What is Galvanized Steel? - Industrial Metal Supply

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. In order to obtain accurate analytics while enabling you to make your choice regarding the use of cookies and other tracking tools, we've implemented a dedicated solution allowing us to record and counting your preferences. If you prefer not to be tracked, this system will help us complete our analysis and reports by looking at other users similar to you. This information doesn't let us know who you are or keep tracking your browsing on our website.

For more information, please visit Muchang.

These cookies lets us use your data to make recommendations to you when you use other websites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. They allow our advertising partners to collect information and customize ads based on what you look at. Without these cookies, we won't be able to show you personalized ads based on your interests, instead they'll be more generic.

Due to the age of the homes north of Chicago, galvanized pipes—and other metal pipes—are a common problem. Below is our list of the most frequently asked questions we have received about galvanized pipes.

What are galvanized pipes?

Galvanized pipes are steel pipes that have been dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. Galvanized piping was commonly installed in homes built before . When it was invented, galvanized pipe was an alternative to lead pipe for water supply lines. Today, however, we have learned that decades of exposure to water will cause galvanized pipes to corrode and rust on the inside.

How long do galvanized pipes last?

No piping system lasts forever, but galvanized pipes have a life span of between 40 to 100 years. If your home’s pipes are from the s or earlier, they are likely nearing the end of their functional life span. However, there’s a reason galvanized pipes are no longer used in modern construction: the risk they pose to a home’s water supply and people’s health.

Are there safety risks or concerns with galvanized plumbing?

By far, the most significant problem related to galvanized pipes is the mineral deposits that accumulate within the piping. Over time, it causes a reduction in water pressure and pollutes your home’s water. And as rust and corrosion deepen, they compromise the piping system’s stability and cause leaks.

As old and corroded galvanized pipes age, they can release accumulated lead into your tap water. That lead can pose significant health concerns, as ingesting too much can result in lead poisoning, and its symptoms include fatigue, headaches, insomnia, nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and reduced cognitive abilities. High doses of lead are of particular concern with children, as it can hinder their brain development and lead to lifelong health issues.  

What do galvanized pipes look like?

When first installed, galvanized pipes look like nickel in color. But as they age, galvanized pipes may appear much duller, lighter, or darker, depending on their environment. We’ve also seen homes where the water pipes have been painted, so it can be difficult to tell at first glance.

Do you know that you have galvanized pipes and need them replaced? Call the experts at American Vintage Home at (847) 999- for pipe replacement today!

How can I tell if I have galvanized pipes?

If you can’t tell by looking at your pipes, there is a quick test to tell if they are galvanized. Simply grab a flathead screwdriver and a strong magnet. Start by finding your water line and scratch the outside of the pipe with the screwdriver. 

Copper

The scratched area will look like a copper penny. A magnet will NOT stick to it.

Plastic

The scratched area will appear ivory or white in color. A magnet will NOT stick to it.

Galvanized steel

The scratched area will have a silver-gray color. A strong magnet will stick to it.

For more galvanized steel tubeinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Lead 

The scratched area will have a dull silver-gray color, and the metal will usually be soft and easy to scratch. A magnet will NOT stick to it. Lead pipes are easy to bend and may be misshapen. If you have lead pipes, we recommend replacement if possible.

Be sure to scratch-test your pipes in multiple areas. It’s not uncommon to have more than one type of piping on your water line.

Do galvanized pipes contain lead?

The galvanized pipes installed on water lines between and were dipped in molten, naturally occurring zinc. Naturally occurring zinc is impure, so these pipes were bathed in zinc that also contained lead and other impurities. The zinc coating elongated the life of the steel pipes but added small amounts of lead and other substances that could harm inhabitants.

Additionally, if your galvanized pipes were ever connected to lead plumbing (including service lines) there is more cause for concern. The corrosion inside galvanized steel pipes could have trapped small pieces of lead. Even if the lead piping was removed years ago, the galvanized steel pipes could still periodically release the trapped lead into the water flow. Chicago didn’t stop using lead pipes for service lines until , and an estimated 400,000 lead service lines are still in use in Chicago alone.

The only way to ensure that lead is not mobilized from plumbing to tap in a given home is to fully replace the galvanized plumbing and any lead service lines.

What other problems can galvanized pipes cause?

Low Water Pressure

Due to the restriction of the line, corrosion in galvanized pipes can cause lower water pressure throughout your home.

Uneven Distribution of Water

If some of your taps have low water pressure but others don’t, this could be a symptom of galvanized pipes. Corrosion can build up unevenly. Also, part of the galvanized pipeline could have been replaced in your home but not everywhere.

Discoloration of Water

Galvanized pipes can release iron and cause discoloration. A clear indicator of this is a brown stain on a porcelain sink.

Leaks

Given enough time, galvanized pipes will rust through and cause more damage to your home.

What does the galvanized piping removal process entail?

For a permanent fix, replacing all galvanized pipes is the best option, as it ensures all the rust and lead in the piping system is completely removed. While repiping an entire house is a big project, the payoffs are well worth the investment. The repiping process begins with an inspection to identify any unique problems that should be addressed. A replacement piping material is then selected, typically copper, PVC, or PEX for freshwater lines and ABS or PVC for waste and drain pipes.

After protecting your home from possible damage, qualified plumbers use specialized tools to locate existing pipes, remove them, and replace them with new ones.

Depending on your home’s size, a repiping project can take up to a week to complete. As pertaining to cost, the pipe material you choose and how much piping you need determines the final price. Older and vintage homes often have special considerations, such as plaster walls, that can result in the job taking longer and costing more.

For more information, please visit Galvalume Steel Roofing Sheet.