After the purchase of the land to open up the settlement area from the people of Mississauga, Toronto was born in 1793.
As a large settlement, it was quickly made the capital of the colony, and expansion started. As more people arrived, the settlement quickly grew. By the 1800s, the plumbing system was in severe need of an overhaul to competently accommodate all the residents of this ever-expanding city.
In the 1940s, galvanized pipes became the standard for all pipelines. It was after this period that the problems of this process became understood.
Lead, the original material used for pipes, is soft and malleable. Therefore, the pipes were dipped in zinc to help prevent rust and improve their overall strength.
When dealing with thousands of miles of pipelines and servicing many homes and residents, this was the simplest solution to the soft pipes and rusting.
The galvanization process allowed for a longer lifespan of the pipes and reduced the need for costly repairs at the time.
Part of the reason for introducing galvanization was the discovery of high lead levels in the drinking water.
This resulted in lead poisoning and other health issues for the citizens. The galvanization of the pipes prevented the lead from leaching into the water and made it safer for consumption.
Rust and corrosion were also becoming an issue, and galvanization helped prevent these as well.
Due to the health problems now known concerning lead and galvanized pipes, homeowners face the task of replacing them. Due to the issues, most home insurance companies will decline coverage until such pipes have been replaced.
Fortunately, homeowners who purchased a home after 1970 are at minimal risk of having these pipes throughout their residences. Homeowners of older houses, though, will need to have an inspection to reveal any potential issues.
If you are unsure whether you have these older pipes in your home, there is a simple way to check before calling the inspectors.
The basement will be the best place to start, as it’s easier to access the pipes without knocking holes in the wall. If the pipe is plastic or shiny copper, then that means you are free of galvanized pipes.
However, if they look metallic, steel, or grey, there is a high risk that you have galvanized pipes, and it’s time to call a professional plumber in Toronto.
Unfortunately, galvanized pipes are starting to break down. They have not lasted the 100 years that they were first expected to.
This first indication may be a slight brown or rust discolouration forming around faucet taps and drains. You may also find there is a tint to the water when you fill any sink or bath.
When the coating starts to break down, rust, iron, and other minerals begin to make their way into the water and change colour.
As the pipes weaken or fill with rust and debris, you will start to lose water pressure. Your shower will weaken, power washers won’t have the same force, and you can experience other plumbing issues with appliances like your water heater.
When things start to build up too much, leaking pipes will appear. At first, this process appears mostly in the basement but can soon spread to other parts of the plumbing in the home.
When purchasing your new home, have a plumbing inspection done as well as a regular home inspection. This will alert you to any issues before signing contracts and exchanging keys.
If you are already in your dream home, a plumbing inspection is still warranted. A professional plumber in Toronto will quickly identify the type of pipes you have and advise you if partial work has already been carried out.
If it turns out the existing plumbing in your home uses galvanized pipes, it’s essential to have them replaced as soon as possible. If you experience leaking pipes or problems that result in water damage, most insurance policies will not cover the damages if your home has galvanized pipes.
If this is the case for you, contact a trusted plumber in Toronto, such as Advanced Plumbing. We will replace your galvanized pipes with copper or plastic water pipes to ensure you and your family are safe and protected.
Replacing the pipes can be expensive, so discussing your options with a professional plumber in Toronto will help you understand the work involved and what should be the priority.
The cost will depend on what materials you upgrade the pipes to (such as copper, PVC, or PEX), the time frame required to complete the work, and the size of the residence.
On average, the costs range from $2,000 to $20,000. Your plumber will be able to quote a price specifically for your home. Don’t rely on your neighbour, who may have had it done for less than $1,000; they may not have had the most experienced plumber or the same volume of pipes as you.
Please keep in mind that the more experienced the plumber, the better the service and repairs. Additionally, there is a reduced risk of having to do repairs on the upgrades.
At Advanced Plumbing, we are backed by expert plumbers in Toronto and the GTA. Skilled, friendly, and professional, our award-winning service has led to thousands of homes upgrading their pipes and removing health risks.
As a leader in the plumbing industry, our expertise caters to all your plumbing needs. Thus, repairs and servicing are completed with exceptional standards and with no hidden fees—just good, honest work at reasonable prices.
Knowing the hazards that galvanized pipes can present to you as the homeowner, the upgrades are done quickly and efficiently. With the pride we take in our work, we guarantee that the job is done perfectly the first time.
Call us at 866-863-9539 to discuss your needs and concerns, or go online and get a quote or book a consultation. If you need help in an emergency, Advanced Plumbing is available 24/7.