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rust in water, galvanized pipes?

16 years ago

My mom lives in a late 70's model modular home. She is experiencing rust in her water. I believe the pipes are galvanized. She is on city water, but they only fix problems at the street.

First, is this dangerous? She doesn't drink or cook with it anymore, but does shower, wash dishes with it.

Second, what needs to be done?

Thirdly, will it damage her new water heater and washer?

How do you know what lines to replace? They are under a concrete drive and walkway!

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

andy_c
16 years ago
As far as health concerns, there should be little worry. With aesthetics, though, a big headache can arise.

You can replace the piping with CPVC or PEX lines. Copper is expensive.

Get us the water test results for iron--both ferric and ferrous, hardness, TDS and chlorine/chloramine.

Andy Christensen, CWS-II
bookert
Original Author
16 years ago
Andy,
Thanks for the info.
How do I get the water tested for these things?
I know what PVC piping is, but what does the PEX look like?

Oh and Andy, sorry, but what does CWS-II stand for?

So, looks like a big job ahead!
I looked today and the piping coming out of her gas meter is rusting too. Should that be changed out too?
Thanks much!
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If the obstruction was RUST then are we talking an obstruction in a short stub of pipe or a nipple or the house plumbing? Is the pipe galvanized or copper? The latest Raleigh, NC water quality report dated 12/2011 http://www.raleighnc.gov/content/PubUtilAdmin/Documents/WaterQualityReports/2011/Finished_Water_Quality_Report_1211.pdf It reports 2gpg hardness with a touch of iron and manganese but a constant PH of 8.4 which is high. High or low PH can damage pipes and should be corrected. I'd hit the Yellow Pages and call an independent water treatment pro and get a free quote to at least correct the PH and maybe a softener for the hardness, iron, and manganese.. A competent water treatment pro should be familiar with the Raleigh water and know the PH is 8.4
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We had terrible rust in the water when we moved into our new (old) house, and it disappeared when we replaced the hot water heater. We still have a few galvanized pipes in one bathroom, and whenever we turn on the hot water, rusty water gushes forth for a minute or two, and then it turns clear. I know we will have to replace those pipes one day, but I don't want to start ripping out plaster walls just yet. Our house was built in the 1930s. All the rest of our pipes have been replaced with copper.
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I'm doing the same at my home now. I am going pex all the way, except for the stub outs for the fixtures. Pex to copper is fine, but I would suggest that you eliminate the galvie entirely. You do not have to run the "home run manifold system". With my lay-out it is better. YMMV. You can pipe it conventionally. What I like about the manifold system for me is that I am running small diameter tubing to each faucet. That means I will not have to wait as long to get hot water to a faucet. If you look at the cross sectional area of 1/2, 3/4 and 1" tubing, they are .19, .44 and .77 sq in respectively. That all equates to volume that you have to move out before you get hot water. Just something to think about.
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andy_c
16 years ago
PEX line ( http://www.ppfahome.org/pex/faqpex.htmlis ) a relatively new plumbing that comes in long rolls and can be cut to size. Special clamps and crimping tools are needed to join ends. It resists freezing and is economical.

The gas lines are not related to water systems and should have no affect on them. Consult a gas man to get recommendations for changing out those pipes. Usually there is no problem as long as pressure is secure.

CWS stands for Certified Water Specialist with the Water Quality Association: II out of VI levels. Go to wqa.org to search for specialists in your area.

Andy Christensen, CWS-II
bookert
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Andy!
So I need to contact a specialist to test my moms water!?
PVC will probably work fine since she is in SoCal.
Happy Easter!
andy_c
16 years ago
Getting you water tested is not as hard as all that. Call a local water treatment company and they usually test for free. They may recommend equipment. Ask if they can replumb your piping and get quotes.

Andy

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