Warning Signs of Pipe Failure in 1950s San Bruno Homes

The typical San Bruno house was built in the late 1950s, and more than half of the city's homes date from the 1940s through the 1960s. Many still have some of their original plumbing. Those pipes have done their job for decades, but they do not last forever. This guide covers the warning signs that pipes in an older San Bruno home may be close to failing, and what to do before a small problem turns into a burst pipe.

How do you know if 1950s pipes in a San Bruno home are failing?

Look for low water pressure, rusty or discolored water, frequent small leaks, stains on walls or ceilings, a rising water bill, and noisy or banging pipes.

Pipe failure usually gives warnings before it becomes an emergency. The trouble is that most of these signs are easy to ignore or blame on something else. If you notice two or more of them at the same time, it is worth having a plumber take a look.

What Kind of Pipes Does Your Home Have?

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel was the standard for water supply lines in homes built before the 1960s. It is steel coated with zinc to slow rust. Over 50 to 70 years, the coating wears away, the steel rusts from the inside, and the pipe narrows and weakens. Galvanized pipes are dull gray, and a magnet will stick to them.

Copper

Copper became common from the 1960s onward. It lasts longer than galvanized but can develop pinhole leaks, especially near fittings or where water is more aggressive. Copper is reddish-brown and a magnet will not stick.

Cast Iron Drain Lines

Many older homes have cast iron drain and waste lines. They are heavy and durable but crack and corrode over time, especially at the bottom of horizontal runs.

Clay Sewer Laterals

The pipe from the house to the city sewer is often clay in older homes. Roots get into the joints, and the pipe cracks or shifts.

Mixed Systems

Many San Bruno homes have a mix: original galvanized in some places, copper or PEX where repairs were made. Where different metals meet, corrosion can speed up.

Ten Warning Signs Your Pipes Are Failing

• Low water pressure in several fixtures, especially on the hot side
• Brown, yellow or rusty water when you first turn on a tap
• Small leaks that keep coming back in different places
• Water stains or bubbling paint on walls and ceilings
• A musty smell from cabinets, closets or the crawl space
• A water bill that rises with no change in use
• The sound of running water when everything is off
• Banging, rattling or whistling pipes
• Visible rust or white crust on exposed pipes in the garage or crawl space
• Slow drains or gurgling in several fixtures at once

Where to Look in Your Home

The Crawl Space

If your home is raised, the crawl space is where most supply and drain lines run. Look with a flashlight for rust, drips, damp soil and white mineral buildup on fittings.

The Garage

The main water line often enters through the garage, along with the water heater connections. Look for rust and moisture around valves and fittings.

Under Sinks

Check under kitchen and bathroom sinks for drips, stains and swollen cabinet bottoms.

Around the Water Heater

Corroded fittings, rust at the base of the tank, or water in the drain pan are warning signs.

The Water Meter

Turn off everything in the house and watch the meter for 30 to 60 minutes. If it moves, water is leaking somewhere.

Repair or Repipe?

If you have one leak in an otherwise healthy system, a spot repair may be fine. If you have repeated leaks, rusty water and low pressure, a plumber may recommend repiping the house. That decision depends on your plumbing, budget and plans for the home. A few questions to ask a plumber:

• How much of the original galvanized is still in the house?
• What is the condition of the main line from the meter?
• Would replacing just the worst sections make sense for now?
• What material would you use, and why?
• Is the sewer lateral in good shape too?

What Happens When an Old Pipe Bursts

When a weak pipe finally fails, it can release several gallons per minute until the water is shut off. In a crawl space, water soaks the soil and framing. Inside a wall, it soaks insulation and drywall. Above a ceiling, it brings drywall down. Fast action limits the damage:

• Shut off the main water valve
• Turn off power to wet areas if it is safe
• Move belongings out of the way
• Take photos
• Call (650) 822-6798 for extraction and drying

See what happens next on the burst pipe water damage page.

Hidden Leaks Under Floors

Some older homes have supply lines in or under concrete slabs. Leaks there show up as warm spots on the floor, cracked tile or cupping hardwood. See the slab leak and hidden leak page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Had a Pipe Burst Already?

If an old pipe has already failed in your San Bruno home, call (650) 822-6798. A crew is dispatched immediately for extraction and drying. Learn more about burst pipe water damage in San Bruno.

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