5 Important Things to Consider When Choosing Black Iron Pipe in Austin, Texas (78728)

Australians are known for their largely DIY-minded approach to home maintenance, so it only makes sense that many Austin, Texas homeowners would feel comfortable working with black iron pipe. Though it might be tempting to soften the challenge you're taking on by using night soil pipe or lead pipe, black iron pipe is absolutely the best choice for settings with a municipal water supply. If you're looking to make repairs or implement new installations to your residential water supply system, here are the five things to consider when deciding to use black iron pipe in the 78728 area of Austin.

Safety Standards

The most important thing to consider when using black iron pipe is meeting safety standards. Galvanized steel pipes should meet the ASTM A-53 specification, which is a standard that dictates the pipe's chemical composition, mechanical properties, and thread manufacturing quality. According to the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), galvanized steel pipe used for underground water supply has to have an additional yellow polyethylene or other approved coating to provide extra protection from the harsh conditions and corrosive properties of soil and water.

How to Choose the Right Size and Type

Once you're sure that the sizes you're considering meet the safety standards for galvanized steel piping, you'll need to decide what type and size of black iron pipe you need. Black iron pipe come in a variety of sizes, both in diameter and length, and are measured by how many threads per inch they have, or their NPTs (national pipe threads). Pipes with more threads per inch are thicker and won't need additional reinforcement. When measuring pipe size, keep in mind that larger diameters will correspond to larger NPTs.

Black iron pipe material strength is also important to consider when choosing the right size. Black iron pipe can come in either small or large diameters, with the larger pipes offering increased strength, whereas smaller diameter pipes are more flexible and resilient. Lastly, make sure that the type of black iron pipe you choose is compatible with the type of fittings you plan on using.

Installing and Sealing

When it comes to installation and sealing the black iron pipe you've selected in the Austin, TX 78728 area, there are a few actions that you can take to ensure a successful outcome. Although the larger pipes can be tricky, you can follow these three primary steps:

Lubricate threaded connections - The use of some form of lubricant, such as antiseize tape, lubricant, or grease, on every connection should help make installation easier and more effective.

Surface preparation - Prepare the surface of the pipe and fittings by using a wire brush to remove rust, scale, dirt, and other debris for proper sealing.

Keep it as dry as possible - Make sure the interior of the pipe and its fittings are clean and free from water before beginning your sealing process.

Valves and Accessories

It's always helpful to have the correct accessories on hand to facilitate a successful installation, such as couplings, elbows, tee fittings, and valves. When selecting valves, be sure to purchase high-pressure, high-temperature-rated models to ensure reliable sealing. High-pressure valves are fitted with two separate seals to protect against pressure drops, while high-temperature valves can handle water temperatures up to 520 degrees Fahrenheit.

Maintenance

Finally, you should periodically check on your black iron pipe and fittings to make sure they are free of debris and rust. If you come across any buildup or leakage, discontinue use of the pipe until the problem is fixed.

Black iron pipe is one of the best options when it comes to residential water supply in the 78728 area of Austin, Texas, but you need to make sure that you take into consideration the safety standards, pipe size, fitting compatibility, and maintenance that is necessary with black iron pipe installations. Homeowners should be sure to work with a licensed plumber for any repair or installation projects to ensure a safe and reliable outcome.

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