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Galvanized Steel Pipe

Galvanized pipe is steel pipe covered with a protective coating of zinc that greatly reduces its tendency to corrode and extends its life expectancy.

It may be used in residential water supply lines, but not gas lines because natural gas causes the zinc to flake off and clog the system.

It's not frequently used for water supply lines because the minerals in the water react with the galvanizing material and form scale, which builds up over time and will eventually clog the pipe.

Galvanized pipe was commonly used for water supply lines many years ago, but over time many have filled with scale, which is why some older homes suffer from low water pressure. Hard water greatly reduces the life of steel pipe.

While it can be used for all piping inside a building, its most popular use today is for handrails or for replacement of existing pipe. Copper pipe and plastic are preferred for underground installation.

Fittings for this type of pipe are of galvanized malleable (soft) cast iron. They connect by screwing onto the threaded pipe, after applying a small amount of pipe joint compound on the threads. Larger diameter pipe is welded rather than threaded. Galvanized pipe is cut either with a heavy-duty tube cutter or cutoff saw, or by hacksaw

It is sold in the same standard 21-foot lengths. Connectors and fittings are screwed onto the pipe, after applying a small amount of pipe joint compound onto the pipe threads. It is cut either with a heavy-duty tube cutter or cutoff saw, or by hacksaw.

See Also:

Other:
    ASTM Reference Library (material and manufacturing specifications)

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