Galvanized steel pipes are steel pipes that have been galvanized, which is the process of applying a zinc coating to the steel pipes, so that premature rust and corrosion may not happen to them. Because of their lower maintenance and repair costs, people always use them to construct and repair steel structure.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  
Compared with stainless pipes, galvanized pipes are lower in cost. Compared with cheap ordinary steel pipes, however, galvanized ones cost less in maintenance and last longer in expectancy, thus have the lowest long term cost. The zinc coating is outstanding in all kinds of coatings, which helps resist mechanical damage and exposed through damage. In construction, the application of galvanized pipes can save the time of surface preparation and extra painting.

The average life expectancy of galvanized steel pipes is between forty and fifty years. Informed with this, though, you still need some more information to find out how old the galvanized pipes are, if they exist in your home. Especially for pipes found in houses built as early as in the 1960s, when galvanized pipes are extremely popular, it seems that they are coming to the end of their service lives. It’s ok to use the construction year of the house to calculate the age of the pipes if you don’t know how old these pipes are exactly.

Once you make sure that your pipes have served for at least 40 years, don’t replace them by yourself immediately. Instead, you should schedule a meeting with plumbers for consultation. Even though they may look out of time, you can’t be sure that there is something wrong with them inherently. As long as they are functioning well, you don’t have to risk to make the replacement.

Want to Extend the Lifespan? Make Proper and Regular Maintenance

Maintain them regularly, if you want to exceed the service life of your galvanized pipes.
If your pipes are over 40 years old, it would be nice to arrange an annual check for them by plumbers, checking the overall health of them through a detailed inspection.
Ask your plumber to check these items: the integrity of the pipes, small leaks and buildup within the pipes, and corrosion outside the pipes. In some cases, the plumber will help you solve the problems. But in other cases, you may also be suggested to replace the pipes that are beyond repair.

Be Careful: Signs of Problems with Galvanized Pipes

In the annual maintenance of your galvanized pipes, the plumber will inspect carefully to find out if there are any signs of problems for you. However, there are chances that problems may take place when there are not professional problem solver present. Instead of getting into some real troubles, you should realize the existence of them beforehand. So here are some common signs that you may notice if there is any problem with your galvanized pipes.

Low Water Pressure
The space in your galvanized pipes that can accommodate water will decrease if sediment is accumulated there. And less water means lower water pressure caused by passing water in the pipes.

Hard Water

Hard water refers to water with high mineral content, which in this case occurs along with buildup in galvanized pipes. When you see foggy glassware after washing or clothing getting faded or taking on a grayish hue after the laundry, you should know they are all signs of hard water, and you may have problems with your pipes.

Water Stains

A water stain is the proof of water leaking from your pipes. Pay attention to the leaks even though they may look small, since a small leak may turn into a big one in a short time.

In short, observe carefully in everyday life, schedule maintenance regularly, and then your galvanized steel pipes can easily last longer than typical lifespan.