How Long Do Sewer Lines Last?

Your sewer pipes are an essential foundational item in your home, but old pipes can cause problems ranging from inefficient wastewater removal to a smelly, potentially expensive leak. How long a sewer line lasts depends on what the pipes are made from and the environmental conditions of surrounding area.

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How Long Do Sewer Lines Last?

Sewer lines typically last 50 to 100 years, depending on the pipe material. Here are some common materials for wastewater removal pipes and how long each lasts under normal conditions.

Clay Pipes

While not commonly used after the 1970s when PVC pipes came onto the scene, clay was once a popular material for sewage lines. Many older homes still have clay pipes, which usually last 50 to 60 years.

PVC Pipes

PVC is the standard material for modern sewage pipes. Homes built after the 1970s usually have PVC sewer pipes. The typical lifespan of a PVC sewage pipe is 75 to 100 years, so most PVC pipes haven't reached their maximum lifespan yet.

Cast-Iron Pipes

Some older homes have cast-iron sewer pipes. Under ideal conditions, cast-iron sewer pipes can last up to 100 years, but corrosion is a common issue and can reduce a pipe's lifespan.

What Types of Things Usually Happen That End the Lives of Sewer Lines?

Aging sewer may develop problems that lead to reduced longevity or total failure of the pipes. Common old sewer line problems include:

Corrosion and Collapse

Over time, the material used to make your sewer pipes can degrade. PVC tends to last longer than older materials such as clay or cast iron. Deteriorating sewer pipes can leak and may collapse completely. Harsh chemical drain cleaners and acidic soils may hasten the corrosion process.

Blockages and Clogs

Grease, oils and paper products in a sewer system can build up inside your pipes and cause clogs. Older pipes are more prone to clogs and blockages because they've had more time for debris to build up. The backup of water behind a blockage can put pressure on older pipes and lead to cracks.

Tree Root Intrusion

An older pipe that's begun to degrade could leave spaces for tree roots to invade the pipe. Tiny roots grow into small cracks or loose points where two pipes are joined and then grow inside the pipe to create a blockage.

Environmental Susceptibility

New sewer pipes are designed to withstand typical environmental conditions, but older pipes may be more vulnerable to repeated freeze-thaw cycles or shifting soil. External forces, such as heavy loads placed on top of the sewer line, can also cause damage.

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What Are Some Things You Can Do to Increase the Lifespan of Sewer Lines?

While timeframes vary widely for how long sewer lines last, proper maintenance could help increase sewer pipe longevity. Avoid pouring damaging chemicals or grease down your drain to reduce the risk of clogs and corrosion. Consider installing a grate or trap to catch hair in the shower before it can go down the drain, and don't flush wipes, hygiene products or facial tissues down the toilet. For unclogging drains, choose enzyme-based cleaners that break down waste without damaging your pipes.

Have a plumber complete a camera inspection of your sewer line every 1 to 2 years. A camera inspection involves sending a small camera on a flexible cable from the drain inside your home to the connection with a municipal sewer system or septic tank. Camera inspections can identify small issues, such as tiny cracks, small root incursions and misaligned pipe connections, before they become bigger problems.

If you notice a problem with your sewer line, call a plumber to discuss repair or replacement options as soon as possible. You might not need a full replacement. Your plumber might be able to patch or replace a section of pipe if the damage isn't too extensive. An older sewer line might need a complete replacement with newer materials.

Trenchless pipe repair may be an option for broken sewer lines. With trenchless repair, there's no need to dig up the entire yard to access and replace the damaged pipes. Instead, a plumber creates a few smaller access points and lines the interior of the pipe between those points, creating a new pipe inside the old pipe. This often costs a lot less than a full replacement, too.