Corroded Galvanized Pipe

During a Sacramento home inspection, many of the visible galvanized water supply pipes showed signs of corrosion.

Galvanized pipe is a steel pipe which has been dipped in a galvanizing solution to coat it inside and out for better protection against corrosion. Even with this coating, the steel pipe will eventually corrode over time and sometimes develop leaks along its length. The life expectancy of galvanized steel pipe is 40 years.

Galvanized pipe has a tendency to wear out (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.

A corroded pipe like the one shown in the photo will have to be replaced. Galvanized water supply pipes have a tendency to clog up and restrict the water flow throughout the house. Minerals in the water, and rust inside the pipes, seem to be at fault. There is no repair for this problem other than replacement of the pipes.

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