Blog Layout

Why You Should Replace Galvanized or Black Poly Water Lines Before They Break

March 25, 2025

Waterlines aren’t something most homeowners think about—until there’s a problem. But if your home still has old galvanized or black poly (polybutylene) waterlines, it’s only a matter of time before they fail. When that happens, the result isn’t just an inconvenience; it can mean major water damage, costly repairs, and even structural issues. Replacing these outdated pipes before they break can save you money, stress, and a whole lot of cleanup.

The Risks of Old Water Lines 

  • Corrosion and Rust Galvanized pipes, commonly used in older homes, have a tendency to corrode from the inside out. Even if they look fine on the outside, they could be rusting away internally, leading to reduced water pressure, leaks, or full-blown pipe failures.
  • Cracking and Deterioration Black poly pipes, often used in the late 20th century, are notorious for becoming brittle over time. Changes in water pressure, temperature fluctuations, or simple aging can cause them to crack and leak.
  • Increased Risk of Flooding A slow leak is bad enough, but when an old pipe completely fails, the result can be a sudden flood in your home, basement, or yard. This can lead to extensive water damage, mold growth, and expensive repairs.
  • Structural Damage Water leaks don’t just ruin drywall and flooring—they can seep into your foundation, weaken support beams, and cause long-term structural issues in your home.
  • Poor Water Quality Corroding pipes can introduce rust and other contaminants into your water supply, affecting both taste and safety.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Lines

  • Low water pressure – This could mean internal corrosion is restricting water flow.
  • Discolored water – Brown or rusty water is a telltale sign of deteriorating pipes.
  • Frequent leaks – If you’ve already had to patch multiple leaks, it’s time to consider full replacement.
  • Visible corrosion or cracks – Any signs of wear on exposed pipes likely mean hidden damage elsewhere.
  • Your home was built before the 1990s – If your house still has its original plumbing, it’s worth having a professional inspect your system.

Why Replacing Pipes Now Saves You in the Long Run

It’s easy to ignore your plumbing system when everything seems to be working fine. But waiting until a pipe fails can lead to sudden, costly emergencies. Replacing old water lines proactively means:

  • Avoiding emergency plumbing costs – Repairs done on your schedule are far less expensive than emergency fixes.
  • Preventing water damage – Stopping leaks before they start keeps your home safe.
  • Improving water quality and pressure – New pipes mean cleaner, better-flowing water.
  • Increasing home value – Updated plumbing is a major selling point for potential buyers. 


What Are the Best Replacement Options?

If you’re replacing galvanized or black poly water lines, consider modern options like:

  • PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) – Flexible, resistant to corrosion, and easy to install.
  • Copper – Durable and long-lasting, but more expensive than PEX.
  • CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) – A solid choice for hot and cold water lines, though less flexible than PEX.

Final Thoughts

If your home still has galvanized or black poly water lines, don’t wait until you have a major leak or flood to take action. Replacing them now can save you from unexpected damage, expensive repairs, and a whole lot of stress. A proactive approach to plumbing means a safer, more reliable water system—and peace of mind for years to come. Reach out to us today to update your water lines!

