The estimated lifespan of PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) pipe is 40 to 50 years, with an average of 45 years. Although it has been on the market for many years and primarily used for hydronic heating, PEX has become much more popular for water supply piping within the last decade. It comes in white and black, or can be color-coded in blue and red for cold and hot water pipes, as shown above. It is also often installed using a central manifold system, as shown below. 

    Here’s a graph that compares the life expectancy of PEX to other types of pipe commonly used in residential plumbing.
   Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components.T o understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see our blog post ”How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful?” 

    Also, see our blog posts Are plastic pipes (PVC, CPVC, and PEX) safe for drinking water? and Can PEX pipe be installed outside? and Can PEX pipe be connected to a water heater? and Is PEX pipe freeze resistant?

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about PLUMBING PIPES:

• How can I protect my pipes to keep them from bursting during a hard winter freeze in North Florida?

• Can galvanized steel pipe still be used for new water lines in a house? 

• How can I tell if I have cast iron pipes in my house? 

• What are the pipes sticking out near my water valves?

• How do you accurately find a broken water pipe leak under the floor slab?

• What is the difference between water pipe and sewage (waste) pipe?  

• Is a hot water faucet handle required to be on the left? 

• What is a dielectric union? 

• What's that powdery crust on the pipe connections at the water heater? 

• Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers?

• What does polybutylene pipe look like? Why is it a problem? 

• Which water pipes are an insurance problem and possibly uninsurable?

• Can you connect CPVC pipe directly to a gas water heater?  

    Visit our LIFE EXPECTANCY and PLUMBING pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.