Can Your Gas Line Use Galvanized Pipes?

When you hire a gas line or drain line repair service, you're not just paying for the work to be done. You're paying for the expert knowledge and compliance to regulations and ordinances that they should bring to the project. But, at the same time, it can be useful to know some of the basics about materials and options. Not only does this help you make the right choice when you're presented with options, but it also means you can evaluate the quality of the service you hired. 

One of the most common choices that homeowners are presented with is the choice of materials. When it comes to gas lines, you can often choose between galvanized pipes, black pipes, and flexible stainless steel pipe. Here's what you need to know about galvanized pipes for natural gas.

OLDER GALVANIZED PIPES ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION.

Because older galvanization techniques weren't always standardized, the quality of the galvanized pipes on an old home can be hard to measure. They can start to flake, especially if they're in the ground.

BLACK PIPE IS MORE COMMON FOR NEW CONSTRUCTIONS AND RETROFITS.

Many times, galvanized pipe isn't the best option. Black pipe is both more common and more affordable. Choosing this material can help you, service technicians, and future owners distinguish between the gas line and other utilities.

GALVANIZED SPOT REPAIRS ARE A CHALLENGE.

Some counties and cities don't allow for spot repairs on galvanized pipes because of the risks they represent to the integrity of the high-pressure system. While this is more common in high-population cities, such as New York City which bans the practice outright, it's important to keep in mind if you're looking for long-term options.

Ultimately, a local service can recommend the materials based on town ordinances, soil conditions, and what's common in the area. Give our team a call to learn more about installing or repairing your gas line.

-A R Engh Team