Knowing the types of plumbing pipes, you have in your home can help you to take steps to prevent leaks, flooding, and potential health hazards.
Nothing lasts forever, and that would include your plumbing pipes. Luckily, the majority of pipe materials can last for years. However, when that lifespan is reached, wear and tear on pipes may start, which in turn will cause your pipes to start leaking.

Below we have put together some common piping that people have in their homes, which will assist you in determining if your home’s plumbing lifespan is adequate, or if your water pipes may be bursting for your attention.

Learn about your Pipes

To see what kind of pipes you have in your home you can look at your home inspection report you received when you bought your home, or you can call Trojan Plumbing and one of our professional licensed plumbers can come out and do an inspection of your plumbing system.

Pipes
Supply pipes (under constant pressure and therefore most likely to cause water damage when they leak)
Brass –                                               +- 40 – 70 years
Copper –                                            +- 50 years
Galvanized Steel                                +- 20 – 50 years
Cast Iron                                            +- 75 – 100 years

Drain Lines
Polyvinyl chloride (known as PVC)     Indefinitely

If your pipes are older than the above guidelines, it doesn’t mean they need to be replaced straight away. Well-maintained pipes can last longer. Poorly maintained pipes or those pipes in areas with hard water (meaning it has high mineral content), may need to be replaced sooner.

Check for Polybutylene

Polybutylene piping is a grey, plastic plumbing material which used to be installed into homes many years ago. They are very prone to breakage. It’s commonly found in older houses

If you suspect your home has polybutylene pipes, you will need to call our office to have one of our plumbers to inspect your system asap. You are not able to assess their condition with a quick visual check, as the exterior of the pipes may appear fine therefore, or experienced plumbers will be able to assess the situation and advise next steps. Chlorinated water causes these pipes to flake from the inside out, which results in the pipes failing without warning.

Trojan Plumbing will gladly assist you if you need any assistance with understanding what pipes you have in your home and any advice you may need. Call our offices today and let us help you.