Can galvanized pipes rust
2024-10-29
Can galvanized pipes rust

Galvanized pipe widely used in construction, automobile manufacturing, home appliances, energy and other industries. The following will solve your questions: Will Galvanized pipe rust? This article will discuss in detail the corrosion resistance of Galvanized pipe and under what circumstances Galvanized pipe may rust.

Corrosion resistance of Galvanized pipe

The corrosion resistance of Galvanized pipe is mainly due to the zinc layer on its surface. The zinc layer can insulate the steel from the oxygen and moisture in the air, thus slowing the corrosion rate of the steel. When the galvanizing layer is damaged, zinc oxidizes preferentially over iron, a process known as sacrificial protection because it sacrifices itself to protect the underlying steel. Zinc oxide and zinc hydroxide formed after zinc corrosion form a passivation layer on the steel surface, further preventing oxygen and moisture from directly contacting the steel.


Galvanized pipe is usually not easy to rust because it has been galvanized, which is the zinc coating on the surface of the steel. This layer of zinc acts as a protective barrier, preventing the steel from coming into contact with moisture and oxygen, the two main factors that cause rust. The zinc layer on Galvanized pipe resists corrosion in most everyday environments.

The following are several factors that can cause rust in Galvanized pipe:

  • Zinc layer quality problems: If the galvanized layer is uneven or too thin, it does not reach the standard thickness, it cannot provide adequate protection, resulting in rust of the steel.

  • Environmental factors: The service life of Galvanized pipe in industrial atmospheric and Marine environments is shorter than that in urban and rural atmospheric environments, because the presence of SO2 or Cl- in these environments will accelerate the corrosion of the galvanized layer.

  • Incomplete passivation: Passivation is the process of making the surface of the steel body inactive, similar to the formation of a protective film. If the passivation is not thorough, it may lead to the return of zinc plating or rust.

  • Improper maintenance: If Galvanized pipe is in a humid environment or exposed to the sun and rain for a long time and is not properly maintained, its galvanized layer may be damaged, leading to rust.

How to extend the service life of Galvanized pipe

  • Choose the appropriate galvanized layer thickness: According to the different application environment, choose the appropriate thickness of galvanized layer to provide adequate protection.

  • Surface treatment: After galvanizing, the steel can be surface treated or coated with other paints to enhance its corrosion resistance.

  • Regular inspection and maintenance: Check the condition of the galvanized layer of Galvanized pipe regularly, and repair it in time when damage is found to maintain its anti-corrosion properties.

  • Avoid harsh environment: Try to avoid placing Galvanized pipe in an environment with high humidity, high salt or high pollution to reduce the corrosion rate of galvanized layer.

Galvanized pipe under normal use and proper maintenance, its likelihood of rust is very low. However, Galvanized pipe may still rust due to zinc layer quality problems, environmental factors or improper maintenance. By selecting the appropriate thickness of galvanized layer, surface treatment and regular maintenance, the service life of Galvanized pipe can be effectively extended and the risk of rust can be reduced.Interested in galvanized pipe welcome to leave a message, we are at your service 24 hours a day.