Galvanized pipes are steel pipes coated with zinc to prevent them from corroding or rusting. They were more common in Vancouver, WA, homes in the 1960s. However, they’re still present in some homes to date.
The pipes are an alternative to lead pipes that are being phased out due to increased lead poisoning. Galvanized pipes also provide a cheaper alternative to copper pipes that have high initial purchasing and installation costs. They also feature a wider diameter allowing more water to pass through seamlessly.
Conversely, galvanized pipes have their disadvantages which is why a plumber near me will recommend replacing them with either copper or PVC pipes. While still new, galvanized pipes resemble a nickel in color. However, they may appear duller, lighter, and darker as they age. Continue reading to explore reasons you should consider having plumbers replace your galvanized pipes.
Corrosion
Corrosion is one of the most common reasons you should eliminate galvanized pipes from your home. Galvanized pipes build up grime and mineral deposits on their inner surfaces over time.
The corrosion may take long before it occurs, although when it happens, it compromises the quality of water flowing into your home. Additionally, it interferes with water flow, leading to low pressure in your faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
Seek the services of a plumber to help replace the galvanized pipes with more corrosive-resistant pipes such as copper, PEX, and PVC pipes. The plumber will analyze the water and plumbing appliances in your home and recommend the most suitable pipes.
Looking for a plumber near me will also help you get a specialist that’ll replace any other defective plumbing fixtures and fittings made from galvanized steel that may be susceptible to corrosion. These include water heaters and faucets.
Although galvanized pipes are prone to corrosion after serving you for long, you may notice the problem very early, sometimes two or three months after installation. It could be a result of the accumulation of contaminants such as Bromodichloromethane, Chloroform, and Chromium in the water passing through them.
Ensure your supplier provides quality water to prevent seeking early replacement services from a plumber near me. You can ask your plumber to conduct a water quality test before installing your newly bought pipes, be it PVC, galvanized, or copper pipes.
Water Contamination
When galvanized pipes begin to corrode, they can release lead into the water flowing into your Vancouver, WA, home. This is more true if the water line leading to your house had lead pipes before or currently.
First, contact a plumber near me to inspect the plumbing system in your home to establish whether it’s still connected to the old plumbing system that’s highly exposed to lead. If your home was constructed before 1986, there’s a high probability of traces of lead in its plumbing system.
Lead poses a health hazard to you and your family members, increasing the chances of contracting cancer. Additionally, a corroded galvanized pipe can lead to a change in the color of the water flowing into your home.
Reach out to a plumber to replace the galvanized plumbing pipes with a healthier choice, including copper and PVC pipes.
Cumbersome To Handle
Galvanized pipes are generally heavy since they’re made of steel. This structural property makes it complicated to install them. Additionally, if your plumber needs to conduct repairs or preventative maintenance on the pipes, they might need to muscle up and do the heavy lifting.
This only implies you’ll have to pay a high service fee. It could also be a winding process, especially if you’re transporting the pipes from a store that’s far from your home.
Contact a plumber near me to get rid of the galvanized steel plumbing pipes in your home. After all, at some point, you’ll still have to replace them. The aficionado will recommend options suitable for your home, depending on surrounding structures and your water needs. A plumber near me will also recommend proper disposal strategies for the uninstalled galvanized pipes to prevent environmental degradation and landing into problems with the authorities.
Costs
Galvanized pipes have a slightly higher installation cost than copper pipes. During repairs, the costs add to the initial costs. It makes it more expensive to maintain the pipes.
Galvanized pipes are also prone to extensive damage, especially if they’re not covered. You’ll be required to initiate constant repairs with a plumber near me often, and looking for a credible plumbing company can be a tiresome task.
Reach out to a plumber in Vancouver, WA, for alternative plumbing materials if you have galvanized pipes in your home, and you’re looking to save on pipe installation, repair, and maintenance costs.
The professionals you get will conduct a feasibility study to determine the plumbing problems associated with your galvanized pipes, and recommend the pipes that would suit your home in terms of costs in the long run.
The plumber should, afterward, replace the galvanized pipes with your newly selected ones. Seeking replacement services will help you save on future costs of repairing the damaged plumbing pipes.
Uneven Water Distribution And Low Pressure
Galvanized steel pipes are susceptible to corrosion which may cause blockages in the plumbing system. When this happens, it may cause the water flowing through the pipes to pass through them at a lower pressure. Additionally, low pressure could lead to uneven water distribution to plumbing fixtures and appliances in your home.
Some appliances may even get no water at all, inhibiting you from performing activities such as dishwashing, laundry, and showering.
If you’re looking to keep water at normal efficient pressure, contact a plumber near me to remove the galvanized steel pipes that may be blocking water from flowing to your appliances efficiently. They will inspect your home and analyze your needs to pick the type that fits your home’s water needs.
Pilot Plumbing & Drain: The Plumbing Aficionados
The above information is crucial to homeowners to keep them in the loop before reaching out to a plumber near me to eliminate galvanized pipes in their homes.
Although these pipes have benefits, the disadvantages outweigh the pros by far. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Pilot Plumbing for full-service plumbing solutions. We offer installation, repair, and maintenance solutions for plumbing fixtures such as pipes, faucets, toilets, and sinks.
Our plumbers at Pilot Plumbing & Drain leverage extensive training and experience and use modern equipment and techniques to offer personalized services. You can give us a call whenever you’re facing a plumbing emergency, during the day or at night, and we will arrive on time to fix the issue.
