What Are Galvanized Pipes?
For most of the modern era, lead pipes were used when building plumbing systems (yes, even for drinking water). Thankfully, we eventually realized that lead pipes are a giant public safety hazard. Lead pipes were out, we needed a new material. Iron and steel were perfectly good alternatives, except for one little snag: iron and steel rusts over time.
Enter galvanization. By coating iron and steel in a protective layer of zinc, pipes had a buffer zone against the elements. Starting around 1960, these galvanized pipes became the staple in homes all around the world. Unfortunately, it wasn’t exactly a perfect solution, as you’ll soon learn.
Issues With Galvanized Pipes
As time went on, it became clear that there were some problems with galvanized pipes. While a freshly installed network of galvanized steel plumbing typically works without a hitch, after 30 or 40 years, a few issues start to pop up:
Rust buildup. Galvanized pipes are often victims of corrosion and rust over time. Galvanization doesn’t stop rust, it just creates a new layer on the pipe that is exposed to rust first. But as years and decades go by, the protective zinc layer eventually becomes completely corroded.
Low pressure and leaks. Homes with galvanized pipes can eventually suffer problems with water pressure and even leaks or pipe bursts. Pipe leaks often occur at the pipe joints — typically behind walls — where the buildup of water and moisture can go unnoticed for long periods of time. Which could mean eventual structural damage, toxic mold, and expensive repairs.
Potential health risks. The zinc layer in galvanized pipes often contains impurities like lead or other heavy metals. Lab tests have found that galvanized pipes can have up to 10 times the amount of lead deemed hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency. Once corrosion sets in, these contaminants can work their way into your drinking water, which is a problem you don’t want to have.
Rust colored water. Once the interior of galvanized pipes has been corroded enough, iron can get into the water, giving it a rusty brown color.
As you can see, having a galvanized steel plumbing system is a bit of ticking time bomb. And if you live in an older home, there’s a pretty good chance your plumbing network is using this outdated material. But how can you know for sure?
Cleaning Galvanized Pipes
Doing a complete cleaning of your entire plumbing network is probably too extensive for a do-it-yourself project. You can clean the outside of galvanized steel by using a water and laundry detergent solution or distilled white vinegar. If you’re comfortable with shutting off your water main, bleeding your pipes and removing pipe joints then you can clean smaller sections of your piping by soaking them in vinegar.
But, if you’re looking at a network-wide buildup of rust and corrosion, you’re best long-term option is probably to just have your plumbing network replaced with more reliable, modern piping.
Should Galvanized Pipes Be Replaced?
The short answer is yes, you should definitely look into an upgrade if your home is outfitted with galvanized pipes. Replacing your old pipes with new copper pipes might be an expensive job, but it can save you a ton of money in the long run. However, if your pipes seem to be in a good state currently and you aren’t planning on living in your home for several decades, you might be fine with just a little minor maintenance.
The first thing you have to consider is money saved on future repairs. Since we know that galvanized pipes break down over time, replacing them can significantly lower your chances of expensive leaks, pipe bursts and water damage.
Water damage that builds up over time can lead to some serious repair bills. And the small, undetected leaks that cause invisible water damage also waste hundreds, even thousands of gallons of water every year, costing you even more on your utility bills.
