How to Connect Galvanized Pipe without Threads |In-Depth Guide

In plumbing, galvanized pipes are among the most resilient options available. Typically, threads are located on both ends of this type of piping. Consequently, the majority of these pipes will be intertwined. On the other hand, you will not thread some lines. You must connect them correctly, but how to connect galvanized pipe without threads?

To connect a non-threaded galvanized pipe, you will need a coupling. After locating the proper collar, you will need a torque wrench and bolts to keep the two lines connected. Check the type of coupling you are employing to ensure the best results.

Installation of galvanized pipe can be challenging, but once mastered, it is simple. All that matters are the methods you employ and master. When assembling your various projects, there are numerous factors to consider.

Things You’ll Need

• Taking measurements with a tape
• Coupling
• Carpenter’s disposition is consistent.
• A hacksaw (or power saw)
• A metal sanding machine
• Cloth
• Degreaser based on water
• Tightening device

How to Connect Galvanized Pipe without Threads

Step 1

Use a measuring tape to determine each pipe’s diameter. If the diameters are the same, a standard coupling can be used. If the diameters differ, a stepped collar is required.

Step 2

Examine the galvanized surface of the pipe to determine whether its coating is rough or smooth. If the galvanized coating appears to have a textured surface, a coupling designed for lines with a textured surface must be utilized. Husky surface couplings are effective on uneven pipe surfaces, such as cast iron and concrete.

Step 3

To ensure the square of the unthreaded pipe, place a carpenter’s level against its end. If the pipe ends are not flush, use a hacksaw or power saw to square them. Utilize a metal sander to smooth the pipe’s ends.

Step 4

Use a degreaser and a rag to clean the pipe couplings’ area. Join the ends of the pipes together. At the end of each pipe coupling, draw a line with a pencil. After that, center the collar over the pipe joint.

Step 5

It’s necessary to screw one end of the galvanized pipe into the coupling. Place the yoke and draw a line along the tube to show how it should be positioned. By putting the second pipe into the collar, you can ensure the coupling between the two lines you drew will work.

Step 6

The pipes should be securely fastened to prevent them from becoming dislodged. The torque wrench should be used to tighten the bolts on the coupling evenly to prevent them from coming loose.

Tip

If the galvanized pipe is in a damp area, use a stainless steel coupling to keep it from rusting.

Unthreaded galvanized pipes can be joined together and sealed with a coupling. To keep the galvanized pipe from leaking, you must know which type of coupling to use and how to put it on correctly. 

Depending on how the zinc and steel were heated, the zinc coating on the galvanized pipe can be rough or smooth. When you try to seal two galvanized pipes together, the rough surface of traditional galvanized pipes can be a problem.

Begin By Inspecting the Two Pipes

The type of coupling you will need to depend on the pipes you wish to connect. Now is the time to examine the two variables in greater detail. This is what you need to know:

You will need a rough surface coupling if the exterior of your pipes is rough.

• You can also use a standard pipe coupling for smooth pipes.
• If the diameters of the two pipes are identical, you should use a standard coupling.
• As long as the diameters of your pipes are identical, you will be fine. It’s a breeze!
• If the diameters of the two pipes you are connecting are different, you will need a stepped coupling.
• You must ensure that the coupling’s dimensions match the two pipes’ dimensions.
• After confirming that the coupling is correct, it is time to assemble the two. Consequently, let’s move on to the next phase.

Get Your Pipes Ready!

To ensure proper fit, you must ensure that your pipes are flush with the coupling’s walls. Before beginning construction, use a level (or ruler) to ensure that the pieces are perfectly straight and square. You can make the necessary cuts with a hacksaw if they are not. Once they are ready, you may proceed to the next step.

Smooth out the rough edges of the pipe. You must ensure that they slide easily, which is impossible with rough-edged pipe tubing, a towel and degreaser, and clean your lines by wiping them down.

Insert the pipes into the coupling to test it.

After you clean and prepare the pipes, you can insert the coupling. Adjust them to meet in the coupling’s center. This is one of the most straightforward steps in the entire procedure. If you are uncertain of the coupling’s location, you can measure its center. Although exactness is not required, it should be within a reasonable range.

After determining their compatibility, the next step is up to you. Recalibration and readjustment are your best options if you find a small amount of additional material. It will be a simple matter of multiple passes to insert them into the coupler. That is if you bought the appropriate coupler size!

Install the Piping and Fasten the Coupling

After inserting the pipes into the coupling, double-check that they will not come loose. Even though this may occasionally appear unnecessary, you must take it. No laziness allowed! There are several steps involved in this process. Here is what must be done:

Mark with a ruler and pencil the depth that each coupling must be to meet in the middle. Here, you do not want to make a mistake. Measure twice before securing once!

Use screwdrivers to tighten the fastening bolts. Initially, the coupling should be held in place with a loose hold.

Insert one of the pipes into position. Mark the pipe with the mark you made on it, and then align it.

