Older Vegas Homes (1960s–70s): Pipes and Fittings to Watch
The Valley grew fast after the 1950s, and neighborhoods like Paradise Palms in Winchester, plus older parts of Paradise and east Las Vegas, still have plenty of homes from that era. Many have been updated. Many have been partly updated, and that's where surprises turn up.
Supply lines
- Galvanized steel was common in mid-century houses. It corrodes from the inside, which narrows the pipe and eventually causes leaks. Low pressure, or rusty water when you first open a tap, can be clues.
- Copper replaced galvanized in many homes. It lasts a long time, but hard water and other factors can lead to pinhole leaks.
- Transitions between metals, or between old metal and new PEX, deserve a look. Dissimilar-metal connections without the right fittings can corrode.
Valves
Old gate valves under sinks and at the main shutoff may not close fully, or may start leaking when you turn them. Test them, and replace any that don't work before you need them.
Drains
Cast-iron drains can crack and scale up inside over time. Slow drains throughout the house, or recurring backups, call for a camera inspection by a plumber.
Water heater & laundry
- Check the age on the water heater's label.
- Replace rubber washing-machine hoses with braided ones.
- Look for a drain pan under any heater inside the living space.
Roof
Many mid-century homes have flat or low-slope roofs. Clear scuppers before storm season.
What to do
Have a licensed plumber assess your system, especially before buying an older home or after a leak. Check their license at nscb.nv.gov. If a line has already let go, see burst pipe cleanup.