If your home still has galvanized pipes, especially in older Hamilton neighborhoods, it may be at risk for low pressure, discolored water, and hidden leaks. At Gregās Plumbing, weāve been replacing these aging systems across Hamilton, Niagara, and Dundasāand what weāre finding behind the walls isnāt pretty.
Hereās everything you need to know before a small issue turns into major water damage.
What Are Galvanized Pipesāand Why Were They Used?
Galvanized steel pipes were commonly installed in homes before the 1960s. They were coated in zinc to prevent corrosion and considered a durable option at the time. But over the years, that protective coating wears off, exposing the steel underneathāand thatās where problems start.
As water flows through, the metal reacts with oxygen and minerals, leading to corrosion, buildup, and eventual pipe failure.
Why Galvanized Pipes Are a Problem in 2025
Weāre seeing a pattern in homes with galvanized pipesāand itās not good. Homeowners often report:
1. Discoloured or Rusty Water
If your water has a brown, yellow, or cloudy tintāespecially after sitting overnightāit could be rust coming off the inside of your galvanized lines.
2. Low or Inconsistent Water Pressure
Over time, corrosion builds inside the pipes and restricts flow. If your shower pressure keeps getting worse, galvanized could be the culprit.
3. Leaks and Water Damage
Galvanized pipes corrode from the inside out, making leaks hard to detect until theyāve already caused ceiling stains, drywall damage, or mold.
4. Appliance Damage
Sediment and rust particles from deteriorating pipes can clog fixtures and shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Are Galvanized Pipes Dangerous?
While not immediately hazardous, these pipes can affect water quality. Prolonged exposure to rust and zinc flakes isnāt idealāespecially if you drink tap water or use it for cooking. In older homes, they may even have connections to lead solder or fittings, increasing the health risks.
How to Tell If You Have Galvanized Pipes
You might have galvanized plumbing if:
- The pipes are a dull gray or silver color
- A magnet sticks to them (wonāt happen with copper)
- You see threaded joints rather than smooth soldering
- Water discolouration occurs after long periods of non-use
Still unsure? Gregās Plumbing offers home plumbing assessments to determine exactly what youāre working with.
What to Replace Galvanized Pipes With
Modern homes use:
- PEX piping ā flexible, affordable, and resistant to freezing
- Copper piping ā clean, durable, and long-lasting
Both are safe, efficient options that improve your water flow, boost home value, and reduce future maintenance headaches.
We do full home repipes, phased replacements, or just remove problem sections depending on your needs.
Why Replacing One Section Isnāt Enough
Mixing new copper or PEX with old galvanized lines can create a chemical reaction called electrolysis, which speeds up corrosion at the connection point. If one pipe is failing, the rest likely isnāt far behind.
A full system replacement may seem like a big stepābut itās often more cost-effective than patching over problems again and again.
We Replace Galvanized Pipes Across Hamilton, Niagara, and Dundas
Gregās Plumbing handles full galvanized system replacements, upgrades, and retrofits for homes of every size. Our licensed techs walk you through every optionāno upselling, just honest advice.
Weāve helped hundreds of Ontario homeowners update their plumbing and avoid serious water damage. If your home was built before the ā60s, itās time to get ahead of the issue.
Get in Touch
Whether itās a one-time issue or a full system refresh, weāre here to help.
ā Contact Gregās Plumbing Now for expert plumbing services in Hamilton and peace of mind that lasts.
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