Is It Possible To Use Galvanized Pipe With Gas?

In the case of gas lines, the selection of the type of pipe to use is very vital in terms of safety and effectiveness. The question many people ask that it is possible to use galvanized pipe with gas? The response is usually no and this is the reason.

Galvanized piping refers to the metal covered with zinc in order to avoid rust and corrosion. It is robust and long-lasting and it is mostly applied in plumbing, water supply, and outdoor construction. But when galvanized is employed on natural gas or propane it may cause severe troubles.

The primary problem is the zinc coating in the inside of the pipe. With time, the tiny particles of zinc may peel off and enter the gaseous flow. These flakes can cause an obstruction of gas regulators, valves or burner orifices leading to ineffective operation or even hazardous obstructions. It is the reason the majority of the modern building and safety codes do not recommend the utilization of galvanized pipe in gas systems.

Rather, the industry standard of gas lines is black steel pipe. It is not coated with galvanized pipe hence there is no danger of peeling and pollution. Black steel is powerful, threadable and it is constructed to manage high pressure flow of gas safely. In the case of underground installations, PE (polyethylene) or CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) are also common since they are less prone to corrosion.

There are also some old houses that have galvanized gas lines that have been installed in the past, although they are supposed to be checked by a qualified technician. In the case that the pipes are corroded, leaking or limited flow, it is highly recommended that pipes should be replaced with black steel or approved gas piping material.

To conclude, although galvanized is a good choice when used in water and structural work, it cannot be used in gas since zinc can be contaminated and lead to failures in the system. It is always advisable to adhere to the codes in the area and install gas lines with black steel or any other accepted material in order to maintain the safety and stability over time.