Finding your build year
- County records
- Jefferson County Assessor property records usually list the year built
- Closing documents
- Your inspection report often notes the era and visible plumbing types
- Clues in the house
- Stamps on the back of toilet tanks and water heater data plates show dates of fixtures, not the house
- Remodels
- Permit history from the city or county shows major plumbing work, if it was permitted
Typical materials by era
| Era built | Supply lines often found | Drain and sewer often found | Main watch points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late 1940s to 1950s | Galvanized steel, some copper | Cast iron inside, clay sewer lateral | Corroded galvanized, root intrusion in clay |
| 1960s to 1970s | Copper, remaining galvanized in places | Cast iron or early plastic, clay lateral | Mixed metal joints, aging water heaters, suspect flooring materials |
| 1980s to 1990s | Copper; some polybutylene in certain homes | Plastic drains, plastic or clay lateral | Polybutylene fittings, if present |
| 2000s to now | PEX and copper | Plastic drains and laterals | Fitting failures, appliance lines, upper-floor laundries |
Checks for every era
- Find and test the main shutoff valve; replace it if it is stuck or weeps.
- Look at every visible supply line for rust, green or white crust, or drips.
- Replace braided or rubber supply hoses on toilets, sinks and washers that show wear.
- Note the water heater age from its data plate.
- Have a camera inspection of the sewer lateral if the house is older and trees are nearby.
- Check that the dishwasher and refrigerator lines are not kinked or rubbing.
Questions for a plumber doing a whole-house review
- Which supply materials are in this house, and how much of each?
- Are there any fittings or materials known for higher failure rates?
- Is the water pressure within a normal range, and is there a pressure regulator?
- Would you prioritize any replacements before others?
Common questions
My house was built in the 1950s but looks fully updated. Do these risks still apply?
Possibly less, but check. Remodels often replace visible pipe while leaving original runs inside walls, under slabs or out to the street. A plumber can trace what was actually replaced, and permit history can confirm major work.
Is newer plumbing always safer?
Generally it is less prone to corrosion, but newer homes have more fixtures, more appliance connections and more upstairs laundries and bathrooms. Leaks in those locations land on finished living space, so sensors and periodic checks still pay off.
Where can I find out what a previous owner changed?
Ask the City of Lakewood or the county for permit history at your address, review your purchase inspection report, and look for dated stamps on fixtures. Work done without permits will not appear, so a plumber's look is still worthwhile.
General information for Lakewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.