Galvanised steel is the most commonly used material in the fabrication of pipes used for water supply in the home. The material is preferred because it offers the needed strength to withstand water pressure, durability against weathering and ease of installation. However, the material does not come without its own set of weaknesses. Understanding the three most common sources of issues for galvanised steel pipes is the first step towards their replacement. Here are three maintenance tips that you can never go wrong with when dealing with steel pipes. 

Leaking joints

Typically, galvanised steel pipes are threaded at the joints. With time, the threading wears out, and this could lead to rusting. When the rusting is not checked and repaired on time, the pipe starts leaking water. If the parts of the pipe with the worn out joints are inside the house, you could be faced with a severe water damage problem. The solution to this problem is to make sure that the joints are reinforced with PVC before installation and to conduct regular checks to make sure that they haven't started rusting. Any sign of water leaking and damage, such as increased water bills, should be addressed as soon as possible to contain the damage in time.

Blockage from hard water

Clogging and blockages are other common problems with galvanised steel pipes, especially in places where the water is hard. Hard water leads to the deposit of calcium and magnesium ions in the pipework. With time, continued deposits might completely block the inside of the pipes. The best solution to this problem is to treat the water to soften it because hard water not only ruins the pipework but also destroys all other appliances it comes into contact with.

Disintegration

There are other minerals found in piped water, and the moment they come into contact with the insides of the pipes, they eat away at the zinc layer used to galvanise the pipes. With time, the steel pipe is left exposed to the water, and continued corrosion leads to the pipe disintegrating from the inside. When this happens, you will have to replace the whole affected area of plumbing.

The best way to protect your pipework from these common problems affecting galvanised steel is regular maintenance and ensuring the water passing through the pipes is soft. With proper maintenance, good steel piping can give you service for decades without the need for replacement.

Contact a pipework installation business like Degree C Pty Ltd for more information.

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