The Difference Between Black Pipe & Galvanized Pipe
The Difference Between Black Pipe & Galvanized Pipe
Water and gas require pipes to supply residential homes and businesses. Gas supplies power to stoves, water heaters, furnaces, and other devices. Water is essential for many purposes. The two most common types of steel pipe used to carry water and gas are black pipe and galvanized pipe. So, what is the difference between black pipe and galvanized pipe? Confusion is common among homeowners, and even some professionals, regarding where to use these steel pipes and under what circumstances.
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Galvanized Pipe
Galvanized steel pipe is covered with a zinc material to make the steel pipe more resistant to corrosion. The primary use of galvanized pipe is to supply water to homes and buildings. The zinc also prevents the buildup of mineral deposits that can clog the water line.
Black Pipe
Black steel pipe is different from galvanized pipe because it is uncoated. The dark color comes from the iron-oxide formed on its surface during manufacturing. The primary purpose of black steel pipe is to carry natural gas into homes and businesses. The pipe is manufactured without a seam, making it a stronger and safer pipe to carry gas. Black steel pipe is also used for fire sprinkler systems because it is more fire-resistant than galvanized pipe.
In brief:
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- Black pipe and galvanized pipe are made of steel.
- Galvanized pipe has a zinc coating; black pipe does not.
- Galvanized pipe is ideal for carrying water but not suitable for carrying gas.
- Galvanized pipe is more expensive because of the zinc coating.
- Galvanized pipe is more durable.
You do not want to use galvanized pipe for gas because of the galvanized coating. Over time, pieces of the galvanized steel can flake off and clog your gas regulators and burner units.
Never mix galvanized and black iron; where they touch, corrosion will be accelerated.
Will Natural Gas Corrode Galvanized Pipe?
In the past, galvanized pipes sometimes corroded over a long period. This was generally due to the poor quality of galvanizing. Today, using galvanized pipe generally presents no threat. Plumbers tend to use black pipe with gas for two main reasons. Firstly, it costs less than galvanized pipe (except in some home centers, where black pipe may be more expensive due to consumers' lack of knowledge of costs). Secondly, if galvanized pipes are used for water, then using black pipes for gas distinguishes the two uses. Imagine using galvanized for both gas and water in the same house; it could present a problem in distinguishing which pipes are carrying what.
I suggest painting galvanized pipes used for gas yellow. Today, there exists flexible stainless steel gas pipe, which is always yellow. Therefore, painting piping that is used for gas yellow seems like a good idea. If the pipe is in the ground, it will tend to corrode faster depending on the soil conditions. Many areas do not allow galvanized pipe underground for gas piping; instead, factory-coated steel pipe must be used. In some areas, plastic pipe is allowed underground with an electric wire above it to allow for locating that plastic gas pipe, as well as warning tape above that pipe.
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