Any plumbers?
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
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Gas
There is a question that needs to be answered, and maybe I missed it. Are you using natural gas, or Liquid propane? Here in the great white north, all LP lines are run in copper on the exterior of the building, and then go to SS flex pipe covered in a yellow sheathing for the interior. I watched my gas company bury my 500 gallon tank in my front yard (I actually helped), and they used copper. I plumbed the lines for the furnace in my shop (LP also on a separate 100 gallon tank detached from the house), and the Gas man came and hooked up my line to the tank. He inspected it and tested it for leaks, and told me I did a great job. So soft copper must be O.K. for lines here up north. P.S. they also used soft copper for the buried line from my tank to the house.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 910
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From: Mustang ,OK
I'm wondering about your plumber, man.
I, personally, would want the Gastite. Great stuff, goes in super quick, no joints underground is another consideration. That should go for all lines, if at all possible.
My previous employer (a large mechanical contractor) found that when we could use it, Gastite saved on labor big time and made up for the difference in price. If it's exposed though, I'd go black pipe for structural integrity against any any possible damage.
I, personally, would want the Gastite. Great stuff, goes in super quick, no joints underground is another consideration. That should go for all lines, if at all possible.
My previous employer (a large mechanical contractor) found that when we could use it, Gastite saved on labor big time and made up for the difference in price. If it's exposed though, I'd go black pipe for structural integrity against any any possible damage.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Eastern Shore Md
After a couple hours searching last night I found that they do use copper for natural gas.....It's not accepted by all states or administations. But is by some and seems to be a topic of debate. Personally I don't like it, as do most people I've found. The copper industry thinks it's a great idea (go figure) while most others note the dangers involved including ones already discussed, and say it's just a short cut taken advantage of by contractors. The thing they all admit to is the corrosion of the lines after time, and that they would need to be replaced regularly. One site defending the use of copper noted that it wasn't a big deal because the smell of leaking gas is so detectible that a prompt replacement of a line or fitting could be taken care of immediatly. 
Interesting
Interesting
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: DC
[/QUOTE]One site defending the use of copper noted that it wasn't a big deal because the smell of leaking gas is so detectible that a prompt replacement of a line or fitting could be taken care of immediatly. [QUOTE]
All you need is a lighter to find the source of the leak...
Well, since the copper is already in the ground, I probably won't push the issue to dig it up. But, since all it will really do is supply gas for heating my garage in the winter, I'll make sure I shut it off and purge the line every spring. It will probably outlast me if I do that.
Thanks to everyone who helped me out. I don't profess to be much of a plumber, but I hate paying someone to do a lower quality job than I could do myself. Thanks for giving me the knowledge to ask the right questions.
All you need is a lighter to find the source of the leak...
Well, since the copper is already in the ground, I probably won't push the issue to dig it up. But, since all it will really do is supply gas for heating my garage in the winter, I'll make sure I shut it off and purge the line every spring. It will probably outlast me if I do that.
Thanks to everyone who helped me out. I don't profess to be much of a plumber, but I hate paying someone to do a lower quality job than I could do myself. Thanks for giving me the knowledge to ask the right questions.
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