Drain pipes are usually made of cast iron or polyvinyl chloride or PVC. Cast iron will last between 75 and 100 years, while PVC wins the award for the most durable pipe material with an indefinite lifespan. Supply pipes (under constant pressure and are therefore more likely to cause water damage when they leak). K-type pipes last at least 100 years.
It is the thickest copper pipe and is used for water mains in cities and for other non-residential plumbing applications. This pipe can withstand even greater pressure than type L, but you don't need to have this level of durability for the pipes in your home. In addition, these pipes are too expensive for most homeowners. Supply pipes are under constant pressure, which means they wear out faster than drain pipes, relatively speaking.
They still last quite a long time. Brass supply tubes can last between 40 and more than 70 years. Copper tubes can last more than 50 years and galvanized steel tubes can last between 20 and 50 years. Cast iron drain lines have a lifespan of 75 to 100 years and PVC drain pipes will last indefinitely.
To prevent leaks, use the following table to determine if the lifespan of your home's pipes is adequate or if your water pipes are bursting for attention. Lead pipes are usually opaque gray in color and the surface of the pipe can be easily scratched with a knife or wrench. Factors that may cause future leaks include excess pressure in pipes or pipes, slight natural movements in the house that put pressure on joints, and a poorly fitting joint that leaks. Copper tubing corrodes if exposed to water with high levels of acid, and the thin walls of type M tubing don't offer much protection against this wear.
Smith's Plumbing Services is fully equipped with everything you need to keep your pipes flowing smoothly for years to come. More importantly, however, the lifespan of pipes has a lot to do with the materials from which the pipes were built in the first place. Review the home inspection report you received when you purchased your home to see what types of pipes it has, or bring in a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing system. But when exactly is the right time to do so? Everyone's pipes are different and will depend on the type of pipe you have.
On the one hand, everyone's plumbing system is different, and depending on when your house was built, your pipes are likely to be as old or as new as your own plumbing system, unless, of course, they were replaced at some point. Knowing the types of plumbing pipes in your home allows you to take steps to prevent leaks, floods, and potential health hazards. If you suspect that your pipes are aged and need to be replaced, or if you want to have them inspected, call Abbott's Plumbing today. We offer pipe repair and replacement, as well as a pipe reconditioning service to fit a variety of plumbing systems.
