At some point along the way of owning a house or building, you will have you ask yourself a very important question, which is “Do I need to replace the plumbing?” Regardless of a property’s intended use, the plumbing is a critical factor in the overall comfort, safety, performance, and value. But after some time, it does expire. Like most man-made materials, plumbing pipes are made from metals and polymers that come with a certain life expectancy.

If you want to know whether or not you need to replace your plumbing, it helps to learn the average lifespan of your plumbing pipes. Continue reading to get started now.

Types of Plumbing Pipes

Whether commercial or residential, a failing plumbing system is a huge liability. Not only does it pose a long list of structural damages and costly repairs, it can also cause several health and safety risks. If your plumbing is old, it is in the best interest of your investment, as well as the safety of everyone around, to replace the plumbing when it has reached the end of its life cycle.

In order to determine when you need to replace your plumbing, you need to know which kind of piping material your property is fitted with. Lifespans of plumbing pipes can range from a few years to 100 years, depending on the material. The most common residential and commercial plumbing pipe materials include brass, cast iron, copper, galvanized steel, and PVC.

Here are the expected average lifespan of these plumbing pipe materials:

Brass – 40 to 45 Years
Cast Iron – 75 to 100 Years
Copper – 50 Years or More
Galvanized Steel – 20 to 50 Years
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Indefinite

Plumbing Fixtures and More

In addition to thinking about piping material lifespan when deciding when the right time is to replace your plumbing, you must also consider various other areas that connect your plumbing to your fixtures, such as pipe joints, fittings, and mechanical components. These areas can also affect how soon you need to replace or repair your plumbing systems. Furthermore, if you notice an increase in plumbing leaks, cracks, and corrosion, you can assume it is time for some replacements.

Professional Plumbing Service and Repair

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.