[Mark1968]

My mother has just bought a house that had been sitting for some time. Unsure of how old the house is, but it has knob and tube and all the water supply from the meter into the house is galv. pipe.

Theres something about this stuff, when theres no water in it for a period of time, and then when the water gets turned back on it leaks like a sieve, everywhere.

Anyone know about this stuff? Anyway I can clean the threads and retighten. Looks like I am going to be running alot of new copper or cpvc

[Jagtec1]

Replace it all, and throw it far away! We replaced all our galv. shortly after moving in. It corrodes from inside, and then bursts.

[george kujanski]

Since it has knob and tube, the galv pipe is undoubtedly all corroded inside. You need to replace all of it.

George

[Colin]

I agree with the others...........replace it. If you dont replace it now then you will be replacing it later.

[boater bill]

While you are replacing the plumbing call an electrcian to upgrade the wiring so it will not have problems or burn down.

K&T is a nightmare.

[TTAJay]

Typically the horizontal runs of galvanized piping are in far worse shape than the vertical runs. It has something to do with the water sitting in it. I've replaced most of mine but I still do have some vertical runs that aren't in bad shape... yet. Someday I'll get around to replacing it.

[Jagtec1]

Originally Posted by Colin

I agree with the others...........replace it. If you dont replace it now then you will be replacing it later.

Along with all the stuff the water damage ruins!!

[RacerBrown]

I also agree with the others ,replace it all!! If your going with the copper I think that there are 3 grades that are used in the house "K-L-M" I would not go any lighter than "L". As far as plastic goes CPVC is used (on my job) for chemicals.

[Mark1968]

Thanks for the reply guys. Although I didn`t want to hear it, guess I`ll be doing lots of repiping in the coming months.

[Pearlbluebird]

The insurance Companys here force you to replace Knob and tube wiring and galvanized plumbing or they will cut off your coverage. You are wise to replace it anyway.

[carcrazy]

Galvanized pipe has a life expectancy of about 50 years. Typically hasn't been used since the 50's. It is at or past the end of its useful life. Even if you repair it, it will fail again in short order. The consequences could be financially significant. Now since you mentioned the presence of knob and tube wiring-get an electrician, fast! This type of wiring has not been used since the 30's it is well past its useful life. Many insurance companies will not insure a house with this wiring!

[redeyedfly]

Originally Posted by RacerBrown

I also agree with the others ,replace it all!! If your going with the copper I think that there are 3 grades that are used in the house "K-L-M" I would not go any lighter than "L". As far as plastic goes CPVC is used (on my job) for chemicals.

M is just fine and quite a bit cheaper than L or K. It is the recommended grade for residential water supply. The other grades are for buried service runs and other applications. The difference in grade is the thickness of the wall, but copper does not corrode like your old galv did. M wall thickness should be good for well over 100 years. But if you're looking for a 200 year water system, spend the extra for the L. No I am not exaggerating.
Almost no one uses CPVC. It leaves a taste in the water. PEX is the way to go for plastic.

[sdx455]

Ever look inside old galv pipe . you wont believe you have been drinking water from there .That will make you want to change it .......