Galvanized piping is created by coating iron pipe with?

Galvanized piping is made by coating iron or steel pipe with zinc. This zinc coating serves two primary purposes: it provides corrosion resistance, thereby increasing the longevity of the pipe, and it protects the underlying metal from rusting and environmental damage. The galvanization process typically involves the application of molten zinc, which forms a protective layer on the iron surface. This method is commonly used in plumbing and outdoor applications where the pipes are exposed to moisture and various weather conditions.

Zinc is the ideal material for this process because it serves as a sacrificial anode; if the coating is damaged, the exposed iron is still protected from rusting as zinc oxidizes first. Other materials like lead, aluminum, or copper do not provide the same level of protection and functionality that zinc does when galvanized, making zinc the definitive choice for galvanizing pipeline applications.