What Kind of Pipe is Used for Natural Gas?

For both residential and commercial applications, natural gas is delivered from the gas meter to the structure and then throughout the structure with various types of piping. The most common approved delivery systems and piping Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Allen, Little Elm, and surrounding areas are black iron pipe, corrugated stainless steel tubing, and yellow poly pipe.

Black Iron Pipe

This is the most common gas piping found in homes and businesses. This type of pipe is black in color and solid in structure. Black iron threaded pipe sections of different diameters and lengths are joined together with the appropriate black iron fittings. It is typically found inside the structure only and is NOT to be used below ground. It is roundly considered the strongest and most dependable piping system. However, it does require proper preparation with quality materials as well as proper installation to maintain its tight seal.

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (aka CSST)

CSST is also a common product used in the area. It can be identified by its yellow color and snake-like flexibility. It is very similar to gas flex line connectors but comes in much longer lengths. It is usually used in conjunction with black iron pipe to a primary central point called the manifold. From there, the CSST pipe distributes gas to various areas throughout the structure.

Yellow Poly Pipe (underground)

This type of pipe is primarily used for underground gas lines. It is yellow in color and comes in long rolls of very thick-walled poly (plastic) pipe in various dimensions, which can be cut on-site.  It is used for all underground gas lines, whether going from the meter to the structure or from the meter (or line) to the appliance (i.e., pool heater, outdoor kitchen, emergency generator, etc.).

The part of this line that is seen above ground is called the riser. The riser is an angled section of weather- and element-resistant coated pipe that leads from the underground poly line to the various required connections at the structure or the appliance connection.

Other Materials

There are some other code-approved gas piping products that can be used for remodels. Earl’s Plumbing typically uses a flexible but heavy-duty product called “GasTite” for our above-ground gas remodel work. We will also occasionally run into the rare copper tubing line that is still code-approved, though this is only seen in older homes in the historical areas.

Did you know? Gas regulators at the gas meter (and sometimes in various spots in the system itself) are actually designed to expel or burp out gas to equalize or balance pressure. It is not uncommon to have an occasional slight gas odor around the gas meter area or near a regulator.  This odor is perfectly safe and often more pronounced on calm days, especially in between houses that are in close proximity or in attics and confined spaces.