Your plumbing system isn’t just the lifeline of your home, it is also a sizable investment that can either subtract or add value to your home. Understanding what contributes to your plumbing system’s lifespan is critical for getting the best return on your investment while also living comfortably and safely. Read on to learn more about factors that influence your plumbing’s lifespan as well as the average lifespan of your appliances and fixtures that your plumbing supports.
Factors that Influence Your Plumbing’s Lifespan
When discussing your plumbing system’s lifespan, it is important to understand that different materials will last longer than others. How these materials are used, and how well they are taken care of, also make a big difference in system life. Plumbing systems that are built to last take into consideration these factors:
The Materials that Are Used
When you’re talking about the lifespan of plumbing, it can be helpful to know what material or materials make up your home’s pipes. Plumbing systems come in three major types: metal (copper, steel), rigid plastic (PVC, ABS) and flexible plastic (PEX). The lifespan of these materials can be extended or shortened based on how they are used.
Where Your Materials Are Used Makes a Difference
Once you know the types of materials used in your home’s plumbing system, you can determine how long they’ll last based on where they’re installed and how often they’re maintained. Plumbing pipes in busy areas, or those that experience frequent wear and tear, typically must be replaced more frequently than pipes located in less trafficked parts of the house.
The Quality and Integrity of Your Plumber
A quality plumber will understand what conditions are optimal for certain materials and which aren’t and will choose appropriately. Certain materials may be more expensive but will last longer so they are worth the investment. Partnering with a plumbing company that is committed to quality products and services, and an expert in installation, is key to the lifespan of your system.
Approximate Lifespan of Appliances
Your home’s plumbing system carries a heavy load, second only to your heating/cooling system. Appliances and fixtures installed by professionals with access to quality products extend the lifespan of your appliances, but eventually they will need to be replaced. Expect the following lifespans for these common household plumbing features:
- Pipes
- Iron, steel, and brass: 50-70 years
- Copper: 70-80 or more years
- PVC: 50 years
- Hot Water Heaters:
- Tankless: 20 years
- Traditional: 12 years
- Heat pump systems: 10 years
- Toilets: 50 years
- Faucets: 12 years
- Sump pumps: 10 years
- Well pumps: 8-15 years
Mike Counsil Plumbing has been in operation for more than four decades as the South Bay Area’s plumbing company of choice because we are committed to quality products, materials, and services. We partner with the industry’s best vendors and master plumbers so that our customers can get the maximum lifespan out of each part of their plumbing system.
Contact us today to schedule a plumbing inspection to evaluate the health of your drains, products, and fixtures to extend the life of your plumbing system!
Contact Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter in San Jose for 24/7 Plumbing
As a Family owned and operated company we service all plumbing needs in San Jose, California and the South Bay.
