Your home’s plumbing is one of its most important systems, but it doesn’t last forever. Over time, pipes can corrode, rust, or develop leaks especially in older homes with galvanized or copper plumbing. Knowing when it’s time to repipe can save you from costly water damage, poor water quality, and constant repairs.

How Long Do Pipes Last?

Different materials have different lifespans:

• Copper: 50–70 years
• Galvanized Steel: 20–50 years
• Brass: 40–70 years
• PVC or PEX: 40–60 years

If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance your plumbing may be nearing the end of its life expectancy — especially if you’ve had recurring leaks or discolored water.

Warning Signs You May Need Repiping

1. Frequent Leaks

One small leak can often be repaired. But if leaks are happening regularly or in multiple locations, it’s likely a sign that your pipes are deteriorating overall.

2. Discolored or Rusty Water

Brown, yellow, or red-tinted water means rust or corrosion is breaking down inside your pipes. Not only does this affect water quality, but it can also damage appliances and fixtures.

3. Low Water Pressure

Mineral deposits and internal corrosion restrict water flow over time, leading to weak pressure throughout your home.

4. Unpleasant Taste or Odor

If your water smells metallic or musty, your pipes could be contaminated or breaking down internally.

5. Visible Corrosion or Stains

Check exposed pipes in basements or utility areas. Greenish or blue stains on copper pipes or rusty patches on steel ones indicate decay.

The Repiping Process

Repiping sounds daunting, but with a professional plumber, it’s manageable and efficient.
The process usually includes:

1. Inspecting your plumbing system with cameras or pressure tests
2. Replacing old or corroded sections with modern PEX or copper piping
3. Minimizing wall cuts and restoring affected areas after installation

Modern materials are more durable, flexible, and resistant to corrosion, meaning you’ll enjoy decades of reliable performance.

Trust the Experts at Putman & Son’s Plumbing

With over 35 years of experience, Putman & Son’s Plumbing helps homeowners in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties determine whether repiping is necessary. We use top-quality materials and ensure minimal disruption during installation.

If your plumbing is showing signs of age, don’t wait for a burst pipe to tell you it’s time call the professionals today.

248-652-0990 | pnsplumbing.com

The post How to Tell If Your Home Needs Repiping appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Nothing’s worse than stepping into the shower and being met with a weak trickle of water. Low water pressure can make everyday tasks frustrating — but it’s also a warning sign of underlying plumbing problems. Here’s how to identify and fix the issue.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

1. Mineral Buildup in Pipes

Over time, hard water leaves calcium and lime deposits that narrow your pipes, restricting flow. This is especially common in older homes or those without water softeners.

2. Leaky Pipes

Even a small hidden leak can reduce water pressure throughout your home. Look for damp spots, puddles, or unusually high water bills as signs.

3. Faulty Fixtures or Aerators

Sometimes the problem is localized — a clogged showerhead or sink aerator can block water flow. Cleaning or replacing them often restores pressure.

4. Water Main or Valve Issues

If the main shut-off valve or pressure regulator is partially closed or malfunctioning, it can affect the entire home’s pressure.

5. Municipal Supply Problems

Sometimes, low pressure isn’t your fault — it’s an issue with your city’s water supply. Your plumber can test and confirm where the problem starts.

Quick Fixes You Can Try

• Remove and clean faucet aerators and showerheads using vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup.
• Ensure your main water valve is fully open.
• Install a pressure-boosting system if your municipal supply is consistently weak.

When to Call a Professional

If these quick fixes don’t help, call a licensed plumber. They can:

• Inspect your plumbing for leaks or corrosion
• Test your home’s water pressure and regulator
• Perform a camera inspection of your main line for blockages

Professional diagnosis ensures you don’t just mask the symptoms — you solve the root cause.

Trust Putman & Son’s Plumbing to Restore Your Water Pressure

With over 35 years of experience, Putman & Son’s Plumbing has helped countless Michigan homeowners restore strong, steady water pressure. Whether it’s a hidden leak, clogged main, or outdated piping, we have the expertise and tools to fix it fast.

Don’t settle for weak water flow, get your plumbing back in shape today.

248-652-0990 | 🌐 pnsplumbing.com

The post How to Fix Low Water Pressure — and What Causes It appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

A dripping faucet might seem like a minor annoyance — the kind of thing you’ll “get around to fixing someday.” But those steady drips can lead to wasted water, higher utility bills, and long-term plumbing damage.

How Much Water Does a Drip Waste?

It’s easy to underestimate the impact of a small leak. According to the EPA, a faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year — enough to fill nearly 50 bathtubs! That’s money literally going down the drain every day.

Even a slow drip can increase your monthly water bill, especially if you have multiple leaky fixtures. And if your home uses a water softener or well pump, the constant cycling adds to wear and tear on your equipment, leading to more repair costs down the road.

Common Causes of Leaky Faucets

• Worn Washers or O-Rings: The most common cause — these inexpensive rubber seals degrade over time.
• Corroded Valve Seats: Minerals and sediment buildup can erode the metal seat that connects the faucet and spout.
• Loose or Damaged Parts: Over time, handles, seals, and gaskets can loosen or crack.
• High Water Pressure: Excess pressure can cause drips and leaks in multiple fixtures.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Drip

Beyond wasted water, a leaky faucet can lead to hidden damage. Constant moisture encourages mold growth under sinks and behind walls. It can also stain sinks, erode finishes, and contribute to corrosion in older plumbing. Over time, small leaks often turn into bigger ones — costing more in repairs and cleanup.

The Real Cost

While a simple washer replacement might cost less than $10, the average homeowner can lose $50–$200 per year in wasted water. If the leak is part of a larger plumbing issue, ignoring it can lead to hundreds (or even thousands) in damage.

Fixing leaks promptly not only saves money but also conserves one of our most precious resources — fresh water.

DIY or Call a Pro?

If you’re handy, you can try tightening fittings or replacing washers. However, if the leak persists, it’s time to call a professional. Older fixtures, corroded pipes, or hidden leaks often require special tools and expertise.

Trust the Experts at Putman & Son’s Plumbing

Our experienced technicians can diagnose and repair any leak — from faucets and toilets to hidden pipe issues behind walls. With over 35 years of trusted service across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, we’re proud to help Michigan homeowners save money, water, and stress.

Call 248-652-0990 or visit 🌐 www.pnsplumbing.com to schedule a leak inspection today.

Don’t let a drip become a disaster — fix it fast with Putman & Son’s Plumbing!

The post The Hidden Cost of a Leaky Faucet: How Drips Drain Your Wallet appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.