How Limestone Impacts Galvanized Culverts in Harrison Township

If you’re a homeowner in Harrison Township, Clinton Township, Macomb Township, or Shelby Township, there’s an unseen infrastructure issue that could affect your property, your driveway, and even your wallet: the interaction between limestone and galvanized culverts.

Many homes in Southeast Michigan use galvanized steel culverts to direct water under driveways or ditches. These pipes are coated in zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. But they don’t last forever—especially when limestone is involved.

Limestone, commonly used in local construction and landscaping, can raise the pH level of water running through or around it. When this high-pH runoff contacts galvanized metal, it accelerates corrosion. This means your culvert could rust and fail much sooner than expected—leading to:

• Driveway sinkholes
• Flooded yards or roadside ditches
• Costly repairs or replacements

In many areas of Macomb County, including Harrison, Clinton, and Shelby townships, limestone is abundant. Combine that with aging culverts and increasing rainfall, and homeowners are starting to see the effects:

• Culverts collapsing under driveways
• Rusted-through pipes causing water backups
• Cracking pavement or shoulder washouts near roads

You may not notice the problem until a minor storm causes major flooding—or a repair crew tells you your driveway pipe needs replacing.

Here are a few proactive steps to protect your property:

• Inspect Your Culvert: Look for signs of rust, sagging, or water pooling nearby.
• Use Non-Corrosive Backfill: If replacing a culvert, ask your contractor to avoid limestone gravel directly around the pipe.
• Upgrade Materials: Consider alternatives to galvanized steel, like polymer-coated or concrete culverts.
• Maintain Good Drainage: Clear debris regularly and ensure water flows freely through and away from the culvert.

Many Southeast Michigan townships are aware of this issue and are gradually phasing out galvanized pipes in favor of longer-lasting materials. However, culverts on private property—especially under driveways—are usually the homeowner’s responsibility.

Some communities, like Macomb and Clinton Townships, offer guidance or permit assistance for culvert replacement. It’s worth checking with your local public works or building department if you’re planning improvements.

If you live in Harrison, Clinton, Macomb, or Casco Township and your property has a culvert, limestone could be quietly cutting years off its lifespan. Don’t wait until it fails—take preventive action now to avoid expensive surprises later.