The pipes that carry fresh, potable water into your home have a finite lifespan. Although some water supply pipes can last up to 100 years, others can fail after just 20. Factors like excessively hard water, high water pressure, and corrosion can shorten the lifespans of these important plumbing system features. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we help homeowners protect their water quality and save money. That’s why we’re sharing everything you need to know about having your home repiped.
Pipe Materials Matter
The age of your pipes is the best indicator of the need for replacement. However, given that some pipe materials last significantly longer than others, what your pipes are made of matters too. Stainless steel water supply pipes typically last two to five decades. Cast iron pipes can last a century or more. On average, brass and copper pipes last 40 to 60 years. Although PVC, PEX, and other plastic water supply lines can last indefinitely, they aren’t impervious to problems.
General Recommendations for Repiping
In general, homeowners should replace their water supply pipes every 40 years. This remains true irrespective of pipe materials. Repiping optimizes water pressure, ensures water safety, and keeps homes on par with the latest plumbing codes. Repiping every four decades also adds value to homes and makes it easier for properties to pass lender-required inspections when selling.
The Unfortunately Long Lifespan of Lead Pipes
The Safe Drinking Water Act was amended by Congress in 1986 to exclude the use of lead pipes and other lead plumbing materials in water supply systems. However, although this ban prohibited the use of lead in new plumbing systems, it didn’t mandate the immediate removal of existing lead water supply lines.
If you inherited an older home or purchased your home without a pre-sale inspection, there’s a fair chance that there’s lead in your plumbing system. Lead pipes can last 100 years without experiencing major leaks, changes in water pressure, or other performance issues. This is good reason to have aging water supply pipes professionally inspected and replace them after 40 years of service.
Sudden Changes in Water Pressure
Hard water brings dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium into water supply lines. Much like they do on faucet handles, these minerals create heavy build-ups in pipe interiors. If your home’s water is very hard, these buildups will eventually decrease the interior diameter of your pipes and inhibit the movement of water. If turning on your taps results in weak, guttering streams, you may need repiping service.
The Taste, Smell, and Clarity of Your Tap Water
Another sign of age-related water supply pipe failure is discolored, foul-smelling, or foul-tasting water. As water supply pipes age, they can develop tiny “pinhole” leaks. Not only do these leaks let fresh water out, but they also let outside contaminants in. If you have leaky water supply pipes at the exterior of the building, your tap water could be rife with bacteria and soil-based chemicals.
Frequent Water Leaks
Water supply line leaks can cause significant property damage. More often than not, these leaks are hidden behind drywall, cabinets, or other building elements. Due to their inconspicuous locations, these leaks could fester for weeks without drawing attention. During this process, they’ll raise indoor humidity and create the conditions for mold and mildew.
Although water supply line leaks may be the result of faulty installation, faulty repairs, or loose connections, frequent leaks are often age-related. If you’ve had to schedule plumbing service for leaky water supply pipes several times within the last two years, repiping your home could be the most cost-effective decision.
Noisy Pipes
As pipes age, buildups of sediment and internal flaws can make them noisy. Loose, leaky pipes can develop water hammers. These loud, internal shock waves occur whenever water rapidly changes direction. Banging, rattling, and shrieking sounds when you turn your taps on are always cause for concern. In most cases, they’re an indication that water supply lines are nearing the end of their service lives.
Fluctuating Water Temperatures
Significant fluctuations in the temperature of your tap water may be the result of the age-related narrowing of your water supply pipes’ walls. As pipe walls deteriorate, pipes lose their natural insulating abilities and temperature control.
Visible Deterioration
Take a look at all exposed water supply pipes in your home. Visible corrosion could mean that your pipes are poised to rupture or develop leaks at any moment. Repiping before problems occur will spare you the extra costs and hassle of repairing or replacing nearby building materials.