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Is it a bad idea to use galvanized pipe and fittings in a closed-loop 100% water hydronic system?

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EPMountainMan
EPMountainMan Member Posts: 10
in Radiant Heating

I stumbled into a bunch of galvanized fittings and pipe from an auction. Even some large 2" diameter ones to potentially make-up a "short and fat" header for a 3-pipe buffer tank setup for my heat pump hydronic system.

I've read how black iron should be used instead of gavanized, but how much am I really risking in future issues with my non-glycol, naturally soft water (I'm in the moutains of Colorado, so it's all snowmelt) in my hydronic system?

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 26,667

    It has been my experience that galvanized steel piping corrodes (rusts) incredibly fast. Black iron doesn't.

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,215

    my understanding is the concept of dissimilar metals copper and zinc, with an electrolyte can cause corrosion

    In an open loop system you need a dielectric union or nipple between the two different metals

    You could use a brass nipple between the copper to galvanized connection

    Galvanized into the tank Is not an issue , if you use brass iso flanges on the pumps you are covered

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • EPMountainMan
    EPMountainMan Member Posts: 10

    Thanks, guys!

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