Is your water suddenly tasting metallic or your faucets producing rust-tinted water? If your Los Angeles home was built before the 1980s, your pipes may be on borrowed time. Many older properties in the city still rely on galvanized steel or aging copper lines—materials prone to corrosion, scaling, and failure. Left unresolved, these issues can drive up plumbing repair costs and lead to serious water damage.
At Lords of Plumbing, we understand the pressures homeowners face when dealing with plumbing system repairs in older properties. Our licensed team specializes in repiping older homes, helping restore functionality and value with minimal disruption.
In this post, we’ll break down the top piping materials used in 2025—PEX, copper, and CPVC—and explain which ones are better suited for aging homes in LA.
Common Repiping Materials in 2025
Each piping option has benefits and limitations, especially when used in older homes. Here’s how they compare:
1. PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene)
- Flexible and easier to install in tight spaces
- Resistant to corrosion and scaling
- Lower plumbing repair costscompared to metal pipes
- Works well with existing systems in older homes when installed by experienced professionals
2. Copper
- Long lifespan (50+ years) when properly maintained
- Durable and pressure-resistant
- More expensive to install and repair
- Can corrode in areas with acidic or hard water
3. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Resistant to corrosion and scaling
- Less flexible than PEX
- More affordable than copper
- Sensitive to extreme heat and freezing—less ideal for exposed sections
Choosing the Right Material for an Older LA Home
Older homes often present unique challenges—tight crawl spaces, fragile walls, outdated plumbing routes—which make PEX a practical choice for repiping. However, in cases where historical integrity matters, copper may still be preferred for visible sections. CPVC may work well for budget-conscious repairs but is less flexible during large-scale repiping.
We recommend a full inspection before deciding. Sometimes a combination of materials offers the best long-term solution with fewer disruptions and manageable repair costs.
Ready to Stop Leaks Before They Start?
Wondering whether it’s time to replace those aging pipes? If you’re dealing with low water pressure, strange odors, or visible corrosion, repiping may be the best long-term fix. At Lords of Plumbing, we’ve helped hundreds of LA homeowners upgrade their plumbing systems with reliable, modern materials. We offer honest assessments, clear pricing, and professional-grade service every step of the way.