3 Things to Know about the Lifespan of Your Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized pipes have an average lifespan of around 40 to 50 years. Still, as with other types of plumbing, they can continue to operate even beyond this range with regular maintenance and repairs. If you’re a Murrieta homeowner with galvanized pipes a few decades old and seemingly at the end of their functional lifespan, you’ve likely reached a point where you’re considering your options on what to do with your plumbing. 

The Age of Your Pipes

Knowing your plumbing’s age can help determine your next steps if your home has galvanized pipes. As galvanized steel pipework was primarily used in homes during the 1960s and is no longer featured in modern construction, your sewer line is likely decades old and beyond its functional lifespan. 

However, if you want to receive an expert opinion on the matter before making any definitive decisions, contact a professional plumbing service to inspect your pipes and have them provide their assessment. 

Common Issues of Aged Galvanized Piping

As galvanized pipes get older, they experience a steep dropoff in performance and begin to exhibit various issues. These problems are common, and every homeowner with galvanized plumbing will likely encounter them at some point. They include:

  • Low Water Pressure: Over time, sediment will build up within your galvanized pipes, decreasing the amount of space for water to flow through them. With less water being able to move through your pipes at any given moment, water pressure will be significantly reduced.  
  • Hard Water: Extensive mineral accumulation within galvanized pipes results in hard water coming out of the faucets and showers throughout your home. Homeowners will even see mineral deposits on a number of their plumbing fixtures.
  • Leaks: Aged galvanized piping is prone to leaks due to its deteriorating health and compromised structure. Leaks are particularly troublesome because they can worsen quickly and cause considerable damage in little time. 

Maintenance, Repairs or Replacement

While it may be tempting to want to keep your current galvanized plumbing system and continue maintaining it, homeowners should choose galvanized pipe replacement instead.  Installing new piping will ensure more effective plumbing, saving homeowners tons of money as you will no longer have to pay the costly monthly utility bills and expensive repairs for leaks, water damage and other issues your existing pipes suffer from. 

Galvanized pipe replacement is also worthwhile because of its safety. Unlike galvanized piping, modern pipework doesn’t contain harmful elements like lead that are dangerous to your health. With new pipes, you won’t have to worry about rust or contaminated water issues that are a serious risk with galvanized plumbing.  

 

Keeping galvanized pipes is an unnecessary risk to your health and safety. Get them replaced today with the help of ProFlo Plumbers. We specialize in pipe repair and replacement projects and have helped countless Murrieta residents transition to a modern plumbing system. Our team of licensed, elite plumbers are the best in the business and are ready for any task you have for them. For plumbing issues that cannot wait until the next day, our emergency plumbing services are the solution for you. To see how ProFlo Plumbers can help you, contact us today at (951) 327-7688 or visit us online.