What is Galvanized Pipes?

Galvanized pipe is a steel pipe that is placed in a protective coating to prevent corrosion and rust. Galvanized plumbing was commonly used in homes built before the 1960s. At the time of its invention, galvanized pipe was an alternative to lead pipes for water supply lines. Today, however, it has been found that too long exposure to water causes corrosion and rusting of the galvanized pipe from the inside.

What is Galvanized Pipes?

Galvanized pipe is a steel pipe that is placed in a protective coating to prevent corrosion and rust. Galvanized plumbing was commonly used in homes built before the 1960s. At the time of its invention, galvanized pipe was an alternative to lead pipes for water supply lines. Today, however, it has been found that too long exposure to water causes corrosion and rusting of the galvanized pipe from the inside.

Pros

Rust protection
By providing an extra layer the rust must go through if it becomes contaminated. Rust can be easily caused by the iron in steel reacting with oxygen and water which will lead to the object deteriorating. With zinc coating, it is harder for these elements to cause such a reaction.
Lower price
The galvanization process usually costs less than other popular methods of protecting pipe. This is because the other methods are often labor intensive and Galvanization requires less manual labor.At the same time,galvanized steel pipe has a long life. can last more than 50 years in many rural areas, and more than 25 years in severely exposed urban and coastal environments.Therefor,less maintenance costs is needed
Easy Inspection
The inspection process for galvanized pipe is simple and straightforward. Galvanized coatings can be examined by eye, and their thickness can be tested with simple, non-destructive methods.

Cons

Internal Corrosion
Although the zinc barrier in galvanized pipes does prevent rusting for a certain amount of time, it eventually after a long time. When this happens, pipes begin to corrode from the inside out, which can eventually lead to a leak or a broken pipe.
Water Contamination
When galvanized pipes begin to corrode, the corrosion materials and lead from exposed metal can seep into your water supply. When this happens, those minerals begin to form a plaque that coats the inside of your pipes. Over time, that plaque begins to restrict your home’s water flow.Then water can even change its color.