Can I Get Help On This Question?

NutsNBoltsGal

What is the reason for using black pipe on gas applications? I was asked this by a client- I had always thought that it was because of the corrosiveness of gas, which black pipe mitigated. A co-worker in the trades claims the only reason is "because it's code". I know it's code- my client and I were interested in why it's code. My curiosity into the "whys" has netted me no answer. Can anyone help me on this one? Some of us are more interested in the scientific explanation than the simple "because it's code". Thank you for your help.

Moscow

you don't have to just use blk iron pipe for gas pipe installation, unless it's a local code. Per IFGC 2005, you can use Copper, brass,Aluminum, Metallic tubing, Corrugated stainless tubing, and approved Plastic tubing. I would call the local building department and ask them what local code on gas installation they have.

NutsNBoltsGal

Well, that at least shoots down my theory of the corrosive action of natural gas reacting with the molecular structure of other types of pipe. Thank you for your information!

Same Old

I'm no plumber, but I understand that they are better at scrubbing certain chemicals out of natural gas these days.
In the past, some gas supplies were corrosive to copper and zinc, or at least their condensates were, and it was considered a remote, but possible chance that the lines could corrode.
Today, the natural gas is cleaner and copper and galv pipe are accepted.

And Gastite stainless is becoming(or is) the standard.

But I'm only 50% sure my explaination is accurate. Somewhere in the back of my head I'm thinking the added odor was corrosive. It's one or the other.

ron schenker

This color hurts my brain

__________________
Don't worry, the baseboard will hide it!

woodmagman

Your right about the color,,,,,,,I getting a twitch

JamesNLA

LOL....funny. Ok Neighbor here is my best explanation of why we use(d) black pipe...aka-Iron Pipe. IT'S CHEAP and it gets the job done. Since your in VTA county you are more than free to use galvi pipe. There is another thread not too long ago that addressed this very issue and I had asked a city inspector about it. Galvi all you want. I wish there was some better technical answer for you, but as far as I know it ain't out there. Black pipe has been used for so many years and it's failure rate is slim to none, so why change it, I guess is the thinking. Personally I hate the stuff. If it isn't flexible, I don't want it. Not that I can get through a day without using it in some fasion or another.

I saw your down in CI. I used to live very close to where you work...off peninsula (lobster trap).