In some places, it’s illegal to use galvanized pipe for gas because of the risk of zinc plating flaking off into the gas stream and clogging orifices. If you have good soil drainage, use either copper pipe or unwrapped black iron.

You do not want to use galvanized pipe for gas because of the galvanized coating. Over time pieces of the galvanized steel will flake off and clog your gas regulators and burner units. Never mix galvanized and black iron or where they touch corrosion will be accelerated.

Or, sulfur in the gas can react with the zinc coating in galvanized pipe, causing it to flake off. Because these flakes can clog the small openings in gas-burning appliances, some model codes have prohibited the use of galvanized and copper gas lines.

Black pipe was used in drain lines, heating piping and natural gas piping. Black pipe can be used in lieu of galvanized pipe as long as the piping system isn’t for drinking water. Since both pipes are basically the same material, they fit together with ease.

The difference between Black Pipe and Galvanized Pipe is that the black pipe is made out of steel that is ideal for transferring gas while Galvanized pipe is also made out of steel used for transferring water.

Steel, copper, brass: The most common gas piping is black steel. Galvanized steel, copper, brass or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) also can be used in some areas, but some utilities specifically prohibit the use of copper. In other areas, the use of copper is widespread.

If trench is to be a joint trench (shared with other utilities) the following separations must be maintained: 24 inches between gas and electric lines. 12 inches between water and electric lines. 12 inches between communications and electric lines.

Yes, natural gas smells like rotten eggs or garlic, which is the added scent. Around here, Pex is used for underground gas piping of both natural gas and propane. It’s yellow polyethylene similar to plumbing pex but not as thick walled usually.

CPVC is suitable for hot water and drinking water, unlike normal PVC. Compared with copper, CPVC pipes are smoother, and they produce less noise when water flows through. CPVC piping is also insulated to prevent energy loss, more flexible than metallic piping, and fire resistant.

Copper pipes are popular for both hot and cold water pipes because they are heat resistant, resist corrosion, and have natural anti-microbial properties. They are more expensive than plastic pipe options. Average cost-per-foot for copper piping is between $2.50 and $3.50 compared with PEX, which is around $.

Plastic pipe systems are available in a wide variety of materials. These pipe systems can be used in hot and cold water supply and central heating installations; in fact in most areas where traditional piping materials are used.

Copper and Plastic pipes can be combined, so you get the best of both worlds. Using Copper Pipe in places best for Copper and using Plastic pipe in places more suited to plastic. Let’s use a new central heating installation as an example. We will use copper pipe to connect to your boiler and radiators.

Should we use copper or plastic? Copper has been the longtime standard for plumbing. However, plastic piping (PEX) works well because it is made of a flexible material. It is also resistant to cold temperatures and has fewer joints, so it may be less costly to install.

PEX plumbing system has been used for more years and therefore its failures has been observed and known. Its major failures is linked to piping and fitting. Piping fails when the pipes are exposed to chlorine that is within the water, exposure to direct sunlight before its installation.

The disadvantage of Copper pipes is that they sometimes fail when water temperature is above 180 degrees. Furthermore, condensation often forms inside the pipes. When this condensation freezes, it blocks water flow. Another disadvantage is that coppers pipes cause water to have a slight metallic taste.

PEX Plumbing Disadvantages

• PEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals.
• PEX is extremely sensitive to UV light.
• PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests.
• PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas.
• PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe.

PEX was banned in California due to some concerns about toxic materials leaking through the pipe and into water. Through various national laboratory tests, PEX has proven to be completely safe and durable. It is now legal in California and even included in principal plumbing codes.

Additionally, long-term testing programs on PEX have shown that it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. So, while copper systems may have to be re-piped every few years or decades due to corrosion and pinhole leaks, a PEX system can last 10 times longer — or more.