Why Do Galvanized Pipes Corrode?

What Are Galvanized Pipes Made Of?

Galvanized pipes are steel pipes that have been coated with a layer of zinc through a process called galvanization.

This zinc coating was initially designed to protect the steel from rust and corrosion. However, over time, the protective zinc layer wears down due to exposure to water and environmental factors, leaving the underlying steel vulnerable to rust and significantly reducing the lifespan of the galvanized steel.

For more information, we have an article that breaks down what galvanized pipes are and how to tell if your home has them.

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Why Do Galvanized Pipes Corrode?

While galvanized pipes were initially resistant to corrosion due to the zinc coating, the protective layer doesn't last forever. Several factors can cause galvanized pipes to corrode:

1. Water chemistry: The minerals in your water supply, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, can cause the interior of galvanized pipes to corrode faster. Hard water is especially problematic, as these minerals can build up inside the pipes and worsen the corrosion process.
2. Aging pipes: Over time, the protective zinc coating begins to wear down. In homes with galvanized pipes that are several decades old, the likelihood of corrosion is significantly higher, especially in areas where the water supply is highly chlorinated or acidic.
3. Humid Climate: In subtropical regions like Florida, high humidity can accelerate corrosion on galvanized pipes, leading to leaks, rust, and ultimately, pipe failure. Coastal areas face an added risk due to salt in the air, which accelerates rusting.
4. Hot water exposure: Hot water can accelerate the corrosion of galvanized pipes. The high temperature increases the rate at which the zinc coating degrades, allowing the steel underneath to oxidize and rust faster.
5. Damp conditions: If pipes are exposed to damp conditions or moisture in areas like basements or crawl spaces, the exterior of the galvanized pipes can corrode, even if the interior is in relatively good condition.

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How Does Corrosion Affect Water Quality and Pressure?

As galvanized pipes corrode, they begin to develop rust and mineral buildup inside, which can lead to a number of plumbing problems:

• Rusty and discolored water: One of the most noticeable signs of corrosion is rusty water. As the interior of galvanized pipes rusts, flakes of iron and rust can break off and enter the water supply. This causes the water to appear brown or orange and may sometimes give it a metallic taste or odor.



• Reduced water pressure: Over time, the buildup of rust and mineral deposits inside galvanized pipes can restrict water flow. This can lead to lower water pressure, particularly in faucets or showerheads furthest from the main water supply line. You may notice weak water flow or inconsistent water pressure throughout your home.
• Leaks and water damage: In severe cases of corrosion, rust can weaken the structural integrity of the pipes, leading to leaks. These leaks may be slow and go unnoticed for a long time, causing significant water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs.

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When Should Galvanized Pipes Be Replaced?

If you have galvanized pipes in your home, it's important to understand that these galvanized pipes are already well past their intended working life.

Rusty or discolored water is one of the clearest signs of corroding galvanized pipes. If your water consistently appears rusty, tastes metallic, or has an unpleasant odor, it's time to consider replacing them.

Low or inconsistent water pressure can also indicate problems with galvanized pipes. Mineral buildup and corrosion inside the pipes restrict water flow, often leading to noticeable drops in pressure in certain areas of your home.

Frequent leaks or pipe failures are another red flag. If you've had multiple leaks or notice signs of water damage, it's a clear indication that your galvanized plumbing system is failing and needs to be replaced.

Replacing your outdated galvanized pipes with modern materials will save you money and hassle in the long run. Successive galvanized pipe repairs can far exceed the cost of a full home repipe, so it's essential to choose durable alternatives to protect your home's plumbing system for years to come.

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What Are the Best Alternatives to Galvanized Pipes?

When replacing your galvanized pipes, the two best alternatives are PEX tubing and copper pipes. Both materials offer long-term durability, resistance to corrosion, and improved water quality compared to galvanized pipes.

PEX tubing, or cross-linked polyethylene, is an affordable and flexible option for repiping your home. Its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation make it a popular choice among homeowners and repiping companies.

PEX tubing can bend around corners without the need for additional fittings, simplifying the process and reducing installation costs. Additionally, PEX is highly resistant to corrosion and rust, ensuring fewer plumbing issues in the future. We always recommend using Uponor PEX-A tubing for its durability, flexibility, and suitability for various climates.

Copper pipes are known for their exceptional durability and long lifespan, often exceeding 50 years. They are effective against corrosion and bacteria buildup, making them a reliable choice for clean water supply. For our copper home repipes, we use American-made Type L Copper pipe.

While PEX has gained popularity for its affordability and ease of installation, copper remains a trusted option for those seeking a more traditional and long-lasting solution. We have an article that weighs the pros and cons of repiping with copper or PEX.

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Receive a Free Quote for Replacing Galvanized Pipes

Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced galvanized plumbing in thousands of homes since 1991 using both copper piping and PEX tubing. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:

• Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
• Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
• Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
• Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
• Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
• Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote. Replace galvanized pipes to ensure the longevity of your home's plumbing.

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