How Long Do Plumbing Pipes Last?

Your home’s plumbing is constantly working behind the scenes to meet your needs. Whether you’re showering or washing your hands, your pipes work hard to provide you with water and remove waste. These pipes are usually designed to last a long time — but unfortunately, there will eventually come a day when they need to be replaced.

So, how long do plumbing pipes last? Let’s discuss the average lifespan of these pipes and several factors that can impact their longevity.

Pipe Material

If you want to know the average lifespan of plumbing pipes, it’s important to know that the material they’re made out of can heavily influence their life expectancy. When it comes down to it, some materials are more durable than others. How long does plumbing last inside a home? Let’s go over the most common piping materials and how long they typically last.

Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized steel piping was commonly installed in homes that were built pre-1960. How long does plumbing last when it’s made of galvanized steel? While these pipes were designed to last 80 to 100 years, they’re known for being prone to corrosion. This means that if you have these pipes in your home, there’s a good chance they’ve already started to rust. This rust can lead to major problems down the road — including costly and damaging leaks. The sooner you replace these types of pipes, the better.

Cast Iron Pipes

Some older homes were built with cast iron pipes. So, how long do plumbing pipes last when they’re made of this type of material? Much like galvanized pipes, those made out of cast iron can usually last between 75 to 100 years. Unfortunately, this type of piping can also corrode over time, which requires them to be replaced.

PVC Pipes

PVC is a popular type of plastic piping material for several reasons, including its flexibility. All-in-all, you can generally expect these plastic pipes to have a lifespan of at least 50 years. Since there have been many advancements in PVC pipes, it’s not fully known yet how long they will last.

Polybutylene Pipes

Polybutylene piping used to be a popular option among homeowners from the 1970s to the 1990s. Unfortunately, these plastic pipes were not very durable and broke easily, which required them to be replaced. In many cases, polybutylene piping only lasts upwards of 15 years. So if you happen to still have these pipes, you’ll likely want to have them replaced ASAP.

Copper Pipes

As you may already know, copper piping is an extremely popular option for plumbing systems. However, you might still be wondering: how long do plumbing pipes last when they’re made of copper? When it comes down to it, these pipes can usually have a serviceable life of 70 to 80 years. So if your pipes are more than 70 years old and you’ve started to notice discolored water, you’ll want to call a plumber for a replacement.

High water pressure and hard water can, unfortunately, also take a toll on the longevity of copper pipes. If there is an excessive amount of minerals in your water supply, don’t hesitate to reach out to a plumber in Alvin, TX, for more information about installing a water filtration system.

Lead Pipes

How long does plumbing last when the pipes are made out of lead? These pipes can last up to 100 years. However, if you still have pipes made out of lead in your home, it’s crucial that you have them removed and replaced as quickly as possible for your safety. Lead exposure can be detrimental to the health of you and your family.

Turn to Aberle for a Whole-Home Repiping!

So, how long do plumbing pipes last in a home? As you can see, the answer to this question varies depending on the material they’re made out of — among several other factors. If you think the time has come for a whole-home repiping, reach out to Aberle for a job done right!

Our professional plumbers specialize in everything from water heater upgrades to sink repair in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a quick fix or comprehensive pipe repair, you can rely on us to provide you with a dependable solution.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and let us experts replace the pipes in your home!