Angie's List: proper plumbing maintenance - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Most people don't think much about their plumbing until a pipe breaks. If you are in that position, you have a lot more to think about than just replacing what's broken.

Our partners at Angie's List for have a look at all the different options you have to keep the water flowing in your house.

If your home has been around for a few decades, your pipes are aging right along with it. Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks said pipes are usually out of sight and out of mind, until you have a problem. Experts say when you can check them, you should.

"One of the best times to check the pipes in your house is when you are remodeling your kitchen or bathroom because at that point you'll likely have the floors and the walls exposed so it will be very easy to check," said Hicks.

Plumber Lance Smith said if you have any symptoms at all of plumbing failure, you have a problem that is not going to go away.

"One symptom is loss of pressure and also you can start to see what we call stalactites or corrosion around fittings that would be another indication that it is time for piping replacement," said Smith.

If you determine that it's time to switch out your pipes, the next step is to choose what kind of pipes you want to get.

Copper is the traditional piping material, and there is still more of it than anything else in American homes. It has a life-span of about 50 years.

CPVC pipe is a common plastic piping that is much less expensive and easy to install. It's also brittle and can crack as soon as it freezes.

PEX pipe is a newer product that has only been around for a decade or so. It is lightweight and flexible and can be used with any other pipes that you already have in your house.

Modern materials are easier to work with, and less expensive.

"Your average cost per foot for three quarter sized copper is between $2.50-$3.00. Where PEX is more between .50-$1.05 for the same size piping," said Smith.

Experts say you also need to remember that plumbing is such a critical feature in your home that it is almost always better to hire a professional than to try to re-plumb yourself.