Once a common piping material for homes, galvanized steel is no longer used in modern pipework. The emergence of other more efficient piping materials and the discovery of galvanized pipes’ harmful nature mean they are much less relevant than in previous decades.

You’ll likely never have to worry about galvanized pipes if you own a newer home. However, those with older homes will need to prioritize checking their pipes to see if they are made from galvanized steel. If they are, galvanized pipe replacement by an expert plumber must be considered immediately to ensure safer and more effective plumbing.  

Why are Galvanized Pipes Dangerous?

Galvanized pipes are coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust buildup. Despite this intention, heavy rusting and corrosion can occur to galvanized pipes after many years of use. This can cause serious issues for your plumbing and is a health risk to anyone living on your property. 

Galvanized pipes are hazardous because they contain large amounts of lead and iron. Both lead and iron can make their way into your drinking water through extensive corrosion. Contaminated drinking water can lead to illness and various severe health issues. 

How to Tell if You Have Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized pipes have a silver and gray color to them. However, their color has dulled due to their old age, giving them a much different appearance from their original look. Fortunately, tools like a magnet and a screwdriver can help determine whether your pipes are made from galvanized steel.  

Go to your sewer line and gently scratch your pipe with your screwdriver. If you have galvanized steel pipes, you should see either silver or gray color in the marked area. You can also confirm your findings by placing your magnet onto the pipe. Your magnet should stick to galvanized pipes. 

Alternatives to Galvanized Pipes

When you choose to replace your galvanized pipes, you’ll need to consider the type of piping that will take its place. You’ll be faced with options like PVC pipes, PEX pipes, or copper pipes. To make a more informed decision, consult with a professional plumbing service like ProFlo Plumbers to go over your options. We’ll help you select a piping material that works best for your home and galvanized pipe replacement needs. 

The sooner you replace your galvanized pipes, the better it will be for your plumbing and well-being. Get in touch with the plumbing experts at ProFlo Plumbers as we can help you with any pipe replacement needs, including galvanized pipe replacement. Our team of licensed, experienced plumbers are the best in the business and have provided Murrieta, Temecula and Canyon Lake residents with high-quality plumbing services like galvanized pipe replacement and leak detection for many years. 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.