How To Clean Out Old Galvanized Pipes

Bob NH Mar 5 2008.

How to clean out old galvanized pipes. For example use a short length of clean pipe with one end connected to the end of the hose and the other end coupled to the end of the pipe youre cleaning. Old houses were built with galvanized piping which was considered just fine for the times. Oct 20 2005.

Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. Always use two wrenches on joints that are difficult to unscrew. Cheryl A on Nov 22 2018.

This continuously washed out the deposit fragments busted up by the drill. Eventually those old galvanized water pipes will have to be replaced. Over time the paint starts to peel and chip away.

I would use 34 CPVC except for single services where I would use 12. Replace all of the old pipe with new copper pipe. It could be installed will less trouble than re-installing the galvanized pipe that is no longer galvanized.

If you cannot open your drain with a suction cup there are other actions that you can do. The resulting corrosion can quickly wear out your pipes leading to another round of replacements. Throw 12 cup 120 mL of baking soda into the drain and wash it down with your solution.

The traditional method used most of the time to clean cast iron pipes is a drain snake with cable and blades. But it doesnt look so good now that its all clogged up and has to be ripped out. As you have no access to the piping it would be prudent to act on this before you incur a leak inside your wall.