Install new underground utilities. Underground utilities comprise gas, sewer, water lines, electrical, and communication cables. Utility lines need replacement when damaged from aging, corrosion, and tree roots. The sewer line and water line pipe lifespans depend on the pipe material. External pipe corrosion happens when the soil contains toxins, high acidity, and electrical currents. Internal pipe corrosion occurs when sewage has high acid content, resulting in sulfuric acid. Tree roots grow rampant and can crack and grow through a pipe, structurally damaging and eventually collapsing.

The lifespan of sewer lines depends on the pipe material. Throughout history, there have been innovative upgrades to materials used for pipes and utility lines. Such material advancements improved with less human consumption risk factors and the lifespan of underground utility pipes.


Sewer Lines
When do you need to replace sewer lines? Homeowners requiring sewer line replacements experience draining difficulties, slow draining, or clogging through multiple drains in the house. Toilets often gurgle as a result of air pushing up the line. Foul smells originate inside the house from behind walls, as water damage causes mold and mildew in the basement or cellar. Such conditions invite pests and increase their populations. Exterior property signs of sewage line damage are a foul scent emanating from the yard. Sewage smells outside are gasses seeping through the soil from a broken sewer pipe.

Prolonging a sewer line issue increases the damage capacity and leads to an emergency project to repair. Serious sewage issues cause backing up of the waste line into the originating source, residence, or building. Have a professional evaluate any difference experienced before it is a worst-case scenario.


The Lifespan of Sewer Pipe Materials
Orangeburg pipes, lifespan is 50 years, used during 1945- 1972
Concrete pipes, lifespan is 100 years, used from 1950-1970, contained asbestos.
Hardened Clay pipes, lifespan is 50-60 years, used from 1960-1970
Cast Iron lifespan is 50-100 years, used from 1800's–1980
Ductile Iron pipe, lifespan is over 100 years, 1950-Present
PVC pipes, lifespan is over 100 years, used 1950-Present


Water Lines
Damaged or old water lines require replacing. Water line impairments cause a change in the quality and the pressure of water. Signs of crucial water line replacements are frequent leaks, slow drainage, and odors emanating from drain lines. Appliances, dishwashers, and laundry washing machines often experience low water pressure. The color of the tap water will appear to be murky or cloudy. Be sure not to ingest any water and contact a professional to fix the water supply line issue.

The Lifespan of Water Pipe Materials
Brass pipe, lifespan is 40-80 years, used 1900's-1950
Galvanized Steel pipe, lifespan is 20-80 years, used 1880-1960
Cast Iron pipe, lifespan is 50-100 years, used 1800's-1980
Polybutylene pipe lifespan is 10-15 years, used 1978-1995, oxidation and exposure to chlorine in water supply causes pipes to swell and crack.
Copper pipe, lifespan is 50-100 years, used 1927-2000
Pvc pipe, lifespan is over 100 years, used 1950-Present