Understanding the Different Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Livespan

Understanding the different types of plumbing pipes and their lifespan is important for both homeowners and plumbers. It can help you make better repair or replacement decisions.

Pipe lifespan depends on the type of material it is made from and the amount of usage it sees. Typically, pipes should last for at least 20 years.

Copper

Understanding the different types of plumbing pipes and their lifespan can help you make a smart decision about what type of pipes to use in your home. Choosing the right materials for your plumbing system will ensure that you don’t have to deal with plumbing problems in the future.

Copper piping is a very popular choice because it is durable, bacteria-resistant, and eco-friendly. It is also easy to clean and maintain, compared to steel or PVC.

The longevity of your copper piping depends on many factors, such as the water pH level and acidity, as well as how well you take care of your pipes. It can last 20 years or more under ideal conditions, but may only last a few decades for homes with acidic water or low water pressure.

PEX

Understanding the different types of plumbing pipes and their lifespan is a key part of making an informed choice when it comes to your home’s water supply system. For example, PEX (polyethylene cross-linked) tubing is a great choice for drinking water systems because it’s less likely to corrode than copper.

However, PEX plumbing pipe does have some disadvantages that can impact their lifespan. For example, they’re not designed to withstand freezing outdoor temperatures, and they degrade significantly when exposed to the sun’s UV rays.

This can lead to leaks and damage to your property. Luckily, there are ways to keep PEX piping in good shape and prevent these problems from occurring. One such way is to have your plumbing professional regularly inspect the pipes and clean them out.

ABS

Understanding the different types of plumbing pipes and their lifespan is crucial to ensuring that your system works effectively. It can also help you determine when it’s time to replace your current system.

ABS is a type of plastic commonly used in pipes and fittings, as well as toys (LEGO(r) building blocks), power tool bodies, valve handles, instrument cases, car bumpers, kitchen appliances and more. It is often made with a chemical called BPA, which has been linked to a variety of health problems.

Despite this, it is still a common material for DWV and sewer lines in many homes today. In some locations, however, it is banned because of its potential for degradation in direct sunlight. This can result in warping and the transmission of sound.

Galvanized Steel

If you live in an older home, it’s likely that your plumbing is made of galvanized steel. These pipes were a popular choice with builders decades ago.

But over time, they corrode. They start to rust inside, clogging the pipe and limiting water flow.

Rust can also discolor and contaminate the water that flows through them, making it unsafe to drink. It also can release lead into the water, causing serious health issues for people living in homes with these pipes.

The lifespan of galvanized steel pipes is typically around 50 years, but they can last longer or shorter depending on their use. For example, if they’re used to transport water with high mineral content, they will corrode faster.

Polybutylene

Polybutylene pipes were one of the most popular plumbing materials during their heyday in the 1980s and 1990s. They were cheap to make, easy to install and didn’t rust as galvanized steel pipes did.

However, the cheap plastic used to make polybutylene piping degrades over time and develops small holes. The holes then grow bigger and eventually cause the pipe to break and water to leak out.

This happens because the material reacts with chlorine in your water. Chlorinated water corrodes the lining of the poly pipe, causing it to deteriorate and break down.

This is why it’s important to replace your polybutylene pipes sooner rather than later. Replacing them before they fail can help prevent costly repairs from happening.