What is galvanized pipe?
Galvanized pipes are steel pipes that are embedded in the protective coating of zinc to prevent corrosion and rust. Galvanized plumbing was commonly installed in homes built before the 1960s. When it was invented, this type of pipe was a replacement for lead pipes for water supply lines. Today, however, you know that decades of iron exposure to water can cause corrosion and rusting of pipes. Galvanized pipe is covered with a layer of zinc. Zinc creates a barrier against corrosion so that the pipe is exposed to external environmental elements. The barrier is just as effective against damaging the internal moisture.
When installed, galvanized pipes look like nickel paint. But with age, galvanized pipe may look very dull, light or dark, depending on the environment. We have also seen houses in which water pipes are painted, so it is difficult to detect at first glance.
