Can i use galvanized pipe for water

This is why many of these ancient galvanized pipes remain unchanged for decades. Our water supply from the municipality goes through proper water filtration.

However, this clean water might pick up contaminants from your water pipe itself as it reaches your taps. This is why it is important to learn about the problems associated with galvanized pipes and whether it is safe for your drinking water.

The history of plumbing goes back to the ancient Roman era. Water distribution pipes have been around for a very long time now. But back then, the most commonly used material for these pipes was lead.

The use of lead continued right up until However, once the dangers of lead poisoning were recognized, the industry started looking for alternatives. Therefore, in the years between to , galvanized steel pipes became a common choice for water pipes.

This shift was also due to the low manufacturing costs that came with using galvanized steel. But as time and technology progressed, people began realizing that galvanized steel, too, had its fair share of problems. These flaws created the need for a new alternative to be introduced to the market. Galvanized steel refers to steel that has been coated in a zinc solution to prevent any corrosion.

Typically, the pipes are galvanized using a hot-dip method, in which the pipes are dipped into a molten hot zinc bath. This was the primary material of choice for all residential plumbing systems. Galvanized pipe is steel pipe that has been treated with a zinc coating. This galvanized coating keeps the water from corroding the pipe. It was once the most common type of pipe for water supply lines, but because labor and time that goes into cutting, threading, and installing galvanized pipe, it no longer used much, except for limited use in repairs.

However, galvanized pipe for water distribution is still seen in larger commercial applications. If you have a pres house, you could still have galvanized water lines in your house. Galvanized piping has a functional life of 40 to 50 years, according to home inspection agencies. If your galvanized steel plumbing system is approaching that age, an upgrade is probably advisable.

If the pipes are still in good condition, hardware stores carry a variety of fittings and can cut and thread galvanized pipes to match your needs. Copper pipe is mostly used for hot and cold water distribution, as well as being regularly used in HVAC systems for refrigerant lines.

Although once used in gas piping, this is no longer allowed in most jurisdictions. Copper piping works in both underground and above-ground applications, but copper can be affected by some soils and it should have a protective sleeve if used underground. For many years, copper was the gold-standard for water supply pipes, as galvanized steel fell from favor. Copper plumbing pipes can last for up to 50 years, but as it ages, copper thins out, eventually leading to pinhole leaks.

More recently, various forms of plastic have replaced copper as the favorite, though copper pipes and fittings are still widely available. Due to the price of copper and longer labor needed to install, many builders have switched to alternative water distribution piping, especially PEX.

Copper comes in different thicknesses which are labeled M, L, and K. M is the thinnest grade of copper. Copper can be connected in different ways, including compression fittings, push-fit fittings, or sweat-soldering. Usually I do not learn post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at. Drug information. Effects of Drug Abuse. Get information now. We update our blog frequently to share the latest tips, seasonal advice and more.

Take a look at our other posts to get the answers you need for year-round comfort! What are galvanized pipes? Copper The scratched area will look like a copper penny. Read Previous Read Next. Exclusiveloaded says:. November 1, at pm. EiuSS says:. November 7, at am. The dark color comes from the iron-oxide formed on its surface during manufacturing. The primary purpose of black steel pipe is to carry natural gas into homes and businesses.

The pipe is manufactured without a seam, making it a stronger and safer pipe to carry gas. The black steel pipe is also used for fire sprinkler systems because it is more fire-resistant than galvanized pipe.

You do not want to use galvanized pipe for gas because of the galvanized coating.