Why and how to replace galvanized pipes？

Due to the age of some old houses, aging and corrosion of galvanized steel pipes is a common problem. The following is a list of the most common questions we have received about galvanized pipes.

What Is Galvanized Pipe?

Galvanized steel pipes have a protective zinc coating on their surface, which has certain rust and corrosion prevention functions. Unfortunately, the inner walls of galvanized pipes will corrode and rust after being exposed to the water supply system for many years. This type of rust can enter your drinking water pipes and ultimately enter the health of family members, posing a health hazard.

How Long Do Galvanized Pipes Last?

There is no pipeline in the world that can be permanently and continuously used, and galvanized pipes are no exception. In general, the longest service life range of hot-dip galvanized steel pipes can be 30-100 years, but according to general circumstances, when encountering special humid or highly corrosive environments, their service life will be greatly shortened.

Why Do We Need To Replace Galvanized Pipes?

The accumulation of mineral deposits inside galvanized pipes remains a major issue. Over time, this may lead to a decrease in water pressure and household water pollution. As corrosion and rusting deepen, they may damage the stability of pipeline systems and lead to leaks.

As old and corroded galvanized pipes age, they release accumulated lead into tap water. This type of lead exposure poses serious health risks as excessive intake can lead to lead poisoning, with symptoms including fatigue, headache, insomnia, nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and decreased cognitive function. High levels of lead are particularly concerning for children as it can hinder their brain development and lead to lifelong health problems.

How To Determine If Galvanized Pipes Are Being Used At Home?

Randomly find a coin and magnet from your home, use it to gently cut open the outer skin of the pipe, and observe its color and characteristics.

If it is a copper tube, it will appear bronze colored and not magnetic.

If it is a plastic pipe, the surface appears gray white and also lacks magnetism.

If it is a galvanized pipe, the surface appears silver gray and has strong magnetism.

If it is a lead pipe, the surface is relatively soft and appears gray black, without magnetism.

If it is a rubber tube, the surface will be very soft, appearing black, with debris and no magnetism.

What other problems can galvanized pipes cause?

1.Low Water Pressure

Is the water pressure given to you by your water pipe low? If this is the case, it is a blockage inside the pipeline.

For many years, pipelines may become clogged due to dirt. The pollutants and sediments in water form these sediments. Depending on the type of water pipe, even small pebbles may get stuck inside the pipe and accumulate minerals.

2.Uneven Distribution of Water

Due to the presence of scale and other impurities inside galvanized pipes that have been in use for many years, problems such as uneven water distribution and reduced water flow can occur.

3.Discoloration of Water

Rust can cause your water to harden. Behind your clothes; The clothes don't feel as soft as before, dark yellow, and look very dirty. When taking a shower, soap bubbles will leave on your skin. This makes it difficult to remove bacteria and dirt. Dishes may also accumulate sediment on top of them.

Rust can cause unpleasant odors in drinking water. It may make your water look dirty.

4.Leaks

Old galvanized pipes have a great chance of causing lead poisoning. If your house was built before 1986, the pipes are likely to cause lead poisoning. You should have a professional inspect the pipeline immediately.

Lead poisoning can lead to delayed development in infants and children. Adults affected by lead poisoning may experience elevated blood pressure or kidney damage.

Especially warm water can cause lead to enter drinking water. It is best to drink cold drinking water.

If there are galvanized pipes in your house, please seek professional help to inspect them in a timely manner.

How much does it cost to replace the galvanized pipe?

At present, galvanized water pipes are generally priced at 30 to 35 yuan per meter in the market, and high-quality ones are priced at 50 to 60 yuan per meter. The above prices are for reference only, and the actual item shall prevail when purchasing. I hope my answer can help you.

What should be noted during the dismantling process of galvanized pipes?

1. Close the water gate

In many places, the tap water in homes is open for a long time, so be sure to close the water valve in advance before dismantling old galvanized pipes.

2. Loosen fixing screws and other fixing components

Before disassembling the galvanized pipe, first loosen the fixing components connected to it, such as nuts, bolts, etc., to facilitate subsequent processing. Tools such as wrenches and wrenches can be used to loosen, but be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the fixing parts.

3. Cut off the pipeline

If it is necessary to dismantle the entire galvanized pipeline, an electric saw or manual saw can be used to cut it. But before cutting off, it is necessary to confirm whether there is still any substance left in the pipeline to avoid safety hazards.

4. Use tools

During the disassembly process, tools such as pliers and hammers can be used to support or tap, in order to better loosen the galvanized pipes connected to the fixing parts. However, it is also important to avoid excessive force to avoid unnecessary damage.

5. Other precautions

-》Be sure to confirm if there are any remaining substances inside the pipeline to avoid potential safety hazards.

-》Do not apply excessive force to avoid damage to the fixing parts or galvanized pipes.

-》Be careful when using tools, pay attention to safety, and avoid accidental injuries.

-》If you have protective clothing or helmets, it's best to wear them properly.

-》If you are not a professional, it is best to contact a professional for operation.

Other tips to prevent water from entering the home

-》Know your home’s plumbing system

-》Check the bathroom

-》Install a leak detecton system

-》Water in the basement?

-》Check water supply hoses

-》Store valuables in a safe place

If you would like to replace galvanized pipes or learn more about your pipeline selection issues, we would be happy to provide assistance. Please send your question to our email: sales@ytdrgg.com