A pipe's average life--normally between 40 and 100 years--is a highly variable parameter. This article proposes a method based on the history of repairs carried out on a network that allows an estimate to be made of the time of a program for detection and repair of leaks should be started, as well as when the network should be replaced. Because some of the parameters are difficult to estimate, it is convenient to assess their influence on the results via sensitivity analysis. Includes 11 references, tables, figures.