No matter what type of piping you have at your home, there comes a time when it’ll need to be replaced. But when exactly is the right time to do it? Everyone’s plumbing is different and it’ll depend on the type of piping you have. There are many different piping materials out there and each varies in how long their lifespan is. Here’s everything you need to know about the most common types of pipes and how long they last. 

Types of Piping

• Copper: Copper is one of the most common piping materials used. It typically lasts around 70 to 80 years. Newer homes that have copper plumbing likely won’t have to worry about their pipes for the foreseeable future. However, if your home is older and has copper pipes, get in touch with a plumber who can take a look at your piping to see if anything is wrong. This is imperative because copper pipes can corrode over time and contaminate your water. 
• Brass: While brass doesn’t share the same popularity as copper, it does have a longer lifespan of around 80 to 100 years. Brass plumbing isn’t something that you’re likely to see in newer homes because the material contains trace amounts of lead. This is a health hazard that would put those living in the home at risk. 
• PVC: PVC pipes are a popular choice amongst homeowners. Thanks to advances made in the industry, PVC piping has evolved to become incredibly durable and can last up to 70 years or more. Unlike other piping, PVC pipes don’t corrode and never let any metal spill into your water, keeping it clean and safe.  
• Polybutylene: Polybutylene piping is a more affordable choice when compared to other options. However, its durability is quite lacking and it tends to break down after 10 to 15 years. Although most homes today probably won’t have these types of pipes, it’s still wise to check if you do and to get them replaced if they are a part of your plumbing. 
• Lead: Lead pipes are a danger to the health of any household that lives on a property that has them. While they are durable and can last up to 100 years, lead pipes should always be replaced because they can cause sickness from their heavy toxicity. 
• Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel piping can often be found in older homes built before the 1960s. It has a protective zinc coating that helps prevent corrosion and is expected to last between 80 to 100 years. Galvanized steel is no longer used as much because it is susceptible to rust, which can lead to several plumbing issues.
• Cast Iron: Similar to galvanized steel, the lifespan of cast iron piping is around 80 to 100 years. It also has problems with rust, which is why its use is not prevalent in plumbing. 

When your pipes begin to hit the end of their lifespan, you’ll need to replace them to ensure that your plumbing can keep doing its job. Reach out to the professional plumbers at ProFlo, who specialize in pipe repair and replacement. You can trust ProFlo because of our record of working with Murrieta, Temecula, and Canyon Lake residents to deliver world-class plumbing services that are of the utmost quality and reliability. Our helpful team of plumbers can address any of your residential and commercial plumbing needs. To experience just how fantastic our services can be, call us today at (951) 694-1300 to schedule an appointment or to request a free estimate.