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. Although we at Earl’s Plumbing occasionally run into something different than what is noted below, the most common approved delivery systems and piping the Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Allen, Little Elm, and surrounding areas are noted below:
Black Iron Pipe
Black iron pipe is exactly what the name says it is. 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. This is the most common gas piping found in homes and businesses. 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 but does require proper preparation with quality materials as well as proper installation to maintain it is tight seal.
Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (aka CSST)
Corrugated Staining Steel Tubing or 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 in much longer lengths. It is usually used in conjunction with black iron pipe to a primary central point. This area is called the manifold and from there the CSST pipe distributes gas in various direction to the and then split to the various areas throughout the structure with the CSST pipe.
Yellow Poly Pipe (underground)
The type of pipe although very common is rarely seen because it 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 and can be cut on site. It is used for all underground gas lines to include 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 what it 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.
Call on Earl’s Plumbing for Gas Line Installation and Repair
In summary, these are the 3 primary types of piping used for natural gas delivery. 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 just very rare and really only seen in older homes in the historical areas. Then of course there is always the improper handyman or rouge DIY gas line that we find.
In all cases, call on Earl’s Plumbing for your gas line service needs.
