Water and drainage: lifespan and cost
Pipes and drains are hidden until they leak, and then it gets expensive. The table shows how long different pipes last and what replacing them usually costs.
The ranges apply to a normal house. Actual cost depends on size, access and region. Lifespan means technical lifespan with normal upkeep.
| Component | Lifespan | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Copper pipes | 50 yrs (40-70) | 150 000-400 000 kr |
| PEX pipes | 50 yrs (40-60) | 120 000-350 000 kr |
| Galvanised pipes | 40 yrs (30-50) | 150 000-400 000 kr |
| Cast iron drains | 50 yrs (40-70) | 200 000-550 000 kr |
| Plastic drains | 50 yrs (40-60) | 120 000-350 000 kr |
| Underground drain line | 60 yrs (50-80) | 100 000-300 000 kr |
| Hot water tank | 20 yrs (15-25) | 12 000-35 000 kr |
How long do water pipes last?
Copper pipes last a long time, but the hot water line wears faster than the cold because heat is harder on the metal. PEX pipes are modern plastic pipes, often run inside a conduit so a leak shows and can be replaced without breaking open walls. Galvanised pipes are the oldest and rust from the inside; in older houses they are often near the end.
What does replacing drains and pipes cost?
Cast iron drains rust and can crack over the years, and replacing them often means opening floors and walls. The expense is the access, not the pipe itself. In a housing co-op a pipe renewal is one of the largest projects the association takes on, and the cost is borne by the community through the shared costs or the joint debt, not as a bill straight to you. A pipe renewal that is close in time should therefore be counted into what the home really costs.
What the age of the house tells you
Some build years carry known risks for exactly these parts. Here are the most common ones.
Cast-iron pipes — corrosion Houses built 1920–1970
Cast-iron pipes from this period are often corroded and should be replaced.
Wet room without an approved membrane (before 1997) Houses built 1950–1997
A pre-1997 bathroom may lack a membrane — a common hidden moisture source.
Asbestos Houses built 1930–1985
Asbestos was used in floor coverings, eternit (cement) sheets, insulation and pipe lagging.
How do I know how old the pipes are?
Ask the agent for the year of any relining or pipe renewal, and look in the utility room and under the sinks for markings. Pipes from the build year that have never been replaced are a clear upcoming cost. The condition report often states the age and condition grade of the pipes.
What is relining?
Relining coats the inside of existing drains with a new layer instead of replacing them. It is less invasive than a full pipe renewal, but does not last as long and does not suit every pipe.
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