Replies

1. 
   Remodeler | Jan 16, 2003 12:45am | #1

   Natural gas piping in my area is done either black pipe, or w/ a system much more popular in recent years.  It is corrugated stainless steel tubing with a yellow jacket over the tube (flexible material like polyethylene pipe), and using compression fittings to convert from the tubing to black iron fittings.  The trade name I've used is GasTrac.  It's nice.  You can order the pipe in the length you want or by the spool at local plumbing supply wholesalers.  You cut it with tubing cutters, file the end free of any burrs, put the nut and compression ring on, screw down on a male iron pipe x compression adapter, and then it would run into your black iron tee.  Good pipe dope (I use ProDope).  You need a plumbing license to purchase it in my area.  I would think copper runs the risk of reacting with the gas in your system.

   Remodeler

1. 
   HRoerig | Jan 16, 2003 01:01am | #2

   Thanks for the excellent suggestion, Remodeler!  I've seen this type of line before, and never even thought about using it in my application.  I'll swing by my supplier on the way home.

   Howard

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   r_ignacki | Jan 16, 2003 02:28am | #3

   there's a sstubing around here called wardflex, I see guys running this stuff in 30 minutes for a job that would take two days with threaded pipe. Nails is a big danger, requires it's own jungle sized kickplate.

2. 
   Butlerbow | Jan 20, 2003 08:08pm | #8

   That yellow gas line is a Godsend!  We cut the plastic back too far on a couple fittings, but other than that it's very easy and quick.  Between that and the ProPress for the copper supply line fittings, the job was a breeze.

2. 
   TLRice | Jan 16, 2003 04:44pm | #4

   Howard,

   LP is not natural gas and the concerns about using copper with NG do not necessarily apply to LP. The high(er) pressure supply line from the tank to the regulator is most likely copper tubing. It is legal (in almost all places, check the applicable code) and safe. Like any other gas line work, proper precautions must be taken. Not all copper tubing is the same, and you have to get the correct type. The copper industry has a web site that I checked when I ran a new supply, though I don't remember the details. Google on copper and it'll come up.

   Tim

1. 
   HRoerig | Jan 16, 2003 05:47pm | #5

   Tim, thanks for the info.  I noted the previous post referred to natural gas--but did not know of the concerns about copper and natural gas.  I'll check out the copper website.  Running copper would still be the cheapest solution, and running through an uninhabited crawlspace helps with any concern over accidental damage.

   Howard

1. 
   DavidThomas | Jan 17, 2003 03:52am | #6

   One of the concerns about NG and copper is that some sources of NG have lots of sulfur compounds and, especially with moisture, that can corrode copper pipes. Flakes of copper floating down the pipe can, in the worst case, block a orfice or solenoid valve open so a tank overheats. That is bad. Especially if the P&T doesn't do its job. Another concern could be the ease of nailing through copper versus steel pipe. Another concern can be that any homeowner can run copper pipe, but the inspector's B-I-L plumber gets more work if steel pipe is required. I certainly see this in action vis-a-vis cast iron DWV in some towns.

   To paraphrase Tip O'Neil comment about politics, "All building codes are local." So check local, or at a state level. It is a really quick question and should be a quick answer.

   I like to drill down the whole length of a wall (ideally before the siding is on, but even if later) by measuring precisely for my holes through the studs. And then sliding a LONG length of steel pipe in. I'd much rather slide in 17 feet and then have a 90, than have a coupling every 16" or 24". It is pretty easy to patch the siding when you're done.David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska

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   HRoerig | Jan 20, 2003 05:20pm | #7

   Thanks for the info, David.  I knew that copper was a potential problem w/ NG, but didn't know what the failure mode was.  I spoke w/ my local B.I., and they have no problem w/ copper and propane--so that's my cheapeast & easiest solution.

   Howard