How Long Do Pipes Last? Pipe Lifespan Guide & Estimator

Knowing how long your plumbing pipes are expected to last can save you thousands in repair costs and water damage. Different pipe materials have different average lifespans, and local factors such as water quality, soil conditions, and water pressure all play a role in how long your pipes will really last.

Average Lifespans by Pipe Material

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long common plumbing pipes typically last under normal conditions:

• Copper (Type L): 50–70 years
• Copper (Type M): 35–55 years
• PEX: 40–60 years
• CPVC: 40–60 years
• PVC (cold supply): 50–80 years
• Galvanized steel: 20–50 years
• Cast iron (drain): 50–100 years
• Clay (drain): 50–70 years

Factors That Affect Pipe Lifespan

Even the best materials won’t last forever. These are the main things that determine whether pipes last their full expected lifespan or fail much sooner:

• Water hardness: Hard water accelerates scale buildup and corrosion.
• Chlorine/Chloramine: Strong disinfectants in city water can shorten copper and PEX life.
• High water pressure: Constant stress at 80+ psi can reduce lifespan by 20% or more.
• Soil conditions: Corrosive or wet soil environments damage buried lines faster.
• Freeze cycles: Repeated freeze/thaw weakens rigid materials over time.
• Leak history: Frequent leaks are a red flag of pipes reaching the end of life.

How to Know If It’s Time to Replace

Signs that your pipes may be reaching the end of their usable lifespan include:

• Low water pressure across fixtures
• Frequent leaks or pinholes
• Rust-colored or discolored water
• Unexplained increase in water bills
• Visible corrosion on exposed pipes

Estimate Your Pipe’s Lifespan

Our free Pipe Lifespan Estimator lets you enter your pipe material, age, and home conditions to get a personalized estimate. This tool uses typical lifespan ranges combined with factors like water pressure, water hardness, and leak history to give you an idea of how much longer your plumbing system might last.