Older Abita Springs and Covington homes (pre-1970) likely have galvanized pipes — and they cause problems. Here's the honest comparison.
Galvanized steel (the old standard)
Steel pipe with zinc coating, standard 1900-1960. Corrodes from the inside, restricting flow over time. Causes brown water, low pressure, eventually pinhole leaks. Lifespan: 40-50 years (most are past this). If you have it, plan to replace.
Copper (traditional upgrade)
Pros: 50+ year lifespan, doesn't leach chemicals, holds up under high temp. Cons: Expensive raw material, slow install (soldered joints), can develop pinhole leaks. LA whole-home repipe cost: $8,000-$15,000
PEX (modern choice)
Pros: Cheaper, faster install, resists freezing, doesn't corrode, color-coded hot/cold. Cons: Can't be used outdoors (UV damage), not recyclable. LA whole-home repipe cost: $4,500-$9,500
Our recommendation
PEX for most Abita Springs repipes: 40-50% cheaper, fewer joints (= fewer leak points), handles LA freeze/thaw better, faster install, 50-year warranties from Uponor and Viega. We use copper for short runs near water heaters and outdoor hose bibs.
Signs you need to repipe
Brown water, slowly dropping pressure, multiple leaks in different rooms, visibly corroded pipes in basement, home built pre-1970 never repiped.