Do 1950s ranch homes in Smyrna still have original pipes?

Some can. HomeServe says galvanized steel pipe was commonly used before the 1960s and that some homes built as late as 1980 may still have it. A renovation may have updated only part of the system, so check what is actually in your walls and crawl space.

Should I repipe during a renovation?

If your supply lines are galvanized or worn, it is a good moment, because the walls are already open. HomeServe suggests upgrading to modern materials such as PVC and PEX during a major kitchen or bathroom renovation.

How do I tell if I have galvanized pipe?

HomeServe says to look for a gray or metallic appearance, scratch painted pipe to check the color underneath, or see whether a strong magnet sticks. Rust at joints, uneven pressure and discolored water are common symptoms.

Is a sewer camera worth it before adding a bathroom?

A camera shows the lateral's material, age and condition and where roots or breaks are, so you can fix problems before adding more use to the line.

Are Cheney Woods and Smyrna Heights on City water?

Yes, they are served by City of Smyrna water and sewer. The service line from the meter to the house and the sewer lateral belong to the homeowner.

Do I need to tell the City if I replace my water service line?

The City asks customers who replace the service line from the meter to the home to contact it so it can update its service line inventory. Public Works is (770) 431-2850.

How old is too old for a water heater?

Angi gives 8 to 12 years for tank water heaters and says a unit older than 10 years likely needs to be replaced.

Renovating a 1950s Ranch in Cheney Woods? Plumbing List

Renovating a 1950s Ranch in Cheney Woods? Plumbing to Check Before the Walls Close A new kitchen does not mean new pipes.

The City of Smyrna says more than 200 traditional ranch homes went up in Cheney Woods, and that many have been renovated in recent years. Before you buy, remodel or close up walls, here is what to check.

Open 24 hours, 7 daysClear answers firstLicensed Georgia plumbersBy Alex, published November 3, 2026

Short answer: Before drywall goes back up in a Cheney Woods or Smyrna Heights home, find out what is actually in the walls: supply lines (galvanized, copper or PEX), drain lines, the sewer lateral to the street, the water heater and the main shutoff. Get a written assessment, run a camera through the sewer lateral, replace worn parts while walls are open, and keep permit paperwork. If you are buying a renovated house, ask what was replaced and when.

Plumber using an oscillating multi-tool to cut into a green painted wall, guided by a green laser line — Opening a wall during a renovation is the moment to see what pipe is really inside.

What was built in the 1950s and 1960s

Smyrna counted 2,005 residents in 1950 and 19,157 in 1970, according to Wikipedia, as Lockheed reopened the nearby bomber plant in 1951 and housing spread out from downtown. Cheney Woods and Smyrna Heights come from that first wave of growth. The City's neighborhoods page says more than 200 traditional ranch homes were built in Cheney Woods, and that many have been renovated in recent years.

Homes from that period were built with the materials of the day. HomeServe notes that galvanized steel pipe was commonly used in homes built before the 1960s, and that some homes built as late as 1980 may still have it.

The renovation question: what was replaced?

New cabinets, tile and fixtures tell you very little about the pipes behind them. Common situations to look for in a renovated ranch:

New faucets and fixtures connected to original supply lines in the walls or crawl space
New PVC drains inside the house tied into an older stack or sewer lateral
A new water heater connected to old pipe
An addition with plumbing run through a space that was not built to stay warm in a freeze (see our frozen pipes guide)

Supply lines: galvanized, copper or PEX?

HomeServe's guide on galvanized plumbing says you can often identify it by a gray or metallic look, by scratching painted pipe to check the color, or with a strong magnet, which sticks to galvanized steel. It lists low or uneven pressure, discolored or metallic-tasting water and rust around joints in basements or crawl spaces as common symptoms.

The guide recommends replacing confirmed galvanized plumbing, and suggests upgrading to modern materials such as PVC and PEX during a major kitchen or bathroom renovation. If your walls are already open, that is the easiest time to have a plumber look at repiping.

Planning a renovation? Call before demolition and we will help you plan the plumbing.

A real person answers 24 hours a day and tells you what to do first, before anyone comes out.

(470) 357-0172

Drains and the sewer lateral

Before adding a bathroom or a laundry room, have the sewer lateral inspected with a camera. Mr. Rooter's guide says a camera shows the pipe material, age, condition and where roots are. In Smyrna the lateral from the house to the public main belongs to the property owner, according to the City's utility FAQ, so a failing lateral is your repair. Our guide on tree roots in sewer lines explains the signs and options.

The water heater and shutoffs

Angi gives 8 to 12 years as the typical life of a tank water heater and says a unit older than 10 years likely needs to be replaced. Rust-colored water can mean the tank interior is corroding, and water pooling around the base can mean a leak. If walls are open, it is also a good time to replace the main shutoff and old fixture valves so the next repair is quick. See water heater repair and installation.

Replacing the service line? Tell the City

The City of Smyrna says it has determined its water system is lead free, and it publishes an inventory of public and customer-owned service lines. If you replace the service line from the meter to your home, the City asks you to contact it so the inventory can be updated. Public Works is (770) 431-2850. The service line from the meter to the house is the homeowner's, per the City's utility FAQ.

If you are buying a renovated home

Ask the seller which pipes were replaced and when, and ask for permit records.
Look at exposed pipe in the crawl space and at the water heater.
Check the water heater's age against the 8 to 12 year range.
Have a plumber camera the sewer lateral before closing.
Ask your plumber which permits apply and who will pull them. Our Georgia plumber license guide covers permits and how to verify a license.

See what else we cover in Cheney Woods and Smyrna Heights.

Sources

Written and reviewed by Alex, a Smyrna local with an MBA who researches and edits every page on this site, citing official and published sources. Published November 3, 2026.

Plumbing work is performed by independent, licensed Georgia plumbers. General information, not legal or insurance advice.

Renovating a 1950s Ranch in Cheney Woods? Plumbing to Check Before the Walls Close A new kitchen does not mean new pipes.