The Galvanized Piping is Causing Low Water Pressure

About Galvanized Steel

• Galvanized pipe is actually steel pipe that has undergone an electric application of zinc to the surface of the inside and outside of the pipe. The zinc helps the pipe resist corrosion more so than bare steel, which can oxidize in water and rust fairly quickly. Galvanized steel is usually used for carrying water in irrigation or potable drinking water systems. However, galvanized pipe should never be used to carry natural gas, as the fittings are not rated for gas.

Galvanized Pipe Problems

• While galvanized steel is supposed to resist corrosion better than bare steel, it is not immune from rust. Rust is caused by air molecules that are in the water that the pipes carry. This water and air interacts with the steel and, over time, causes rust to build up inside the walls of the pipe. Rust can be difficult to detect. Usually, you will not notice a problem until the rust builds up so much that it slows down the flow of water. This can lead to reduced water pressure in faucets, showers and other fixtures.

Detecting Rust

• One of the best ways to detect whether there is rust inside your pipes is to allow one faucet on the lower level of the home to sit unused for a week. After that time, turn on the water and see if red-colored water discharges from the faucet. Red water is a sure sign of rust buildup. If small flakes of red and black rust flow out of the faucet as well, the rust has likely built up heavily inside the pipe walls. The only way to remove rust buildup is to replace the rusted pipes. Simply cleaning out the rust will not help, as the corrosion has already eaten away the protective zinc coating. It's a good idea to have rusted pipes replaced with plastic or copper lines instead.

Possible Other Causes

• If the faucet test does not produce any signs of rusty water, corroded pipes may not be to blame for slowing water pressure. Instead, check the water pressure regulator valve inside the house. The brass valve is shaped like a bell and is connected to the main water line. The needle at the top of the valve should indicate the level of water pressure inside the house. To increase the amount of overall water pressure, loosen the nut on the top of the valve and turn the adjustment screw clockwise several clicks until the needle reaches the desired pressure levels.