1 Like
Photo would help.
1 Like
Galvanized can potentialy release rust, zinc, or other metals with age, but it is still an approved material. Maybe what you’re thinking of is the required dielectric union between the copper and galvanized. Galvanized is still very common near the water heater, spigots, and tub spouts in my area.
1 Like
Those are dielectric unions at the junction between the copper and galvanized, so the plumber did the right thing to reduce galvanic corrosion. Nothing to report.
2 Likes
Morning, Kenneth. Hope to find you well.
Galvanized steel piping in a home is well known for interior circumference reduction affecting flow, leaks and even blockage through corrosion.
Was there any other galvanized piping in the home you are aware of?
Appears to be a dialectic union at the copper galvanized steel transition union.
As well, that is not a lot of galvanized steel piping.
1 x union on each side.
1 x ><6" inch outer thread nipples on each side.
2 x 45° fittings on each side.
1 x inside treaded pipe union on each side.
Recommend full disclosure as to the potable domestic pipe material. Was the entire homes supply plumbing pipes updated?
The whole home was copper. I think the home owner replaced the water heater as it was a newer unit. I have had local contractors say yes and no on this subject.. I just want to cover my butt.
What type of a plumber would use galvanized steel on a water heater when the home was fitted with copper pipes?
A cheap SOB IMO.
How old was the water heater?
I see thread corrosion on the nipple far right pipe fitting.
Cover your butt. Recommend full disclosure as to the potable domestic pipe material.
Recommend review by a licensed plumbing contractor is this is the case!
Water heater 2017. This guy is moving from California to IL. He will be working at the Byron Nuclear plant.
Agreed. Perfectly acceptable material. Old galvanized steel pipe may come with some problems, but most building products do over time, nothing lasts forever. Such as even old copper can have its problems.
2 Likes
That galvanized pipe is probably better than a braided sharkbite connection. It likely that the water heater will need replacement (and new fittings) before the galvi becomes an issue.
4 Likes
I see a lot of old (and some new) galvanized, but usually don’t see any issues with it until it gets 35-50 years old.
That water heater will never last that long, so for me it’s a non-issue.
2 Likes
Because you don’t know how old the galvanized pipe is you should report it as a problem material.
Typically the problem is scale build up inside the pipe to the point it becomes completely clogged. May not be an issue in a supply pipe as often but definately occurs in drains and is something that often accompanies “S” traps in older homes.
1 Like
The nipples on the water heater are usually galvanized. So what exactly is the problem? Was it leaking?
2 Likes