Is it possible to cap a rusty galvanized pipe that is in my yard?

Sure it is possible, but what is the pipe?

Sure it is possible, but what is the pipe?

It is a pressurized water pipe to a faucet in the garden. One inch.

Clean the threads as best you can with a wire brush or a triangle file, slather on pipe dope and put on a galvanized pipe cap. Or are the threads gone?

If threads are broken off you can dig to below the ground abit and find the next fitting and then see if you can remove the pipe from the fitting and then plug the fitting (would need 2 wrenches for this).

Another alternative would be to rent a 1" pipe threader and cut a new thread onto the pipe and then cap the line after that.

Your thoughts?

1" is quite large for a faucet line. Are you measuring the outside of the pipe?

Good point, Brian... probably a 1/2" galvi. line with a 7/8" OD. I noted the change in my post above calling for a 1/2" threader!

Where do you live, does it ever freez there?

Thanks for all the info. The outside diameter is about an inch but the pipe is very rusty. There are no threads where the leak is, and I am guessing the pipe is over 50 years old. And yes it freezes her in Albuquerque. I do not need the pipe, so I just want a permanent fix so it will no longer leak.

I'm guessing I will have to follow the pipe back to the nearest junction and try to cap it there. Someone suggested that I use a sharkbite on a cut section, though I thought because of the rust and unevenness that this would not work, at least not long term.

Go back to the nearest fitting, remove the pipe and install an insert plug or a cap. Probably 1/2 IP.