Plumbing service
Replacing galvanized water pipes
Galvanized steel pipe was common in homes built before the 1960s. Over the decades corrosion builds inside it, choking the bore until a half-inch pipe carries the flow of a straw.
- Found in: Many pre-1960 Etobicoke homes, often partially replaced
- Problems: Low pressure, rusty water, seeping threaded joints
- Replacement: Copper or PEX
- Watch for: Mixed galvanized and copper joints
- Licensed, insured trade work (details confirmed when you call)
- Diagnosis before anything is cut
- Emergency calls taken
- Etobicoke and the west end
At a glance
- Found in
- Many pre-1960 Etobicoke homes, often partially replaced
- Problems
- Low pressure, rusty water, seeping threaded joints
- Replacement
- Copper or PEX
- Watch for
- Mixed galvanized and copper joints
How to tell you have it
Galvanized pipe is grey, magnetic and joined with threaded fittings. Scratch it and it shows silver steel, not copper. Many houses in Mimico, New Toronto and Long Branch have had partial upgrades, leaving short galvanized sections hidden in walls.
- Where galvanized meets copper without a dielectric union, the joint corrodes faster.
Why pressure drops
Rust builds up inside the pipe and reduces its diameter. Hot water lines usually close up first. When you open the kitchen tap and the pressure is fine, but the upstairs shower barely trickles when the dishwasher runs, galvanized branches are a likely reason.
- Brown water after the main has been off is rust flakes breaking loose.
Replacement approach
We trace every remaining galvanized section, starting at the main, and replace it with copper or PEX. Sometimes that is a few branches; sometimes it is the whole house.
- Once the old pipe is out, pressure and flow at every fixture are checked.
Signs to watch for
- Grey threaded pipe in the basement
- Weak flow at upstairs fixtures
- Brown water after the supply is off
- Leaks at threaded joints
- Pressure drops when two taps run
How the job runs
Trace the system
All galvanized sections identified.
Plan the runs
New pipe routes chosen.
Replace sections
Old pipe cut out, new installed.
Flush and test
Pressure and flow verified.