Many homes have galvanized pipes, but the homeowner doesn’t even realize it. The reason is that most homeowners aren’t used to inspecting their pipes, nor have they trained as plumbers to know how to recognize the different types of pipes and what can go wrong with them. Fortunately, you can call a repiping plumber to give you that information.
Galvanized pipes are steel pipes that are coated in a protective layer of zinc. The protective coating is designed to prevent corrosion of the pipes and rusting, so that the pipes last longer and they do not cause any problems with your water. However, what we’ve learned after decades of wear and tear is that these coatings are not impenetrable – they actually do wear down over time, and the steel pipes become rusted and corroded. What we now know is that it’s not just a matter of if, but when this will happen.
Here are just some of the problems that galvanized pipes can cause for your property (and why you need to replace them):
Lead Exposure
Up until around 1960, galvanized pipes were dipped in a naturally occurring zinc – which is impure and may contain lead and other problem elements. Those impurities can seep into the water supply, whether the coating is intact or has already begun to degrade. However, the risk is greater as the coating degrades.
Discolored Water
As pipes begin to rust when the zinc coating of a galvanized pipe degrades, you may notice the signs in discolored water. Your water may take on an orangish hue as the rust and iron get into the stream. While this isn’t a serious health issue, it is a matter of taste. You aren’t going to enjoy the taste of contaminated water, and drinking discolored water isn’t likely to sit right with you.
In addition, that discolored water can stain your appliances, your tub and toilet, and even your laundry. You will have a hard time getting these stains out (if you can).
Low Water Pressure
Once the coating on galvanized pipes starts to fail, the minerals from the corroding pipes can build up, and other sediment can collect. Over time, the sediment will start to block the pipes, and you will experience problems with water pressure.
Sometimes, low water pressure is just an inconvenience, such as when you want a satisfying shower but get only a weak trickle. Other times, water pressure problems can strain your system and lead to damages to your plumbing.
Uneven Distribution
The same problem that causes issues with your water pressure can cause problems with the way your water is distributed. Your pipes may be blocked in some places, but not in others. Or the blockage may be more severe in some places than others. You may get only a trickle of water in some places.
Again, that can cause great inconvenience to your lifestyle, and it can threaten the health of your plumbing system.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, you need to call a repiping plumber. At a minimum, you’ll need repipe repair for those sections of your system that are experiencing problems. However, if you have galvanized pipes that are failing, you likely need to repipe your whole property. Otherwise, you’ll just experience the same problems over and over again as the different sections of the plumbing fail. This is a problem that isn’t going to fix itself – it’s only going to spread throughout your system with time. Call a repiping plumber to correct the problem once and for all.
A repiping plumber from Integrity Repipe in California is ready to inspect your plumbing system and help you realize what it needs to run optimally and give you years of healthy performance. We can help you learn immediately whether you have galvanized pipes and give you options for the best replacement plumbing for your property. We are specialists in PEX piping, which is anti-corrosive and will not experience many of the problems that galvanized pipes suffer. Call us in California today to talk to a repiping plumber and learn more about PEX piping or to schedule an inspection of your plumbing.
Published by – Integrity Repipe Inc
Integrity Repipe Inc – San Clemente, CA
927 Calle Negocio Suite O
San Clemente, CA 92673
Phone: 949-397-2404
Website: integrityrepipe.com/san-clemente
Integrity Repipe Inc – Long Beach, CA
2201 N Lakewood Blvd, Ste D #297
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: 562-362-5040
Website: integrityrepipe.com/long-beach
Integrity Repipe Inc – Chula Vista, CA
591 Telegraph Canyon Road
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-313-5744
Website: integrityrepipe.com/chula-vista
Integrity Repipe Inc – Ladera Ranch, CA
27762 Antonio Parkway L1
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Phone: 949-397-2795
Website: integrityrepipe.com/ladera-ranch
Integrity Repipe Inc – Lakeside, CA
8337 Winter Gardens Boulevard
Lakeside, CA 92040
Phone: 619-494-3507
Website: integrityrepipe.com/lakeside
Integrity Repipe Inc – Aliso Viejo, CA
27068 La Paz Rd #771
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: 949-449-1142
Website: integrityrepiping.com/aliso-viejo-repipe-copper-pex-ca
Integrity Repipe Inc – Oceanside, CA
1759 Oceanside Blvd C,
Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: 442-300-3057
Website: integrityrepiping.com/oceanside-repipe-copper-pex
Integrity Repipe Inc – Porter Ranch, CA
19360 Rinaldi
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
Phone: 818-630-9265
Website: integrityrepiping.com/porter-ranch/