New to gas pipe

[tjdabomb]

I am looking to install a new run of gas pipe to my 6x15k btu stove. I live in Northern California. Is black pipe the only accepted material for gas pipe installation? I have heard that a certain type of copper is also available. I currently have what looks like galvanized pipe (house built 1979)but all sorts of folks are telling me you can't use galvanized pipe for gas.

Can you shed some light on this for me?

Thanks -

 

[ICman]

DO NOT USE BLACK (IRON) PIPE OR GALVANIZED PIPE for your gas line(s). They have corrosion (and leakage) problems. Steel and some approved poly pipes are better. Threaded is okay. We don't like to use copper or aluminum tubing, either. Stainless steel is preferred.

In any case, check with your local building codes. California is kinda picky sometimes.

 

[AFab]

Where I an from black iron pipe is the standard for natural gas. Type K copper pipe or tubing is now approved and quite common. Galvanized is a never used and against code.
If you dont know the codes in your state or area have a qualified fitter do the job for you. It is not just the type
of pipe you have to be aware of but aproved fittings and installation methods also.

 

[tjdabomb]

I spoke to two building inspectors from my area and both said black pipe indoors above ground is fine and glavanized "gas pipe" is also fine, and, mandatory if any of it is exposed to the elements (outside house). the inspectors told me that regular galvanized pipe (water) is not recommended because the gas will make the galvanized coating flake off over time. They said the "galvanized gas pipe" is made with a diffenet process and is flake proof.

Any of this make sense?

Thanks for your replies.

 

[11echo]

A quick note here, you have to be careful mixing piping components, such as galv. piping and steel or black iron. You get a "galvanic" action between these components if you do, and they start to corrode very fast. I saw a 2" threaded steel valve start to leak after 6 month when it was threaded to galvanized pipe. You have to use a "di-electric" coupling between this two components. Bronze would work, but there maybe some code issues with this. ie...melting point of bronze is lower then steel. GOOD LUCK! ...Mark

 

[tjdabomb]

Thanks for the info. I spoke to two large plumbing supply stores near me and they all say to use galvanized - all the plumbers use it. Sheesh. I think i will call PG&E to get the definitive answer.