Galvanized steel

Chris_35

Can you use galvanized steel to pipe a 1 pipe steam system?

Empire_2

Are you talking venting?

If so, where and how long of a run do you have? 26ga. galv, is commonly used, but more info needed.

Mike T.

Chris_35

No, the pipes that actually carry the steam and condensation. Can they be galvanized?

Chris_35

No, the pipes that actually carry the steam and condensation. Can they be galvanized?

Christian Egli_2

Z again

The zinc coating has no resistance against steam and condensate, it either quickly turns into a white powder or becomes very dark in color. On top of the dirt this creates, it is possible to get some very offensive smells under heat.

Considering galvanized pipe is more expensive and not any better for steam and condensate use, why bother? Steam carrying black steel pipes remain spectacularly clean. Wet condensate returns are different, here the ultimate luxury is stainless steel.

Zinc is no good, but tin coated pipes would be ideal. Tin, like in the tin cans for soup and vegetables, resists to anything we throw at it with great heroism. Lead pipes would work too, but with other problems of their own.

A few galvanized couplings are of no consequence except for the lack of professionalism in the way the whole assembly would look like.