Plumbing supply pipes, such as galvanized, copper, CPVC, or PEX, can last between 40 and 70 years. Plumbing drain pipes, such as cast iron, ABS and PVC pipes, can last from 50 to 80 years. Plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs, sinks, and faucets, can last from 10 to 30 years or more. The lifespan of plumbing components will vary depending on the materials, use and quality of the installation. Your home's supply pipes are subject to large amounts of water pressure every day.
As a result, they are more prone to damage and to routine wear and tear. Fortunately, most supply pipes are designed to last for decades. Therefore, if your house isn't very old, you probably won't have to replace the supply pipes any time soon. The expected lifespan of copper-based pipes is between 70 and 80 years, while galvanized steel pipes can last 80 to 100 years. We specialize in system replacement, preventive maintenance and repair, all with the goal of keeping your heating, cooling and plumbing systems operating at maximum efficiency.
Depending on the year your house was built, different materials were probably used for the plumbing system. Below are some tables that describe the life expectancy of various plumbing pipes and fittings. To find out if you need to replace your plumbing system, it's important to consider the average lifespan of your home's plumbing components and accessories. Review the home inspection report you received when you bought your home to see what type of pipes you have, or call a trusted plumber for a free inspection of your plumbing system. This includes not only the kitchen or bathroom pipes that you're going to be redoing, but also any pipes that go through the walls to feed the bathrooms upstairs.
This doesn't necessarily mean that you need a total revision of the pipes; some pipes just need a good fit. Meanwhile, if you live in a relatively newer home and your pipes don't have major problems, updating your plumbing fixtures or not is a matter of choice. Unless you've just built your house or you're a few years old, there's a chance your plumbing might be out of date. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, all plumbing parts have an expected lifespan. Plumbing components are like other material features in your home; everything will wear out eventually. You're more likely to tire of plumbing fixtures in the bathroom or kitchen instead of wearing them out completely and making them unusable.
Cast iron plumbing pipes are between 50 and 100 years old; however, beyond 50 years cast iron is prone to leaking and is difficult to repair. Regardless of the material, each of these plumbing products has a lifespan that you should know before you can assess if it needs an improvement. You don't even have to wait for a second opinion after the inspection to find out if you need your pipes changed or not. People who have newer homes with newer plumbing systems can get away with not having their pipes inspected for the first three to five years; however, owners of older homes should never miss an annual inspection.
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