At an inspection the other day, I noticed a galvanized elbow installed between 2 straight runs of black iron gas pipe. Is galvanized allowed as a general rule? Does it depend on local codes?
The issue with gavanized pipe is the possibility of the coating flaking and then plugging valves and orifices.
If drip/dirt legs are present the risk is low but I would note the non standard use of the galvanized fitting in the gas piping system.
Well for once we agree Micheal. I would note it, it should be changed . It does depend on were you are the do not even ask for drip legs here .
Our local utility doesn’t recommend it either(for the reasons Mike gave).
Allowed by the UPC…
I was told not allowed here however if running underground to say a garage would you rather use Black or Galv ?
And the IRC. It’s a misconception that galvanized is prohibited for natural gas.
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It varies at where you live.
From Ameren Illinois, my local utility provider:
Fuel Line:
Customer Requirements:
…… The customer’s fuel line is the pipe that connects
to the outlet of the gas meter set and extends
through the wall into the house. The fuel line
should enter the house or structure within three
(3) feet of the gas meter set.
…… **The customer fuel line from the meter through
the house wall **must be a minimum of one (1) inch
IPS schedule 40 black iron pipe. For Corrugated
Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) installations, a
termination fitting mounted on the outside house
wall is acceptable for the transition from black
iron pipe.
I said IRC. Local codes vary.
2009 IRC G2414.4.2 (403.4.2) Steel. Steel and wrought-iron pipe shall
be at least of standard weight (Schedule 40) and shall comply
with one of the following:
- ASME B 36.10, 10M;
- ASTM A 53/A 53M; or
- ASTM A 106.
Commentary: Steel pipe must be Schedule 40 or heavier, must comply
with one of the listed standards and can be black
iron or galvanized. Contrary to popular belief, natural
gas does not adversely react with the zinc coating on
galvanized pipe."
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You also said this
“It’s a misconception that galvanized is prohibited for natural gas.”
Is galvanized prohibited anywhere else by your utility? Or just the fuel line?
It’s not prohibited with water lines, if that’s what you mean.
Not sure if it still is with All of the fuel line. It used to be, at least by local AHJ.
But I believe the fuel mixture has changed, so maybe have the restrictions.
I rarely see galvanized on fuel lines, unless it’s a nipple, elbow, etc.
As Joe Funderburk mentioned (which is the same requirement as 2013 California Plumbing Code, Fuel Gas Piping 1208.5.2.2), galvanized pipe may be used for natural gas piping.
2009 IRC G2414.4.2 (403.4.2) Steel. Steel and wrought-iron pipe shall
be at least of standard weight (Schedule 40) and shall comply
with one of the following: 1. ASME B 36.10, 10M;
2. ASTM A 53/A 53M; or
3. ASTM A 106.ASTM A53 specification. “Standard Specification for
Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and
Seamless”, section 17, discusses Galvanized Pipe requirements:
- Galvanized Pipe
17.1 Galvanized pipe ordered under this specification shall
be coated with zinc inside and outside by the hot-dip process.
The zinc used for the coating shall be any grade of zinc
conforming to Specification B6. …
There is a plastic coated pipe for underground (not CCST, a black pipe with a yellow coating) or nowadays they use all plastic line, but it has to be plastic welded by a certified welder, not a home handyman job.
I thought that the whole deal with black iron was that they were seamless whereas galvanized have seams.
It says a minimum, galvanized is over a minimum