Pros & Cons of Using Galvanized Pipe

A galvanized pipe consists of a common steel pipe which is coated by a thin layer of another metal such as zinc to prevent rusting. Thus, for nearly all outdoor uses a galvanized pipe is usually preferred to other plastic pipes such as PVC or ABS pipes. However, even galvanized pipes have their own advantages and disadvantages which you should consider before using them. Hence, here are some pros and cons of these galvanized pipes and some other common outdoor uses of these pipes.

Anti Rust Pipes

Galvanized pipes are usually preferred since they are rust free pipes. The thin layer of zinc prevents corrosion and other minerals to develop on the pipe. However, this galvanization layer does not last forever and in fact, the average life span of these pipelines is generally around 40 years. Not bad for an outdoor pipe.

Heavy to Handle

Galvanized pipes are usually made up of iron or steel and therefore they are a bit heavy to handle. Thus, PVC pipes are the most lightweight pipes and they are usually used instead of galvanized pipes for small projects such as many household piping jobs.

The Price Range

When compared to copper, galvanized pipes are not that expensive. However, they are still a bit expensive when compared to the common PVC pipes but in the long run they are much more resistant and have a longer life span. Moreover, the cost of the pipelines depends on what type of pipes you need to purchase. For example a sewage pipe is always less expensive than compressed air lines which are much more complex and therefore more expensive.

Blockages

After some years galvanized pipes can start to develop water flow blockages inside the pipe. These blockages are created from the minerals that start to build up inside the pipes and so will block the water from flowing through the pipe. For this reason, most people have started to replace their galvanized pipes with copper ones which prevent any kind of bacteria or minerals from developing in the pipe. However, copper pipes are often more expensive.

Large Construction Projects

When it comes to large jobs such as construction projects or farm irrigation systems, galvanized pipes are usually more commonly used than any other pipes. First of all they are much more durable than any kind of plastic pipes such as PVC or ABS pipes. Secondly, galvanized pipes usually have a larger diameter than copper pipes which have a rather small diameter which makes them perfect for tight places. Hence, galvanized pipes are also commonly found in industries and large sewage plumbing.

Difficult to Repair

Galvanized pipes are generally replaced rather than repaired. If these pipes get damaged, the zinc layer of the galvanization will also get weaker and the pipe will start to corrode in a short period of time. In addition, it is not worth it to repair galvanized pipes since it's still a bit expensive and the pipes will never come back as they used to be.

These are just some pros and cons of galvanized pipes which might be helpful for choosing the best pipelines for your particular job. However, it is always recommended to get a professional's advice before choosing the pipelines.