The lifespan for certain plumbing pipes varies depending on the materiel it is made of. Over the years, many different types of piping systems have been manufactured. Things like sunlight exposure, improper installation, water pressure and quality, and corrosion. Here are a few different types of piping:
PEX Pipes
PEX piping is made from crosslinked HDPE (high density polyethylene) polymer. Water will not corrode the inside of this pipe, unlike the following. The HDPE is melted and continuously extruded into tube. Pex piping is fairly new in the market, so the life expentancy is still not totally known. However, it is thought to have an average life expectancy of about 40-50 years depending on water quality, frequency of use and other factors.
PVC Pipes
PVC stands for PolyVinyl Chloride. PVC is a thermoplastic made of chlorine and carbon (derived predominantly from ethylene gas. PVC Pipes have a long lifespan of 50 years, while some plumbers will argue over 100 years.
Brass Pipes
Brass piping is is a thicker material that is usually joined by threaded fittings of the same size and pipe thread specifications. It is rarely used anymore. Some homes and buildings that still have brass pipes are in good condition 50-75 years later.
Galvanized Pipes
Galvanized pipes are actually steel pipes that are covered with a protective layer of zinc. Galvanized steel pipes can last some 30 to 40 years. If you think you may have galvanized piping, it would be wise to have a professional assess them.
Copper Pipes
Copper piping is bacteriostatic, meaning that it is resistant to bacterial growth, which keeps the water in your home clean. This is a popular choice because it has been proven in history to be dependable. Depending on water conditions, they could last anywhere from 40 to 60 years.
For more information on Orange County Repiping, contact AMA Repiping now: