Is there a way of cleaning an old watersystem in my house of rust and sediment without dismanteling everything

Question

I do not have sofisticated equipment here. Sometimes water turns brown when standing in the basin for a while..The old pipes were galvanized iron. the set up is about 20 years old.

Answer 1

The problem with galvanized iron piping is that it rusts from the inside . If it is buried it can react with the soil and rust quicker this is why cathodic protection for piping has evolved. There are many things that will shorten the lifespan of pipes. soil type,electolisis,some cities water. There really is no way to clean your pipes. Some people try blowing them out,but that will not loosen the rust. I've seen rust in pipes so thick you could not fit a pencil in the pipe. I suggest a hot and cold repipe. The red and blue piping mentioned by the other gentlemen is pex. I prefer good old copper on my repipes,but there is plenty of new piping to choose from. It would not hurt to have a licensed plumber take a look at it. It could be something simple like the anode rod in your water heater coming apart,but that will only show up on your hot water. Plenty of companies offer free estimates.

Answer 2

I don't think there is a good way of cleaning the pipes. It would probably cost more to try cleaning the pipes than just replacing them. I would probably install a small iron filter under your sink basin. Every couple of weeks you'll probably need to change the filter otherwise you might notice your faucet pressure starting to drop. I'd say that the problem is more your water itself than the actual piping. My parents have had galvanize piping for well over 20 years and have never had that problem. For more of a long term solution, I'd recommend putting a larger iron filter over by where you'd put a water softener.

If you are looking at replacing the piping, which I seriously doubt is needed, I would definitely consider using a new type of plumbing pipe/tubing that has come out in the last couple of years. The plumbing tubing is flexible and the cold water tubing is colored blue and the hot water tubing is colored red. I've seen my brother install it on both his house and a rental house. The stuff is very easy to install and definitely beats traditional plumbing by a long shot.

Answer 3

Try draining your hot water heater if it happens with hot water. If it is in cold alone, IT IS NOT FROM THOSE PIPES, it is with the water being delivered to your faucets. Check with a neighbor to see if you are alone. Galvanized pipes dont corrode in a mere 20 years. Mine are more than 70 years old and as long as the city sends me clean water I get clean water everywhere. Draining most water heaters is simple. Attach a hose to the bibb atr the bottom of tank, shut off the water supply just above the tank and open nozzle on bibb. Oh yeah, good idea to turn off gas to tank.