Plumbing System
The average lifespan of a plumbing system is determined by many factors. The material that the pipes are made of, how much they’re used and what type of water they’re exposed to all contribute. While most pipe materials perform well for decades, a few of them do have shorter lifespans than others.
Regardless of the material, if you’re experiencing any signs of wear or a need for repairs, it’s time to have them replaced. It’s also important to know when it’s time to replace the various connections and fittings that connect your plumbing to your fixtures, appliances and other components.
Toilets, kitchen faucets and showerheads typically have an average lifespan of 15 years or more. While they may seem simple enough to last that long, the parts that make up these fixtures often require some attention from a plumber after years of use and abuse. Copper – These pipes have an expected life of 50 years or more, but they can corrode and rust over time. Despite their durability, copper pipes can also become prone to pin-hole leaks, which shorten their lifespan even further.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Plumbing System?
Brass – These shiny, yellow pipes are generally screwed together instead of soldered and can last up to 50 years. Cast Iron – These gray-colored pipes are used for drain lines and typically have an expected life of 75 to 100 years. Clay – These pipes, which are found in older neighborhoods, can also last up to 50 years. Polybutylene – These gray plastic pipes, which were popular between the 1970s and the 1990s, can break apart very easily. They’re often spotted in homes in the Sun Belt, Mid-Atlantic states and the Pacific Northwest.
Lead – These pipes are typically dull gray and should be replaced immediately to prevent health hazards from leaching into your drinking water. Zinc – These piping materials are also often zinc-coated to protect them from corrosion. These are usually dipped in a protective zinc coating to ensure they’re durable, but they can begin to rust after several years.
PEX – These flexible, clear-colored pipes were introduced in the 1980s and can last up to 40 years. Galvanized Steel – These pipes were commonly used in homes before the 1960s and have an expected life of 80-100 years. If you have a home built before 1950, it’s likely you’ve got galvanized steel or iron piping. These dark gray or black pipes are prone to rusting and flaking, which can leave flakes of metal in your water supply. They usually last 20 to 50 years, so if you have them in your house, you’ll want to replace them as soon as possible.
PVC – These opaque white pipes are generally not as durable as metal piping, but they can last up to 75 years in supply lines. Your sewer line transports wastewater from your house to the main sewer line. Residential sewer lines are most often made of either PVC or ABS these days, and they can last up to 80-100 years if they’re installed properly. However, they can deteriorate quickly if your yard is flooded or the terrain changes significantly over the years.
