Is it Time to Replace My Old Galvanized Pipes?
What is Galvanized Pipe?
Galvanized pipes are steel pipes dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. Galvanized piping was created to replace the old lead piping used for home water supply lines. Many homes built before the 1960s used galvanized steel pipes for indoor plumbing. Some galvanized plumbing was still being installed as late as the 1980s. In Houston, TX, we have found homes built in the 1990s with galvanized plumbing. Although galvanized steel was beneficial to replace lead pipes at the time, today, your plumbing problems may be linked to these pipes.
What is the life expectancy of galvanized piping?
Galvanized pipes can last up to 60 -70 years, put not always. Poor quality pipe or piping with poor galvanizing technique can fail in half the time, 30-40 years. If you are experiencing signs that your galvanized pipes are failing, it may be time to replace them.
Watch this video:
Home with galvanized plumbing on the market to sell. See what happens during the home inspection.
What are the signs that your galvanized piping is failing (going bad)?
Early signs that your galvanized pipes are failing:
Decreased water pressure
Brown or rust-colored water from faucet
More advanced signs include:
Rust around your pipe joints and rust spots on your pipes
End stage signs that your galvanized signs have reached their life expectancy:
Ruptured pipes and pin-hole leaks
Whether your pipes are nearing the end of there life cycle or they have been pronounced you faced with a few decisions.
What signs could indicate it’s time to replace your galvanized pipes?
Pinholes and Leaky Pipes
One of the most striking and potentially costly signs that your home's plumbing has aged out is leaks. Several situations can cause leaking pipes. If the problem is confined to one area, it may only be a single compromised pipe or joint segment. But if leaking pipes are a general problem, accompanied by other signs, then "now" is the time to repipe. If you are already experiencing leaks, delaying a repipe can potentially lead to significant damage to your home. If large portions of your pipe fail suddenly, it could lead to massive leaks.
Loss of Water Clarity
Another noticeable sign your pipes are starting to rust and corrode is water discoloration. Is your water rusty when you turn the on the tap? Rust in your water means there is damage or corrosion inside your pipes, and it is nearing time to replace your plumbing. The water may also have a smell and bad taste.
Pipe Corrosion
If you have exposed water supply lines with visible signs of corrosion, then it's likely time for a whole house repipe.
Low Water Pressure
What is the water pressure when you turn on the faucet or use the shower? Does the pressure last, or does it diminish with use? Has your water pressure slowly decreased? If this is the case, then there may be corrosive deposits in your pipes, and it's time to consider a pipe replacement.
Difficulty with Temperature Adjustments
Another mark of aging galvanized pipes are problems regulating the water temperature. If this is the only symptom, check your water heater. Then, if this problem persists, it's likely time to repipe your home.
Replacing your old galvanized pipes
It’s time to replace those old water pipes. Now what? The best next step is to call an expert out to take a look at your plumbing. Most specialty companies will do this at no cost. The truth is, if your home still has galvanized water supply lines, it’s likely time to replace them. The experienced consultants at We Do Repipes Inc can help homeowners determine if you need to replace your pipes and help decide on the best options for your home and budget. Our team will leave you a no obligation quote for a whole house repipe. You can either call us to repipe or at least start planning and budgeting for your repipe. Call today to schedule a consultation at 832-819-8337.
What do I replace my galvanized pipe with?
Galvanized pipes are no longer used in homes. The 3 common types of pipes used to replace galvanized are PEX (Cross-linked polyethylene), PVC-CPVC (polyvinyl chloride or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) or copper pipes. Each pipe type has its own set of pros and cons. Read more about what plumbing pipe types to use.
What Next?
If you think you may need an expert to inspect your home's plumbing, call the professionals at We Do Repipes Inc, 832-819-8337. We Do Repipes delivers invaluable expertise and superior results. When you hire a professional repiping company like We Do Repipes, you entrust your most valuable possession to the leading repiping company in Houston, Texas.
Call us today for a free evaluation of your home plumbing system, and a no-obligation quote for a whole house repipe. We serve our neighbors from The Woodlands/Conroe, Kingwood/Humble, Katy down to Missouri City/Sugarland, and all areas.
Speak with an expert today 832-819-8337
Why Call We Do Repipes?
Our Commitment to Our Customers
The plumbing system is a vital aspect of any home. It provides water for your entire home and family. We know you want to ensure that the proper materials, components, and application practices are employed to repair or replace your plumbing.
We are committed to invaluable expertise and superior results.
At We Do Repipes Inc, we live by these words, proving on every project that our years of Repiping experience in Houston gives our customers the best possible result. When you hire a professional repiping company as We Do Repipes, you are entrusting your most valuable possession to the BEST in Houston. We practice excellent communication throughout any project, prompt action, accurate estimating, and strive to deliver exceptional service.
Our goal is to treat every customer like family, providing service as if we are working on our own home. Please call us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your home’s plumbing system.
We look forward to showing you why We Do Repipes Inc is the best local Residential Repiping Company in Houston, Texas. Call us today at 832-819-8337 or click here to request a callback.
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