While many Alabama homes contain galvanized pipes, they aren’t the safest choice. From low water pressure to poor drinking water, these pipes can lead to a range of problems.
If you’re unsure what kind of pipes your home has, we can help. Reach out to Birmingham Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to learn more about the best options for your home.
Quick Takeaways
- Galvanized pipes corrode over time.
- These pipes often have low water pressure, leaks, and rusty water.
- They lead to higher levels of lead in your drinking water.
- Unfortunately, many galvanized pipes in Birmingham are already past their normal lifespan.
- To avoid water damage and poor water quality, it’s vital to replace these pipes in a timely way.
What Are Galvanized Pipes?
Galvanized pipes are made out of steel and a coating of zinc. Over time, the zinc layer starts to corrode and release harmful chemicals into your drinking water.
Before there were galvanized pipes, many homes had lead pipes. Galvanized pipes were a cheap, durable upgrade. While it might be safer than lead, this material still isn’t safe to use.
Are Galvanized Pipes Bad?
Galvanized pipes are harmful to your home and family for a few key reasons.
- Internal corrosion
- Flow restriction and issues with water pressure
- Leaks
- Burst pipes
- Lead, cadmium, and other contaminants
Signs Your Galvanized Pipes Are Failing
As a homeowner, you should be proactive about monitoring and inspecting the following issues. If your galvanized pipes experience these problems, they may be starting to fail.
- Low water pressure
- Frequent clogs
- Yellow or brown water
- Rusty pipes or rust-colored water
- Repeated leaks
- Water that tastes like metal
Are Galvanized Pipes Safe To Drink From?
It is not a good idea to drink from galvanized pipes. There is a high risk of lead leaching into the water, which can result in issues with the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. These pipes can also lead to rust particles and bacteria in the water.
How Long Do Galvanized Pipes Last in Alabama?
In most parts of the country, these pipes last 40 to 60 years. However, Alabama’s moderately hard water, naturally occurring chlorides, and variable pH accelerate this timeline. As a result, galvanized pipes in Alabama often last just 30 to 50 years.
Should You Replace Galvanized Pipes?
Replace your pipes if they show signs of failure. If the pipes are more than 40 years old or you’re planning a remodeling project, it’s time to get new pipes.
Repairing pipes isn’t a long-term solution because the pipes will eventually fail completely. Plus, mixing copper and galvanized pipes can cause a galvanic reaction, which makes the galvanized steel corrode faster than normal.
Instead, the best option is to completely replace all of the galvanized pipes in your system with PEX or copper.
Cost To Replace Galvanized Pipes in Birmingham
The cost of your replacement pipes depends on a few key factors.
- Home layout
- Home size
- Additional painting or drywall requirements
- Material choice
- The number of fixtures involved
With repiping, you can prevent future repairs and avoid expensive water damage.
How Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Inspects Galvanized Pipes
Our team can help with all of your pipe replacements. As a part of our whole-home plumbing inspection, we’ll perform pressure testing and a water quality evaluation. We’ll also determine the type of pipe material involved. Then, we can recommend the best options for your unique situation.
FAQs
To help you learn more about common homeowner concerns, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions.
When did people stop using galvanized pipes?
For the most part, homebuilders stopped using galvanized pipes in the 1960s. However, homes that were constructed before this date often used this material.
Can you still use galvanized pipes today?
As a general rule, it isn’t recommended to install galvanized pipes in new construction projects. Old homes may still have them, but it’s a good idea to get them replaced with copper, PEX, or PVC pipes.
How do I know if my home has them?
To see if your home has galvanized pipes, try finding an exposed section of pipe. Galvanized pipes will be gray in color and feel hard to the touch. Additionally, magnets will stick to galvanized pipes.
Are they dangerous for drinking water?
Yes, they are. Over time, the pipes can corrode. This causes lead, cadmium, and other harmful materials to leach into your drinking water.
What’s the best replacement option?
PEX pipes tend to be the best replacement option for galvanized pipes because of their flexibility and low cost. While copper has a higher price, it is also a good choice because of its longevity and durability. Meanwhile, PVC pipes are primarily used for replacing drain lines and any lines that aren’t used for drinking or cooking.
Will my insurance cover leaks from old pipes?
In most cases, insurance policies will cover a leak if it is due to a sudden burst pipe. If it is a slow, ongoing leak, insurance won’t pay for the cost of repairs or water damage. In these situations, the leak is considered a maintenance issue.
Call the Punctual Plumbers in Birmingham, AL
Although many homes are equipped with galvanized pipes, this plumbing option is outdated and unsafe. Because these old pipes become corroded over time, many Birmingham homes have galvanized pipes that are near failure.
To avoid burst pipes and costly repairs, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Birmingham a call. Our team of punctual plumbers is known for their speed and reliability. We will work with you to determine the best replacement option for your family’s needs. From same-day inspections to upfront pricing, we strive to offer the top level of service possible.
For help in Birmingham, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Trussville, Hoover, Pelham, and the surrounding areas, reach out to our plumbing experts today.