How do tap water pipes stay clean for years

Question

I’ve been drinking tap water all my life and I have to wonder: Tap water pipes have a lifespan of 50 years, without any regular cleaning and maintenance. I have to clean my aquarium every week and even after cleaning it I wouldn’t drink from it. I know light and air play it’s role, but still, 50 years? Is the inside of the pipes really staying that clean or is it that the dirt in there doesn’t really bother us?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

Depends on the pipe and water quality. Hard water will build up in the pipe over years depending on the pipe material.

Edit: I’m a Journeyman plumber