Replies

1. 
   TooManyTools | Mar 29, 2002 06:22am | #1

   The plastic gas pipe is an excellent system.  It really cuts down on labor.  IT IS NOT a do it yourself system.  All of the manufacturers I know of require it to be installed by a certified technician.

1. 
   Splintie | Mar 29, 2002 10:30am | #2

   My utility will make up a NG line for you with the metal risers on either end if you give them the length.

2. 
   Seth_Frankel | Mar 29, 2002 03:53pm | #3

   Much easier for buried work. In my area it must be 18" below ground witha tracer wire for detection purposes. As Splintergroupie mentions, metal risers are required for the above ground portion. It's flexible, but much more so on warm days. If you connect to old pipe underground that portion still needs to be wrapped like before.

   Best,

   Seth

1. 
   IronDog | Mar 29, 2002 05:04pm | #4

   Thanks for the replies.

   Is it just used for in ground applications or can it be used for interior work as well?

   BTW- This is all in regard to a big (66k) building some friends and I bought in Baltimore for live/work space. There are some pics of my shop in progress over at the Knots forum Gallery if interested.

   Thanks in advance for your response!

   Tom

1. 
   cstolt | Mar 29, 2002 08:18pm | #5

   Plastic (polyethylene) gas lines are made for underground service - they'll be damaged by UV rays. For interior gas lines, there is a flexible stainless steel sheathed in plastic that works pretty well, but it's expensive. To save costs and still have easy installs, use black pipe as a main and then branch off with the flexible line near the appliance.  

   Edited 3/29/2002 1:20:23 PM ET by CSTOLT

1. 
   Wet_Head | Mar 30, 2002 10:53pm | #6

   You can't buy the CSST unless you are a certified professional.  It is not a system DIYers should be messing with. 

   I sometimes do a 2 pound set and use small diameter CSST for my trunk line.  Works great. 

   If you are doing it yourself stick to Black Iron Pipe.  Actually you have no other choice.

1. 
   junkhound | Mar 31, 2002 02:28am | #7

   Watched the local gas co. guys welding underground 2" yellow plastic  polyethelene last week; big fancy heat controlled, position controlled, preheat, temp monitored automatic welder - melt the poly, stick it together, etc.  

   Imagine DIY OK for UG if you bought one of those machines and did a few dozen trials without leaks to learn the proceedure; Otherwise, FIRST time I've ever had to agree that something is not DIY.

   As for certified professional aspect, localities differ, but as an example all it took for me to do own HVAC refigeration work and buy R-22 was a $25 on-line test. Nice DIY loopholes in the EPA regs that have the words "for hire" lots of places, still have to abide by all the regs and have equipment, etc. , but need less extensive license.

   Edited 3/30/2002 7:33:18 PM ET by JUNKHOUND

2. 
   cstolt | Apr 02, 2002 02:43am | #11

   Besides the heat fusion method, you can also use mechanical couplings for the polyethylene. There is a wide assortment of risers, couplings, tees, etc. The only tool needed is an inexpensive chamfering tool for the specific pipe diameter used. The couplings just slip on. It's a good system.   

3. 
   DaveRicheson | Apr 02, 2002 04:59am | #12

   I work for a Gas and Electric utility company. I am certified in Wardflex piping for interior use, but only for work at the utility company. Each local area has different requirements. The best thing for anyone is to ask both the local utility company and the local code inforcement agency. I little leak in a natural gas line can send you a long way away. The company I work for certifies everyone, be it plumber or gas only installers, for poly. heat fussion. Mechanical fasteners on poly are only allowed at the riser transition and main connection. We also inspect all new and renewal service before we turn on the gas.

   If you have ever seen a home blown up because of a gas leak you can appreciate my concern about DIY gas installation.

   Just my 2 cents worth.

   Dave

4. 
   Wet_Head | Apr 03, 2002 04:34am | #13

   I have seen it and it ain't pretty!

5. 
   Splintie | Mar 31, 2002 02:55am | #8

   If you are doing it yourself stick to Black Iron Pipe.  Actually you have no other choice.

   WHW, i shared that i can get the stuff made up to length by the utility company so i can install it myself. It's a little bit DIY. ;^)

   And, unless you know about wrapping the black pipe for UG, you can get into more trouble DIYing that stuff.  

   Edited 3/30/2002 7:56:51 PM ET by splintergroupie

6. 
   Wet_Head | Mar 31, 2002 03:11am | #9

   I was referring to the CSST which is used indoors...  not the plastic stuff... which can be installed by DIYers but like you said this is after you buy the preassembled set up

7. 
   Splintie | Mar 31, 2002 05:40am | #10

   Sorry, Wet Head; i got my lines crossed!