertight seals. Each method has advocates, but all work reliably when installed properly.

PEX limitations include UV sensitivity (it degrades in sunlight so can't be used outdoors exposed to sun), rodent vulnerability (rats and mice can chew through it), and some plumbers' preference for copper's proven longevity. Despite these limitations, PEX has become the dominant residential plumbing pipe material.

CPVC Pipes (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)

CPVC is rigid plastic pipe used in some Phoenix homes, particularly those built in the 1980s-1990s. CPVC costs less than copper, resists corrosion, and handles hot water adequately for residential use.

However, CPVC has significant drawbacks. It becomes brittle over time, especially when exposed to Phoenix's extreme heat in attics. The pipes and fittings crack with little warning. CPVC also can't handle water temperatures above 180°F, limiting its use with some water heating systems.

We see many CPVC failures in Phoenix homes where the pipe was installed in hot attics or poorly supported. The brittle pipes crack at fittings or stress points. When CPVC systems start failing, we usually recommend complete replacement with PEX rather than patching individual failures.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes were standard in homes built before 1960. These pipes have zinc coating inside to prevent rust. The zinc eventually wears away—typically after 40-60 years—and the steel underneath begins corroding.

Phoenix homes with original galvanized pipes are overdue for replacement. The pipes corrode from the inside, gradually reducing internal diameter until water pressure drops to a trickle. Rust particles in water discolor it brown or orange. The pipes eventually rust through and leak.

We strongly recommend replacing galvanized pipes rather than repairing them. Once corrosion starts, the entire system is compromised. Repairing one leak doesn't stop others from developing. Complete repiping with modern materials is the only permanent solution for homes with failing galvanized pipes.

PVC and ABS Drain Pipes

PVC (white plastic pipe) and ABS (black plastic pipe) are used for drain, waste, and vent lines in most Phoenix homes. Both materials work well for drain applications, resist corrosion, and last indefinitely with proper installation.

Drain pipe problems usually stem from improper installation rather than material failure. Pipes installed without proper slope don't drain correctly. Inadequate venting causes slow drainage and gurgling. Joints not properly glued eventually leak.

We repair drain pipe leaks by cutting out damaged sections and installing new pipe. For drain systems with multiple problems indicating poor initial installation, we sometimes recommend replacing entire sections with properly sloped, vented systems that actually work correctly.

Common Pipe Problems in Phoenix Homes

Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes

Pinhole leaks are tiny holes in copper pipes caused by corrosion from the inside. Phoenix's hard water and acidic water chemistry create perfect conditions for pinhole leak development. These leaks spray water forcefully because they're in pressurized supply lines, causing water damage to walls, ceilings, and floors.

Pinhole leaks typically appear in hot water lines first because heat accelerates corrosion. Once one pinhole leak appears, others usually follow because the entire system has reached the same corrosion stage. We can repair individual pinhole leaks, but homes with multiple pinhole leaks need repiping.

Pinhole leak repair involves cutting out the damaged pipe section and soldering in new copper. This works for isolated leaks in otherwise sound systems. For pipes showing multiple pinholes or extensive corrosion visible when we cut them open, replacement makes more sense than ongoing repairs.

Burst Pipes and Pipe Ruptures

Burst pipes are plumbing emergencies requiring immediate response. A burst pipe floods homes with gallons per minute of water causing extensive damage quickly. Common burst pipe causes include frozen pipes expanding until they split, corroded pipes finally giving way under pressure, excessive water pressure stressing weak spots until they fail, and physical damage from construction or accidents.

When pipes burst, the first priority is stopping water flow. We shut off the main water supply, make temporary repairs if possible to restore some water service, extract standing water to minimize damage, and then make permanent repairs or replacements.

Burst pipe repair depends on the cause. Frozen pipe bursts in Phoenix are rare but happen during extreme cold snaps when exposed pipes in attics or crawl spaces freeze. We replace the burst section and add insulation preventing future freezing. Bursts from corrosion indicate the pipe needs replacement. Bursts from high pressure are fixed by repairing the pipe and installing pressure regulators.

Corroded and Deteriorating Pipes

Pipe corrosion is a gradual process that eventually leads to failure. Copper pipes develop pinhole leaks. Galvanized pipes rust from the inside reducing flow. Even plastic pipes can deteriorate from UV exposure or chemical reactions.

Signs of pipe corrosion include discolored water indicating rust particles, reduced water pressure from corroded pipes restricting flow, visible corrosion on exposed pipes, and frequent leaks at different locations throughout the house.

Once corrosion reaches advanced stages, replacement is the only solution. You can't restore corroded pipes—you can only replace them with new materials. We help homeowners decide between replacing problem sections or repiping the entire house based on the extent of corrosion and the home's age.

Pipe Connections and Joint Failures

Many pipe leaks occur at connections rather than in the pipe itself. Soldered copper joints fail when solder deteriorates. Threaded connections loosen or corrode. Compression fittings develop leaks when ferrules fail. Glued plastic pipe joints leak when insufficient glue was used during installation.

Connection leaks are usually simple to repair. We cut out the failed connection and install a new one properly. However, frequent connection failures throughout a system indicate either poor initial installation or that the entire system is deteriorating and needs replacement.

We inspect connection types during leak repairs. Older homes sometimes have multiple generations of repairs using different connection methods—creating weak points where dissimilar materials meet. Mixing copper and galvanized steel, for example, causes galvanic corrosion at connection points.

Slab Leaks in Under-Foundation Pipes

Slab leaks are pipe leaks underneath concrete foundations. Phoenix homes are particularly prone to slab leaks because our shifting soil stresses pipes set in concrete. As the ground expands and contracts with moisture changes, rigid pipes embedded in concrete crack or develop leaks.

Slab leak symptoms include hearing water running when all fixtures are off, warm or cold spots on floors indicating hot or cold water line leaks, unexplained high water bills from continuous water loss, and cracks in walls or floors from foundation settling caused by soil erosion from the leak.

Slab leak repair options include breaking through the foundation to access and repair the leak, rerouting pipes above ground to bypass the damaged section, or in severe cases, whole-house repiping to replace all under-slab pipes. Most Phoenix homeowners choose rerouting because it's faster, less disruptive, and avoids breaking concrete inside their homes.