GalvanizedElbowA type of elbow is one that has its surface plated with zinc material to enhance the elbow's corrosion resistance. Zinc-plated elbows come in two types: hot-dipped galvanized and electro-galvanized. Hot-dipped galvanized has a thicker zinc layer, while electro-galvanized is more cost-effective but not as smooth on the surface. Zinc-plated elbow pipes are divided into cold-dipped and hot-dipped.