Many Melbourne homes — especially those built before the 1980s — still have original plumbing pipes. While pipes are built to last, they don’t last forever. Here’s how to tell when your home’s pipes need replacing.

What Type of Pipes Does Your Home Have?

The material of your pipes determines their lifespan and the problems you might face:

Galvanised Steel (Pre-1970s)

• Lifespan: 40 - 70 years
• Problems: Internal rust and corrosion, restricted water flow, brown water, lead contamination from solder joints
• Verdict: If you still have galvanised pipes, replacement is usually overdue

Copper (1960s - Present)

• Lifespan: 50 - 70 years
• Problems: Pinhole leaks from corrosion, green staining on fixtures, joins can fail over time
• Verdict: Generally reliable, but check for signs of corrosion if over 40 years old

PVC / UPVC (1970s - Present)

• Lifespan: 50 - 100 years
• Problems: Joint failures, brittleness in older installations, not suitable for hot water
• Verdict: Usually fine unless damaged or poorly installed

Polybutylene (1970s - 1990s)

• Lifespan: 10 - 25 years
• Problems: Reacts with chlorine in water, becomes brittle and cracks, prone to sudden failure
• Verdict: Should be replaced as soon as possible if found in your home

PEX (Modern)

• Lifespan: 40 - 50+ years
• Problems: Very few — this is the current standard for residential plumbing
• Verdict: Modern choice for replacements and new builds

Warning Signs Your Pipes Need Replacing

1. Discoloured Water

Brown, yellow, or rusty water from your taps usually means internal pipe corrosion. If it persists after running the tap for a minute, the corrosion is significant.

2. Low Water Pressure

Corroded pipes build up internal deposits that restrict water flow. If your water pressure has gradually decreased over the years, pipe buildup is likely the cause.

3. Frequent Leaks

One leak can be a fluke. Multiple leaks in different locations suggest the pipes themselves are deteriorating — not just individual joints.

4. Visible Corrosion

Check exposed pipes in your laundry, under sinks, and around your hot water system. Look for:

• Green discolouration (copper corrosion)
• Rust or orange staining (steel corrosion)
• Flaking or dimpled surfaces
• White mineral deposits at joints

5. Strange Tastes or Odours

If your tap water tastes metallic or has an unusual smell, corroding pipes could be contaminating your water supply.

6. Noisy Pipes

Banging, rattling, or squealing pipes can indicate loose fittings, high pressure, or pipes that have corroded and shifted.

7. Your Home Is Over 50 Years Old

If your home was built before 1975 and has never been repiped, it’s worth having a professional inspection.

What Does Repiping Involve?

Full or partial repiping involves replacing old pipes with modern materials (usually PEX or copper). The process typically includes:

1. Inspection - A plumber assesses your current plumbing and identifies what needs replacing
2. Planning - Mapping out the new pipe routes with minimal disruption
3. Access - Cutting into walls, ceilings, or floors where necessary
4. Installation - Replacing old pipes with new ones
5. Testing - Pressure testing all new connections
6. Making good - Patching access points (this may need a separate tradesperson)

The work usually takes 2-5 days depending on the size of the home and extent of replacement.

Is Repiping Worth It?

While repiping is a significant investment, it eliminates the risk of burst pipes, water damage, and water quality issues. The cost depends on the scope of work, number of fixtures, accessibility of pipes, home size, and pipe material chosen. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your home.

Get Your Pipes Inspected

If you’re seeing any of the warning signs above, don’t wait for a pipe to burst. Hankook Plumbing can inspect your home’s plumbing and give you an honest assessment of its condition.

Call 0407 756 172 for a professional pipe inspection and free repiping quote.