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Tommy Steven
Tommy Steven is the President of Reddi Industries of Wichita. He manages the service departments of Reddi Root'r, M.K. Plumbing, Derby Plumbing and Andover Plumbing. He manages and works with both journeyman plumbers and licensed drain cleaners. He has been involved in the plumbing industry through the family business for over fifteen years, and has been the General Manager of Reddi Industries for the last six years. Mr. Steven regularly attends trade conventions and seminars to keep abreast of the latest technology in his field. You may call him at (316) 681-3382, or e-mail tommy@wichitausa.com
Plumbing
2004-03-01 14:01:00
Will natural gas corrode the pipe?
ANSWER:  In the old days it did happen that natural gas would corrode galvanized pipe, but it was generally due to the poor quality of galvanizing. Today using galvanized pipe generally presents no threat. Plumbers tend to use black pipe with gas however for two main reasons. One is that it generally costs less than galvanized. The other is using galvanized pipes for water and black pipe for gas distinguishes the two uses. Imagine using galvanized for both gas and water in the same house. That could present a problem in people distinguishing which pipes are carrying what.   Some plumbers paint galvanized pipes used for gas 'yellow'. Today there is flexible stainless steel gas pipe and it is most always 'yellow' so painting piping used for gas 'yellow' makes sense.  If pipe is in the ground it will tend to corrode faster, depending upon soil conditions. Many areas do not allow galvanized pipe underground for gas piping and factory coated steel pipe must be used. In some areas plastic pipe is allowed underground, with electric wire above it to allow for the locating of that plastic gas pipe as well as warning tape above that pipe. As always is the case, first one has to look at the code for the specific area then the best solution can be found.
 
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