Steel galvanized pipe is one of the most widely used materials, providing outstanding strength, toughness, and durability for various industrial applications. Also referred to as Schedule (40), Galvanized Pipe is available black coated or uncoated in several nominal sizes, including 7’ and 21’ lengths, providing a versatile, cost-effective solution for your project needs.

What is Steel Galvanized Pipe? Steel galvanized piping features a protective zinc coating that helps prevent corrosion, rust, and the buildup of mineral deposits, thereby extending the pipe’s lifespan. Galvanized zinc coatings provide extended protection, enabling volatile applications to withstand years of continual use. Steel galvanized pipes are commonly used in plumbing and other water-supply applications.

Differences Between Galvanized and Black Coated Steel Pipe

The main difference between galvanized steel and black-coated steel pipe is the zinc coating that lines the galvanized pipe. Galvanized steel’s zinc coating offers a sacrificial layer not exhibited by black-coated steel. Thus, black-coated steel is less expensive than galvanized steel and is generally used for transporting gas instead of water, limiting its exposure to corrosive elements.

Steel Galvanized Pipe Applications

While galvanized pipe is known for its use in construction, its rust-protective coating makes it a preferable metal option for precision automotive, plumbing, and structural applications, some of which include:

• Construction and architecture
• Water/sewer plumbing fixtures
• Automotive assemblies
• Trailer frames
• Pipeline systems
• Gas and fluid transfer lines
• Industrial equipment manufacturing
• Oil and gas processing

Galvanized Pipe Advantages

Coated galvanized steel pipe is dipped into a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion in wet environments, delivering rust-free protection for up to 30 years.

• Outstanding corrosion resistance
• Excellent strength
• Durable surface coating
• Enhanced durability
• Lower-cost alternative to stainless steel

Galvanized Steel Pipe vs. Black Coated Steel Pipe

Black-coated steel pipe features an all-over black finish. Due to its high heat resistance, black-coated steel pipes are commonly used in fire sprinkler systems. Black steel pipe is also popular for other water transfer applications, including potable water and gas lines.
Depending on the desired outcome or performance required, galvanization can occur in various ways, including hot-dip galvanization, electroplating, mechanical plating, and plastic coating. Each galvanization process provides unique advantages, delivering results that match your specification requirements.

What is the Lifespan of Galvanized Structural Piping?

No matter the circumstances or installation conditions of steel galvanized piping, the pipes will eventually deteriorate and fail; the question is how and when. The general life expectancy of steel galvanized pipe is between 80-100 years. Some of the factors that can decrease the lifespan of your galvanized pipe schedule (40) include:

• Location
• Increased usage
• Lack of maintenance
• Incorrect installation
• Improper usage
• Corrosion
• Defects

Galvanized Steel Pipe Secondary Services

When you order from Industrial Metal Supply (IMS), we can cut your metal to size and deliver it the next day. If you require more extensive services than just sawing or shearing, we also offer the following advanced metal-cutting options:  

• Hi-Def Plasma Cutting
• Tube Laser
• Flatbed Laser
• Water Jet Cutting