Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years, and PVC piping only survives for 24 to 50 years. In most new construction, this is seldom a problem, but if you live in an old home you might want to see what pipe material your house has.
Supply Pipes
Brass pipes have a general life expectancy of around 40-70 years while copper usually only lasts around 50 years and galvanized steel taking the prize for the shortest lifespan of around 20-50 years on average.
The lifespan for the most common residential plumbing systems are: Brass: 40 to 70 years. Copper: 50 or more years. Galvanized steel: 20 to 50 years.
If the primary issue is localized to just one area of the house, then it may simply be a singular pipe or joint segment that needs to be replaced. However, if leaking pipes are a problem all over and there are issues such as corrosion or water discoloration, then repiping your entire house is likely necessary.
Wear & tear in old water pipes
Most PVC plumbing pipes have a long life. Once installed, you won't have to worry about replacing them for years to come. Other types of pipes must be replaced at least a couple of decades down the road. Galvanized steel pipes can last from 20 to 50 years.
If you turn on the faucets in your home and see yellow, green or brown water, your pipes may be seriously corroded and about to leak or burst. Having yellow or brown water can be the result of rust in your water pipes. Having green-colored water indicated excessive corrosion in copper water pipes.
Unless you just built your home or it's a few years old, there's a chance that your plumbing is outdated. Over time, pipes suffer from the elements, resulting in corrosion, rust, and eventual disrepair. However, you don't have to live in fear of a leak or raw sewage flowing under your house or in your basement.
Signs of pipe corrosion occur as early as two years post-installation. A neutral or acidic pH of water dissolves the copper oxide barrier of pipes, making them vulnerable to accelerated corrosion, resulting in pinhole leaks.
Here are the expected lifespans for common supply pipes: Copper Pipes: 70-80 years. Brass Pipes: 80-100 years. Galvanized Steel Pipes: 80-100 years.
Dig-up test results in the U.S. and around the world indicate that PVC pipe can be expected to provide reliable service in excess of 100 years. The average water main is failing at 4 7 years. Corrosion is the major cause.
L-type copper pipes are of medium thickness and can last for 50-100 years. As the thickest variety of copper piping, K-type pipes can last for over 100 years.
The best way to protect against metal-to-metal corrosion is to insulate the metal. For piping, consider installing insulators, such as wear pads or pipe shoes. Insulators add a buffer between metals, so the metal stays durable longer.
Rust occurs on both the inside and outside of pipes. Internal corrosion forms through high pH levels in the water, dissolving a metal pipe's inner protective layer. External corrosion usually forms through leakage. When left unchecked, pipes build up with rust or limescale and block water flow.
Though rusty water may look and taste unpleasant, it is not generally a health concern. Iron in water is not a sign of harmful bacteria or lead, which are hazards. The limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for iron in drinking water are based on aesthetics (taste, odor, color), not safety concerns.
Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a lifespan of up to 100 years, copper can last over 50 years, and PEX and PVC usually last around 50 years.
They still last a pretty long time. Brass supply pipes can last between 40 to 70+ years. Copper pipes can last in excess of 50 years, and galvanized steel pipes can last between 20 and 50 years. Cast iron drain lines have a lifespan of 75 to 100 years, and PVC drain lines will last indefinitely.
Locate your water meter and check the leak indicator to see if it is moving. Depending on the brand of your meter, the leak indicator could be a small triangular shaped dial or a small silver wheel that rotates when water is flowing through the meter. If the dial is moving, chances are, you have a leak.
OPEN HOT WATER TAPS AROUND THE HOUSE UNTIL YOU SMELL VINEGAR. After, close off the water taps and let it sit for at least 6 hours. During that time, the vinegar will hopefully eat away at the scale within your pipes as well as the scale at the bottom of your water heater.
Deterioration of cast iron pipes is normal after just 25 years. Wear and tear is normal in residential pipe systems. One frequently asked question is “How long do cast iron drain pipes last?” Cast iron waste pipes last anywhere between 50 and 100 years.
Corrosion
Over time, the pressure and friction applied by water wear away at the inner walls of your pipes. Eventually, the water eats away from the piping that tiny leaks form. Silent leaks spring, and water seeps out of them, doing exponentially more damage as the problem goes unaddressed.
If you have exposed pipes (for example, in a basement ceiling), you can remove small spots of external corrosion yourself. Make a paste of equal parts white vinegar, baking soda, and salt and apply it to the corrosion. Ten minutes later, wipe away the paste. Most, if not all the corrosion will also be wiped away.