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A lot of people consider the galvanized pipes as a sturdy and trustworthy option or it is just that people don’t want to change the pipelines as they require a lot of time, energy, and money to replace the whole water supply system.
But when it comes to drinking water, everyone is extremely careful because the water intake goes directly inside your body and you would need an utmost water pipeline system that provides you with healthy and pure water.
So what exactly is the deal with galvanized pipes and their effects on the drinking water? Well, they were replaced by the lead pipes when they were deemed to be poisonous to health but a lot of consumers think the galvanized pipe is a better option because it does seem to corrode easily.
And you would ask why it corrodes? It is because the galvanized pipelines which are made of raw steel are coated with molten zinc but naturally, with time, hard water effects, and natural effects, the coating wears off after a certain period and the raw steel ends up being exposed to the harsh effects of the environment including acid rain.
As any science student knows what exposed steel comes in contact with; it is the oxidation process that causes the pipelines to corrode and rust which is not what your drinking water should pass through.
Here is why galvanized pipes are not a good choice for your drinking water:
5 Reasons Why Galvanised Pipe Is Unsafe For Drinking Water
Here are the five negative effects of galvanized pipes on drinking water;
Water Effects
It’s not just the pipeline that causes problems for your health, most often the water acts as a trigger for the pipeline to begin the corrosion process. For instance, the rainwater consists of more acidic content and that affects the outer layer of the steel pipelines, when the raw steel is exposed, it automatically rusts the pipe, causing corrosion and damaging it.
Oftentimes the hard water or the high mineral content water also acts as a factor in destroying the pipe from within, causing an acidic reaction that leads to a change in the composition of the drinking water. Water often carries ammonia, salts, and acid content that reacts with the zinc and steel components.
Use of Impure Zinc
A lot of manufacturers use impure zing to coat the steel pipelines for the galvanizing process, as a result, with time, the galvanized pipes start to drain out lead, This lead distributes in the drinking water causing problems for people who get their water supply directly from a stream.
The lead present in the drinking water poses numerous health threats such as heart-related problems, reproductive issues, increase in blood pressure, and kidney problems to state some. Lead is considered a poisonous element and it is equally destructive to the human body and the environment.
Choked Pipelines
As mentioned above, the metal corrosion causes the galvanized pipeline to become narrower with time which means that there is a lot of metal accumulation within the pipes that ends up clogging the water supply.
The rust inside the pipes is not dangerous by itself but it does act as a constricting agent, blocking out the adequate supply of water. You may notice not getting water pressure from your faucets and showerheads due to this issue. In addition, you may also receive water that is discolored and impure with mineral traces and usually a metallic taste.
Effects of Corrosion
We have witnessed the pipes being corroded but what actually does this corrosion do and why is it dangerous for your health and the drinking water? When the pipeline starts to corrode, it releases a toxin called lead. But it is essential to observe what caused the lead, is it the water or the pipeline, or the usage of impure zinc.
It is also important to have your entire plumbing system checked in order to find out the main source of lead, it could well be an issue inside your home. In addition to the metal pipelines, other factors for lead production can be cement and polyvinyl chloride, materials that may be involved in the water distribution system. The corrosion in the water pipes can also trigger harmful contents in drinking water such as iron and copper.
Lead poisoning
If you constantly keep drinking the lead water, it slowly and gradually affects your body similar to the effects of slow poisoning. The most common symptom you can come across is persistent flu. You can also notice your muscles aching more than usual, constant feverish condition as well as chills. It most commonly affects little children as they are more vulnerable and sensitive as compared to adults, their brain is affected and so is their behavioral and physical health.
The harmful effects on children include; neurological issues, loss of memory, bone and kidney issues with other severe effects on the entire body. Many adults also have difficulty focusing on their work as well.
FAQS
What are the principal factors that contribute to the corrosion of the galvanized pipelines?
Usually, the main reasons are the impure zinc, water quality, age of the pipelines, use of construction materials for the water distribution system, the time the water stays inside the pipeline, etc.
Does the galvanized pipeline pose a threat to tap water?
Yes, the corroded galvanized pipelines may cause the lead to be distributed through the water supply system. Lead is a harmful and toxic substance that acts as a slow poison and deteriorates health gradually.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the galvanised pipes are not an ideal choice for drinking water and you should definitely keep the water supply in check to see whether the above-mentioned problems are present or not.