Types of Gas Lines
By ProMatcher Staff
Before installing a gas line, it is important to check local building codes to ensure that your new gas line will be compliant. Codes can vary greatly by jurisdiction. Also, while some lines can be installed both inside and outside of the homes, others can only be installed outside the home and underground.
Type of Gas Lines to Consider:
- Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polyethylene
- Galvanized Steel or Black Iron
- Copper Pipes
Get free quotes today from local gas line installers!
1. Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)
The Good:
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Easy to install
The Bad:
- Potential fire hazard due to lightning
- Can puncture
Everything Else:
Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing is a popular choice for its affordability and flexibility. These tubes are easy to spot, as they are typically covered in a yellow plastic or vinyl coating that provides additional durability. They can be used for interior and exterior lines. CSST is lightweight and can easily navigate obstacles in your home that metal pipes cannot. CSST is relatively inexpensive and takes less time and skill to install than steel or copper. Although CSST has been installed in millions of homes since its approval in the 1990s, there are some concerns about the safety of this tubing and its connection to lightning-related fires. It must be properly bonded according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent accidents.
2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polyethylene
The Good:
- Affordable
- Durable
The Bad:
- Only used for exterior, underground lines
Everything Else:
Although these pipes are durable and hold up well in different climates, they can only be used for exterior, underground gas lines. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Typically, a trace wire will need to be buried with these plastic tubes so that the gas line can be located from above the ground. All plastic pipes must be converted to metal (either copper or steel) before coming above ground.
3. Galvanized Steel or Black Iron
The Good:
- Durable
- Safe
The Bad:
- High labor cost to install
- Rigid, cannot navigate obstacles like flexible options
Everything Else:
Black iron pipes have been used for decades to install interior gas lines to appliances and fireplaces. They are strong and minor impacts by a nail or tool will not cause much damage. The installation is time consuming and requires heavy equipment. The pipes cannot navigate obstacles like CSST and require lots of joints that increase the risk of leaks.
4. Copper Pipes
The Good:
- Durable
- Have been used for generations
- Safe
Cons:
- Lack flexibility
- possibility of flaking
Everything Else:
Copper pipes are very popular in certain regions. They are often less flexible than corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) and take longer to install; however, these pipes are durable and safe. In areas with a higher sulfur concentration, copper is not recommended as the sulfur may cause flaking.
About the Author
|
| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
If you would like to re-print this article, please contact the author.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles published on this website are those of the authors alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of this website or its staff. The articles on this site do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement with respect to any views, company, or product. Authors affirm that article submissions are their original content or that they have permission to reproduce.
|
|