The average home contains many metres of copper pipe, mostly in plumbing, heating, and other water systems. Most of us don’t give much thought to these pipes until there are problems; however, if you have an older property, you may be wondering how long copper pipes and copper pipe fittings can last.
Why copper pipes are used for water systems
Copper metal has some fantastic qualities that make it ideal for water piping; for example, it is malleable, making it easy to pipe water around bends and corners, and it is anti-corrosive, meaning it won’t rust. According to Science Direct, copper also has significant antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, helping to keep the water inside the pipes clean. This is essential to human health.
The longevity of copper pipes
Overall, you can expect the copper pipes in your home to last for up to 50 years in the right conditions; however, there are a few things that can affect copper pipes and reduce their longevity.
Hard water can reduce the lifespan of copper piping, as it deposits minerals that can stick to the inside of the pipes and cause damage over time. Water quality is also a factor; if the water inside the system contains high levels of chemicals such as chlorine, this can impact the integrity of copper pipes over time.
Another reason copper pipes may not reach their full lifecycle is if they haven’t been professionally installed. This may include overbending, lack of support for the pipes where it is needed, or poor-quality soldering or fitting of joints. Modern connection methods such as press and fit systems are designed to make joins with fewer chances of error. More information on copper pipes and copper pipe fittings is available from pipeline merchants such as https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/.
With regular inspections, you can ensure the copper pipes in your home will stand the test of time. Keep on top of maintenance and be sure to resolve problems as soon as they arise to avoid more extensive problems down the line.
