How Long Pipes Typically Last
The lifespan of your pipes depends on their material.
Generally, brass or galvanized steel water supply lines last between 80 and 100 years, while copper pipes have a typical lifespan of 70 to 80 years. Keep in mind, however, that while galvanized steel is a durable material, it is more susceptible to corrosion than copper or brass.
As for sewer drain lines, cast iron lasts between 80 and 100 years, while PVC generally stays usable for 25 to 40 years. When you experience a sewer problem, start with a drain cleaning and go from there.
Of course, there are always exceptions to these numbers, but if you live in an older home and you believe that it has its original pipes, there’s a good chance you could be due for a repiping. As a rule, any home over 50 years of age likely has galvanized steel pipes, so you should have them checked for corrosion to avoid a significant problem in the future.
Signs You Require a Home Repiping
In addition to the age of your water line, keep an eye out for other telltale signs of deteriorating pipes in your home.
For starters, the water pressure in your home could be trying to tell you something about the health of your pipes.
When you turn on a tap, you expect a certain level of water pressure. There are a few different reasons why your water pressure is lower than usual, one of which is a buildup of rust or mineral deposits in your water line. This buildup takes decades to accumulate to the point where it significantly decreases your water pressure. Still, it’s also an indication that your pipes are nearing the end of their lifecycle and that you require a plumbing repipe.
Another sign that the inside of your pipes are rusting is red or brown water coming from your taps. As the inside of your pipes rust, pieces will break off and enter your water supply. While the chunks of rust likely won’t make it to your taps, they will sit in the water, changing its color. Rust in your pipes is a severe pipe repair issue because it’s affecting your water quality, which could make you sick.
Perhaps the easiest way to tell if your water line is nearing the end of its life is when it starts leaking. A single leak could be an isolated incident and is something that you can have repaired. When your pipes leak time after time, however, they might be due for a replacement. Going through with a repiping is the right decision in this situation because it’ll save you money on repairs and from the constant hassle of trying to repair cracked or broken sections of pipe. If you have one of your pipe burst without any known cause like freezing chances are your plumbing is starting to show signs of extensive wear and tear.
