All Pro Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical is proud to serve Ontario and surrounding Inland Empire communities with trusted home comfort services. Many neighborhoods across Riverside, San Bernardino, and the greater Inland Empire have homes built decades ago — and with age comes outdated plumbing.
Old pipes don’t just reduce efficiency; in some cases, they pose serious health and safety risks. For homeowners, especially those living in older properties, understanding and replacing lead pipes, galvanized steel, and other outdated plumbing materials is a critical step toward protecting your home and family.
Why Older Plumbing Is a Problem
1. Lead Pipes
- Lead can leach into drinking water, causing significant health risks.
- The EPA identifies no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children.
- Homes built before the 1980s may still contain lead service lines or solder.
2. Galvanized Steel Pipes
- Common in homes built before the 1960s.
- Corrode over time, restricting water flow and causing leaks.
- Can trap lead particles from nearby plumbing.
3. Polybutylene Pipes
- Used in homes from the late 1970s to mid-1990s.
- Known for sudden, catastrophic failures.
4. Aging Copper or PVC
- Even durable materials degrade over decades, leading to leaks or water quality issues.
Signs You May Have Old or Lead Plumbing
- Rusty or Discolored Water: Indicates corrosion.
- Frequent Leaks: Aging pipes develop pinhole leaks or cracks.
- Low Water Pressure: Corrosion buildup restricts flow.
- Visible Pipe Material: Galvanized pipes are often dull gray and magnetic.
- Home Age: If your house was built before 1980, old piping is likely.
Health Risks of Lead Pipes
Lead in drinking water can cause:
- Developmental delays in children.
- Kidney damage.
- Cardiovascular issues.
- Neurological problems.
Even small amounts of lead exposure are dangerous, making replacement a top priority.
Real-World Example: Riverside Home Repipe
A Riverside homeowner contacted All Pro Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical after noticing rusty water and low pressure.
Our inspection revealed:
- Galvanized steel pipes with heavy corrosion.
- Traces of lead solder in older joints.
We recommended and completed a full home repipe with PEX piping. The homeowner now enjoys:
- Cleaner, safer drinking water.
- Improved water pressure.
- A plumbing system designed to last decades.
Replacement Options for Outdated Plumbing
PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
- Flexible, durable, and resistant to scale and corrosion.
- Quicker installation, reducing labor costs.
- Excellent for Inland Empire homes with slab foundations.
Copper
- Long-lasting and fully recyclable.
- Naturally antimicrobial, improving water quality.
- Higher upfront cost but excellent durability.
CPVC or PVC
- Affordable and widely available.
- Best suited for certain drain or non-potable water applications.
Why Replacement Is Often the Best Solution
Temporary fixes don’t solve the underlying risks. Replacing outdated pipes ensures:
- Healthier Water: Eliminates lead and corrosion.
- Improved Performance: Restores full water flow and pressure.
- Fewer Emergencies: Reduces leaks and water damage.
- Increased Home Value: Buyers prioritize safe, modern plumbing.
Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Delaying Replacement: Waiting increases the risk of health hazards and expensive damage.
- Partial Replacements: Leaving sections of lead or galvanized pipe still exposes your system to risk.
- DIY Repairs: Inadequate repairs may not comply with California plumbing codes.
- Skipping Professional Testing: Water tests confirm contamination levels and guide the right fix.
Local Relevance: Inland Empire Plumbing Challenges
- Historic Homes in San Bernardino: Many still contain galvanized or lead pipes.
- Riverside Neighborhoods: Aging infrastructure means repiping is often necessary.
- Ontario & Fontana: Families with older homes are replacing plumbing for safety and efficiency.
- Southern California Codes: The 2025 plumbing code requires safe, approved materials in remodels.
How All Pro Helps Replace Old Plumbing
Homeowners across the Inland Empire trust All Pro Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical because we provide:
- Licensed plumbers trained in full-home repiping.
- Same-day inspections for urgent plumbing concerns.
- Safe material upgrades like PEX and copper.
- Local expertise on Inland Empire plumbing codes and water quality needs.
We make replacing outdated plumbing safe, efficient, and stress-free.
Key Takeaways
- Many Inland Empire homes still contain lead, galvanized, or outdated pipes.
- Health risks include lead exposure, corrosion, and poor water quality.
- Replacement with PEX or copper provides safe, durable solutions.
- Professional repiping ensures code compliance and long-term value.
- All Pro Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical delivers trusted repiping services for Southern California homes.
Call to Action
Worried about old pipes in your home? Call All Pro Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical in Ontario today for expert repiping services. Our licensed plumbers are available 24/7 to replace outdated plumbing, improve water quality, and protect your family.