corrusion in unused galvanized pipes

I rent a small apt. in korea. the water has not been connected for over 10 years. The pipes are galvanized (and run under the floor for heating). If I reconnect water to the pipes, what, on a scale of 1-10 are the chances of the pipes being clear enough for water to flow, if even weakly. Also, anything I can flush through to clean them out. Thanks.

 

What is the diameter of the pipes? I would try compressed air first.

 

Is it feasible to unhook a faucet and run water thru it unrestricted? IMO reduced flow isn't as a big of a concern as debris breaking loose and plugging up faucets.

 

If the pipes were empty during that time then I doubt if any corrosion on the inside took place. Even if water was inside the pipes and no air was mixed with it then corrosion would be minimal. I would be more concerned with the outside condition of the pipes. Are they in good shape or rusted? Does the galvanized coating still look OK?

 

I like Donato's suggestion. When installing new piping, there's often a pressure test done with pressurizing air in the system with either a compressor or air pump. Fill up the system to 50psi or so, and leave it for an hour. If the system holds pressure, you won't have to deal with any huge leaks/floods when you turn on the water.

A valve like this makes it easy:
PETG204 - Winters Instruments PETG204 - 2" PET Economy Gas Test Pressure Gauge (0-100 PSI)

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Due to some problems regarding water connections in this apt. (lines in from the street were replaced years ago and I was intentionally not notified as I only use this apt. a couple of months a year and the other tenents only live here because it's all they can afford. I was quoted a highly unreasonable sum to hook up and so I chose not to and have been just using water collected off the roof - apt. has a small balcony and is on the top floor), I am trying to test this as easily and as quietly as possible. If possible I might try to reconnect the water as I might have to move out and am likely to loose my key money if the water system is ruined.. In the hallway the adjacent apt. has a faucet within a few feet of where the water pipe enters my place. Can I connect a simple hose to that faucet and try to run water through my lines? Enough pressure from that faucet? Any particular connection I can use on the pipe entering my place to make it tighter? If this works, I can connect to the plastic hose that enters an abandoned apt. on the other side. Air compressor is not available and will likely complicate matters. Thanks.

 

Your plumbing doesn't really care where the water comes from. Volume might be reduced getting the water from a faucet but the pressure in your pipes should be the same as what comes out of that faucet. You should be able to buy a fitting to screw onto your piping that will accept the end of a hose.

Here in the states it's common to leave such things to the landlord. If you mess something up [especially if the landlord isn't in the loop] you can be held liable for any damage.

 

Thanks. I haven't had contact with the landlord in over ten years. He has 8 grand in key money, which by law he must refund to me - this is a common system in Korea - when I vacate the property (whether this will happen, I know not, but if not, still cheap, rentwise...). No raise in the key money for 15 years so I don't wish to rattle that chain until I move or the apts. are demolished (which will happen sooner or later as they are falling apart). The pipe situation does not sound as dire as I imagined. I'll give the faucet hookup a try. Thanks, again.