YPE html>

Should Galvanized Pipes in Apartment and Condo Buildings Be Repaired or Replaced? - Sanitary Plumbing
Sanitary Plumbing

571 Timpson Place Bronx, NY 10455

Phone: 212-734-5000

Fax: 212-534-4349

Contact us on email!

Published on
July 27th, 2020

Should Galvanized Pipes in Apartment and Condo Buildings Be Repaired or Replaced?

Do you have galvanized pipes in a New York City apartment or condo building you own or manage? If so, you may have wondered, “Should I replace galvanized plumbing?” Here is some essential information on the question, so you can make the best decision for your property.

What Is Galvanized Plumbing?

Old-fashioned steel piping

Galvanized plumbing is a type of steel piping that was first introduced in the early 19th century. It became popular in the mid-1800s because at the time, it extended the life of pipes used in residential structures. The steel is coated with liquid zinc, making it less susceptible to corrosion than older materials.

Disadvantages

Many older dwellings still have galvanized pipes in place. However, it’s no longer considered the gold standard for residential plumbing.

Some early galvanized steel pipes were coated with unpurified zinc that contained lead. Lead in drinking water has since become highly regulated for safety, which means that older galvanized pipes may violate potable water standards.

Also, over time, galvanized piping is prone to the buildup of scale. The zinc element binds with minerals in tap water. As scale develops in the pipe, its diameter decreases — and so does the water volume produced by the pipe.

In many cases, we also see rust accumulating on the pipe’s interior, which is obviously undesirable. Pipes that are barely producing water and are on their way to becoming completely clogged are a disaster waiting to happen in your building. If your galvanized pipes were installed in the 1940s, you may be decades overdue for repair or replacement.

How Do I Know If I Have Galvanized Plumbing?

A simple test

There is an easy way to tell if you have galvanized piping. Simply scratch the pipe with a screwdriver or other sharp tool to remove any paint or debris stuck to the outside surface. If a strong magnet attaches to it, you have galvanized steel pipe.

Other hints

There are a few other warning signs of galvanized pipes:

  • Water volume is greatly reduced and barely flows (scale buildup).
  • Water from some pipes flows at a trickle, while in other locations it’s normal (some pipes galvanized, some likely replaced).
  • Drinking water tastes off.
  • Water testing reveals lead or other unwanted elements in drinking water.
  • You notice a brown stain on white porcelain sinks and tubs (iron from rust).
  • Pipes have developed leaks (though these leaks could also be attributable to other causes).

Plumbing consultation

If you’re still not sure after trying the methods described above, you may want to consult with Sanitary Plumbing. We can check your pipes, examine the water quality and flow, and provide our professional evaluation.

What Are the Alternatives to Galvanized Pipes?

Newer, safer options

There are alternatives to galvanized plumbing that are safer and more durable. Whenever possible, we recommend copper piping as the best choice. 

PEX piping or PVC may also be options, depending on your location and the size of your property. However, plastic piping is not allowed in NYC for properties over a few stories in height.

Should I Replace Galvanized Plumbing?

As a general rule: yes, we recommend replacing galvanized piping when possible. Many buildings require galvanized risers replaced whenever an apartment renovation takes place and the walls are opened up. We agree with this type of building rule. There’s a lot to consider when deciding to replace galvanized plumbing. The age and size of your building will come into play, particularly if tenants need to be disturbed. And of course, your budget is important too. Completely replacing piping is a major job that can entail ripping out walls — which then have to be repaired and repainted.

Potential options

If you need to replace galvanized plumbing in your property, there are a few possible ways to go.

  • Replacing part of your piping with copper: Be careful! This is not so ideal because the mix of metals may still promote hazardous conditions. Ensure that a dielectric fitting is used to connect the new copper and the existing galvanized pipes.
  • Replacing all of your piping with copper: As mentioned, this is the best solution. Copper is the longest-lasting solution.

Need Help with Your Galvanized Pipes?

Call Sanitary Plumbing

If you think your galvanized piping may have to be replaced and need assistance with next steps, reach out to Sanitary Plumbing today. We’re experts at helping owners and managers of New York City buildings evaluate and fix their plumbing problems.

