How to Replace a Galvanized Water Pipe
Galvanized pipes are used as water supply lines in some older homes. Minerals in the water react with the galvanized material and the pipe corrodes, resulting in a deposit buildup that clogs the pipe and reduces water flow. It can also cause the water to have a foul odor. Replacing a section of corroded galvanized pipe can drastically improve water flow in your home, and it will help keep deposits from building up in water heaters and other appliances, possibly causing premature failure.
1
Turn off your home's water supply and open nearby faucets to drain the lines.
2
Cut through the section of galvanized pipe with a reciprocating saw or hacksaw.
3
Hold the fitting on the end of the cut section with a wrench, and grasp the section of pipe with a second wrench. Twist the pipe section counterclockwise to remove it. Remove the remaining piece of pipe from the fitting on the other end in the same manner. Heat stubborn fittings 5 to 10 seconds with a torch for easier removal.
4
Remove the fittings using both wrenches and scrub the pipe's threads with a wire brush. Apply pipe joint compound to the threads on the pipes and screw on new fittings, leaving the fittings approximately an eighth of a turn loose to make it easier to assemble all parts.
5
Insert two threaded pipes, or nipples, into a union fitting. Compare the length of the assembled union fitting and nipples to the length of the removed section of pipe to ensure the length is identical.
6
Apply a bead of pipe fitting compound on the threads of one of the nipples, and insert the nipple into one of the pipe fittings. Tighten the nipple with a wrench.
7
Unscrew the union fitting to divide it. Place one piece of the union fitting on the end of the nipple. Tighten the union fitting with a wrench.
8
Apply a bead of pipe fitting compound on the threads of the second nipple, and insert the nipple into the other pipe fitting. Tighten the nipple with a wrench. Place the second piece of the union fitting on the end of the second nipple.
9
Rotate the pipe fittings one-eighth turn to join the two pieces of the union fittings on the ends of the nipples. Tighten the connection with a wrench.
References
Writer Bio
Amy Kingston has been a professional writer since 2001. She has written articles for various publications, including "Health" magazine, "Jackson Parenting" magazine, the "Bolivar Bulletin" newspaper and "A Musician's Pursuit." Kingston was also published in "Voices of Bipolar Disorder."