But is a plumbing disaster imminent or just a concern for the distant future? Replacing old pipes in a 1,500 square foot, two-bathroom home costs $4,000 to $10,000, and requires cutting open walls and floors, so you certainly don’t want to do the job before it’s necessary. Here’s how to assess your plumbing system and know when it’s time for replacement.
Know Your Pipes
The type of plumbing in your house determines how long you can expect it to last. So review the home inspection report you got when you bought your home to see what kind of pipes you have—or bring in a trusted plumber to do a free inspection of your plumbing system.
| Your Pipes’ Lifespan | ||
| Type |
Material |
Typical lifespan |
|
Supply pipes (under constant pressure and therefore most likely to cause water damage when they leak) |
Brass Copper Galvanized steel |
80-100 yrs 70-80 yrs 80-100 yrs |
|
Drain lines |
Cast iron Polyvinyl chloride (known as PVC) |
80-100 yrs 25-40 yrs |
If your pipes are older than these guidelines, it doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be replaced. Well-maintained pipes may last longer, and poorly maintained ones or those in areas with hard water (meaning it has high mineral content), may fail sooner, says Passaic, N.J., plumber Joseph Gove, who supplied the lifespan estimates.
So, no matter what kind of pipes you have and how old they are, you need to keep an eye on them.
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