What is Galvanized plumbing and Why Should I Care?
What is Galvanized plumbing and Why Should I Care?
What is Galvanized Plumbing?In the past, the most used metal for making water-transporting pipes was lead. Over 70% of larger cities’ public drinking water systems by 1900 used pipes made of lead. Builders started looking for lead pipe alternatives because there was more demand to reduce lead poisoning. Galvanized steel had supplanted lead as the plumbing industry’s preferred building material by the 1960s.These galvanized pipes rose to prominence in homes all across the world starting around 1960. You’ll quickly discover that that wasn’t precisely the best option.Galvanized Pipe Life DurationEven under the best circumstances, galvanized plumbing corrodes with time. The typical lifespan of galvanized steel is 25 to 40 years. However, in areas with hard water, your pipes could deteriorate more quickly. Galvanized pipes are problematic because, despite having a wonderful exterior appearance, they may be internally corroding. The buildup of deposits inside the pipe over time lowers water pressure in your home and reduces water flow. Additionally, this accumulation could cause leaks and lower water pressure in other parts of the pipe.Joint corrosion, which can cause a leak, is another possibility. Unfortunately, you might not notice leaks that occur behind walls or under floors until significant damage to your property has already been done.Galvanized pipes have a number of issues, including leaks, uneven water distribution, low water pressure, and discolored water.Problems with Galvanized PipesAs time passed, it became apparent that galvanized pipes had several issues. While a network of galvanized steel pipes that has just been built usually functions without a hitch, after 30 or 40 years, a few problems start.Rust build-up and heavy to handle:The corrosion that gradually forms throughout the interior of the pipes is galvanised plumbing’s most evident drawback. These pipes are incredibly heavy to handle because they are composed of steel.Risky for healthWhen pipes begin to deteriorate, lead can leak into your water. This problem can be made worse if copper and galvanized pipes are combined. You can be dealing with a more serious issue if the pipe in question is utilized to transport drinking water.Impure waterOnce galvanized pipes’ inside have rusted sufficiently, iron can enter the water, giving it a rusty brown hue.Benefits of Galvanized PipesBecause they were less expensive than copper when they were initially being used, galvanized pipes were favored. Even today, these pipes are frequently used for outdoor plumbing and in major construction projects. Galvanized pipes are nevertheless more robust than plastic and less expensive than copper. Galvanized pipes also offer the advantage of having a larger diameter than copper pipes, which allows more water to pass through.Do Galvanized Pipe contain Lead?Galvanized plumbing is frequently questioned by homeowners, who wonder if the pipes contain lead. The answer is yes, lead is generally present in zinc coating. Some water samples obtained from residences with galvanized steel pipes had lead at levels higher than the action limit established by the government’s environment protection policy.Should Galvanized Pipes be Replaced?Due to the expense and difficulty of replacing your home’s pipes, you could be tempted to do it only partially. However, given the rise in lead poisoning as well as the other problems this type of plumbing can cause, a complete replacement is suggested.Completely overhauling your plumbing system may seem like a big process. However, given the harm they may cause if left in place, it is best to replace the pipes before they leak behind walls or beneath floors. Even worse, these pipelines might contaminate your water source.You must first take into account the money you will save on future maintenance. Galvanized pipes are known to deteriorate over time, so replacing them can greatly reduce your risk of costly leaks, pipe breaks, and water damage.Over time, water damage can accumulate and cost you a lot of money to repair. Additionally, the minor, unnoticed leaks that result in unseen water damage waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water annually, increasing your utility costs.How to Take Care of the Home’s Plumbing System?Install modern copper pipes to bring your plumbing system up to date. Copper pipes don’t contain lead or other unwanted materials and are resistant to rust and corrosion. If it is brand-new, copper plumbing can last up to 75 years.Learn how to keep the plumbing in your home in good shape. By winterizing your pipes, learning how to remove blockages, and maintaining your garbage disposal, you might end up saving a tonne of money over time. Small changes can lead to significant improvements.Consider installing a smart water security system in your home. It proactively monitors the water flow and pressure in your home as well as the ambient temperature to discover even the smallest microleak.ConclusionGalvanized pipes are gradually being replaced by other types of pipes in the present plumbing technology landscape. New buildings seldom ever make use of them. Replacing your outdated plumbing network should be on your to-do list if you’re looking for strategies to make your house last for a very, very long time.About Dutron Pipes and Fittings:Dutron has been a leader in the industry of pipes and fittings for over 50 years and if you’re ever in need of anything related to pipes, fittings and plumbing, we’ll be more than happy to help you keep your loved ones safe! Feel free to contact us for any queries.
