Using galvinized pipe for household water?

Answer 1

Galvanized pipe is strong, and resists bursting under light freezing, but eventually, it will rust.

Galvanized pipe was the first "do it yourself plumbing" product available to homeowners who did not know how to sweat pipes, like a professional plumber. Today, there are more options, for less cost.

Pex tubing is widely used in mobile homes. This is a continuous tube, on a roll, and you just staple it where you want it to run. If you do not have the $100 crimping tool, then you have to use the more expensive compression fittings. These fittings run 2 to 3 times the cost of other fittings.

CPVC, in my opinion, is the best product for the DIY'er. Its fast, easy to use, and you can easily find parts for it. You have the option of using brass faucets, or plastic. I have personally tested cpvc plumbing in homes to over 100 pounds psi, so it is certainly strong enough to handle the average home needs. (Most homes only run 30 to 40 psi)

Have Fun

Answer 2

Absolutely not! Copper, CPVC, or PEX is generally the only piping that should be used for water supply lines. Galvanized piping can still be used for DRAIN lines, but it's not done much now as it's so expensive.

If you're a DIY'er, use CPVC, as suggested. But be careful not to confuse it with PVC, which is only used for drains/waste/vent and is bright white. CPVC is slightly off white, and specifically designed for use as a water supply line. PEX is actually a better product, but requires some knowledge, skills, and tools most DIY'ers don't have (yet, it's catching on). Copper is the old standby, but labor intensive and requires very specific skills and equipment that intimidates some people (an open flame near studs for example).

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I would always use 3/4" pvc or 3/4" copper. This is not to say that the code in your state says otherwise. The service line coming from the closest water main is going to be 3/4" copper pipe. So in turn your cheapest solution would be 3/4" pvc, but if you are willing to spend the extra $, then copper is the prefered method. Good luck w/ your project.

Answer 4

Galavanized steel pipe was the plumbing method used for potable water for many years before the advent of copper pipe, and then PVC, and now PEX.

If you need to repair galvanized pulmbing, and the repair is small and simple, I'd go ahead and use galvanized, but for any significant replacement issues, I would definitely migrate to either copper or PVC or PEX. Check your local codes. PVC and PEX may have some use restrictions.

Answer 5

According to the code in Illinois Galvanized pipe or copper must be used for potable water
black pipe rusts


plumbing contractor

Answer 6

few references to pex. Inexpensive. Durable. Fast. Available. Does not corrode or burst when frozen. not as susceptible to waterhamer. professional tools are expensive but for the homeowner you can pick up a crimper for all three common sizes for about 30 dollars. the pipe is much less expensive than any metal pipe and it doesn't require as many fittings as any other type of system. my suggestion....PEX

Answer 7

don't use it. Instead, use copper pipe. Galvanized used to be acceptable a long time ago and is still present in older homes. Copper is the standard nowadays.

Answer 8

USEING GALV PIPE IS VERY COSTLY AND TIME CONSUMING .u have to use galv for drinking water but you can also use copper .although now at a all time high in cost it really is the only way to go.i have replaced galv for people and when i show them a cross section of the pipe they want all pipes replaced!over the years the pipe starts to close due to the minerials [espesally the hot ].my advice ..copper!

Answer 9

IF you want rusty water under low pressure in 10yrs galvanized will fit the bill. Use copper, PEX or PVC. All reliable and will last hopefully as long as the house.

Answer 10

galvanized pipe is steel pipe with a corrosion resistant chemical coating. The coating is TOXIC. If you heat galvanized pipe with a torch the white smoke that's emitted from the Pipe WILL make you sick, Trust me, It burns your throat and lungs. I would never suggest using as a water pipe.