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The Energy Information Administration estimates that 15 percent of the total natural gas consumption is by residential consumers. People use natural gas for cooking, cooling, drying clothes, heating, and other household tasks to reduce the high electricity bills in their homes. They need to identify reliable gas service providers to ensure reliable and consistent supply whenever they need it. Local gas distribution companies supply gas to homeowners and other customers through lines with smaller diameters and low pressure.

One of the ways to receive a continuous supply of natural gas in your home is to get a plumber to install gas lines from the identified Texas gas supplier to your home. Gas supply lines should be a safe and secure channel to prevent issues such as gas poisoning and fires due to leaks.

Experienced plumbing experts understand that not all piping materials are for transporting natural gas to your house. They consider multiple aspects before recommending and installing the piping materials to purchase. The contractors can consider location, resistance to high temperatures, the possibility of corrosion and leaks, and durability before they install the pipelines to supply gas to your household. Below are some preferred pipe types that can distribute gas in residential buildings.

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)

The hired plumber can recommend using the CSST, thin-walled pipes to distribute gas to your house. Most professionals prefer it because of its flexibility and safety for people using natural gas due to its lower leaking risks. The CSST pipelines, which have existed since 1990, are versatile and come in diverse sizes, makes, brands, or models.

They operate at an optimal pressure of approximately five psi, and their minimum burst pressure is at least 1500 psi. Corrugated stainless steel pipes are also the best for gas supply because they have a protective yellow or black coating for resisting arc faults and protecting the gas from lightning strikes.

A plumber can easily install the lines from your local gas supply company to your home, passing them underground, on walls, ceiling joints, or the floor to your appliances. The professionals also follow the manufacturers’ instructions for grounding and bonding and the need for lighting protection systems to prevent lightning from striking and leading to fires.

The only drawbacks of these pipes are their costly nature and scarcity in the market, as it can take a while for a plumber to get them in the local home improvement stores for installation.

Black Iron

Another pipe for distributing gas in households is the black iron lines. Gas lines are known for their strength because of the mild steel that makes them. The black-coated steel pipes are specifically for handling propane and natural gas as they guarantee higher levels of security because of the lower risk of gas leaks and damages. They are diverse in the market, giving homeowners more options to consider.

In addition, black iron gas pipes are easy to install by a knowledgeable plumber with extensive experience in installing water, sewer, and gas piping systems. Their malleability makes it simple for a contractor to screw the fittings to hold the pipe together though it requires massive preparations.

The black steel coatings in the gas lines make them resistant to corrosion. Their airtight seal makes them efficient in preventing gas leaks for the longest time possible. With proper installation, the gas pipes can withstand a pressure of at least 150 psi, and their melting point exceeds 1000F. The high heat-resistant pipelines for gas supply can only fail when there is a fire breakout.

Galvanized Steel

An experienced plumber can recommend and install gas pipes of galvanized steel in most homes that use natural gas to run several appliances. Their durability and energy efficiency makes them one of the most sought-after gas pipelines. Galvanized steel pipes are also rust-resistant, making them a better option for above-ground installation in your home.

The limitation of using galvanized steel pipes to supply gas in your home is the complex installation. Another con is that the zinc coatings on the gas lines tend to chip off inside over time. The zinc substances can cause clogs in gas appliances as they corrode from the inside first and finally to the outside of the pipelines.

Some state plumbing regulations prohibit galvanized steel pipes for gas supply, so it is safe for your plumber to know them before purchase and installation.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipelines also add to the multiple piping materials that make an excellent choice for distributing gas to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They are heat-resistant lines that can withstand high temperatures, making them fire-resistant thanks to their high thermal ratings.

Since gas flows using immense pressure that reduces as it reaches the appliances, copper gas lines are a better option because the piping material can handle up to 1000 psi. The pipes are incredibly durable to serve your gas supply needs for a long time.

Despite their benefits, copper gas pipes are among the most expensive types in the plumbing market. They also have strict local, state, or federal plumbing requirements that make most plumbing experts discourage their use. A qualified plumber should understand the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions that govern gas line installation for compliance.

Most regulations prohibit the installation of copper pipes on walls, floors, and ceilings, which form the path of gas lines in homes. Individuals with copper gas lines in their old house before the restrictions can have a plumbing expert replace them to comply with local regulations.

We Can Address All Your Plumbing Needs!

If you are considering having a gas supply in your home, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth, one of the best companies, is here for exceptional services. We offer the repair, installation, and replacement of numerous plumbing units, such as water heaters, pipes, toilets, sewer lines, tankless water heaters, gas lines, and faucets.

Our skilled and experienced plumbing professionals are on call and ready to address your issues. Their service trucks are well-equipped with tools, parts, and other essential materials that make repairs, installations, and replacements possible. So, whenever you need help with your plumbing, drainage, gas, and sewer systems, a plumber in the company is a call away.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right pipe type for gas supply ensures safe and efficient delivery. A plumbing technician will help you find the best pipe based on the gas pressure, flow rate requirements, and the specific needs of your home.

Understanding the pros and cons of each pipe type will help you make an informed decision when seeking gas supply system installation services.

When you need a helping hand, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth.

See our previous blog on this topic here.

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