Galvanized pipes have become increasingly popular among homeowners and plumbers. But how helpful are they really? Will you be able to use these pipes for installing gas lines?
In this article, we are going to discuss whether you can use galvanized pipes for gas lines. We will further discuss what type of lines you can use for gas lines. Read ahead to learn more about it.
Can galvanized pipe be used for gas line?
You can use galvanized pipes for gas lines. But many experts advise against it. The coating of the galvanized pipes is made of zinc material. This is done to make the pipe corrosion resistant. And we will have to say, it works like magic.
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The most prominent reason why you should not use galvanized pipes is that over time, the parts of the galvanized coating may come off and clog the gas line.
However, modern-day galvanized pipes are quite well built and they present very little to no threat at all. The galvanized pipes in the past were pretty bad in quality and they would release coats into the gas line.
In addition, you should use separate pipes for gas and water in the house. Otherwise, it might create confusion if you use the same kind of pipes. You will later have a hard time identifying which pipe is carrying water and which is carrying gas.
Also, before you decide on using galvanized pipes, make sure that your area code supports it. There are still many areas that do not approve of using galvanized pipes underground. That is because, if you use galvanized pipes underground, it corrodes faster than they would normally.
Galvanized pipe for natural gas, propane gas, or LP gas:
Galvanized pipes come with a galvanized coating on top of them. So when you use these pipes on gas lines, the galvanized coating has a possibility of coming off. These pipes may also corrode if you fail to install them properly.
Following the proper area codes and regulations, you can use galvanized pipe for natural gas, or LP gas. But you should not use galvanized pipes for propane gas.
Can you use galvanized pipe for gas underground?
Experts do not recommend you use galvanized pipes for the gas underground. You are not supposed to use galvanized pipes underground because these pipes are more likely to corrode underground.
Galvanized pipes have a zinc coating on their outer layer that corrodes pretty fast if the pipe is set in an unwelcoming environment. That is to say, you will have to be careful where you use galvanized pipes.
While the galvanized pipes have been improved in quality in recent years and they do not corrode as fast as they did in the past, it is still not suggested that you use these pipes underground. The external coating of these pipes is most likely to come off after a while if they are placed underground.
Is galvanized pipe approved and legal for gas line?
Galvanized pipes are usually not approved for carrying natural gas or propane gas lines. However, you can use these pipes for carrying other forms of gas. They are generally approved and legal for gas lines.
Note that galvanized pipes have a corrosion-resistant coat on their outer layer. This layer has a tendency to come off when the pipe is carrying gas. So you will have to ensure the quality of the galvanized pipe that you are using.
The galvanized pipes of the past were not very great in their qualities. But the recent productions come with much greater durability and corrosion resistance. So you should always get your galvanized pipes checked before you install them into your home.
Why can’t you use galvanized pipe for gas line?
There are several reasons why you cannot or should not use galvanized pipes for gas lines. Read ahead to learn why:
Flaky exterior:
Galvanized pipes generally have a zinc coating on their exterior. So you will have to be careful about the layer. Many galvanized pipes have a coat that is flaky. So it will come off and mix with the gas or water that the pipe is carrying inside.
This is one of the most prominent reasons why experts suggest you to not use galvanized pipes to carry gas or water. It is because of their flaky exterior and their unreliability.
However, the technology used to produce galvanized pipes has improved manifolds.
Cost:
Plumbers still prefer to use black pipes for gas instead of galvanized pipes because of the cost. Galvanized pipes are quite costly in comparison to black pipes. So it is quite cost-effective to opt for black pipes instead of galvanized pipes.
Distinguishing the pipes:
Another reason why you can’t use galvanized pipes for gas lines is that these pipes are generally used for carrying water. So if you use galvanized pipes for both gas and water, it might end up creating confusion.
You will have to be careful about the distinction between the two kinds of pipes. For the sake of convenience, plumbers prefer using black pipes for gas while they use galvanized pipes for water.
It just makes the job easy for them later. Otherwise, they would have to struggle to identify which pipe is which during maintenance later.
Can galvanized pipe be used for gasoline or diesel fuel?
Yes, you can use galvanized pipes for gasoline or diesel fuel. But you will have to be careful when choosing the right type of galvanized pipe for the job. Make sure that you are opting for a pipe that is corrosion-resistant and durable.
An ideal choice for gasoline or diesel fuel would be hot-dip galvanized steel. These pipes are designed to protect storage tanks, pipes, and other materials against corrosion due to gasoline, oil, or diesel.
Galvanized pipes have a zinc coating on their outer layer. This layer raises concerns about the galvanized pipes. The coat may flake off into the oil if the quality is not ensured.
What type of pipe is used for gas lines?
There are many alternatives to galvanized pipes when it comes to carrying gas lines. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of pipes that are used for gas lines. Read ahead to learn more:
Galvanized pipes:
Galvanized pipes are greatly used for gas lines around the country. But you will have to consider the specifics of your project and follow your area code before installing galvanized pipes for gas lines.
Note that the galvanized pipes are durable and energy-efficient. You can use these pipes for carrying gas both inside and outside your home or other establishments.
However, it also happens to be quite labor-intensive, so plumbers do not prefer it considering there are better alternatives in the market today.
Black pipes:
Black pipes are most commonly used for gas lines. The black steel pipes are much different from galvanized pipes. This difference mainly lies in their outer layer.
Black pipes do not come with any coat on their outer layer. And as the name suggests, the color of the black pipe is truly black.
This color comes from the iron oxide formed naturally on the surface of the pipe during production. So there is no risk of a layer flaking off when you’re using black pipe for gas lines.
PVC:
PVC pipes are great for carrying gas lines underground. These lines are durable and designed to serve you for a long time. In addition, they are corrosion-resistant. And the best part is that these pipes are much more cost-effective in comparison to other alternatives.
Can you mix galvanized and black pipe for gas line?
You can mix galvanized and black pipes for gas lines. But it is not advised by experts.
Both galvanized pipes and black pipes are made of soft steel. So you can mix them and install gas lines in your home. But it will create great confusion later during maintenance.
You should keep separate piping systems for different kinds of gas in your house, tap water, and drinking water. This will help you distinguish the different lines later. Otherwise, plumbers will have a hard time working with the pipes later.
So you should not mix galvanized and black pipes for gas lines. Instead, keep them separate.
Final thoughts
Galvanized pipes can be used for gas lines. Hot-dip galvanized pipes are quite durable and corrosion-resistant. But at the same time, they happen to be quite expensive and labor-intensive. So it is not recommended that you use galvanized pipes for gas lines when there are better alternatives.