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Question:

how long should a 3 copper dwv pipe last (corrosion)?

In an older home, I have pipes that are about 30 years old, should I be planning to replace them. The pipes are accessable in the basement, in the suspended ceiling. I recently had a small hole in a horizontal section, near the elbow from the upstairs toilet. Is this from water turbulence or from toilet cleaners that were used?

Answer:

copper pipe should last forever.
I am surprised you have copper drainage. I'm also surpirsed the system is just 30 years old. We've been using plastic for drainage for longer than that. I would not replace the copper drainage system. It was horribly expensive when it was put in then, so you might as well get your use out of it. Wow, I can't imagine what that could cost now to install copper 3 drainage. You may have to repair it and keep it going, but that's what I'd do. I fix plastic and cast iron drainage all the time, so it's not like you're guaranteed a life of problem free plumbing if you get rid of it and replace it. I've done some work worth being proud of, but I've never installed copper drainage. I have a copper san tee on my desk in front of me. It's 1 1/2 in size and I look at it from time to time, and imagine being a part of a crew that works with that kind of plumbing.
no its not from toilet cleaners. cooper will not corrode unless you have a die-electric problem usually from a hot water heater galvanized fittings going to copper without die-electric unions

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