Don’t wait until you have serious problems with your property’s plumbing due to old pipes or undrinkable water. Call us at 212-734-5000 or use our easy online form to let us know how we can help bring your plumbing up to date.


Article from

Our Privacy Policy

Sanitary Plumbing and Heating Corp. (the “Company”) strives to ensure the highest standards for property listings and customer information privacy. Please review the following statement to learn about our company practices and policies. Please be aware that our Privacy Policy is subject to change at any time.

1. Purpose.

This Privacy Policy (“the Policy”) provides information on how the Company uses your personal information. By agreeing to the Policy, you agree to our collection and use of your personal information as described in the Policy. This Privacy Policy is effective for all new users of Sanitaryplumbing.com.

2. Personal Information.

You can browse some areas of Sanitaryplumbing.com (“the Website”) without being a registered user. However, certain activities do require registration. (You consent to the transfer and storage of your information by registering with Sanitaryplumbing.com.) We may collect and store the following personal information:

  • Name, email, address, telephone number, and (depending on the service used), move-in dates;
  • Transactional information (such as lease terms, lease parties);
  • Computer sign-on data, statistics on page views, and traffic to and from the Website; and
  • Other information, including IP address and other web log information.

3. Use of Information.

Our primary purpose in collecting personal information is to provide you with a safe and user-friendly experience. For example, the Company may use your personal information to:

  • Improve our services and the Website’s content and layout;
  • Provide the services and necessary customer support you request;
  • Resolve disputes, collect fees, and troubleshoot problems;
  • Track and record customer satisfaction with our services;
  • Protect the Company against error and fraud;
  • Inform you of special promotions and announcements;
  • Enforce our agreements, terms, conditions, and policies; and
  • As otherwise described to you at the time of collection.

We may occasionally ask you to complete optional surveys. These surveys are used to improve and customize your experience with Sanitaryplumbing.com.

The Company always provides you the ability to opt-out of further communication such as promotions and surveys; see the Opt-Out section below.

The Company does not share any of your personal information with outside organizations, companies, individuals, etc. The only exception to this standard is if such a disclosure is reasonably necessary to respond to any and all legal processes.

4. Links to Other Sites.

The Website may have links to other websites that may collect personally identifiable information about you. The Company is not responsible for the privacy practices of the content of those linked websites.

5. Safety & Security Precautions.

The Website has strict security measures in place to protect you and your information from fraud. Once your information is provided to Sanitary Plumbing and Heating Corp., we strive to ensure the confidentiality of your identity and information.

6. Opt-Out.

The Company provides you with the opportunity to opt-out of receiving promotional and other non-essential, marketing-related communications from Sanitary Plumbing and Heating Corp. If you would like to opt-out of these select communications, please see any of the Company’s email communications and follow the directions indicated.

7. Account Protection.

Your password ensures the security of your account. When choosing a password, the Company suggests using various characters. It is highly recommended that you do not disclose your Sanitaryplumbing.com password to anyone. (If you do disclose your password or your personal information with others, you are responsible for all actions taken in the name of your account.) If the security of your password is compromised for any reason, please contact the Company immediately.

8. Accuracy of Information

The Company does not guarantee the accuracy of information for any and all of its properties on the Website, and is not responsible for any errors or misrepresentations (made by Renters, the Client, or otherwise).

9. Cookies

The Company may place a small cookie on your computer’s hard drive. This allows us to personalize your use on the Website. In order to maximize the functionality and usability of the Website, you must set your browser’s preferences to allow both permanent and temporary cookies.

10. Changing Your Personal Information.

Should your personal information change, please immediately update your information on the Website. This will ensure the accuracy of our records. The Company does retain personal information from closed accounts in order to comply with law and collect and disburse any fees owed.

11. Third Parties

This Privacy Policy addresses only the use of information we collect from you. Since Sanitaryplumbing.com does not control the privacy policies of third parties, you are subject to the privacy policies of those third parties. It is advisable that you consult with the management of third parties before you disclose your personal information to others.

12. General

We may amend this Privacy Policy at any time by posting the amended terms on the Website. All amended terms are immediately effective after they are initially posted on the Website.

13. Privacy Policy Questions & Concerns

Questions and/or concerns regarding the Policy should be emailed to the following email address: evan@sanitaryplumbing.com

Galvanized steel Pipe