The popularity of different building materials has changed over the years, especially when it comes to indoor plumbing. Lead pipes were common until 1986 when the Safe Water Drinking Act was passed, granting the EPA the ability to regulate standards for drinking water quality. You definitely would not want them in your home now! Copper pipes have always been an option for homeowners, though are amazingly expensive to install. PVC and PEX pipes have been a major player over the last few years as a cheaper alternative. And, then there are galvanized pipes.
History Behind Galvanized Pipe Replacement:
Originally developed in the early the early 20th century, galvanized pipes were used as a replacement for lead pipes. Structurally, they are made out of steel, covered by a coating of zinc. The zinc prevents the iron from rusting, making it usable for transporting water. As a coating, it is not infallible, and will at some point still allow for corrosion. The corrosion takes place typically on the inside of the pipe, restricting its flow and ultimately leading to a critical failure.
Galvanized pipes are considered safe, but many homeowners have issues with them due to current issues with aging infrastructures. If you are looking at an older structure with galvanized pipes, and there are signs of leakage which can lead towater damage requiring a pro, there is a good chance other pipes are going to leak as well. These types of plumbing leaks can sometimes be confused for slab leak repairs in Arlington TX, where pipes are on the older side. You might also want to check into having the water in the unit tested, to see if there are any concentration of toxic metals. Many cities have taken measures to replace old pipes, including the City of Arlington.
The normal life expectancy of galvanized pipes is 40-50 years. This lifespan can be extended by lining the pipes with resin. On the other side, it can be cut short by the excessive mineral content in your water that can build up over the years through the second layer of corrosion on top of the steel corrosion. The pipes themselves are considered safe for transporting water, though they do still potentially contain trace amounts of lead and cadmium, which are toxic. The zinc in the pipes is not toxic, but can also become an issue, as it can at times give your water a ‘metallic’ taste. It’s best to plan ahead for the future of your plumbing needs as this will help you avoid the need for off-hours service calls, as illustrated by thisHills Emergency Plumber.
Remedies for Replacing Galvanized Pipes in Your Home:
If you have an older home with galvanized pipes, they might be at the end of their serviceable lifespan. If that is the case, you might need to replace them. We are going to be honest with you, the materials alone can potentially be costly. Occasionally though, at some time in your homes life, sections of pipe might have already been replaced. So, there is a chance your situation isn’t dire. The best way to know for sure is to get your home inspected by a professional plumber, who can give you an honest evaluation.
If you do need to replace sections of your home or business’ plumbing, there are a few options. These options are covered in more detail below.
Pipe Replacement Options:
Material
Positives
Negatives
Lifespan
Galvanized Steel
· Not as toxic as lead
· Corrosion issues
· Limited lifespan
· Possible toxicity
· Technical skills needed to install
40-50 years
Copper
· Slow corrosion
· Long lifespan
· High cost
· Technical skills needed to install
50-70+ years
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
· Corrosion resistant
· Long lifespan
· Affordable
· Easy to install
· Used as a waste pipe, not as a water supply pipe.
· Brittle with age
50-70+ years
Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)
· Lowest cost
· Easy to install
· Limited lifespan
· Not for external use
· Brittle with age
40-50 years
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
· Long lifespan
· Affordable
· Easy to install
· Not for external use
· Brittle with age
50-75+ years
Need Help?
If you are thinking about purchasing a building with galvanized pipes within the Dallas-Fort Worth area, have a Bedford, Texas pipe repair, or have concerns about a home or business you currently own, Plumber Arlington Texas is available to talk. Our licensed master plumbers have the experience and know how to give you an honest estimate on any home plumbing project. Give us a call today to hear more about the variety of options available to you. We would love to speak with you!
Myles, was great in his promptness, well grounded, and very versed in his trade. My problem was fixed without any problems. I highly recommend All Masters Plumbing ask for Myles; you won't regret it.
Jennifer H.
17:53 05 Jul 22
Joshua was awesome
Ryan K.
02:31 02 Jul 22
Judy L.
01:01 02 Jul 22
Junior came quickly during off hours, helped me identify issues with my water valve and was very professional and helpful.
Daelan W.
22:54 30 Jun 22
We were very pleased with the service, communication, and quickness that we received from Audi Mendez.
Walter C.
01:13 30 Jun 22
Audi & Luis were very professional & quickly installed a new faucet. They gave us excellent service and instructions about proper care and troubleshooting.
Tasha
17:52 24 Jun 22
Myles was great he was awesome and professional. Was honest on the work needed and fair on the price. I will definitely recommend.
Anne G.
16:18 23 Jun 22
Great service, prompt, will use again.Miles did a great job!
Jennae B.
20:26 18 Jun 22
Junior Avilas was a kind and friendly guy who helped us solve our weekend emergency. Unfortunately it required a new unit, but he made the process simple and was a pleasure to work with, especially when we couldn’t reach any other company on a Saturday. Thank you for your help!
Felecia H.
17:07 18 Jun 22
Junior was a great help today. Told me everything that was going on with my unit and how I can take care of it. Awesome service call.
Brian S.
16:57 16 Jun 22
Junior
Theodore M.
21:44 13 Jun 22
He was awesome and went above and beyond what I asked
andrew C.
04:28 12 Jun 22
Junior was absolutely amazing. Called with an emergency of a back up. Super nice and respectful. Awesome awesome awesome
Michael and Carla G.
21:37 11 Jun 22
We’ve really enjoyed working with Mr. Junior. He’s friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and explained all the what’s and why’s of our sewer repair. We would highly recommend him.
Dian R.
13:28 11 Jun 22
PICKETT T.
21:58 08 Jun 22
Jr. was a professional. I’ll call him to solve all my pluming issues.
Lori T.
01:34 08 Jun 22
Junior was nothing short of amazing. Found the source of the leak and fixed it right away. Very curtious and phoned in restoration right away. Will definitely be a repeat customer when the need arises.
Debbie D.
15:23 07 Jun 22
Josh got here at 10:00Josh got here at 10,:00
Mike M.
02:59 07 Jun 22
Josh was great. Very friendly and professional.Completed the job in a timely manner and was sure to explain my options. Very satisfied.
Renea P.
04:56 04 Jun 22
Audi did great. Made suggestions and was very professional. He was the only company out of 4 that was willing to help me when I needed it.