Have you ever asked yourself how often should water pipes be replaced? This is a very common question for plumbing services. In this article, we will give you the answers and explain why it is needed to get regular inspections of your plumbing system.
Rusty Pipe
Failing plumbing or pipes can be annoying and costly. Local homeowners can learn about the expected lifespan of their plumbing and the signs of a plumbing failure to help them decide when it is time to replace their plumbing.
What Is the Life Expectancy of Residential Plumbing Systems?
Although pipes and plumbing that run throughout your home will not last forever, they can be maintained with regular maintenance and care. Look around your house to see what materials your pipes are made from. Depending on the materials used for the plumbing, any problems could indicate a need for simple repairs or that the pipes are reaching the end of their useful life expectancy.
The average lifespan of the most common residential plumbing system is:
- Brass: 40-70 years
- Copper: 50 years or more
- Galvanized steel: 20-50 years
- Cast iron: 75-100 years
- Polyvinyl chloride: Indefinitely
Although most of these materials are durable, you should also consider the pipe joints, fittings, and other parts connecting your plumbing and fixtures. They could be defective and cause leaks, clogs, or other problems.
What Is the Average Life Expectancy for Plumbing?
The life expectancy of an average plumbing system will vary depending on the individual components.
- Water heaters: have a 12-year average lifespan
- Garbage disposals: have a 10-year average lifespan
- Toilet flappers: have a 5-year average lifespan
- Water softeners: have a 20-year average lifespan
Toilets installed after 1992 have to flush at 1.6 GPF. It is important to understand the life expectancy and potential problems of your plumbing system.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Home’s Plumbing?
Once you have a better understanding of the material of your plumbing and the performance expectations it will bring, you can also learn the signs of failing plumbing, such as when to replace toilet pipes or slow drains, leaking faucets, slow drains, and other plumbing fixtures. These are the signs that it is time to replace your home’s plumbing.
- Water discoloration: A watercolor that is unusual or brownish in appearance can be a sign of pipe corrosion. Your water supply may also have rust particles, which could cause water discoloration.
- Water with an unpleasant odor: You should not use water that has a strong odor. This could be a sign of bacteria buildup in pipes or mold growth in pipes and drains.
- Leaking fixtures or pipes: Look out for any leaks, such as a damaged fixture or damp spaces around major appliances or behind walls. You should also check your water bill to see if it has increased in the last few months. While you can replace a broken faucet, it may be necessary to replace the entire pipe.
- Slow drainage: A drain that is not clearing despite multiple cleaning agents or snakes may be very corroded and will need to be replaced.
- Low water pressure: A low water pressure could be a sign of a clogged pipe, a leak downstream from the fixture, or a leaking pipe.
Are You Having Problems With Your Plumbing?
There are many factors that go into determining how often should water pipes be replaced. However, it is safe to say that if you have a rusting pipe, the safest thing to do is to schedule a plumber to come and assess the situation. Clog Kings is here to help, call us or visit our website.
