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Galvanized steel pipe is steel plumbing pipe, hints from a home inspectorGalvanized pipe has a tendency to wear (or corrode) from the inside out and gives few clues to its impending failure. A visual inspection cannot reveal the condition of the water pipes unless they are readily visible and showing signs of heavy corrosion. Galvanized water supply lines have a tendency to clog up and restrict the water flow throughout the property. Minerals from the water, and rust inside the pipes, seem to be at fault. There, at present, is no cure for this problem other than replacement of the pipes. Usually this is done in stages with the most accessible pipes being replaced first. This usually yields a good amount of flow. The line from the water source may be replaced next, then the more difficult lines in attics or basements and then those enclosed in walls. Generally you should expect to replace some or all galvanized water lines after about 30 years. Although some pipes installed in 1978 were being replaced in 1989 and some installed in the 1940's are still doing fine, you can expect an average life of 30 years. If the possibility of replacing pipes concerns you it is recommended that you contact a plumbing contractor for a second opinion. In some parts of the country construction techniques allowed the installation of water lines under the slab the "slab" being the poured concrete floor of the building. Often these water lines were galvanized steel or copper pipes. Water pipes may, on occasion, develop "pinhole" leaks. If the pipe is under or in the slab there would be no way of knowing this unless a wet spot shows up on the floor (which may be under carpet, vinyl or other floor coverings). If there are leaks or if they later develop, it may be necessary to chip away some of the slab and install a new piece of pipe or a patching clamp. Some plumbers may prefer to run a new line through the ceiling or wall and eliminate the affected section of pipe. Gas pipes in ground or concrete without wrapping: gas pipes Plastic copper pipe in concrete without protective wrap Pipe meter not supported unprotected damaged Damaged pipes damaged pipes may include excessively corroded pipes, bent pipes Water pressure too low or high Water flow slows when 2 or more faucets turned on Flow rate reduced at fixture (possible clogged or damaged aerator or valve) Water pipes fittings joints corroded leaking Water pipes not insulated insulation incomplete
File last updated February 08, 2012 * Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.
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