The Life Expectancy of Sewer Lines: How Long Do They Last?

Sadly, piping doesn’t last forever, and new homeowners may worry about when they need to replace their sewer line. Maintenance is key to preventing a home disaster. The good news is that sewer lines last a long time, so if you bought a new home, you probably wouldn’t have to worry about a replacement soon. When you understand the life expectancy of sewer lines and the signs you may need a repair, you can prevent an emergency.

How Long Do They Last?

Some sewer lines easily last 50 years while others need a replacement at the 30-year mark. This could vary since life expectancy greatly depends on the material used during construction. Some older homes—those built between the 1960s and 70s—may have Orangeburg pipes. Since these are created with wood pulp and pitch layers, they last about 30 to 50 years.

Other common materials like clay and PVC help create pipes with a varying life span. Such pipes include:

• Clay pipes: These usually have a life expectancy of 30 to 60 years.
• PVC pipes: These usually last 100 years.

By noting the type of piping your home has, you’ll know when it’s time for a replacement. Remember, keeping a maintenance schedule is key, and knowing how long the pipes last are only part of the equation.

Factors Affecting Life Expectancy

Although some materials should last longer than others, this isn’t always the case. Various factors could cause pipes to require replacement sooner than expected. Sometimes, unforeseen things such as settling or tree roots can impact your sewer line.

Poor installation may also lead to a sewer line’s lifespan ending sooner than you think, so it’s always best to leave installation and repair to a reputable company. The experts at Complete Trenchless install and repair high-quality water and sewer lines at affordable rates. Call a company you can count on to get the job done right.

How To Know It’s Time for Replacement

You may not know the age of your home’s sewer line; this creates maintenance scheduling challenges. If this is the case, then look out for common signs of you may need a repair, such as:

• Water bills being higher than expected
• Problems with your foundation
• Gurgling sounds coming from drains and toilets

An expert can inspect your lines to detect the root of the problem. Sometimes, a simple repair can fix the issue, but other times, the entire line might need to get replaced.

If you fear that time is up for your sewer or water lines, then talk to a professional. The life expectancy of sewer lines can range from 50 to 100 years depending on the material, and outside factors could change this. Complete Trenchless does trenchless water line replacement in Seattle, Washington. Call a company you can trust to repair your lines without destroying your yard.