Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized Pipes are tubular steel products with a protective zinc coating applied through the hot-dip process. Primarily used for conveying water, air, gas, and steam, they also serve as durable structural members for columns, railings, and supports in various industrial and construction applications.

A53 / A123
Hot-Dip Galvanized
Schedule 40 / 80
Corrosion Resistant

Overview

Galvanized pipes are fundamental steel tubular products engineered for demanding industrial applications. These pipes undergo a specialized hot-dip galvanizing process where they are coated with a protective layer of zinc. This zinc coating acts as a sacrificial anode, providing superior corrosion resistance that significantly extends the service life of the pipe compared to standard black steel. This makes galvanized steel pipe an economical and reliable choice for a wide range of projects.

From a technical overview, the galvanizing process involves cleaning the steel pipe to remove mill scale and impurities, then immersing it in a bath of molten zinc. The result is a metallurgically bonded coating that is integral to the steel itself. The primary purpose of galvanized pipe is the safe and efficient conveyance of water, air, gas, and other non-critical fluids. Beyond fluid transport, its strength and durability have made it a popular choice for structural applications, including support columns, handrails, scaffolding, and framing.

The applications for galvanized pipes are extensive across numerous industries. In construction, they are used for water supply lines, fire sprinkler systems, and structural supports. In industrial settings, they convey compressed air, steam, and fuel. The agricultural sector relies on them for irrigation systems and structural components for buildings. Their robustness also makes them ideal for outdoor fencing, street furniture, and utility poles.

The key advantages of choosing galvanized pipes include exceptional longevity due to corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, low maintenance requirements, and ease of installation with standard threaded connections. They offer a cost-effective solution for projects requiring a durable, long-lasting steel product that can withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Specifications

Standards: ASTM A53 (Pipe), ASTM A123 (Zinc Coating)
Types: Schedule 40 & Schedule 80 (Welded & Seamless)
Coating Weight: Minimum 1.8 oz/ft (ASTM A123)
Diameter Range (NPS): 1/8" to 12"
Length: Standard RDR 17-24 ft, cut-to-length available
End Finish: Plain End, Threaded & Coupled (T&C)
Tolerances: ASTM A53 for OD, wall thickness, straightness
Surface Finish: Hot-dip galvanized with spangled appearance

Values may vary by mill & heat; verify against the MTR for your order.

Applications

Water Supply Lines: Potable water and general water service
Structural Applications: Columns, handrails, scaffolding, support frames
Industrial Fluid Transport: Compressed air, gas, steam, non-corrosive fluids
Fencing & Outdoor Structures: Gates, fencing frameworks, street furniture
Agricultural Uses: Irrigation systems, barn and greenhouse structures
Fire Protection: Sprinkler systems and fire protection piping
Utility Poles: Electrical and telecommunications support structures
Mechanical Systems: HVAC duct supports, equipment stands

Weldability

Galvanized pipes can be welded using standard processes, but require special precautions.
Remove zinc coating at least 1-2 inches from the weld area by grinding or brushing.
Use proper ventilation due to zinc oxide fumes (can cause metal fume fever).
For MIG welding, use ER70S-6 wire with 75% Argon/25% CO? gas mix.
Adjust welding parameters to account for zinc coating (slightly higher heat may be needed).
Clean weld area thoroughly before welding to prevent porosity.
After welding, apply zinc-rich paint to the weld area to restore corrosion protection.
For critical applications, consider welding before galvanizing when possible.

How to Measure & Specify

To specify Galvanized Pipes:

Nominal Pipe Size (NPS): Specify NPS (e.g., 2" NPS). Note: NPS is a standardized size, not the exact OD.
Schedule: Wall thickness designation (e.g., Schedule 40 or Schedule 80).
Length: Required length in feet (e.g., 21' RDR or specific cut length).
End Finish: Plain End (PE) or Threaded & Coupled (T&C).
Standard: ASTM A53 (Type E or Type S).
Coating: Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123.
Example Order: "2" NPS Schedule 40 Galvanized Pipe, 21' RDR, T&C, ASTM A53"

Measurement Tip: Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) is different from actual dimensions. For example, 2" NPS Schedule 40 pipe has an actual OD of 2.375". Always refer to pipe dimension charts for exact measurements.

Order Checklist

Nominal Pipe Size (NPS): Size designation (e.g., 2")
Schedule: Wall thickness (40, 80, etc.)
Length: Desired length per piece (RDR or specific)
End Finish: Plain End or Threaded & Coupled
Standard: ASTM A53 (Type E welded or Type S seamless)
Quantity: Number of pieces or total linear feet
Coating: Hot-dip galvanized (ASTM A123)
Threading: Tapered threads per ANSI/ASME B1.20.1 if T&C
Cutting Instructions: Specific lengths, tolerance requirements
Certifications: Mill Test Reports (MTRs) required (Yes/No)
Packaging: Bundled, individual, or special packaging
Special Requirements: Extra coating thickness, specific spangle

Item Size & Description	Weight (lbs.)/Ft	Select Size	Qty	Price	Actions
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 1/2 Inch	0.851	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 3/4 Inch	1.131	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 1 Inch	1.679	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 1-1/4 Inches	2.273	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 1-1/2 Inches	2.718	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 2 Inches	3.653	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 2-1/2 Inches	5.793	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 3 Inches	7.576	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 3-1/2 Inches	9.109	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 4 Inches	10.790	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart
Galvanized Pipe Schedule (40) - 5 Inches	14.620	Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry	Enter quantity between 1 and 999	Select a Size	Select a size and quantity before adding to cart