Galvanized Pipes in Older Homes. While natural gas and electricity power most furnaces today, many pre-1970s homes had fuel-oil powered furnaces and with that came an underground fuel oil tank.

There’s nothing directly wrong with pipes made of steel that has been galvanized, meaning it has been given a zinc coating, aside from maintenance due to rust. The indirect problem is that ...

This comes after Tennessee American Water sent letters to 40,000 customers, warning them that their pipes could contain lead or galvanized steel.

Galvanized steel is a shiny, gray color, although older pipes might be rusted. If a magnet sticks to the pipe, it’s likely galvanized steel; Lead pipe is usually a dull, gray color.

According to the EPA rule, public water systems had to notify anyone with lead, galvanized steel or “unknown” water service lines connecting a water main to their home plumbing by Nov. 16.

He said that older homes typically have copper or galvanized steel pipes, which can be prone to freezing. "Usually, we're getting frozen pipe calls, burst pipe calls, in the middle of a cold snap ...

Galvanized steel can be a dull gray or rusted and copper pipes are usually brown, but can oxidize to appear more green, like a penny. Customers can try applying a magnet to their pipe.

Lead commonly enters drinking water through corrosion of pipes, fixtures and faucets. Galvanized steel pipes typically have been dipped in zinc that contains lead to prevent rust and corrosion ...

Des Plaines officials plan to spend $134 million over 20 years replacing water service lines made from lead or galvanized steel. The city council on Monday voted to make the city responsible for ...