Copper piping is a reliable choice for gas or water plumbing since it does not contaminate your water and can be safer for the environment. These pipes are also able to cover long distances without being heavy, making them an efficient option for long-lasting plumbing in your home. However, you may be wondering just how long these pipes will last.
How Long Does Copper Plumbing Last
Copper plumbing can last a lifetime in many homes. Copper plumbing has a lifespan of 70 to 80 years. Despite its overall stellar performance, there are some things that may reduce the lifespan of copper piping:
- Chloramines or acid in the water
- Constant contact with other kinds of metal
- Water pressure that is dangerously high
- Electrical problems in surrounding wires and circuits
If your pipes are being affected by some or all of these issues, they can last between five and 50 years before they need repair or replacement.
How Do You Know If You Copper Plumbing Is Too Old?
Your copper plumbing will begin to show its age in various ways. Major signs of old pipes can be cracks or corrosion. Cracked pipes can lead to leaking. This is a problem for your water bill and your home. Property, including your walls, floors, and ceilings, can be damaged wherever the leak is in your home.
Corrosion from the pipes can contaminate the water, leading to discoloration and a bad taste. Tainted water can also make your family sick. If you have any of these or similar issues with your water, you should contact a professional company such as Next Level Plumbing to inspect your pipes and determine if you need a replacement.
Benefits of Switching to PEX Piping
While there are a lot of benefits of your copper pipes, if yours are ready to be replaced, you may want to switch to another type of piping, such as PEX piping. PEX piping is made with polyethylene, a high-density plastic material that is a flexible and durable alternative to traditional copper. PEX is seen in 60% of new homes. PEX pipes are helpful for plumbers and contractors because they come in different colors. Red pipes are for hot water, blue for cold, and white for either hot or cold water,
PEX piping can be a great alternative if you are on a budget or do not want to make a costly investment in copper pipes, as PEX pipes can cost a third of what you would normally pay to install copper pipes. This can save you hundreds of dollars on your next pipe installation.
PEX piping can also give you better water pressure throughout your home than copper pipes, and they can last almost twice as long as copper pipes, with a lifespan of around 100 years. PEX can keep water hotter for longer, and less condensation occurs than with copper pipes. The plastic that PEX piping is made of is much less conductive than copper, and producing less condensation means fewer problems from moisture in the future, like mold or mildew inside your walls.
Additionally, PEX pipes can easily bend. Copper pipes cannot be bent; they must be joined together whenever the plumbing needs to go any direction except straight. The more joints in the plumbing, the more opportunities for leaks to occur. PEX piping bends, so leakage at joints will not be an issue.
There are other benefits to choosing PEX piping as well. Because plumbers don’t have to create joints, PEX pipes can be installed quickly. PEX pipes can freeze in the winter without damage, and there is no risk of corrosion, which is common for metals. PEX pipes are also resistant to scale, which can build up and make it easier for pipes to be blocked.
Get in Touch With a Professional
At Next Level Plumbing, your plumbing needs are our priority. Our team of plumbers service Sarasota, FL and the surrounding communities with passion and expertise. We are here to help you with water heaters, toilets, faucets, and sewer lines, as well as all of your cleaning, repairs, and installations. If you are remodeling, we can make sure your plumbing gets updated at the same time. We look forward to helping you with your plumbing concerns either by appointment or on an emergency basis. Call Next Level Plumbing today to learn more about our plumbing services or to schedule your next plumbing appointment.
