Are Galvanized Pipes Bad? What You Need to Know

Are you struggling with your home's plumbing system? Call Gladiator Services for help at (201) 419-6090.

Many homeowners both here in Hillsdale and across the country share concerns about their home's water supply. In particular, questions about galvanized plumbing, a very common type of plumbing many home plumbing systems rely on, abound, leading many to ask, "Are galvanized pipes bad?"

Gladiator Services, Hillsdale's plumbing company of choice, will explain what galvanized pipes are, why they can cause serious household plumbing and health issues, how to tell if you have these pipes, and what you can do to upgrade your home's system with safer piping. 

What Are Galvanized Pipes?

Before answering the question, "Are galvanized pipes bad?" it's worth it to understand what galvanized pipes are. Galvanized pipes are steel pipes covered with zinc coating. Pipe manufacturers referred to this process of coating pipes with zinc as galvanizing, hence the name.

Manufacturers developed galvanized pipes out of concern that traditional lead pipes were contaminating the water supply with rust and lead. Unfortunately, while galvanized pipes could handle more water than traditional pipes and offered somewhat improved protection from decay, these old and outdated pipes present serious problems of their own in the modern day. 

Problems with Galvanized Pipes 

Galvanized pipes became common in the 1960s, and for 30 to 40 years, they worked without fail. But, more recently, they have begun to corrode and decay, posing serious problems for home plumbing systems.

Here are a few of the most common problems associated with galvanized pipes.

Low Water Pressure

Galvanized pipes decay over time, wearing down and causing low water pressure. Rust buildup impedes the flow of water and can prevent your home's fixtures from working properly. In homes with a mix of galvanized and more modern pipes, some faucets and showerheads might operate at a consistent, acceptable pressure rate while others act sluggish and strange.

Water Leaks

It's not uncommon for rust and corrosion — especially near pipe joints — to cause small fractures within a pipe. These fractures, in turn, can cause water to leak out of the pipe and into your home. Water damage and expensive utility bills may result.

Murky Water

When people ask, "Are galvanized pipes bad?" many don't consider the impact old, rusty piping can have on their home's water supply. More specifically, galvanized pipes can corrode pipes to the point where they actively contaminate water with rust shavings and other minerals. This process may result in discolored and filthy water.

Why Galvanized Pipes Are Unhealthy

Ironically, while manufacturers designed galvanized pipes to prevent lead pipe-related issues, galvanized pipes can pose a serious threat to your and your loved ones' safety. Sometimes, when a pipe's zinc coating erodes, lead from the piping itself enters your water supply.

Here are some of the effects of lead poisoning for both children and adults.

Children

Children develop quickly from year to year, and they are especially vulnerable to lead damage. Even trace amounts of lead can cause ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues that will persist and worsen as they grow up. Other developmental issues pertaining to motor skills and even brain functioning are common.

Long-term brain and nerve damage can occur in children exposed to lead. It's beyond important for you to test your home's pipes for lead if you have children.

Adults

Some adults, such as those with disabilities and the elderly, suffer more from lead exposure. Yet every adult, no matter their age, can suffer when exposed to high concentrations of lead over long periods of time. Some common issues associated with lead exposure in adults include:

• High blood pressure
• Memory issues
• Muscle pain
• Neurological issues
• Organ issues (kidneys, stomach, intestines)

Worst of all, however, is the impact lead has on pregnant women. Lead can impact a developing fetus, potentially causing hormonal issues, developmental problems, and even stillbirths. Even among fetuses that make it to term, once born, their life expectancy will be much lower than it would be otherwise.

How to Tell if You Have Galvanized Pipes

Now that you understand the answer to the question, "Are galvanized pipes bad?" you should know how to tell if you have galvanized pipes. Doing so is simpler than many assume. Start by gathering important tools: a flashlight, screwdriver, and magnet.

Locate where your pipes enter your home using a flashlight in hard-to-navigate spaces. Next, scratch the pipes with a screwdriver; if they have a similar color to a penny, they are copper pipes. You can further ensure their material by placing a magnet on the pipe, as magnets will not stick to copper pipes.

If you scratch your pipes only to reveal a silver color, then you have galvanized steel pipes. Keep in mind that pipes that feel soft and look gray are more than likely lead pipes. It's best to replace both galvanized and lead pipes as soon as possible.

Replacing Galvanized Pipes

Call for professional help to replace your galvanized pipes. DIY piping projects might seem like a cost-effective and affordable option, but they're simply too risky. Count on the experts instead, as they know how to care for your septic system and plumbing network.

After your chosen professionals arrive at your Hillsdale home, they will determine whether you need partial or complete re-piping. Partial re-piping occurs when contractors replace only some pipes within your home's system; it's best for homeowners that have a mix of more modern piping and older, galvanized piping. Complete re-piping involves replacing an entire piping system, and although it costs more, it's necessary in some cases to prevent further issues.

Expert Plumbing Services in Hillsdale, NJ

Even if you know the answer to the question, "Are galvanized pipes bad?" you still need reliable plumbing services. Gladiator Services provides dependable plumbing care in Hillsdale, NJ. We understand the many different types of plumbing pipes and can install new, state-of-the-art pipes in your home.

Call us at (201) 419-6090 today to get more information!