Make an appointment

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

A Complete Guide to Replacing Galvanized Pipes in an Older Home

Many older homes that were built with galvanized pipes are coming around to the time of replacement. So, if you have an older home, it’s best to learn about galvanized pipes replacement before yours deteriorates. 

Why? The cost to replace galvanized pipes can vary greatly and may require time to build up your savings to complete the job without breaking the bank. 

If you’re in the market to learn how to replace galvanized pipes, this is the guide for you. We’ll cover how long galvanized pipes typically last, the signs you may need to replace yours, and the costs to prepare for. Keep reading for the ultimate guide on galvanized pipes replacement. 

When to Plan for Galvanized Pipes Replacement

If you know when your home was built, you already have a good idea of when to expect needing to replace its galvanized pipes. For the most part, galvanized pipes last anywhere from 20-50 years. So, if your home is in this post-build range, you could be looking at a near-future galvanized pipe replacement project.

Not sure if you have galvanized pipes or not? If your home was built between the 1930s and 1980, it likely has galvanized pipes, which were the standard for residential plumbing during this time. Brass and copper piping became more widely used in the 1960s, in case your home was built after that. 

To determine if you do have galvanized piping, simply – 

  1. Scratch a pipe with a screwdriver or coin to check what’s underneath. 
  2. If the area is dull gray or silver-white, it’s likely galvanized steel. 
  3. Confirm by sticking a strong magnet to it. If it sticks, the pipe is likely galvanized. 

Or, you can always make an appointment with a residential plumbing service for a professional opinion. This can be good advice to take at the beginning of the process, as you’ll need a professional plumbing provider to replace the pipes in your home properly. 

Signs You Need to Replace Galvanized Pipes

When galvanized pipes are getting ready for replacement, they’ll start showing signs of age. The most common indicators that your galvanized pipes might need replacing include the following – 

  • Discoloration of water – Water that is brown, red, or yellow can be a sign of rust inside the pipes.
  • Leaks – Frequent leaks, or visible water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors can be a sign that the pipes are deteriorating.
  • Uneven water distribution or temperature – Fluctuations in water temperature when using multiple fixtures can be a sign of corroded pipes.
  • Low pressure – Decreased water pressure can indicate that the inside of the pipes is corroding and clogging. 
  • Odd taste or smell – Water with a metallic taste or unusual smell can indicate corrosion inside the pipes.
  • Frequent issues – Recurrent plumbing problems, such as frequent clogs or backups, can indicate that the pipes are corroded or failing.

Another sign to be conscious of is lead being present in your water. If you’re concerned that lead is leaching into the water from galvanized pipes, consider having your water tested.

Galvanized Pipes Replacement Costs to Consider 

Replacing galvanized pipes involves several costs to consider. First, there is the expense of materials, including new pipes (often copper, PEX, or PVC), fittings, and insulation. Labor costs can also be significant, as the job typically requires a professional plumber and may involve extensive work to access and replace the old pipes, especially if they are hidden behind walls or under floors. 

Additional expenses may arise from repairing and repainting walls, ceilings, and floors that were disturbed during the replacement process. If the plumbing system requires updating to meet current codes, this could further increase costs.

Last but not least, there might be costs associated with temporary accommodations if water service is disrupted for an extended period. Homeowners should also consider the potential cost savings from preventing future leaks and water damage, as well as the increased value and safety of the home.

As for a ballpark number, what can you expect in the range of cost for a whole-house galvanized pipe replacement project? In general, homeowners can expect the replacement to cost anywhere from an extremely low estimate of $1,500 to $15,000. Factors that can affect the cost include – 

  • The number of stories in your home.
  • The number of rooms in your home.
  • The amount of piping to discard. 
  • The number of fixtures, i.e. laundry, sinks, showers, etc. 
  • The type of piping chosen, i.e. copper, PVC, etc. 

Next, let’s get an idea of how the replacement process looks once you begin. 

The Steps to Replace Galvanized Pipes

For such a big undertaking, it can be reassuring to know just how the process may go. When looking at a whole-house galvanized pipe replacement project, here’s what you can expect, step-by-step. 

  1. First, a licensed plumbing professional will inspect your home’s pipes and identify any unique areas or issues for repiping. 
  2. A new piping material is then selected, the most common being copper, PEX, or PVS for freshwater lines and PVC, or ABS, for waste and drain pipes.
  3. A quote is provided and approved before work begins. 
  4. Before repairs are completed, plumbers secure the home from any possible damage. 
  5. Then the old pipes are removed before the new pipes are installed. 

Depending on the size of your home, this process of replacing galvanized pipes can take up to a week to complete from start to finish. 

Hiring a Professional: Meet WaterWorks 

Now that you know everything you need to know about galvanized pipe replacement, you’re ready for the next step. Hiring a professional residential or commercial plumbing service to replace galvanized pipes. Luckily, you’re in the right place. 

Meet WaterWork Plumbing, Metro Detroit’s premier plumbing service and galvanized pipe replacement experts. Our friendly team is experienced in providing exemplary service in an expansive service area. Serving from downtown Detroit to Wolverine Lake and everywhere in between, with emergency services or full-scale replacement projects such as this. 

Make an appointment to get your galvanized pipe replacement project started, or bookmark WaterWork Plumbing for all your plumbing needs. 

"*" indicates required fields

Request an appointment

Fill out our online form and one of our friendly, professional plumbers will be at your doorstep anywhere in the Metro Detroit area as soon as possible.

MM slash DD slash YYYY

$22 Off

Any Service For New Customers

(Cannot be combined with other discounts)