Galvanized plumbing refers to old steel pipes coated in zinc to stop rust. These pipes were common in homes built in the 1950s and 60s. Over time, the zinc wears off and the pipes begin to corrode.
If your home still has galvanized plumbing, you’re likely seeing problems. These include rusty water, clogged faucets, and low water pressure. The inside of the pipe builds up with gunk, and any connection with copper or brass can make it worse.
Why Galvanized Pipes Go Bad
Rust and Corrosion Over Time
Even though galvanized pipes were once thought to resist rust, they do rust. Once the inside starts to break down, the rust flakes off into your water. That rust can block your fixtures and stain your tubs, toilets, or sinks.
Key Takeaway: Old galvanized pipes rust on the inside, even if they look fine on the outside.
Bad Water Flow and Pressure
As the inside of the pipe fills with buildup, it narrows. That means water can’t flow the way it should. You’ll notice weak water pressure, especially in older homes with these pipes.
Risk of Leaks Underground
Many homes have a galvanized water line running from the city main to the house. If this line gets a tiny hole, water leaks into the yard, and your water bill goes up fast. You may not even notice until you get a huge bill in the mail.
What Problems Can Galvanized Plumbing Cause?
Clogged Faucets
Once we cut or bump a galvanized pipe during a repair, debris can break loose. That debris moves through the lines and gets stuck in faucet heads, causing sudden blockages.
Water Discoloration
If copper or brass fittings were added to old galvanized plumbing, the reaction between metals speeds up rust. You may see orange or brown water for a few seconds when you turn on a faucet or fill your tub.
Repair Challenges
Galvanized plumbing is hard to work with. Once cut or moved, it’s fragile and may break further down the line. One small fix could turn into a larger plumbing job.
Pro Tip: If you see rusty water or your faucets get blocked often, your galvanized pipes are breaking down. It’s time to consider a full replacement.
Need expert help with galvanized plumbing? Contact Dick Ray, for a free consultation today. We’ll inspect your system and give honest advice.
How to Tell If You Have Galvanized Pipes
What Do Galvanized Pipes Look Like?
They are dull silver or gray. Check near your water shutoff valve or the water line entering your home. If you scratch the pipe with a coin and the metal stays silver, it’s likely galvanized.
Age of the Home
If your house was built in the 1950s or 60s and has never had a full plumbing update, there’s a good chance it still has galvanized plumbing.
Should You Replace Galvanized Plumbing?
Yes. Galvanized plumbing is outdated and unsafe for modern homes. Replacing it improves water pressure, quality, and peace of mind.
Consider Water Line Insurance
If you have galvanized pipes running underground, consider getting water line insurance. These old pipes fail often and can be costly to fix if you’re not covered.
Final Thoughts: Replace Galvanized Pipes Before They Fail
Galvanized plumbing may have worked in the past, but today it causes more harm than good. Rust, low water pressure, and leaks are all signs it’s time to act. Replacing your old lines now can prevent major repairs later.
Call Dick Ray to schedule your plumbing inspection. We’ll help you decide if it’s time to replace your galvanized plumbing and do the job right.
