A leaking tap can be caused for a number of reasons. For example, it may be caused by a damaged valve sealing or a blocked tap washer.
The lifespan of a pipe depends on what material it is made from. A brass pipe, for example, may have a lifespan between 40-70 years, whereas a PVC pipe may have a lifespan of 100 years if maintained properly.
There are multiple ways to prevent plumbing problems such as scheduling regular plumbing maintenance, flushing your drains regularly and cleaning pipes once a month.
You can clean the pipes in your home by pouring a mild cleaning solution down your pipes, or by contacting an expert plumber to clean your pipes for you.