Free Assessment Tool

Phoenix's water supply is among the hardest in the nation, with mineral concentrations that accelerate pipe corrosion from the inside out. Calcium and magnesium deposits build up steadily, restricting flow and weakening pipe walls. What might last 60 years in a city with soft water can fail in 35-40 years here.

Polybutylene: The silent liability. Installed widely from 1978 to 1995, polybutylene (PB) pipes were marketed as "the pipe of the future." In practice, chlorine in treated water causes the plastic to become brittle and crack without warning. A $1 billion class-action settlement (Cox v. Shell Oil) was reached in 1995, but the claims period has long closed. If your home still has PB pipes, most plumbers and home inspectors recommend proactive replacement before a catastrophic failure.

Galvanized steel: A ticking clock. Common in homes built before 1975, galvanized pipes corrode from the inside. The rust buildup narrows the pipe diameter over decades, causing progressively lower water pressure and discolored water. Once corrosion starts, it can't be reversed — only replaced.

Soil shifting and slab leaks. Arizona's expansive clay soils shift with seasonal moisture changes, placing stress on underground supply and drain lines. Slab leaks are a common and expensive problem in Phoenix-area homes, particularly those built on post-tension foundations where re-routing is often preferable to direct repair.

Modern alternatives. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) has become the standard for residential repiping in Arizona. It resists scale buildup, tolerates minor ground movement, and can be installed with fewer joints than copper — reducing potential leak points. A whole-home repipe typically takes 1-3 days for most Valley homes.

Browse Services Cost Guides Find a Plumber