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Quick answer: Galvanised steel water pipes rust from the inside over time, causing rusty water, low pressure and leaks. Once they are leaking in several places, replacing them is usually better than patching.
A lot of older homes around Sydney, from Federation cottages in Hunters Hill to post-war houses in Ryde, still have galvanised steel water pipes. They were standard for decades. The problem is they rust from the inside, and by now most of them are near the end of their life.
Signs your galvanised pipes are on the way out
- Brown or rusty water, especially first thing in the morning
- Water pressure that’s dropped over the years
- Leaks that keep popping up in different places
- Visible rust on exposed pipes under the house
Why they fail
Galvanised pipe is steel with a zinc coating. Over time the zinc wears away and the steel underneath starts to rust. The rust builds up inside and narrows the pipe, which is why pressure drops. Eventually the wall gets thin enough to leak or burst, often at a joint or under a slab where you can’t see it.
Patch or replace?
If you’ve got one leak in an otherwise sound system, a repair is fine. But if the pipes are rusting through in several places, patching becomes a never-ending job. In that case it’s usually better to replace the run with copper or another modern pipe, all at once or one section at a time. I’ll look at what you’ve got and tell you honestly which makes sense.
Got old galvanised pipes in Ryde, Gladesville, Hunters Hill or nearby? Call me on 0451 001 503.
Quick questions
They are grey steel pipes with threaded joints, often visible under the house. Rusty water and falling pressure are common signs.
Usually copper or another modern approved pipe system.