March 13, 2025
When it comes to construction, safety should always come first. Shoring might not be the flashiest part of the job, but it plays a huge role in keeping worksites secure and preventing disasters. Whether you're digging trenches, renovating a building, or working on structural repairs, using proper shoring techniques can mean the difference between a smooth operation and a dangerous situation.
February 25, 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been implementing stricter regulations aimed at reducing the number of septic sewer systems across the country. These mandates are designed to protect water quality, reduce pollution, and ensure safer wastewater management. Businesses and homeowners alike need to understand the reasons behind these regulations and what steps they can take to comply. Why Is the EPA Pushing for Septic System Reduction? Septic systems, while commonly used in rural and suburban areas, pose significant environmental risks when improperly maintained. Over time, failing systems can leach harmful contaminants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into groundwater and nearby water bodies, contributing to water pollution and harmful algal blooms. The EPA has identified aging and failing septic systems as a key contributor to these issues, prompting stronger efforts to phase them out in favor of more centralized wastewater treatment solutions. Key EPA Regulations and Initiatives The EPA has introduced several initiatives and regulations to encourage the transition from septic to sewer systems: Clean Water Act (CWA) Compliance: Municipalities must ensure wastewater treatment meets CWA standards, which can be difficult with high concentrations of septic systems. State-Level Incentives and Grants: Many states, in cooperation with the EPA, offer grants and financial assistance to homeowners and businesses to transition from septic to sewer connections. Nitrogen Reduction Strategies: In coastal and environmentally sensitive areas, septic systems are being targeted due to their role in nitrogen pollution. Local Ordinances and Phase-Out Programs: Many jurisdictions have implemented mandatory septic-to-sewer conversion programs, especially in high-risk areas.
February 5, 2025
When it comes to running a business, it’s easy to focus on day-to-day operations, customer satisfaction, and growth strategies. However, one area often overlooked until it’s too late is the maintenance of the business facility, especially sewer lines and floor drains. These critical components of your facility’s plumbing system play a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment. Preventive maintenance for sewer lines and floor drains is not just a good practice—it’s an investment in the longevity of your infrastructure and the success of your business. Here are some key benefits of implementing a preventive maintenance plan:
January 30, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, the installation of utilities such as water lines, power cables, and communication infrastructure needs to be carried out with minimal disruption to everyday life. High-traffic environments, such as urban centers, highways, and bustling commercial areas, pose unique challenges for utility installation. Directional boring, also known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), has emerged as the most efficient and effective solution for such scenarios. Here’s why:
January 17, 2025
The steady rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the transportation landscape, bringing with it the urgent need for robust charging infrastructure. The United States is weaving a network of EV charging stations across its highways and urban centers. Ohio is working to match the pace of this electric revolution. This blog examines the growth of EV charging stations, contrasting national trends with Ohio’s efforts.
December 19, 2024
Repairing or replacing a water service is a significant project that requires careful planning and coordination to ensure it’s done efficiently and with minimal downtime. Whether you're repairing or replacing a leaking service, upgrading an old service to meet modern codes, or replacing a line to future-proof your water supply, this project can have a big impact on your home’s water supply, property value, and your wallet. Here are ten essential tips for a successful water service repair or replacement to help you make the process as smooth, efficient, and as cost-effective as possible.
December 19, 2024
If your property relies on a septic system, you’ve likely heard that it’s important to have your septic tank pumped regularly. This maintenance task might seem inconvenient or even unnecessary, but regular septic pumping is actually one of the most critical steps you can take to protect your property, your wallet, and the environment. Let’s explore why septic tank pumping is essential and the benefits it brings to your home and property.
December 19, 2024
Storm and sanitary service lines are critical components of any property’s infrastructure. Storm lines carry rainwater and runoff away from your home, while sanitary lines handle wastewater from sinks, showers, and toilets. These systems protect your home from flooding, prevent contamination, and ensure the safe disposal of waste. However, like any system, storm and sanitary lines can deteriorate over time, leading to clogs, leaks, or even severe damage. This is where preventive maintenance and service contracts come into play. Here’s why investing in these proactive measures is essential for protecting your property.
December 6, 2024
If you’ve ever undertaken a home improvement project involving digging, you’ve likely heard the warning: call before you dig. In Ohio, as in many other states, it’s not just a suggestion; it’s the law. Homeowners and contractors alike are required to call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) 48 hours before starting any excavation project. But what makes this so essential? Here’s a look at why calling OUPS is both a legal requirement and a critical safety measure.
November 25, 2024
Converting your sewer line from a septic system to a public or municipal service connection is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and the right expertise. Whether your existing septic system is outdated or you're looking to benefit from a more modern public sewer connection, choosing the right contractor is critical for a successful, stress-free conversion. There are even times when a property owner receives an order to connect when a new sanitary sewer has been installed, within 200’ of their building. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you select the best contractor for the job.
Share by: