As a homeowner, you may come across a situation where you need to install or replace piping in your home. In addition to the regular water pipes, there is also natural gas that needs its own type of pipe.
If you’re unfamiliar with what kind should be used when dealing with these kinds of gases, it’s important to understand the difference and why certain materials are chosen over others. We’ll help explain exactly what type of pipe should be used for natural gas lines so that you can feel confident making well-informed decisions about your home’s safety.
So read on to learn more about what type of pipe is used for natural gas lines in your home!
If you need help with natural gas line installation, visit this page to find a plumbing professional who can help.
Table of Contents
What is a natural gas line, and what does it do?
A natural gas line is a network of connected pipes that move natural gas from one point to another. Its function is to supply fuel to residential, commercial and industrial buildings for a variety of needs, such as heating, cooling and even cooking. Natural gas itself is a combustible mixture of hydrocarbon gases like methane and ethane, and it’s odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Natural gas lines must be extremely reliable in order to ensure safety both inside the buildings they serve as well as in the surrounding communities. As such, there are stringent regulations in place governing the proper construction, installation and maintenance of the system in order to ensure its proper operation at all times.
What type of pipe is used for natural gas lines?
When it comes to natural gas piping, the type of pipe used depends on several factors. These include the pressure of the gas being delivered, local building codes, and state or national regulations.
Generally speaking, for indoor use, plastic-based materials such as polyethylene or flexible connectors are popular options. For outdoor use, metal pipes such as galvanized steel or copper are a common choice; however, vulcanized rubber is often employed when connecting to gas meters or other outdoor devices.
Working with natural gas can be dangerous if not handled properly, so it’s important to seek out experienced professionals who are trained and certified in this area for all your natural gas needs.
What’s the difference between black steel and galvanized steel pipes?
If you are considering updating your piping system, you may be wondering what type of pipe is used for natural gas outdoors. The two types you will likely choose between will be black steel vs. galvanized steel.
Black steel and galvanized pipes both have been used extensively in construction projects and plumbing due to their durability and affordability. However, they are different in many ways; galvanized pipes are coated with a layer of zinc, which helps prevent rust build-up and protects them from water damage over time.
On the other hand, black steel pipes don’t receive this additional protection, making them more prone to corrosion when exposed to moisture. Additionally, galvanized pipes can last up to 40 years before needing to be replaced, whereas black steel pipes will need replacement much sooner.
Depending on your project needs, it is important that you understand how these two types of pipe material differ from each other and make an informed decision about which one is better suited for your particular application.
What pipe is used for natural gas most often?: Benefits of using black steel pipes
Black steel pipes are the practical choice for natural gas lines due to their improved longevity compared to other materials. The high carbon content and protective coating significantly reduce the pipe’s susceptibility to corrosion, while its thick walls provide long-term structural integrity.
Furthermore, establishing new pipelines is time-efficient as black steel pipes require very little maintenance to remain effective. Natural gas companies would therefore be wise to consider this material for their projects; it not only guarantees reliability but can also save a considerable amount of money in the long run when compared to alternatives.
How much does it cost to have a professional install a new natural gas piping system using black steel pipes?
Replacing your natural gas piping system can be a large undertaking, but the cost of doing so with black steel pipes does not have to be overwhelming. The cost of installation depends largely on the type and size of pipe used, as well as the complexity of the job.
Generally speaking, professional natural gas piping installation costs between $26 and $48 per linear foot, depending on these factors, which means an average 10-foot run will require an investment of between $260 and $480.
However, this price may differ from location to location and does not include the cost of a local contractor, so it is important to compare prices in your area before you commit.
Conclusion – What type of pipe is used for natural gas lines?
In most cases, you will find that natural gas is transported through a steel pipe. This type of material is durable and can stand up to high pressures. It is also less likely to corrode over time, which means it will be able to transport the gas safely for many years.
If you need help installing or repairing a natural gas line, call a local plumbing professional.