This chapter discusses fuel gas piping systems, fuel-gas appliances, venting systems, and combustion air configurations commonly encountered in the construction of one-family homes. It covers all aspects of fuel gas piping, including allowed materials, design and sizing, piping support, pressure requirements, controls, and more. The 2018 Washington State Residential Code provides a checklist covering the code requirements for residential fuel gas piping in Washington State, including permits, plans, materials, joints, tests, and underground piping for gas.
The most common gas piping is black steel, but galvanized steel, copper, brass, or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) can also be used in some cases. Copper tubing must be Types K or L in accordance with the Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube, ASTM B88-66a. Piping must be steel, and approved gas piping fitting materials include black iron and corrugated stainless steel (CSST).
Individual outdoor appliances must be installed not less than 8 inches below the ground. Liquid piping inside the building meets the requirements of WAC 296-307-41021 and is a maximum of three-fourths iron pipe size. Copper tubing with an aluminum-alloy pipe shall not be used in the exterior.
In summary, this chapter provides a comprehensive guide to the construction and installation of fuel gas piping systems, including propane gas service lines, venting systems, and combustion air configurations. It also covers the use of approved materials, such as black iron and corrugated stainless steel, and the requirements for outdoor shutoffs.
📹 PE Gaspipe and Everything You Need to Install It
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What type of pipe is used for outdoor gas line?
HDPE piping is recommended for outdoor applications due to its resistance to corrosion, punctures, and cracks, and its ability to withstand higher pressure levels. CSST piping is better for indoor jobs due to its flexibility and ability to perform in tight spaces. A contractor can help determine the best gas pipe for your application, whether indoor or outdoor. Red Cap Plumbing and Air offers assistance in selecting and installing gas lines.
What kind of pipe should I use for propane?
Copper pipe is a versatile and widely used material for propane installations, with coated copper being the most commonly used due to its tough, yellow plastic coating. This coating protects the copper from corrosion and abrasions, allowing it to be run through walls without rubbing or cutting through the line. Copper is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, above ground or buried, and is pliable, allowing for bent and curved positions. However, it does not carry as much flow/pressure as other materials.
Copper’s smaller inside diameter carries less volume of gas downstream, making it suitable for smaller units like propane fireplaces and cook stoves at low pressure. However, copper is used in two-stage systems on the high-pressure side, such as 10PSI, before reducing pressure to the second-stage regulator. Despite its versatility, copper is a great multi-use material with its main downside being the lesser volume of flow it can carry.
What pipe should I use outside?
CPVC plastic water pipes are the best choice for water supply in India, as they can be used for both hot and cold water, internal and external applications. With over 20 years of installation in India, they have not reported any issues. CPVC pipes offer easy installation, availability, world-wide approvals, and value for money. However, choosing the right CPVC manufacturer is crucial as not all pipes provide the same benefits.
What kind of pipe is used for LPG gas?
A gas pipe is a hollow rubber tube that has been reinforced with multiple layers for the purpose of improving its overall performance. The inner layer of the pipe is responsible for providing inertness, and it is composed of PVC granules, polyester, steel fibers, and natural rubber.
Which type of pipe Cannot be used for a gas?
Plastic pipe installation is restricted due to potential hazards associated with materials with lower resistance to physical damage and heat compared to metallic pipes. It cannot be used within or under building slabs or operated at pressures greater than 100 psig for natural gas or 30 psig for LP-gas. However, plastic pipe can terminate above ground outside of buildings when installed in premanufactured anodeless risers or service head adapter risers, and with a wall head adapter within buildings for fuel gas use.
Plastic piping is allowed under outdoor patios, walkways, and driveway slabs, provided the burial depth complies with Section G2415. 12 of the IRC or Section 404. 12 in the IFGC. To avoid piping damage and hazardous conditions, the location of underground piping must be known before excavation work. The I-Codes require a yellow-insulated copper tracer wire or other approved conductor to be installed adjacent to underground non-metallic piping.
What type of hose is used for LPG?
LPG hoses, also known as PVC gas hoses or propane hoses, are specialized hoses designed for the safe and efficient transfer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings for connecting propane tanks to gas grills, heaters, stoves, and other LPG-powered appliances. These hoses are made from high-quality PVC material (Polyvinyl Chloride) and are abrasion-resistant, with a long life.
Can I use black pipe outside for a gas line?
Professionals must install pipes, which come in lengths of 2 inches to 10 feet and have a diameter of ¼ inch to 2 inches. Black iron pipes are commonly used for transferring natural gas from the outside to the house. CSST pipes, or corrugated stainless steel tubing, are ideal for installing new gas appliances in the house due to their lightweight and easy installation. CSST pipes can be bent around edges and corners without adding new joints and fittings. If you choose between CSST and steel pipes, choose CSST due to their lightweight nature and ability to accommodate long pipes.
Should I use galvanized or black pipe for gas?