Now is the time to attach another pipe to this one. Reintroduce them to the required depth.

Using a screwdriver, secure the pipe bolts with a screwdriver. Utilize a torque wrench to tighten everything until it clicks. You ought to be finished at this point.

Capping a Galvanized Pipe without Threads

By capping your galvanized pipes, you can extend their life. It will prevent water leakage from the water line. Although galvanized pipes are superior to standard iron pipes, it is safer to cap them.

The process is more straightforward than repairing a waterlogged galvanized pressure tank.

It is possible to cover galvanized pipes permanently or temporarily. We’ll cover both so you can adequately cap a galvanized pipe:

Option 1: Temporary Capping of Galvanized Pipes

Temporary capping is a highly straightforward process that takes only a few seconds. Attach temporary plugs to any pipes that may need to be opened in the future.

Additionally, temporary caps are relatively simple to remove. Now, these can be installed.

Step 1: First, clean the pipe.

Before capping, you must thoroughly clean the galvanized pipe. This is always the initial step preceding any additional work. Depending on the circumstance, the cleaning procedure would vary.

In comparison, installing new pipes is a significantly more straightforward process. Only a round wire brush is required. To thoroughly clean the outer edge of the pipeline, set the meeting into the pipe’s end and vigorously scrub it.

Ensure that the entire thing is thoroughly cleaned, inside and out. Using 120-grit emery cloth, sand the area where the cap will sit.

If the pipe is old and corroded, you must first remove the rust. Use abrasive cleaners to remove rust from galvanized pipes.

Rust and grime can be eliminated using a chemical pipe cleaner. Additionally, use the wire brush to clean the edges.

Step 2: Provisional pipe capping for galvanized pipe

Plastic pipe caps are most effective as a temporary capping solution. Choosing a crucial hat and the options listed below are the highest quality.

Are the caps in? Let’s proceed and insert them.

A black plastic pipe extends from the cap and passes through the pipeline is the lid on the pipe’s rim and pressed into place.

A click signifies that the cap has been properly installed. Check the plumbing for water leaks and fix them if necessary. If there are no leaks, consider the pipe installation a success.

Option 2: Permanent Capping of Galvanized pipes

Permanent capping of galvanized pipes requires that the cap be soldered to the line. It will be a challenging task.

When you have soldering experience, the process is simple. The following items are required to get started:

• A pair of safety gloves
• Metal end caps for pipes
• Propane-fuelled flamethrower
• The flux was tinned.
• Exceptional-quality alloy

Step 1: you must clean the Pipes.

As mentioned previously, the first step is cleaning the pipe. It is described in the first step of option 1.

The pipe is ready for use if the instructions are followed precisely. It is essential to sand the pipe’s edge before soldering.

Step 2: Attach the Metal Cap to the Pipe

A round washer made of black plastic is included with the metal cap. You must insert it into the lid first. Verify that the pipe cap now fits snugly.

It may be necessary to cut the pipe if it does not function. To cut the line, you may use a jigsaw. Use the same type of jigsaw that you employ to cut ducts.

Now is the time to apply tinning flux to the outer edge of the galvanized pipe. Additionally, it would be best if you filled the cap with change. Connect the galvanized pipe cap to the pipe’s end. You should ensure that it fits snugly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a galvanized pipe require threading?

The good news is that you can thread galvanized pipe. The threading of galvanized pipe does not require factory-level expertise. It is possible, although it will require additional effort and specialized equipment.

You can use various materials, including steel, copper, and plastic, to thread the needle. Additionally, you must purchase the thread separately.

Are you experiencing difficulty threading your needle? It is not a significant issue. If you purchase the piping from a major home improvement retailer such as Lowe’s or Home Depot, they will install it for free.

What are the health risks with galvanized plumbing?

It all comes down to the long-term consequences. After many years of use and exposure to corrosive chemicals, the zinc in galvanized pipes will erode. The same applies to various threading choices regarding this type of plumbing. Corrosion increases the likelihood that plumbing will leak heavy metals.

Because of the long-term dangers of zinc and lead contamination in your water, you should avoid galvanized plumbing as much as possible. At a minimum, have it repaired or replaced.

Bottom line

It uses couplings that seal the joints between non-threaded galvanized pipes. Understanding the type and installation of galvanized pipe fittings is crucial for preventing leaks.

The zinc coating on the galvanized pipe can be rough or smooth, depending on the type of zinc and steel heating process used. When attempting to seal two pipes together, the roughness of galvanized pipes can be problematic.

To connect two pieces of unthreaded galvanized piping, you will need a coupling. After selecting the appropriate collar, do a torque wrench and fastening bolts to join the pipes. For optimal results, verify the type of coupling you are using. 

Avoid severing an excessive amount of the tubing. The closer you get to sever the pipe, the more straightforward it will become.

Keep an eye out for the torque specifications marked on the side of the pipe. The required torque differs between couplers. Remember this as you assemble the coupling.