What Are the Most Common Plumbing Problems in Older Homes in Phoenix?

Older homes in Phoenix have a charm you can’t replace, but they often come with aging plumbing systems. As pipes, fixtures, and water lines wear down from years of use, homeowners eventually start noticing recurring plumbing issues.

If your home was built 20, 30, or even 50 years ago, here are the most common plumbing problems you’re likely to face, and what you should do before they turn into expensive repairs.

1. Corroded or Aging Pipes

One of the biggest issues in older Phoenix homes is pipe corrosion. Many older houses were built with galvanized steel or copper pipes, both of which break down over time, especially in areas with hard water.

Common signs:

• Rust-colored or yellow water

• Metallic taste in water

• Low water pressure

• Frequent leaks or damp spots

Why does it happen:

Phoenix’s hard water contains minerals that wear out metal pipes faster, causing corrosion and buildup inside the system.

What to do:

A licensed plumber can inspect your home and recommend partial or whole-home repiping before major leaks occur.

2. Low Water Pressure Throughout the Home

If your showers feel weak or your faucets barely run, the cause is often related to older plumbing.

Common causes in older homes:

• Mineral buildup inside old pipes

• Corroded pipe walls restricting flow

• Failing pressure regulator

• Aging or clogged fixtures

When to worry:

If pressure drops suddenly, it could indicate a leak, especially a slab leak, which is common in older Phoenix homes.

3. Frequent Drain Clogs and Slow Drains

Older drain lines often develop issues like:

• Years of grease buildup

• Food particles are stuck deep in the pipes

• Old cast-iron drains rusting from the inside

• Root intrusion from trees seeking moisture

Signs you’ll notice:

• Gurgling drains

• Water backing up in sinks or showers

• Bad odors from drains

Fix:

Professional drain cleaning or hydro jetting can restore flow and prevent future backups.

4. Slab Leaks

Many older Phoenix homes have plumbing lines running under the concrete foundation. Over time, these lines can crack or wear down, leading to a slab leak.

Signs of a slab leak:

• Warm spots on the floor

• Higher water bills

• The sound of running water when nothing is on

• Cracks forming in walls or flooring

Why do they happen:

Soil movement, corrosion, and hard water all play a major role.

Why you shouldn’t ignore it:

Slab leaks can cause structural damage and mold growth. Fast detection and repair is essential.

5. Old or Failing Water Heaters

If your water heater is more than 8–12 years old, it’s at a higher risk of:

• Rumbling noises

• Leaks around the tank

• Rusty water

• Inconsistent hot water

Phoenix’s hard water causes sediment buildup, which shortens the water heater's lifespan significantly.

Fix:

Have your system inspected and flushed regularly, or plan for a replacement if it’s reaching the end of its life.

6. Outdated Plumbing Fixtures

Older homes may still have:

• Old toilets that use too much water

• Leaky faucets

• Worn-out cartridges

• Shower valves that stop mixing correctly

These issues aren’t just annoying, they increase water usage and utility bills.

7. Sewer Line Problems

Over time, sewer lines in older homes can develop:

• Cracks

• Root intrusion

• Sagging sections (“bellies”)

• Rust or corrosion

Signs of sewer line issues:

• Repeated clogs

• Multiple drains are backing up

• Strong sewer odors inside or outside the home

Older homes in Phoenix are beautiful, but their plumbing systems need more care due to aging materials, hard water, and shifting soil conditions. Identifying early signs of trouble and scheduling routine inspections can save you thousands in repairs.

If you need help diagnosing plumbing issues in your Phoenix home, our team is here to provide fast, reliable service you can count on.

Call Vertical Plumbing at (480) 577-8720