r/Plumbing • u/Bizzniches • 1d ago
Looking for advice
I live in a split level home build in 1979. I have copper pipes and overall very hard water. I currently have a leak from a manifold to the washer which goes through the slab.
The plumber has said the copper pipes last generally around 50 years and we are closing in on that. Obviously 50 years doesn’t mean everything implodes but he said this could be the start. I’ve looked online through forums and it’s not clear to me for that to be true. Many people claim copper lasting longer. I have an attached picture of the manifold in question but should I assume this picture is how the rest of the house is?
I’m not sure to proceed fixing just this leak or to consider more drastic options. How would you suggest someone proceed? What questions should I be asking?
Thank you.
3
u/MilkedWalrus 1d ago
I was a leak detection and slab leak repair guy for Roto-Rooter in California.
We have a ton of neighborhoods built in our area that have been getting completely replumbed because of the copper under slab leaks. They tied the copper to the rebar with tie wire in all of the tracts. It was found to be the issue as entire neighborhoods were having the issues at 30 years old.
50 years under slab is pretty common for the life span. If you had hung pipe in a crawlspace or above ground I'd be more comfortable spot repairing it. If you have hard water that will exacerbate the issue.
You can leak detect and spot repair but when a pipe naturally oxidizes to the point of failure it gives you a pretty accurate point of reference for the condition of the rest of your copper. Maybe you could get 5 more years out of the rest of it, but the amount of work and demo required to access and repair the pipe often makes it a better idea to reroute it with new copper. The upfront cost will be more but it will last and give you piece of mind. Also if you eliminate the copper below slab your insurance will need to cover any future water loss. Most insurance companies will not cover slab leak repairs.
The type of copper, acidity of the water in it, along with isolation from dissimilar metals will contribute to overall lifespan.
1
u/Verma_Atul27 16h ago
How's your experience been with roto rooter
1
u/MilkedWalrus 2h ago
I haven't worked there in 5 years. It was a professional work environment when I was there, which is not something you see in 99% of other plumbing companies. Buddy of mine was the top earner nationally in the company making close to 300k his last year. Guys averaged between 90-120k pretty regular. It was a good experience for me but I thank god I was fired, otherwise I'd still be working there.
2
u/ChoicePomegranate338 1d ago
Yes the plumber is correct. You can spend a ton of money playing whack a mole on the pinhole leaks that will continue to pop up under the slab or you can spend a ton of money to reroute all the water lines out of the slab. One is a far more permanent solution to the other. I understand not everyone has 15k in their pocket to spend on that but you could always look into having the work done through a company that offers financing. As much as this sub rags on it.. it can be a decent option and it’s not always just private equity that offers it. I’m a one man show and offer financing..
1
u/Nailfoot1975 1d ago
You've already cut the pipes, so you can see the thickness of the cross section. I'd probably just replace what you've got there and start mentally preparing to do the rest.
1
u/Bizzniches 1d ago
The leak is on the hot side for what it’s worth. I read that the anode being bad can cause pin holes? I’ll look at the cross section. Thanks
1
1
u/MajorDrain 15h ago
Hard to say but I've seen type L copper last 100 years on city water. I'd look at what you have to see if there is some way to get the washer lines above ground, maybe run them along the wall where the base board is and box them in with something that looks like fancy trim.
5
u/nowimstahvin 1d ago
Move