Plumbing pipes are built to last—but like everything in your home, they don’t last forever. Over time, even the most durable materials wear out, corrode, or become outdated. If your home is older or you’re unsure of your pipe material, understanding your plumbing’s lifespan can help you avoid costly repairs and water damage.
At Armor Plumbing, we’ve helped countless Oxnard homeowners assess and replace aging pipes before disaster strikes. Here’s a breakdown of how long common plumbing materials last and when it might be time to repipe.
Pipe Lifespan by Material
• Copper Pipes: 50–70 Years Copper is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, commonly used in homes built from the 1960s onward. However, it can develop pinhole leaks over time, especially in areas with acidic or hard water.
• Galvanized Steel: 40–60 Years Common in homes built before the 1960s, galvanized pipes corrode from the inside out, often leading to reduced water pressure, rust-colored water, or leaks.
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride): 40–50 Years Often used in newer builds, CPVC is flexible and corrosion-resistant but can become brittle over time, especially if exposed to high temperatures or UV rays.
• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): 40–50 Years PEX is a flexible, freeze-resistant plastic piping material popular in modern installations. While durable, its lifespan depends on water quality and UV exposure during installation.
• Cast Iron: 50–100 Years (Drain Lines) Often used for sewer and drainage systems in older homes, cast iron is strong but eventually corrodes and can crack. It also adds weight to the structure and is prone to root intrusion if used outdoors.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): 25–40 Years (Drainage Only) PVC is common for drain lines and vent stacks, not pressurized water lines. It holds up well but can warp in extreme heat or crack under impact.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Plumbing
• Discolored or rusty water coming from faucets
• Frequent leaks or pipe repairs in different areas of the home
• Drop in water pressure due to internal corrosion or scale
• Water that smells or tastes metallic
• Visible corrosion or green/white buildup on exposed pipes
• Pipes older than 40–50 years, especially galvanized or cast iron
Benefits of Repiping Your Home
• Improved water quality with newer, non-corrosive materials
• Higher water pressure and more consistent flow
• Fewer leaks and reduced risk of water damage
• Increased home value and peace of mind for buyers
• Better compatibility with modern plumbing systems and appliances
Not Sure What Kind of Pipes You Have? We Can Help.
Armor Plumbing offers whole-home plumbing inspections for homeowners in Oxnard. Whether you’re remodeling, experiencing recurring leaks, or just want to know the condition of your plumbing system, we’ll help you make informed decisions.
If your pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan—or already showing signs of failure—our team can recommend the best material and repiping approach for your home and budget.