Black iron pipes are ideal for transporting natural and propane gas, fire sprinkler systems, and are fire-resistant. However, they can easily corrode due to water. Galvanized pipes, which have been used for over 30 years, are more durable and suitable for outdoor and industrial applications. They are used for water supply infrastructure, outdoor railings, scaffolding frames, fences, sewage plumbing, road signage, and farm irrigation.
The protective zinc coating on galvanized pipes enhances their strength, making them suitable for various applications. Despite steel being a durable material, galvanized pipes offer superior strength.
What material is LPG pipework?
Gas piping materials include polyethylene (PE), steel, black iron, and copper. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the most commonly used material for gas piping due to its lightness, weather resistance, high-pressure resistance, affordability, and ease of transport. It is a strong substitute for steel and concrete, making it ideal for gas lines, drainage, and sewer systems. A professional gas piping contractor can help determine the best materials for your property.
Can you use black pipe outside for propane?
Black iron pipes have pressure limits, typically handling natural or propane gas below 60 psi, which is below the 150 psi required for proper installation. They have natural heat resistance, with a melting point of over 538°C (1000°F), but Teflon tape can fail at around 260°C (500°F), causing leaks. Black iron pipes are easy to install due to their seams, use of fittings, and no welding required. They are cheaper than galvanized pipes, making them a cost-efficient option.
Black iron pipes are malleable, allowing easy threading and attachment to other parts. However, they should be avoided in environments where they will easily corrode or rust, as they are not suitable for use in environments where they will easily corrode or rust. Overall, black iron pipes are a great material to use, provided they are used in environments where they are not exposed to extreme heat.
What pipes tubing and fittings for LP-gas may be made of?
The most commonly utilized materials for LP-gas installations include steel, copper, and select plastics. The specific materials employed are contingent upon a number of factors, including code compliance, environmental conditions, and practical considerations.
📹 #PropanePointers New Homeowners in the Country – Get to Know your LP Tank
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There is actually three types of fittings for the PE gas pipe ( compression, constab and lyco fittings). Having worked for the gas utility in Saint Louis Missouri for 35 years I can tell you I have seen PE couplings come and go over the years. In my opinion you will find a no better fitting than the lyco coupling. The particular coupling you show in the article has something called a stiffeners one of the most important things to install with these type of couplings. Being that the stiffener is one of the most important parts, I’am not sure why this manufacturer would not have it permanently sealed inside the compression coupling like all the other a manufacturers of compression type couplings. I have seen a house blown up and leveled to the ground because someone forgot to install the stiffener. I was not aware of any manufacturer that still had separate stiffeners( just surprised they don’t know better). If you goggle lyco fittings you will understand why I feel it is the best PE coupling in the business no one else comes close. PS, thank you for your articles, a very good source of information and education.
Great article! Full of useful info, and you have shown the ease of installation. Everyone needs to look at the different connections and installation methods available. I only install on my own houses and chose the permasert 2.0. The lyco is probably the best bet and I would use for a professional or commercial install, but it requires additional tools that cost. I would misplace them before my next install. If needed I would use any of the products you have shown. You should always check with the local inspector, some of them have their own preferences.
The fitting with the stiffener is home depot sold mostly. The stiffener doesn’t fit all PE pipes, only the thick walled pipe which is the one sold by home depot. standard IPS wall thickness is not thick enough and the stiffener doesn’t fit, it is too small and flops around. Because of this it is hard to get a tight seal and pass the gas pressure test.
Enjoyed the article! I am going to extend the propane line from my water heater to my propane tank. Previous owner had built an enclosure (attached to my house) which house three 100 lb tanks. I’m not comfortable with those tanks being basically attached to my house. No code out where I live. Anyhow, I plan to relocate the tanks 100’ away. I like the idea of the polypropylene versus copper lines. I had a suggestion to run the line from where my water heater is located, through a raised floor in my house, and then the remainder buried to the new tank location. Can you tell me if this sounds feasible, and are there fittings that connection the PE directly to the water heater? Thanks for the help!
Thank you! The reason I came here is to see if it used inside of a house and you answered that in the first sentence. I watched the city use the fusion method with their gas distribution. That requires some interesting, and good-size equipment but then they are working with larger pipes except where the branch to the houses. I learned they monitor leakage and they actually have quite a bit. When several areas within and area show too much leakage, they replace the entire neighborhood. In our case it was ~ 1 mile x 1/2 mile. We noticed that the grass in front of the corner house that was a yellow-green instead of green as a result of a fair amount of leakage of the main running in front of her house.
what size pe tubing do i need. i need to go from my main gas meter which goes into my house and want to make connection to 2 fire bowls and 1 fire pit. my distances are about 150 feet to first fire bowl, then i’m thinking I’ll T off to second fire bowl (after 50 feet away) and then T off to the Fire pit (about another 50 feet away). Thanks.
These PE pipes are like tile business. They sell you the field tiles at reasonable prices to sucker you in. Then you get a huge sticker shock when you buy the inside and outside corner tiles and they really gouge you. The equivalent of these in PE pipes are the connecting fittings and the worst of all the risers. Be prepared to get reammed by the sharp reamer.