When Should My Plumbing Be Replaced?

Your plumbing network is responsible for so much in your home, from your toilet to your washing machine and kitchen sink. Sometimes, leaks, inefficiencies, and continuous repairs make homeowners doubt the integrity of their entire system. If you’ve had enough repairs, you may be wondering when your plumbing should be replaced.

How Long Do Plumbing Systems Last?

While the pipe material in your home is strong and long-lasting, corrosion and age are two factors that cannot be stopped, not with any amount of prep or foresight. Eventually, both come for your pipes. Knowing the symptoms of worn-down pipework can help you prevent disaster as a homeowner. Typically, your pipes should last decades, depending on what they’re made of.

If you have brass pipes, expect them to last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Copper pipes usually last for more than 50 years. If your pipes are made of galvanized steel, then they’re likely to last anywhere from 20 to 50 years.

Other types of pipes for your water, such as cast iron pipes, have a longer lifespan. While a more expensive option, this kind of piping can last anywhere from 75 to 100 years. The most long-lasting kind of pipework you can get is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which lasts at least 100 years. 

Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Plumbing System

If you’re wondering when plumbing should be replaced in your home, then look out for a few telltale signs. When it’s time to upgrade your pipes, you’ll know from all the symptoms:

• Your pipes are old: If you have a home that exceeds 60 years old, your pipes may be even older. Age is one of the biggest factors to consider when deciding whether to replace piping, so keeping track of it can help you determine when it’s time to get replacements done.
• You have low water pressure: If your showers are less powerful and your kitchen sink less effective with rinsing the dishes, that’s when you should consider pipe restructuring. No amount of water-pressure-boosting fixes can help old, outdated pipework.
• You have water discoloration: If your water is brown or otherwise dark and discolored, this is evidence of rust in your pipes. If you have rusty pipes, your water isn’t safe to drink, and it can stain your clothing as well. Call us to schedule pipe replacement as soon as you can.

Work With Bullseye Home Services

We specialize in restoring old plumbing and replacing entire lines with pipes that’ll last for decades. Understanding when your system needs to be replaced is a valuable skill for a homeowner. If your plumbing system is on the fritz, count on us for quick repairs, reliable replacements, and competitive prices.

Call us at 941-259-6767 to get started with our expert service plans today. We’ll be happy to tell you if it’s time to schedule a plumbing pipe replacement.