Complete Plumbing Repairs

Complete Home Plumbing Repairs

Knowing the lifespan of your pipes is one of the best ways to avoid plumbing disasters. You can find this out by looking at your home inspection if you still have it, or if you don’t you can always call upon the help of a local plumber.

Here is an example that may help, taken from Houselogic by RETAILORS.

Your Pipes' Lifespan

Type	Material	Typical Lifespan
Supply pipes (under constant pressure and therefore most likely to cause water damage when they leak)	Brass, Copper, Galvanized steel	80-100 yrs, 70-80 yrs, 80-100 yrs
Drain lines	Cast Iron, Polyvinyl Chloride (known as PVC)	80-100 yrs, 25-40 yrs

How do you know if it’s time for a pipe replacement in your home or commercial property?

In most cases, you need to seek the advice of a licensed plumber. If it seems overwhelming and you’re wondering where you should start, here are a couple of tips you may want to consider.

Replace exposed pipes first

Homes with wooden paneling, plater walls or any other features that make it hard to access pipes should consider replacing exposed pipes first, to save on money.

Wait until you renovate (if you can)

With the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve seen people across Canada renovating their homes in record numbers. If you’re planning to renovate your home, or even a portion of your home, it’s the perfect time to inspect and, if need be, replace any pipes or plumbing lines in your home. Remember to not only look in the kitchen or bathroom that you’re renovating but other areas where pipes that wouldn’t normally be exposed are now exposed.

There is no set time as to when your pipes need to be replaced, well-maintained pipes may last longer, and poorly-maintained pipes or ones in areas affected by hard water may need to be replaced sooner. Some things you can look for that may indicate corrosion include: