Galvanized steel pipe corrosion and splitting
Why it happens here
Galvanized steel pipe was common when these homes were built, and it corrodes from the inside. Over decades, the interior narrows, pressure builds, and the pipe splits along a seam. Central Berwyn's older blocks have miles of it still in service.
Our approach
We cut out the failed run and replace it with Copper pipe or PEX tubing rather than patching corroded steel. Before we close the wall, we inspect the surrounding pipe so we are not back next winter for the same failure.