What Material is Commonly Used for Gas Piping in the Houses?

Through the winter months, you will be completely reliant on your heating system to keep your home cosy and at the right temperature. Have you ever thought about the different elements that ensure that this heating system works correctly, providing power to your property. There are lots of key aspects including the piping. If you have a gas powered heating system, your pipes will ensure that gas fuels your furnace or a boiler. This is one of the most efficient and cost friendly options. 

It’s important to ensure that pipes like this are made from the right materials. This includes:

• Steel 
• Copper
• Yellow bras
• Ductile
• PVC 
• PE 

The most common materials that are used for gas piping include steel, block iron, HDPE as well as copper. 

However, some utilities have these materials listed as prohibited. As such, if you are completing any installations of new piping on your property, it is important to ensure that you do complete the right checks with your local utility service. 

If you hire a professional to complete the work for you, they will be aware of the local requirements. This can help you avoid making any mistakes here that could leave you liable. 

Stainless Steel Tubing

Corrugated flexible stainless steel tubing is commonly used in homes as a material for gas piping because it is easy to install. It can be suitable for tiger areas of the home and may even be suitable for locations that are likely to be exposed to natural disasters. Since this material is flexible, there is a limited chance of it being damaged. However, it may crack overtime and that’s why it’s important to ensure that your gas pipes are inspected regularly to check for any issues here. Stainless steel piping is only used for indoor piping and should not be left exposed to the elements. 

Black Iron 

Arguably, the most common material used to make gas piping, this is a suitable option for the interior and exterior of the property. The material is highly heat resistant and strong. It will also fit together to form an airtight seal so it is unlikely to cause any leaks. One of the issues with black iron pipes is that they can corrode overtime. This can cause the integrity of sealant to be impacted. As such, you should hire a professional for routine maintenance of piping like this. 

Black iron is also one of the safest materials for gas piping. These pipes are resistant to fire. It won’t emit gasses or burn when temperatures are high. So, if a fire does break out at your property, it can reduce the chances of it spreading to key areas. 

PVC

PVC pipes are used for underground or exterior gas lines. The reason for this is that they are durable and resistant issues with corrosion. As such, they are unlikely to be damaged in poor weather conditions. They provide other benefits as a gas piping material too. For instance, PVC pipes are far less expensive than alternatives. However, due to the fact that they can break during the installation processes, this is one of the materials that can be prohibited in certain locations. As such, it is important to contact your local utility service before you choose to install a material like this. 

HDPE 

HDPE is used for exterior piping lines that are underground. Similar to PVC pipes this material is cost friendly. It’s also relatively flexible and can provide a versatile option for piping. However, it is more likely to be damaged from debris including rocks and tree roots. As such, it is not commonly used for any gas piping connected to homes or residential properties. 

Copper

While copper used to be a popular choice for gas piping, this material is now widely prohibited. There are strict code requirements that restrict its usage in key areas that you should be aware of. The reason for this is that copper has a limited expected life. On average copper piping will last no more than 20 years. Therefore, it can lead to significant maintenance, repair and replacement costs for homeowners. 

If you need any assistance with your gas piping or you think that there are issues that need to be fixed, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Some of the common signs of a problem with your piping include:

• Increased energy costs
• Rusting
• Leaks
• Issues with appliances that are gas powered

We can help you with any of these issues and countless others, ensuring that your heating system functions when you need it the most.