When is it time to swap out old pipes?

I think you’re onto something with the material making a big difference. Galvanized, in particular, has a shelf life - once it starts corroding inside, patching feels like a losing battle.

“does it depend on the type of pipe?”

Have you noticed any drop in water pressure or discoloration? Sometimes those are early signs things are going south even before visible leaks.

I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced that frequent leaks always mean you have to jump straight to a full replacement. Sometimes, especially if you’re on a tight budget, targeted repairs can buy you some time - at least until you can save up for a bigger job. I had a stretch where I was patching every six months or so, but the pressure and water quality stayed fine for a couple years. Guess it depends how bad things look inside the pipes too... sometimes it’s not as dire as it seems at first glance.

I hear you - patch jobs can definitely stretch things out if the leaks aren’t too wild. I’ve seen folks get by for years with just spot fixes, especially in older houses. Out of curiosity, did you ever have issues with rust flakes or weird tastes in the water, or was it just the leaks? Sometimes those hidden signs are what finally tip the scales for a full swap...

Funny you mention weird tastes - I've had a few calls where folks swore their water tasted like pennies, only to find the pipes were basically rust on the inside. Those hidden signs are sneaky. Leaks are the obvious red flag, but honestly, when you start seeing rust flakes in the tap or your water's got that metallic tang, it's usually a sign things are going south behind the walls.

I get why people want to patch and keep things rolling, especially with older homes where a full repipe can feel like opening Pandora’s box. But sometimes, those patch jobs just buy you a little time before the next surprise. I’ve seen situations where folks kept fixing leaks for years, then one day the whole thing gives out and floods the basement. Not fun.

If you’re noticing changes in water quality, even if the leaks are minor, it might be time to bite the bullet. It’s not always an emergency, but ignoring those small signs can lead to bigger headaches down the road. Sometimes, it’s better to swap before you’re ankle-deep in water and wondering where your weekend went...

Yeah, those “patch it and pray” fixes only get you so far. I tried limping along with my 60s-era copper for years - ended up chasing leaks every few months. Wish I’d just ripped the bandaid off sooner. Water tasting like batteries is never a good sign…