Installing new pipes can be quite a hassle, and you would not want to do it often. Hence, you need to purchase very durable options.
Pipes carrying natural gas could be placed below the ground or above it. If you need to install below the ground, that would involve a lot of digging. You might have to create holes, take permission, and then get the pipes in place.
Now you will not want to do it over again within a short period. That is why you will need very durable options for pipes with natural gas flowing through them. Here, we have listed and written about the most durable options suited for natural gas.
So, grab a cup of coffee and dive in!
What Kind Of Pipe Should I Use For Natural Gas?
You will find information about all the popular pipes that can carry natural gas right here. Read on to know all about them.
1. PVC Pipe
PVC pipes will work well for natural gas lines and water supply. They are generally available in sizes of 10 feet and 20 feet, and they come with varying diameters. The size ranges from ½ inch to 6 inches, so that you can choose one depending upon the purpose.
If you wish to attach PVC pipes, you will need solvent cement, primer or a push-to-connect fitting. However, you will have to remember not to install PVC pipes in a place where the sunlight streams directly. When exposed to hot water or direct sunlight, PVC can get damaged. If you use it for natural gas, ensure that it flows through a cool or dark area.
2. Black Pipe
A very durable option for carrying natural gas is a black pipe. These pipes are generally made of steel and iron. They are malleable, making them a perfect opportunity for homes. Natural and propane gas can both be transferred through black pipes.
Moving on, please remember that these pipes have to be installed by professionals who know the job. They will generally come in lengths of 2 inches up to 10 feet and will have a diameter of ¼ inch to 2 inches. Many people use a black pipe to transfer natural gas to the house from outside.
3. CSST Pipe
If you plan to install new gas appliances in the house, then CSST pipes or stainless steel tubing will be a great option. They are corrugated, and you can easily bend them around edges and corners. Hence, you will not require adding any new joints and fittings.
If you have to choose between CSST and steel pipes, we will ask you to choose the former as they are lightweight and easy to install. If you have some training, then you can do the job. Plus, CSST pipes can be used in places where a long pipe is needed.
Remember that you check if they are certified by the manufacturers while purchasing.
4. Copper Pipe
People have been using copper pipes for years to transfer hot and cold water. These tubes vary in length, and they are usually between 2 to 10 inches in size. Each dimension of ½ to 1 inch ensures that water and gas can flow easily.
If you use it for natural gas inside the house, then the thinnest pipes would work well. But the thicker ones are essential for gas service lines.
You will have to join smaller copper pipes to make a large pipeline. That can be done by brazing, soldering, using push-to-connect fittings or a compression coupler. Doing this would allow the line to remain intact. It will last for a long time, making it a very durable option.
5. Polyethylene Pipe
Next is a brilliant option if you want to transfer gas through underground pipelines. Polyethylene pipes are very sturdy and can move water and gas. These provide long-term resistance, making them very environment-friendly. Hence, they are used for underground gas transportation as you cannot dig up pipelines often to check.
Moving on, these pipelines work in places with bad weather conditions. They will not break or come apart quickly. You will not have to call for maintenance, often making it an excellent choice.
Further, pipes and other fittings can be joined together with the help of solvent and primer. There will be some form of initial digging, and you will need to call up professionals to do the job.
Installing New Gas Lines
Please check with your local plumbers to know about the allowed materials in your area. There can be certain restrictions regarding the pipes we mentioned, and you would not want to do something illegal.
Also, it is best to seek professional help if you will install new lines. To replace old lines, a thorough check-up needs to be done to find out the damage and then return it with patched up material.
With this, we are ready to wrap up this guide. If you have any further questions or doubts, let us know in the comment section below. We will try to address them in our following guide.
Goodbye and take care!
