Galvanized pipe is a steel pipe that has a coating of zinc. This layer of zinc acts as a protective barrier against the elements and corrosion. The strength and resistance to corrosion made it the dominant plumbing used well into the 1970's. Galvanized pipe is found in older homes and was used extensively, because it was thought that they did not rust like the conventional black iron pipes, of the time. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Home-owners may find that they have galvanized plumbing pipes and will need to know what to do.

There was one major problem with galvanized pipes, and that was the layer of zinc. The very thing that protected the pipes from rust, reacted with minerals in the water and would often form clogs. These mineral clogs would build up like plaque along the walls of the blood vessels. These clogs could get bad enough to restrict the flow and cause damage to the pipe. Often people would use snakes and other devices to break up the clog. This would chip away at the zinc layer, exposing the steel to the water, and causing it to rust. The rust is started on the inside of the pipe, so it is often not noticed until it is too late. Chemical drain cleaners also destroy the zinc barrier and expose the steel pipe.

Home-owners may worry about rust in their water, but it is typically harmless. Atlanta plumbers say that it is really only physically unappealing when you turn on your faucet and red water pours out. Usually if you let it run a few seconds the rust will be less evident. Rust in the water should not be ignored, since it shows that your pipes are rusting. When you start to see rust in the pipes, it is serious. You have a ticking time bomb of an issue.

Have a professional plumber inspect your pipes. Houston plumbers will have the tools and experience to know if the problems are critical or if you have time before the old galvanized pipes will need to be replaced. They will need to be replaced, and having a plumber that is familiar with the plumbing layout and aware of your situation and needs can help when that time comes. They may be able to replace sections of pipe dictated by the condition of the plumbing. This may be more time consuming, but it is less disruptive to taking out plumbing from several systems all at once.

If you have galvanized plumbing Dallas plumbers will tell you that there is nothing wrong with a little rust. If you don not see any rust, then you do not have to have them replaced, but you should keep in mind that galvanized pipe does not last forever. Rust is a warning sign that the plumbing needs to be watched and replaced. Keeping that in mind, you should contact a plumbing professional to evaluate your situation. Replacing the pipes is an expensive and time consuming project and a professional plumbing organization will be able to give you the best options for updating your pipes.