The lifespan for the most common residential plumbing systems are: Brass: 40 to 70 years. Copper: 50 or more years. Galvanized steel: 20 to 50 years.
Plumbing components made from cast iron, galvanized steel and brass can last as long as 80-100 years, whereas PVC pipes typically last only 24-45 years.
Your pipes should be silent, so if they're rattling, whining, or making any other noise beyond the sound of water running through them when you turn on the tap, you probably have a problem. Either there's a leak or your bleed-off system isn't functioning correctly: either way, you need to call a professional.
Safety is a huge reason why people go for pipe replacement over repair. This is because pipes with severe damage can not only harm your home or business but also your health. Pipes can carry mold, rust, and other particles into your water. They can also leak, which damages their surroundings.
If your old plumbing pipes are leaking or have visible signs of wear and tear such as cracks or holes in them, then they may need to be replaced entirely. Replacing leaking pipes requires cutting out the damaged section of pipe and replacing it with new piping materials like PVC or PEX.
Pipe Corrosion: Assess the condition of your pipes by looking for corrosion damage and signs of rust. If either of these are clearly noticeable, then it is time to repipe your house.
A full repiping of your home is a big investment and renovation. You will need to bring in a plumber to inspect your old system and provide an estimate for the work. You should consider multiple estimates from local plumbers to see which offer is the best.
Replacing old pipes with copper piping costs, on average, between $4 and $12 per linear foot or $4,000 and $12,000 for 1,000 linear feet of pipe and doesn't include removal of the existing supply lines.
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.
You can expect copper pipes to last anywhere between 50 and 70 years, whereas PEX pipes will last between 30 and 50 years. While 70 years is a long time, 20-50 years is more than enough for those living in a starter home or looking to sell after their kids are grown and off living their lives and retirement has set in.
Signs of pipe corrosion occur as early as two years post-installation. A neutral or acidic pH of water dissolves the copper oxide barrier of pipes, making them vulnerable to accelerated corrosion, resulting in pinhole leaks.
Plumbing naturally wears down over the years due to wear and tear. This can cause leaks or bursts. Eroded plumbing and leaks can exist in the home without being noticed, often for long periods of time. These will continuously cost you more and more money.
Smaller homes can take as little as two days, while larger homes may take a whole week. Repiping doesn't mean you'll be without plumbing the entire time. The only time you won't have access to water is when the plumbers are replacing the old system with the new system.
Repiping can increase the value of your home.
If there is a chance you may sell your home, then repiping may be a vital task. Older plumbing can be a liability on the open market, and a potential buyer may shy away from a home that needs the pipes replaced in favor of a newer home.
To repipe your home, the plumber will need to cut holes in the drywall to access the pipes and construct the new system. It's important that you cover your furniture and décor to protect it from damage during the renovation. It's important to consider the time frame for your water shutoff.
Repiping Pricing Factors
House size and number of stories: To completely repipe a larger house, additional labor and piping materials are necessary to install the new plumbing system, increasing the cost. When replumbing a multi-story home, cost increases further when demolishing walls to replace vertical pipes.
Copper and PEX are the most common pipe materials used in homes. Copper pipes are durable, corrosion-resistant, and can be used for hot and cold water. PEX seems to be replacing copper pipes at a high rate since it is less expensive, more flexible, and easier to install.
Cost to Install or Replace Plumbing Pipes
Rough-in plumbing for new construction costs $8,000 to $12,000 or $4.50 per square foot for an average 2,000-square-foot home with 2 or 3 bathrooms. Repiping an existing home the same size runs $3,100 to $5,500 on average, or $0.40 to $2.00 per linear foot.
PEX or cross-linked polyethylene piping is a popular choice for repiping because it's relatively affordable and easy to install. It is also a durable material that is resistant to freezing, leaking, and corrosion. This type of piping can be used for both hot and cold water lines.
Does a standard repipe also include all the drain pipes running from the toilet and showers? No, these are two separate and distinct systems in your home. A standard repipe that most companies promote, affects the hot and cold water system in your home. The drains or waste system would be handled separately.
Myth: PEX tubing has a short life span. Fact: The life span of PEX tubing can vary based on frequency of use, water quality and water temperature and has an average life expectancy of 40-50 years.
If your pipes are made if a dangerous material, replace them. Lead pipes are extremely dangerous to your health, and polybutylene pipes are likely to rupture. If you have either of these types of pipes in your home, replace them as soon as possible. How do you know the composition of your pipes?
Old materials, weakening soldering, or even a tree root breaking through the pipe can also bring bacteria or mold into your home. Again, when these things are in under-used sections of plumbing, they grow and spread. Eventually, this bacteria and mold growth can make its way into your drinking water or your home.