What's the Difference Between GI and GP Pipes? A Professional Breakdown
What's the Difference Between GI and GP Pipes? A Professional Breakdown
What Is A GI Pipe ?
GI pipes are produced through hot-dip galvanizd steel pipe. The pipe is immersed in molten zinc, forming a thick, strongly adhered protective coating.
Because of this process, GI pipes usually come with:
Thicker wall sections
Higher coating weight
Better resistance to pressure and corrosion
GI pipes are generally selected for long-term installations or projects where safety and service life are priorities.
What Is A GP Pipe ?
GP pipe is the short of pre-galvanized steel pipe that made from pre-galvanized steel coils. Coils are coated first, then formed and welded into pipes.
This method results in:
Thinner walls
Lighter zinc coating
Easier fabrication and transportation
GP pipes are suitable for light structural use, agricultural setups, and general applications where the load and pressure are moderate.
Key Technical Differences
Item GI Pipe GP Pipe
Wall Thickness Typically 3–4 mm Generally 1–2 mm
Zinc Coating Around 360–480 GSM About 120–180 GSM
Pressure Tolerance High Medium
Common Uses Water supply, structural works,industrial systems Fencing, frames, greenhouses, light fabrication
Service Life 20–25 years 10–15 years
Cost Higher More economical
Application Suggestions
Water & Plumbing Systems
GI pipes provide reliable performance under high pressure and continuous water flow. The dense zinc layer improves durability in outdoor or humid environments.
Construction & Structural Work
For permanent structures such as columns, frameworks, and heavy-duty supports, GI pipes offer better load capacity and longer service life.
Agriculture & General Use
GP pipes are widely used for irrigation systems, greenhouse frameworks, and boundary fencing. They are easy to cut, bend, and install, making them ideal for large-area, cost-sensitive projects.
Standards Commonly Followed
ASTM A53 pipe / A53M
IS 1239
ISO 9001 Quality Control
Relevant BIS/EN standards depending on final markets
Installation And Maintenance Guidelines
1.Avoid damaging the zinc coating during cutting or welding
2.Employ suitable joint connectors and adhere to recommended support intervals
3.Apply additional protection in coastal or corrosive environments
4.Inspect periodically for mechanical wear or coating loss
Choosing The Right Pipe
If the project requires long-term stability, high pressure resistance, or structural strength, GI pipe is the better option.
If the aim is cost control and the application is light or temporary, GP pipe offers a good balance between performance and price.
