Copper pipes are known for their durability, with a lifespan of over 50 years. Unlike other materials that can corrode or wear out, copper resists corrosion and can handle high water pressure. This makes it a long-lasting solution.
Copper pipes generally last 40-60 years.
Copper pipes can last a long time, typically between 50 to 70 years, depending on various factors such as water quality, installation quality, and environmental conditions. However, they may need to be replaced sooner if they show signs of corrosion, leaks, or damage.
Copper piping systems are a great selling point for homes due to their longevity and reliability. The life span of copper plumbing pipes can vary significantly based on several factors, but on average, they can last between 50 to 70 years when installed correctly and maintained well.
Copper Piping: Copper pipes cost $2 to $12 per linear foot for the materials alone, depending on the diameter of the tube, and can have a higher plumbing installation cost when you compare copper pipe to PEX or CPVC.
Refrigerant lines typically last 20-25 years. Any damage or contamination can shorten the lifespan of your lines, but typically that's how long they should last. To ensure that you get the full life expectancy out of your lines, make sure you get a high-quality install from a trusted technician.
The Cons of Using Copper Pipes
Installation costs: Copper is more expensive than other piping materials. Since they're also rigid, you must incur the cost of elbow fittings. The rigidity makes them more challenging to cut and fix during installation. The longer it takes to handle the materials, the more cost you incur.
If you notice widespread signs of corrosion on your home's piping, you probably need to think about repiping your home. Check exposed piping for visible signs of corrosion, which include: Bluish-greenish tinting (on copper piping) Rust colored powder or marking.
Vulnerable to Damage
Plumbing failures can be caused by defective copper pipes several years after installation. Acidic water can be very bad for copper systems. Scale builds up inside the lines and blocks the flow of water through the plumbing system.
Its popularity soared after lead pipes became obsolete due to their unsafe nature. Today, plumbers still install copper pipes quite regularly, but you have a wide variety of other materials to choose from, too. PVC and PEX are both common and tend to be more affordable than copper.
Disadvantages of Copper Pipes
Copper piping is expensive. It can cost 10 to 15 times more when compared to other types of pipes. Copper may also freeze easily. If your home runs on well water, copper pipes could have problems if the water is acidic.
Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your copper pipes. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems. Simple maintenance tasks, such as checking for leaks, cleaning pipes, and inspecting water pressure, can prevent many common plumbing issues.
An HDR Engineering study estimated more than 600,000 miles of AC pipe are installed in the U.S. and Canada, with a typical design life of 50 years. 4 In addition, AC pipe can contain as much as 12 percent asbestos fiber content.
While some people argue these pipes should last 50 years, in practice, it may not last more than 20. Copper pipe will corrode if exposed to water with high acid levels and the thin walls of M-type pipe don't offer much protection against this wear-and-tear.
By taking a few minutes every couple of months to clean the drain line, you'll be able to minimize future issues. First, turn off your AC's power and locate the drain line.
Signs Of Copper Piping Problems
If you suddenly have low water pressure, you may have a leak caused by copper piping corrosion. Soggy carpets or ceiling stains. These issues are another sign of a leak likely due to a corroded copper pipe. Turn off the water if possible and contact a plumber to check the situation.
While both are workable solutions for repipe projects, there are many unique advantages that PEX pipe offers that cannot be found with copper. The most common reason why people generally choose PEX piping over copper is because there is a less of a risk for leaks with PEX piping.
Pipe Material
Regardless of the material, each of these plumbing products have a life span that you should know so you can gauge whether you need an upgrade. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years, and PVC piping only survives for 24 to 50 years.
You may additionally need to replace your copper cooling agent line in case of leaking. A sign of a refrigerant line leakage is an oil discolor as it moves in the cooling system along with the refrigerant. It continues to be noticeable after the refrigerant has steamed off.
Refrigerant lines and pipes should have insulation around them to protect them from damage and inefficiency. Winter erosion, UV damage and condensation may require insulation replacement to avoid temperature fluctuations or malfunctioning.
When replacing an air conditioner, it's important to look at the manufacturer's specification for the line set size. If your old AC used a line set that's the same size as the one the new unit calls for, then you're good. You don't have to replace it with a new one. Unless, for course, there's something wrong with it.