PEX and copper are both good plumbing materials, and most homes with either one never have a serious problem. But no piping lasts forever, and small issues are much cheaper to fix when caught early.
Copper: what to look for
- Green or blue-green crust on pipes or fittings, which signals corrosion
- Tiny pinhole leaks, which can appear on older copper and often show up as damp spots or stains
- Discolored or metallic-tasting water
- Pipes that feel gritty or flaky at the joints
PEX: what to look for
- Exposure to sunlight, which can weaken PEX. It should be protected from long-term UV exposure.
- Kinks or sharp bends in the pipe
- Fittings that weep or drip, especially after the home settles or the plumbing has been worked on
- Rodent damage in crawlspaces and attics
Signs of trouble with either material
- Water pressure that's noticeably lower than it used to be
- A water bill that rises with no change in how you use water
- Damp drywall, musty smells, or stains on ceilings and walls
- Banging pipes when a faucet shuts off
Simple checks you can do
- Look at the visible pipes under sinks and near the water heater a few times a year.
- Check the shutoff valves. If they're stuck or leaking, have them replaced.
- Read your water meter with everything off. If it's still moving, you may have a hidden leak.
- Test your water pressure with an inexpensive gauge on an outdoor hose bib.
If you find corrosion, repeated leaks, or a leak you can't locate, call a licensed plumber. A leak inside a wall can do a lot of damage before it shows on the surface, and finding it early can mean a simple repair instead of a large one.
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Call us any time, day or night, at (425) 615-5000, or book online. Written pricing before any work begins.
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