How Long Does Copper Plumbing Last in Port Washington, WI, Homes?

Professional Services
December 17, 2024

There are four primary plumbing pipe options to choose from – copper, galvanized steel, CPVC, and PEX – but which is the best for your home economically? How long does copper plumbing last? Is it better value for money than CPVC, which is quite inexpensive? 

Copper is known for its corrosion resistance and ability to last decades, but this also depends on the type of copper pipe. You're looking at anywhere from 20 to 100 years in a best-case scenario. Still, there's a lot to consider here. 

Professional Services, your best plumber in Port Washington, WI, helps you weigh the pros and cons of copper below. The team also shares tips to make copper pipes last even longer.



The Types of Copper Pipes and Longevity Averages

Copper pipes come in a few different thicknesses. Each type serves a different purpose and has varying levels of durability, which will change the various answers to, "How long does copper plumbing last?"


M-Type

M-type copper pipes are the thinnest option available. Typically, M-types are good for 20 to 50 years. While that seems like a long time, this is the least durable option of the bunch. 


In Port Washington, M-type copper pipes are common in residential homes. They fit well in walls and are cheaper, but they have still fallen out of popularity due to their limited lifespan. Some states even ban M-type pipes or have specific regulations to follow, so you’ll want to rely on an experienced plumber who understands how to work within this legal framework.


L-Type

Ms are highly regulated or banned because the type is thin enough for residential walls but still thick enough to last 50 to 100 years with proper care. However, L-type copper pipes are the mid-range option in terms of:

  • Life expectancy
  • Thickness
  • Cost

At the moment, this is the standard installation. Even so, if you want copper to outlive you, you must maintain it properly. 


K-Type

In perfect circumstances, K-type pipes have slow degradation and last over 100 years.  These are thicker copper pipes, used almost exclusively for commercial and municipal purposes. 


You likely won't likely see these in your Port Washington home. The cost is high, and so is replacement.


Extend Your Pipes' Service Life

Many aspects affect whether a Port Washington plumber will recommend copper. For example, water treatments for drinking water often corrode copper piping. Heavy usage, damage, or corrosion may mean you have to replace copper pipes in as little as five years, so the correct installation and proper maintenance truly make a difference. 

How long does copper plumbing last? Well-maintained copper pipes may boast lifespans of 100 years or longer. Do you want your pipes to last a century in Port Washington, WI? Try the following:


  • Use an epoxy coating: NSF-approved epoxy barrier coatings protect the pipes from the inside against corrosion. Treated water can flow through without issues.
  • Avoid contact with other metals: Keep other metal objects away from your copper pipes. Metals damage each other.
  • Watch out for electrical wires: Keep electrical wires away from your copper pipes. Wiring contains other metals, and copper conducts electricity. It's also incredibly dangerous to have exposed wires near copper for reasons beyond pipe corrosion.
  • Keep water pressure under control: Water at high-pressure cracks or bursts pipes, including copper ones. An acceptable pressure level will keep your copper plumbing in good condition.
  • Filter your water: Whole-home filtration systems filter out sediment and impurities before they reach your home’s supply. The upside of this filtering is that it can tremendously cut down on how much corrosive material enters copper piping.


Signs Your Copper Pipes Need Maintenance or Repairs in Port Washington, WI

So, how long might your copper plumbing last in a Port Washington, WI, home? You can't know for certain, but maintenance helps. It’s also time to call a plumber if you notice these signs:

  • Fixtures frequently clog or leak.
  • Pipes make new noises.
  • There are cracks, corrosion, or dents.
  • You notice low water pressure.
  • The water smells or tastes bad.
  • The water looks discolored.

Leaving any plumbing problems alone for too long risks serious leaks and complete system replacements. Even though copper pipes may last 20 to 100 years, you want to care for them well.


Call Professional Services in Port Washington, WI

How long does copper plumbing last? Why not find out by letting Professional Services’ plumbers in Port Washington, WI, inspect your home’s system to give you a better idea? Regular maintenance and drain cleaning could keep your copper pipes going for decades, so call us today or contact us on our site!

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