Plumbing Life Expectancy
This past week, a client of mine asked about the life expectancy of plumbing, especially in older homes. When purchasing an older home, the age of the plumbing system can be a cause of concern. Below, please find more information on the life expectancy of pipes.
The life expectancy of piping in homes depends on the material used in the pipes themselves. Supply pipes are under constant pressure and therefore most likely to cause water damage. Supply lines made of brass will last between 40-70 years, copper pipes will last over 50 years, and steel pipes last anywhere from 20-50 years on average.
Unlike supply pipes, drain lines are not under as much pressure and as a result will last much longer. Generally supply lines are made from PVC which will last around 100 years. Cast iron drain lines last 75-100 years.
That's a short and sweet blog for you, but I think it sheds some light on a very important topic that you need to think about when purchasing your home.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to shoot me an e-mail or give me a call. I am happy to help answer any of your questions!
