How long will they last?

Vince

Hi,
Will anyone give me a guess on how long galvanized pipes will last?. Mine are over 70 yrs. old. I have a hot water system. Thanks, Vince

Gary Fereday

Twice as

long as half the time it takes them to leak. You have asked a question that is extreamly difficult to answer. The first thing is the condition of the water. Then there is the pipe its self. Like does it have a red stripe painted sprial around it? That would be a special corrosion proof pipe. Next could it be extra heavy pipe ? 70 years ago the pipe was better than it is now. even the standard grade. If it is burried anywhere it may be attacked by the outside corrosion factors. I have seen gal pipe compromised by earth in as a little as two years. And pipe inside hanging in basements that is still going at 150 years.
bigugh

heretic

Oxygen

I learned (here) that there is not much free oxygen in a closed hydronic system. Corrosion is therefore very slow.

That (and I would suppose velocity, to some extent) is why iron fresh water pipes are so short lived.

My black iron pipes are 80+ years old, and show no signs of failure. Recently pulled out a section for reconfig, and was amazed to find that the insides were still in excellent condition.