Why Does Galvanized Plumbing Fail?
Galvanized plumbing is susceptible to failure due to a combination of factors inherent to their design and material composition.
Over time, the galvanized steel pipes corrode from the inside out, leading to reduced water flow and compromised water quality. The zinc coating applied to these pipes to inhibit rust eventually erodes, leaving the underlying steel vulnerable to oxidation and rust buildup. For more information, read our article about what is galvanized steel plumbing.
As rust accumulates, it narrows the pipe's diameter, causing water pressure to drop and potentially leading to blockages. The accumulation of rust and mineral deposits within the pipes can result in uneven water distribution, further exacerbating the issues.
All these factors contribute to the eventual failure of galvanized plumbing systems, necessitating replacement with more durable and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure reliable water supply and maintain the integrity of the plumbing infrastructure.
Why Is Low Water Pressure Caused by Galvanized Plumbing?
Low water pressure within galvanized plumbing systems can often be attributed to the progressive corrosion and buildup of rust within the pipes.
The interior of galvanized pipes experience rust accumulation that restricts water flow, causing a noticeable decrease in water pressure. This is particularly evident when multiple water outlets within a property, whether hot or cold, exhibit reduced flow.
The presence of rust can also lead to water discoloration, giving it a rusty hue, and imparting a metallic taste due to the corrosion of the zinc coating and the steel pipe itself. Notably, low water pressure tends to be more pronounced in hot water outlets, as the higher temperature exacerbates the rust buildup, further constricting the pipe's diameter.
This compounded effect can lead to a significant reduction in water pressure for hot water-related activities such as showers and dishwashing. In cases where these symptoms are observed, it's a clear indication of clogged galvanized pipes and will need fixing immediately. For more information on water pressure in the home, read our Ultimate Guide to Low Water Pressure.
How to Fix Low Water Pressure Caused by Galvanized Plumbing
There is no fix for rusty galvanized pipes, other than replacing them. Replacing your galvanized pipe in a piecemeal fashion over time will cost you more, and be more disruptive vs doing it all at once.
Repiping your galvanized plumbing not only eliminates the obstruction caused by rust buildup but also ensures a reliable and consistent water flow and pressure throughout the plumbing system.
Completely replacing the galvanized plumbing may be an easier and less costly process than you might have imagined. Here at Repipe Specialists, our repipes are typically completed in as little as one day (returning on a second day for wall patching). We can handle everything, including permits and inspections.
Most repipes are now done with either PEX tubing or copper piping. For more information, read our article about PEX repiping: it is the most commonly chosen option by our customers here at Repipe Specialists.
A Repipe Specialist consultant would be happy to explain all your options, either in person or in a remote consult session - schedule a free repipe quote.
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With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
Get a Quote for Repiping Your Galvanized Plumbing
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced galvanized plumbing in over 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. We have another article that cover whole house repipe cost factors in detail. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project.
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 permanently increase your home's water pressure.